Human Values in Selected Stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata and Their Relevance in the Modern Era

Prajit Suresh Pawar

Ph.D. Research Scholar

Shivaji Arts, Commerce and Science College, Kannad, Dist. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

9404708593 | prajitpawar1990@gmail.com

Abstract : Indian culture is considered one of the oldest, richest, and most value-oriented cultures in the world. Religious texts, epics, and saint literature have played a significant role in the moral and cultural formation of Indian society. The Ramayana and the Mahabharata are the two great epics of Indian culture that effectively depict values such as morality, dharma (righteousness), duty, love, sacrifice, truth, and justice in human life. These epics are recognized not merely as religious stories but as the guiding philosophy of human life.

In the Ramayana, we witness the ideal life of Lord Shri Ram, his devotion to duty, adherence to truth, and ideal leadership. Through characters like Sita, Lakshman, Bharat, and Hanuman, values such as sacrifice, loyalty, and dedication are clarified. In the Mahabharata, the struggle between the Pandavas and Kauravas provides a profound depiction of Dharma vs. Adharma, justice vs. injustice, and moral conflict. Through the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Shri Krishna explained the philosophy of Karma Yoga (the path of action), self-restraint, and the fulfillment of duty.

In today’s modern and technology-driven era, human life has become faster and more competitive. Alongside material progress, a decline in moral values is being observed. Due to increasing violence, corruption, selfishness, and intolerance in society, the need for human values is felt more acutely. Therefore, studying the human values within selected stories of the Ramayana and Mahabharata proves extremely useful for modern society.