Born as Man, Remembered as God: Ramayan’s Secret of Purushottam
Abhishek dehariya | May 14, 2025, 22:27 IST
( Image credit : Freepik )
Being born a man is natural, but becoming Purushottam the best among men is a spiritual and moral journey. In the Ramayan, Lord Ram didn’t just fight battles he lived by values that elevated him from a royal prince to a divine ideal. This article explores the profound differences between an ordinary man (Purush) and the Supreme Man (Purushottam), through episodes and choices made by Ram. A guide for modern humans seeking higher character, courage, and consciousness.
In Indian philosophy, the term ‘Purush’ doesn’t simply refer to a male; it refers to the conscious being—the human soul. But ‘Purushottam’ denotes “the best among all men”—a title earned not by birth but by unparalleled conduct.
Lord Ram is famously called Maryada Purushottam—the one who upheld dharma and boundaries (maryada) even when faced with immense personal losses. He wasn’t just a character in an epic; he was, and still is, the standard by which nobility and righteousness are measured.
This article breaks down 7 fundamental differences between a man and a Purushottam, with Ramayan’s most iconic moments as spiritual signposts. Whether you are a leader, student, or seeker, this exploration can serve as a compass toward higher living
7 Profound Differences Between a Man and Purushottam – As Per Ramayan
Man: One becomes a man by birth, socially and biologically defined.
Purushottam: One becomes Purushottam by actions, sacrifice, and unwavering principles.
Ramayan Insight:
Ram was born into royalty as Prince of Ayodhya. But when the throne was snatched from him due to palace politics, he embraced exile without protest. That selfless acceptance of fate marked the beginning of his ascent to Purushottam.
Lesson:
Greatness is not inherited—it is forged in fire.
Purushottam: Thinks from a collective perspective—society, family, dharma.
Ramayan Insight:
Ram gave up his kingdom for the sake of his father’s word. He later sent Sita into exile not because he doubted her but because societal sentiment demanded a tough call. Every major decision he made was duty-first, not self-first.
Lesson:
True leaders rise above personal interests for a greater cause.
Man: Is led by love, anger, grief, and desire.
Purushottam: Acknowledges emotions but acts in alignment with higher principles.
Ramayan Insight:
Ram loved Sita deeply. But he didn’t let that emotional bond override his responsibilities as a king. His decisions, though painful, were anchored in the principle of public trust.
Lesson:
Control over emotions is not suppression but elevation through dharma.
Man: Desires authority and often misuses it.
Purushottam: Has immense power but uses it with restraint and responsibility.
Ramayan Insight:
Ram had celestial weapons and divine strength, but never used them unjustly. He killed Ravan only after giving him repeated chances and ensured the war was fought within ethical boundaries.
Lesson:
Power becomes divine only when it is guided by moral restraint.
Purushottam: Absorbs pain, reflects, and then acts with calm discernment.
Ramayan Insight:
Ram faced multiple humiliations from Kaikeyi’s betrayal to public questions on Sita’s purity. Yet he never retaliated emotionally. His every move was calculated with calm and duty in mind.
Lesson:
Wisdom lies not in reacting, but in mindful responding.
Man: Chooses options that are easier or more profitable personally.
Purushottam: Takes harder decisions that benefit the collective, even if personally painful.
Ramayan Insight:
Sending Sita away was not an act of cowardice but a crushing decision made to maintain societal harmony and trust. It cost him his happiness but preserved his kingdom’s dharma.
Lesson:
Sacrifice is the currency of long-term leadership and legacy.
Purushottam: His life becomes a path of service to truth, ethics, and higher ideals.
Ramayan Insight:
Every phase of Ram’s life childhood, exile, war, rule was an expression of dharma. He was not living for fame or comfort, but to uphold righteousness for all beings.
Lesson:
Purpose over pleasure defines the Purushottam.
Yes, and that is the hidden promise of the Ramayan.
Lord Ram was divine, yet his life was deeply human. He felt pain, love, betrayal, and grief. But instead of succumbing, he transcended. That’s why Ramayan isn’t just a religious scripture it’s a manual for personal evolution.
Becoming Purushottam is not about perfection; it’s about striving. It’s about choosing values over impulses, dharma over drama, and restraint over reaction.
