4 Pillars of Life Symbolism
@DD beautiful post dear and I have loved the way you have analyzed the symbolisms. Actually since I was very busy from last Thursday I just managed to see the repeats and then quickly run the analysis. That mandap placement I was also waiting to look at it. Because just like you who write short stories and blogs I knew symbolism is there.
And I had thought it will be Lakshmila in middle, bharat in front and Shatrughna behind. Reason representation of Vishnu. The mandap facing Ram-Siya will have Adhishesha with his consort. And flanked by Sudharshan and conch.But when Bharat Mandavi was placed I was confused a bit. But your post makes sense.
Lakshman is Ram's defense or shadow so he has to be in front. To take any danger that affects Ram before him.
Bharat is reflection so Ram's life has to be reflected in Bharat's life. Hence straight or middle mandap for them.
Shatrughna behind because his identity is dependant on the other 3. Unless the other 3 plays their part properly the last pair will not have significance.
In a sense you can call the 4 mandaps the symbolisms of Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha.
First and foremost is Dharma or the knowledge of right living- Represented by Ram-Siya and hence their mandap separate and of highest order
Then comes Artha or Wealth represented by Lakshmila, they are the real wealth in any family, the emotional support without which no crisis can be handled. Lakshman remains the emotional support for Ram-Siya, while Urmila does the same in the palace
Then Kama or Power represented by Bharat-Mandavi. A man who does not want power as he has lost the brother in whom he sees his guru and another brother whom he regard as his wealth. Kama has no meaning without Dharma and artha. Or otherwise power is useless if you don't have right knowledge and without your loved ones.
Moksha represented by Shatrughna -Shruthakirti- Because all the other 3 forces balanced, they had a good life, calm life compared to all 3 brothers. And if there was any imbalance anywhere it would have been catastrophic, war torn in physical front between brothers and emotionally torn within between sisters.
Edited by shruthiravi - 9 years ago