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Lord Ram was cursed three times – by Mandodari, Shambuk, and Bali – each leading to deep sorrow and loss. These ancient curses echo cultural beliefs across traditions
Though Lord Ram defended his actions as rightful and per dharma, the curses remained, and later caused him to endure deep sorrow, betrayal, and separation. (AI Generated)
According to the Valmiki Ramayana, even Lord Ram, revered as a divine figure, could not escape the power of curses. He was cursed three times, by Mandodari, Bali, and Shambuk, each casting a long and painful shadow over his life.
Mandodari’s Curse
Mandodari, the chief queen of Ravana and a devout follower of dharma, vehemently opposed Ravana’s abduction of Sita. She warned her husband of the destruction this act would bring but to no avail.
After Ravana was slain by Lord Ram, a grieving Mandodari cursed him: “Just as I suffer the sorrow of losing my husband, so too shall you suffer separation from your wife.” This came to pass when Lord Ram was forced to send Sita away due to public scrutiny, and the two were never reunited.
Shambuk’s Curse
The second curse was bestowed upon Lord Ram by a Shudra named Shambuk. Shambuk was engaged in penance, which displeased the Brahmins. They conspired to put an end to his penance and kill him. Around the same time, a Brahmin’s son died prematurely in Rama’s kingdom. The Brahmins and sages attributed the death to Shambuk’s penance, claiming it violated the Varnashram Dharma.
This episode is detailed in the Uttarkand of the Valmiki Ramayana. According to the text, when Lord Ram was ruling Ayodhya, a Brahmin approached the court, claiming that his younger son had died due to Lord Ram’s misrule. Lord Ram convened a meeting with his ministers to investigate. Sage Narada revealed that the cause was the violation of the rules concerning penance: a Shudra practising penance was forbidden in the Treta Yuga.
Upon hearing this, Lord Ram located Shambuk and, after confirming that he was indeed a Shudra, killed him. As he lay dying, Shambuk cursed Lord Ram: “Just as my life ended prematurely, you too will suffer the pain of separation from your wife and brother.” This curse manifested in the abandonment of Sita and Lakshman’s exile, deepening Lord Ram’s sorrow and loneliness.
Bali’s Curse
Bali, the mighty vanara king, was killed by Lord Ram from concealment, an act many deemed dishonourable.
As he lay dying, Bali cursed Lord Ram, saying, “You have slain me through deceit, and so you too shall endure the agony of betrayal by those dearest to you.”
In his final moments, Bali questioned Rama, “O Rama, you are known as the upholder of dharma—why then did you resort to deception in killing me? Such an act defies righteousness.”
Lord Ram replied, “You had wrongfully seized the kingdom of your younger brother, Sugriva. Therefore, your death is justified.”
To this, Bali responded, “Had you challenged and defeated me in open combat, I would have accepted my fate. But you acted with deceit. Hence, I curse you: just as I suffer now, you too shall face betrayal and separation from your loved ones in your lifetime.
Though Lord Ram defended his actions as just punishment for Bali’s betrayal of his brother Sugriva, the curse stood. Lord Ram would later suffer emotionally due to the actions of his own people.
Curses Across Cultures
Curses are not unique to Indian mythology. In Western traditions, curses are also prevalent.
In Greek mythology, Medusa was cursed by Athena to turn onlookers into stone. Egyptian folklore speaks of the ‘mummy’s curse’. In the Bible, Cain was cursed for murdering Abel, while Pharaoh endured plagues in the time of Moses.
Romans used Defixiones — curse tablets meant to bring harm to foes.
While science regards curses as superstition, their psychological effects cannot be dismissed. The Nocebo Effect, for instance, demonstrates how belief in harm can cause real suffering. Though unverifiable by empirical evidence, curses hold immense cultural and symbolic significance.
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