As a Voice of Hindus, I am constantly amazed by the rich heritage of Hinduism and the impact it has had on various cultures around the world. One such example is the influence of the epic tale, the Ramayana, on the Southeast Asian region.
The Ramayana, originating in ancient India, found its way to Southeast Asia through Indian traders and scholars who had relations with trading kingdoms in the region. This epic story tells the journey of Rama, a perfect prince who does everything from lifting an impossibly heavy bow to walking on water, in his quest to save his beloved wife, Sita, from the clutches of the villainous Ravana.
For me, as a child growing up in a Malaysian-Indian Hindu household, the Ramayana was simply a bedtime story or a cartoon that I enjoyed watching. Little did I know then that this tale had left a lasting impact on the Southeast Asian culture and identity.
In Malaysia, the Ramayana was adapted into the Hikayat Seri Rama, a Malay version of the epic. This adaptation, influenced by Javanese traders who brought over the art of shadow puppetry, molded concepts of state sovereignty and kingship in Malaysia during ancient times.
The Indonesian context also saw the revival of Hinduism through the Ramayana. The Kakawin Ramayana, written during a time when Buddhism was dominant, played a crucial role in the preservation of Hinduism. Even today, the Ramayana is celebrated through the popular Kecak dance in Bali, which depicts the events of the epic with an Indonesian flair.
What makes the Ramayana so remarkable is its universal appeal. Despite being a revered Hindu text, its core values of virtuousness, love, loyalty, and devotion resonate with people across cultures and religions. The ability of this epic to transcend boundaries and inspire people is truly remarkable.
Reflecting on the influence of the Ramayana on Southeast Asia, I am reminded of the importance of embracing our similarities and celebrating our differences. Instead of focusing on divisions, we should recognize that the cultures of the region are intricately connected and have contributed to Southeast Asia’s rich history and culture.
Hinduism, with its deep-rooted values and timeless tales like the Ramayana, is a gift to humanity. It teaches us lessons of morality, resilience, and the triumph of good over evil. It is our duty to preserve and cherish this heritage and to recognize the footprints it has left on the Southeast Asian region.
For more reading https://sea.mashable.com/culture/12020/ramayana-and-the-footprints-it-left-on-the-southeast-asian-region