Lord Ram, the seventh incarnation of Vishnu in Hinduism, transcends national borders and resonates across diverse cultures. His story in the Ramayana has captivated audiences for centuries, shaping identities, influencing folklore, and inspiring artistic expressions in different countries.

Southeast Asia

• Thailand: Ramakien, the Thai national epic, is derived from the Ramayana. Ayutthaya, the former capital, was named after Ayodhya and holds Ramayana-themed temples and murals.
• Indonesia: Wayang Kulit, Indonesian shadow puppetry, frequently depicts Ramayana stories. Ram is revered as Ramawijaya, a symbol of justice and leadership.
• Cambodia: Angkor Wat, the renowned temple complex, features Ramayana carvings and was possibly inspired by the epic. Ramayana also exists in Cambodian literature and theatrical performances.

Thailand: Land of Ramayana Legacy

Thailand’s connection to Lord Ram runs deep, weaving through history, religion, and cultural expressions. Here’s a more detailed look:

Ramakien:

King Rama VI pioneered Ramayana studies in Thailand by analyzing the Ramakien’s origins and comparing it to Valmiki’s Ramayana. He identified three Hindu influences: Valmiki’s Ramayana, Vishnu Purana, and Hanuman Nataka. Sadly, many Ramakien versions vanished during Ayutthaya’s destruction. Today, three versions remain, one crafted by King Rama I (with his input) in 1797. His son, Rama II, even revised parts for khon drama. The Ramakien deeply impacted Thai literature, art, and drama, inspiring both khon and nang plays.

India’s presence in Southeast Asia went beyond trade. While Buddhist missionaries, scholars, and traders spread Jataka tales through their interactions with kingdoms like Funan, Angkor, and Srivijaya, the Thai adopted another element of Indianized culture – the epic Ramayana – further showcasing the enduring impact of India’s cultural influence in the region.

Ancient Echoes:

• In the late 1st millennium, the Thai embraced the “Ramakien” epic, weaving its tales into their cultural fabric.
• Even the earliest records of the Sukhothai kingdom (13th century) feature stories echoing the Jataka legends.
• These legends were first brought to life through “Nang” shadow puppetry, a captivating art form adopted from Indonesia.

From Manuscript to Monument:

• The 18th century Ayutthaya kingdom saw the first written versions of the Ramakien, but many were lost during the Burmese invasion (1767).
• King Rama I of Siam (1799-1807) revived the epic, composing parts himself and overseeing a new edition. This version remains significant today.
• Rama I’s reign also witnessed the construction of the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok, where Ramakien scenes adorn the walls.

From Epic Verse to Dramatic Dance:

• King Rama II adapted his father’s Ramakien for “khon” theater, featuring intricate masks, costumes, and silent dancers.
• This version deviates slightly, giving Hanuman a larger role and a happy ending.

A Timeless Cultural Treasure:

• The Ramakien has become deeply ingrained in Thai culture, considered a literary masterpiece and taught in schools.
• Its influence extends beyond Thailand, with translations like Satyavrat Shastri’s Sanskrit rendition reaching wider audience

Religious Influence:

• Ramayana stories are ingrained in Thai Buddhist teachings, offering lessons on morality, karma, and righteous conduct.
• Temples dedicated to Ram and Sita are found throughout the country, with Phra Ram Rai Temple in Ayutthaya and Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok being prominent examples.
• Ramayana recitation ceremonies (Sut Kho Ramakien) are performed during temple festivals and special occasions.

Cultural Expressions:

• Thai traditional dance drama, Khon, features elaborate costumes and masks to depict Ramayana characters.
• Schattenspiel performances using Wayang Kulit shadow puppets narrate Ramayana stories in a captivating visual medium.
• Folkloric interpretations of the Ramayana exist in different regions, adding local flavors and interpretations to the epic.

Contemporary Significance:

• Ramakien serves as a source of national pride and cultural identity for Thailand.
• It inspires values like loyalty, selflessness, and adherence to dharma, shaping traditional social norms and ethical frameworks.
• Modern Thai literature and media continue to draw inspiration from Ramakien, offering contemporary interpretations of the Ramayana themes.

