How is the sanctity of marriage bond portrayed throughout the narrative?
Ans: Throughout the Ramayana, the sanctity of marriage bond is portrayed in 2 ways. One of them being sacred and the other being the exact opposite. The two protagonist’s of the Ramayana; Rama and Sita have a very holy and spiritual bond of marriage. Sita (Rama’s beloved wife) is portrayed as the ideal wife who pious and loyal to her husband. Even though her husband is exiled she follows his footsteps in exile, thus, proving her loyalty and devotion towards him. On the other hand there is Dasharatha (the king of Ayodha) who is blessed with 3 wives just so he may produce a heir.
I agree, but I think that there is a deeper meaning to the polygamy that exists in the story. Using Dasharatha as an example, I think that there is something deeper there, as the three wives you mention were just the ones he cherished most. He has many more wives that he doesn’t seem to care for.