What is the subtle significance of the Ramayana? Bhagawan lovingly explains by highlighting a few ideal characters from the epic.

Vedas are the quintessence of profound, immeasurable and infinite wisdom. In Treta Yuga, four Vedas assumed physical form and incarnated as Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna. While the Rigveda assumed the form of Rama, the Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda manifested in the forms of Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna, respectively. Rama symbolised the Rigveda. He was mantra-svarupa (embodiment of mantras). Lakshmana was mantra-drashta (one who contemplated on mantras), and he put the teachings of Rama into practice. He followed Rama faithfully. He considered Rama's name as the liberating mantra. Lakshmana considered Rama as everything—mother, father, guru, and God. Bharata was the embodiment of Samaveda and chanted Rama namam incessantly with bhava, raga, and tala (feeling, melody, and rhythm). While Bharata was engaged in nirguna worship (worship of God as attributeless), Lakshmana rejoiced in saguna worship (worship of God with attributes). Atharva Veda manifested itself as Shatrughna, who followed his three elder brothers and conquered not only the secular world but also achieved victory over the kingdom of senses.

- Divine Discourse, Mar 30, 2004