Reading Notes: Ramayana, Part B

Ramayana by M. Dutt, R. Dutt, Gould, Griffith, Hodgson, Mackenzie, Nivedita, Oman, Richardson, and Ryder link

Dasharatha's funeral rituals performed mainly by Bharata. Source: pinterest.

Bharata Returns

I think It’s interesting how Bharata wept when he heard Dasharatha had died but Kaikeyi was not visibly upset. Bharata is especially upset because not only is his father gone but his brother is also not in the kingdom.  

Dasharatha’s Funeral 

Bharata plays a significant role performing the funeral rituals for his father and the story notes how he was “burning with grief.” He was the most skilled in speech and thus, was expected to perform the last rites. He notes how while he was gone, a lot of significant change took place, such as the banishment of Rama which was accompanied by Lakshmana. He then compares the city to being deprived of the moon. 

Rama and Bharata

Bharata wants to bring Rama back to the city of Ayodha. He meets him in the jungle of Chitrakuta. Rama explains how Dasharatha banished him and appointed the other brother to the throne. Bharata decides to stay in the jungle until Rama returns and then Rama declares neither of them can change Dadharatha’s wishes. 

The Sandals

Before leaving the jungle, Bharata gave Rama a pair of golden sandals, which he returned to his brother after wearing them. Bharata takes these back to Ayodhya to be the symbol of royal authority. Bharata announces he will stay in Nandigram until Rama returns.

Anasuya

Rama, Sita, and Lashman went on a journey to meet a sage.

Rama wanted to explore deeper forests. 

Viradha 

Sita is abducted by a forest demon. Rama and Lakshmana fight against the demon, Viradha, who has special protection against any sharp weapon. 

Agastya

Another journey to meet a sage. 

Shurpanakha and Rama

Shurpanakha loved Rama and transformed into a different being to persuade him to leave his beloved, Sita. But Rama remains faithful to Sita and rejects Shurpanakha’s requests. He offers Lakshmana as a husband for her, which led to Shurpanakha revealing her identity as a raksha in disguise. 

Lakshmana and Shurpanakha 

Shurpanakha was furious that she had been rejected by Rama. She tries to attack Sita, out of jealously, but Rama cuts off her ears and nose. She runs away and tells her brother, Khara. The rakshasas plot revenge against Rama.  

Battle with Khara

Rama instructed Lakshmana to protect Sita in a secret cave hidden in the mountains. Rama shot flaming arrows against Khara and his army of followers. Khara desired to kill Rama, who was the one to shoot a blazing arrow, killing Khara. 

Shurpanakha and Ravana

Rama wins the battle against the rakshasas. Shurpanakha is still furious, so she travels to Lanka to tell the king.

Ravana and Maricha

Ravana wished to consult Maricha to abduct Sita from Rama. So Maricha assumes the form of a golden deer and he wandered the forest to attract Sita. 

The Golden Deer

Sita is charmed by the golden deer, who is really Maricha in disguise. She tells Rama to get the deer for her from the forest. 

The Chase

Rama chased after the golden deer and shot an an arrow. Maricha transitioned back into his own body and is able to imitate Rama’s voice so he cries for Sita, who is alarmed by this. She tells Lakshmana to go after Rama in defense, but Lakshmana says he does not fear for Rama and he must remain by Sita’s side.

Ravana and Sita

Ravana disguises himself as a sage and Sita honors him, thinking he is a brahmin. Ravana reveals himself as a raksasha and reveals his infatuation for Sita, who angrily rejects his offerings. Ravana seizes Sita.

Jatayu and Ravana

Jayayu is a bird who tries to save Sita from Ravana. Sita leaves jewelry in the path they leave so that Rama can find her.

Sita in Lanka 

Ravana takes Sita to Lanka and attempts to sleep with her but is unable to because of Brahma’s curse. He tries to seduce her but she rejects him undoubtedly.

Rama and Jatayu

Jatayu tells Rama and Lakshmana that Ravana has abducted Sita. 

Kabandha

Rama and Lakshmana encounter another rakshasa as they are on their way to save Sita. To their surprise, he learns useful information.

Shabari

Shabari is an old woman living who waited for Rama. She requests that Rama performs her funeral rituals.