As Maryada Purushottam, the ideal man and Vishnu's avatar, Lord Rama is revered. However, a detailed examination of his life in the Ramayana reveals that it was characterized by sacrifice, exile, separation, and ongoing trials of duty rather than comfort. Why did Jesus go through so much pain if he was divine? Why would God select a route characterized by loss and heartache?
A deeper spiritual truth is revealed by the enigma of Rama's suffering. His purpose in life was to show virtue under duress, not to show off his strength.
