Fiji Indians call their temples, "Ramayan Sanstha", not just Mandhirs". The last ship that left with Bihari, U.P. and Andhra Indians to Fiji left Calcutta port in 1912. Before our "pseudo-secular" era, The Ramayana and the history of the life of Raja Ram and Sita Devi, was at the every heart of Hinduism. Commissioner Dr. SP Singh has listed, several regional versions of the Great Ramayan. Every poet and intellectual in India, in the centuries gone by, many in Indonesia, Siam, as far as Vietnam wanted to write the story of Raja Ram in their own words. Most composers in South India, Thyagaraj Swamy, Badrachala Ramdas Swamy, for instance, composed their songs, after sublime inspiration from the life story of Raja Ram. Valmiki was only recording what he had seen and heard in person. Every great event in India, was spread through songs and "Katha". Unfortunately, some Kathakaars may have introduced some fantastic, imaginary elements to impress their audiences. But the core story of the Ramayana is a fact. Raja Ram was treated as an Avatar, even in his life time. He was as real a prophet as any in the middle-east that Christians and Muslims celebrate. To want to know more about Raja Ram is in Hindu blood. May Hindus remember Him for ever.
