Rama or Ramachandra

was the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Vishnu means "all-pervading" and he is the preserver of the entire Universe. That is why he incarnates on earth when unrighteousness prevails here. Rama means the blissful or delightful one. He was born to King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya. He is revered as an ideal king and husband. His life story is told by the sage Valmiki in the 24,000 verses of the epic story, the Ramayana. He is the hero of this epic. He is normally shown standing, having two arms holding a bow. Usually his wife, Sita, stands by his right side holding a blue lotus. Rama is known as the dharma purusha, the human embodiment of righteousness and an ideal that we can all strive to reach. His every action, word and thought show his great commitment to dharma. He is also an ideal son, husband, brother, friend and king, the embodiment of morality who is unwilling to compromise. Even though he was banished by his father to live in the forest for 14 years, he bore his pain and hardship with equanimity, ready to give his life to help others. His life story teaches what dharma really is and, as King of Ayodhya, he created an ideal country where the people lived in happiness and prosperity. Rama is today also considered as a saviour and a friend. In North India, when a dead body is carried for cremation, the bearers of the body repeat Ram nam satya hai! (Rama's name is truth!). His great qualities are gentleness, fidelity and steadiness of mind. The name of Lord Rama is said to save his devotees from the cycle of birth and death (Rama Nama Tarakam).