Why Srimad Ramayanam is a shastra as well

The prayOjanam of sAstrAs (Vedas and Upanishad) is two fold - dharma and brahmam.

Dharma is foundational elements responsible for leading lives that would eventually lead to brahmam through cleansing of souls through systemic process 1

This is in the form of Smritis whilst Brahmam is dealt with through Upanishads.

Understanding why Srimad Ramayanam is a sastra can be represented through a dhyana sloka that’s been in practice -

vEda vEdyE parE pumsi jAtE daSarAdmajE
VEda prAcEda sAdA sId sAkSAt rAmAyanAt manA2

Translation - the parama puruSan to be understood through Vedas manifested as Rama and swayam Veda as Ramayanam through Valmiki.

Let us see how.

Vedas or upanishads represent parama puruSA either through characteristics such as imperishable, cannot be seen, etc 2

Or through kalyana gunAs such as omniscient, one who gives refuge, who resides in everyone etc.

Upanishad also talks about dictums such as

MAtru devO bhava
Pitru devO bava etc

It is hard to quantify these to be able to understand as these are intangible.

But, through 3

Srimad Ramayanam both can be understood clearly.

Pitru devO bhava - when Rama is asked to go to forest, He just obeys citing that His father is the pratyakSa deivam.

Similarly, when Vibhishana surrenders, He just accepts without questioning his intentions.

Such examples are 4

Strewn throughout Srimad Ramayanam.

Rama has shown through His behaviour how to adhere to dharma thereby ensuring smritis are followed.

By engaging with Rama’s qualities and shedding a tear or two as to how he was so magnificent, opulent in characters, it gives us 5

Bhakti which leads to jnAnam.

So, the twofold objectives of dharma and brahmam is achieved through parayanam of this epic and therefore is a sastra.

Jai Sriram