Beyond Religion:

• Rama’s image finds its way into everyday life, adorning homes, jewelry, and other objects.
• The term “Ram Ram” remains a common Thai greeting, expressing respect and goodwill.
• Ramayana’s themes resonate with universal struggles between good and evil, making it a relatable narrative for modern audiences.

Indonesia: Ramayana Reimaginings

Indonesia, despite being the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, possesses a surprisingly deep connection to Lord Ram. This connection manifests in fascinating ways, weaving through shadow puppetry, ancient epics, and local adaptations of the Ramayana:

Wayang Kulit:

• The iconic Indonesian shadow puppetry tradition plays a crucial role in keeping the Ramayana alive.
• Ramayana stories, known as Serat Centhini or Kakawin Ramayana, are narrated through Wayang Kulit performances using intricate leather puppets.
• Gamelan music provides a captivating auditory backdrop, enhancing the dramatic storytelling.
• Popular figures include Ramawijaya (Rama), Sinta (Sita), Lesmana (Lakshmana), and Hanoman, portrayed with distinct visual characteristics and personalities.

Regional Adaptations:

• While the core themes of good versus evil and righteous rule remain, Indonesian versions of the Ramayana often incorporate local folklore and beliefs.
• In Java, for example, Hanuman is also associated with the monkey-like deity, Hanoman Kera.
• Bali, a Hindu-majority island, features its own Ramayana interpretations infused with Balinese mythology and dance traditions.
• The Balinese Wayang Kulit plays, “Serat Rama” and “Simabrata,” offer unique perspectives on the epic.

Historical Connections:

• There are suggestions that ancient trade links between India and Indonesia might have played a role in the transmission of the Ramayana across the seas.
• Archaeological finds, like Ramayana carvings on temples in Prambanan and East Java, provide tangible evidence of the epic’s influence.
• The use of the title “Ramawijaya” for Indonesian kings further highlights the historical reverence for Rama.

Contemporary Significance:

• Today, Wayang Kulit performances continue to be a popular form of entertainment and education in Indonesia.
• Ramayana themes are used to discuss social issues, promote ethical values, and foster cultural understanding.
• Artists and writers across various fields draw inspiration from the epic, reinterpreting it for contemporary audiences.

Cambodia: Angkor Wat’s Whispers 

Cambodia’s connection to Lord Ram stretches back centuries, interwoven with the country’s history, religion, and artistic expressions. Here’s a detailed look at this intricate relationship:

Reamker:

• The Cambodian Ramayana, known as Reamker or Reamkeatiyo, is a vibrant and unique adaptation of the Indian epic.
• Rama is depicted as Preah Ream, a righteous and courageous hero, while Sita is known as Preah Seda.
• Reamker features local heroes like Hanuman (Preah Anoman) and the vulture Sampati (Sampati), adding Cambodian flavor to the narrative.
• The epic is recited during temple festivals and enjoyed through dramatic performances and shadow puppetry (Sbek Thom).

Angkor Wat and Beyond:

• The majestic Angkor Wat temple complex houses intricate bas-relief carvings depicting scenes from the Reamker, showcasing how deeply ingrained the story was in Cambodian culture.
• Other temples like Bayon and Preah Khan also feature Reamker scenes, offering a visual testimony to its significance.
• Reamker murals adorn palaces and royal chambers, further highlighting its role in Cambodian art and identity.

Religious Influence:

• While Cambodia practices Theravada Buddhism, Reamker’s themes resonate with Buddhist values like loyalty, filial piety, and the triumph of good over evil.
• The epic serves as a moral compass and is used to teach principles of karma and justice to younger generations.
• Preah Ream is seen as an embodiment of righteous leadership, offering guidance and inspiration to rulers and commoners alike.

Contemporary Significance:

• Reamker remains a beloved part of Cambodian culture, enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.
• Reamker performances continue to be popular entertainment, keeping the tradition alive and evolving.
• Contemporary artists and writers draw inspiration from the epic, adapting it to modern contexts and exploring its timeless themes.