The Metaphor of Marriage in Maharshi Ramanaas Poetry: from Physicality to Spirituality

Abstract

Marriage as an institution in India has strong spiritual connotations. It goes beyond the mere satisfaction of physical desires-one of the four goals of human life i.e. Dharma (conducting one's duty with compassion and righteousness), Artha (earning money), Kama (satisfying physical desires) and Moksha (liberation). These goals have been sanctioned by the Hindu scriptures which complete the cycle of life. The present generation in India and elsewhere has indulged in pursuing Artha and Kama so much, that they seem to have neglected the other main two goals of life-Dharma and Moksha. It is by incorporating these into life that the Kama may be meaningful. The present paper explores the religious connotation of the term 'Kama' in Hinduism keeping in view Maharshi Ramana's poetry. It considers the metaphor of marriage in a spiritual sense and relates the usage of this metaphor to other poets in Indian religious tradition. It is in this perspective that metaphor of marriage is to be seen portraying the higher concept of union of soul-bride and God-bridegroom.