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God mediates dispute between Rama and Ravana (Thai Ramayana mural)
About this photograph
- Creator
- Margery H. Freeman
- Date created
- Unknown
- Location
- Bangkok, Thailand
- License
- This photograph copyright ©2006. Terms of use
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The God of Justice, Maleevaraj, mediates between Rama and Ravana, as seen on a mural at the Emerald Buddha Temple.
After years of incessant fighting, Rama and Ravana’s dispute over Sita is brought before a divine judge as a legal case. Maleevaraj the Just is Ravana’s grandfather, but his judgements are considered so infallible that whatever outcome he pronounces must happen.
Laksman, Rama, and Sita sit in the forest on mats with their hands in respectful prayer position. Seated behind and above them on a platform, the God of Justice listens to each of their tales in turn. The God of Justice has a tall gold crown, four faces, and eight arms.
Ravana, waving his ten arms, sits high in his golden chariot at the right. Rama’s empty chariot and his many followers, including the monkey kings, sit at the front and left. Ravana’s chariot is harnessed to two white demon beasts, while Rama’s chariot is harnessed to two white horses.
This image was photographed in August 1984.