You may be born as a man, but you become Purushottam every time you say no to ego, yes to duty, and walk the harder but higher path.
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Travel, Life Hacks, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life!
Lord Ram is famously called Maryada Purushottam—the one who upheld dharma and boundaries (maryada) even when faced with immense personal losses. He wasn’t just a character in an epic; he was, and still is, the standard by which nobility and righteousness are measured.
This article breaks down 7 fundamental differences between a man and a Purushottam, with Ramayan’s most iconic moments as spiritual signposts. Whether you are a leader, student, or seeker, this exploration can serve as a compass toward higher living
7 Profound Differences Between a Man and Purushottam – As Per Ramayan
Ramayan
( Image credit : Freepik )
1. A Man is Born; Purushottam is Forged Through Deeds
Purushottam: One becomes Purushottam by actions, sacrifice, and unwavering principles.
Ramayan Insight:
Ram was born into royalty as Prince of Ayodhya. But when the throne was snatched from him due to palace politics, he embraced exile without protest. That selfless acceptance of fate marked the beginning of his ascent to Purushottam.
Lesson:
Greatness is not inherited—it is forged in fire.
2. Self-Interest vs. Selfless Duty
Man: Acts primarily from a place of personal gain or comfort.
Purushottam: Thinks from a collective perspective—society, family, dharma.
Ramayan Insight:
Ram gave up his kingdom for the sake of his father’s word. He later sent Sita into exile not because he doubted her but because societal sentiment demanded a tough call. Every major decision he made was duty-first, not self-first.
Lesson:
True leaders rise above personal interests for a greater cause.
3. Emotion-Driven vs. Principle-Driven Life
Purushottam: Acknowledges emotions but acts in alignment with higher principles.
Ramayan Insight:
Ram loved Sita deeply. But he didn’t let that emotional bond override his responsibilities as a king. His decisions, though painful, were anchored in the principle of public trust.
Lesson:
Control over emotions is not suppression but elevation through dharma.
4. Seeks Power vs. Controls Power with Humility
Purushottam: Has immense power but uses it with restraint and responsibility.
Ramayan Insight:
Ram had celestial weapons and divine strength, but never used them unjustly. He killed Ravan only after giving him repeated chances and ensured the war was fought within ethical boundaries.
Lesson:
Power becomes divine only when it is guided by moral restraint.
5. Reacts to Insults vs. Responds with Patience
Man: Reacts immediately to pain or insult, often emotionally.
Purushottam: Absorbs pain, reflects, and then acts with calm discernment.
Ramayan Insight:
Ram faced multiple humiliations from Kaikeyi’s betrayal to public questions on Sita’s purity. Yet he never retaliated emotionally. His every move was calculated with calm and duty in mind.
Lesson:
Wisdom lies not in reacting, but in mindful responding.
6. Makes Decisions for Convenience vs. for the Greater Good
Purushottam: Takes harder decisions that benefit the collective, even if personally painful.
Ramayan Insight:
Sending Sita away was not an act of cowardice but a crushing decision made to maintain societal harmony and trust. It cost him his happiness but preserved his kingdom’s dharma.
Lesson:
Sacrifice is the currency of long-term leadership and legacy.
7. Lives for the Self vs. Lives for Dharma
Man: His life revolves around career, relationships, survival.
Purushottam: His life becomes a path of service to truth, ethics, and higher ideals.
Ramayan Insight:
Every phase of Ram’s life childhood, exile, war, rule was an expression of dharma. He was not living for fame or comfort, but to uphold righteousness for all beings.
Lesson:
Purpose over pleasure defines the Purushottam.
Purushottam
( Image credit : Freepik )
Can We Become Purushottam Too?
Lord Ram was divine, yet his life was deeply human. He felt pain, love, betrayal, and grief. But instead of succumbing, he transcended. That’s why Ramayan isn’t just a religious scripture it’s a manual for personal evolution.
Becoming Purushottam is not about perfection; it’s about striving. It’s about choosing values over impulses, dharma over drama, and restraint over reaction.
You may be born as a man, but you become Purushottam every time you say no to ego, yes to duty, and walk the harder but higher path.
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Travel, Life Hacks, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life!