Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday offered prayers at the Sapt Mandir located within the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple complex in Ayodhya.
The seven temples are dedicated to Maharishi Vashistha, Maharishi Vishwamitra, Maharishi Agastya, Maharishi Valmiki, Devi Ahilya, Nishadraj Guha and Mata Shabari – revered gurus, devotees and companions who played significant roles in Lord Ram’s life.
Maharishi Vashistha
Maharishi Vashistha, regarded as the royal guru of Lord Ram and believed to be the mind-born son of Lord Brahma, was known for his wisdom and ascetic discipline. He taught Lord Ram the Vedas, core scriptures and principles of ethics, and guided King Dasharatha on key decisions.
Maharishi Vishwamitra
Maharishi Vishwamitra, originally a Kshatriya who attained the rank of Brahmarishi after long penance, trained Ram and Lakshman in warfare, divine astras and military discipline. Under his guidance, they defeated several demons, and he later took them to Sita’s swayamvara, where Ram broke Shiva’s bow to marry her.
Agastya Muni
During the 14-year exile, Lord Ram met Agastya Muni, who gave him divine weapons crucial for the war against Ravan. Agastya presented Ram with a bow, a quiver of arrows, a sword and protective armour, and advised him on the path to victory.
Maharishi Valmiki
Maharishi Valmiki, composer of the Ramayana, played an essential role after Ram became king. Sita took refuge in Valmiki’s ashram, where Luv and Kush were born and later trained by him in scriptures, the Vedas and weaponry.
Devi Ahilya
Devi Ahilya’s story is one of the most well-known episodes in the Ramayana. Cursed by Gautama Rishi and turned into stone after Indra deceived her, she regained her form when Ram touched the stone during his exile. Her tale is remembered as an example of redemption.
Nishadraj Guha
Nishadraj Guha, a close friend of Ram, ferried Ram, Sita and Lakshman across the Ganga. Before doing so, he washed Ram’s feet, joking that he feared his boat might transform as Ahalya had. He refused payment, asking Ram instead to help him “cross the ocean of life.”
Mata Shabari
Mata Shabari’s devotion is remembered as a symbol of simplicity and sincerity. Awaiting Ram’s visit during his exile, she collected berries and tasted each one to ensure only the sweetest were offered. While Lakshman rejected them as stale, Ram accepted them, recognising her pure devotion.
(IANS)