The Timeline Between Ramayana and Mahabharata: A Period of Transition and Transformation
The period that elapsed between the epic tales of Ramayana and Mahabharata is filled with significant events and transformations, marking the transition from one Yuga to another. This transition is not only reflected in the celestial movements but also in the political and cultural landscape of ancient India.
Key Dates and Events
According to Maharshi Valmiki, who described the stellar constellations and planetary positions during the events of Ramayana, we can pinpoint some key dates. These dates, when verified with modern astronomical software, give us a clearer picture of the timeline. Here are some notable events:
Birth of Bhagwan Rama: January 10, 5114 BC
Start of Rama Vanvas (Exile): January 5, 5089 BC
Battle with Khar Dushan: October 7, 5077 BC
Victory over Ravana and Death of Ravan: December 4, 5076 BC
Completion of the Exile of Rama: January 2, 5075 BC
According to the traditional Panchang used in homes and temples, the Kali Yuga began on April 2, 2022 AD, and is traced back to 3102 BC. Since the Battle of Kurukshetra occurred 36 years after the start of the Kali Yuga, the battle happened in 3138 BC.
The Dynasty of Kusha
The dynasty of Kusha, son of Lord Rama, ruled Ayodhya and continued to hold power until the period of the Mahabharata. While the importance of Ayodhya was on the decline, the significance of the Ikshwaku dynasty and the region of Koshala and Mithila continued to diminish after the departure of King Rama.
The lineage of the Kusha dynasty is as follows:
Kusha, son of Lord Rama Atithi Nishadha Nala Nabha Pundarika Kshemadhanva Devanika Aniha or Ahinaguna Pariyatra Dalaraja Balaraja Ulluka Vajranabha Sankhana Usitasva Visvasaha He became a sage Puskakshya or Pushya Dhruvasandhi Sudarshan Agnivarna Sighranamaka Maru, who became a sage and retired to the village of Kalaapa Prasushruta Sandhi Amarshana Mahaswan Viswasaha Prasenajit Takshaka Brihadbala, who died in 3138 BC and took part in the Kurukshetra battle on the side of the Kauravas (he was killed by Prince Abhimanyu, son of Arjuna)Transition and Declining Significance
During the reign of the descendants of King Kusha, the Ikshwaku dynasty and the importance of Ayodhya gradually declined. This period marked a significant change, reflecting broader societal and political shifts. The lineage of Kusha and the ruling of Ayodhya became a part of the past, paving the way for the narrative of the Mahabharata and the subsequent events of the Kali Yuga.
The transition from the Golden Age (Satya Yuga) to the Iron Age (Kali Yuga) was not just a change in celestial and planetary positions, but also a reflection of the moral and ethical decay of human civilization. This transition was marked by a series of conflicts and the gradual decline of moral values.
Conclusion
The period between Ramayana and Mahabharata is a fascinating interlude in ancient Indian history. It is a time of transformation, decline, and the inevitable transition of power and values. As the Ikshwaku dynasty waned, the Kusha dynasty continued to rule Ayodhya, but the significance of these great empires slowly diminished. This era sets the stage for the epic tales of the Mahabharata and the uncertain journey of humanity into the future of Kali Yuga.