[INDOLOGY] Query: Theological significance of māra/rāma chant and syllable ontology

Yang Qu yang.qu777 at gmail.com
Mon Feb 23 20:06:47 UTC 2026


Dear colleagues,

I am currently researching the episode of Vālmīki's transformation through
the *māra/rāma* chant, specifically as it is depicted in the *Adhyātma
Rāmāyaṇa* (2.6.64-92).

Beyond the phonetic palindrome, I am trying to trace the deeper theological
and ontological significance of this inversion. I have come across
secondary references suggesting a specific syllable breakdown where "ra" is
associated with *puruṣa* and "ma" signifies *prakṛti*, but I have been
unable to locate the primary Sanskrit sources (perhaps within the *Rāma
Rahasya* or *Rāma Tāpanīya Upaniṣad*?) or the definitive modern scholarship
that articulates this exact mapping.

I am aware that Frank Whaling discusses the theology of the name in *The
Rise of the Religious Significance of Rāma*, but I unfortunately do not
have access to a digital copy at the moment.

Would anyone be able to point me toward the primary texts that explicitly
theorize this *ra/ma* syllable breakdown, or kindly share relevant
scholarship (including Whaling, if possible)?

Any guidance or textual pointers would be greatly appreciated!

Best regards,
Yang Qu
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