Reading Notes: Ramayana, Part D
In order to get to Ravana’s kingdom of Lanka, Rama had to leap over the ocean. So he prayed to the God of the Ocean so that he would be able to accomplish this without being devoured by ocean demons. The King of the Ocean instructed Nala, the son of Vishwakarman, to form a bridge for Rama’s army of monkeys to cross the deep. The beautiful green bridge was set in rocky islands and it was named Rameshwaram.
Rama Attacks
Rama and his army arrive at Lanka. Ravana has powers of illusion and uses them on Rama. Monkeys roared with fierce aggression against the rakshasas. The monkeys advised Ravana to surrender Sita, to which he refused. Ravana created the illusion that Rama was slain in the war and brought a semblance of his head and bow to Sita, who was grieving in extreme. But she later realized these were counterfeits because they disappeared after the battle.
Indrajit
Ravana’s son is Indrajit, who is gifted with a Nagapasha weapon or serpent weapon. Garuda is the medicine man who attempts to heal the wounded of Rama’s army.
Kumbhakarna
Kumbhakarna: Ravana’s brother, “the mightiest of all the demons” is also great warrior. He even defeated Indra once. In order to persuade him to fight in the war, his appetite had to be fulfilled. Raksashas brought him swine, deer, humans, and rivers of wine. He was still angry after devouring all of this because they woke him up. He was enraged but went forth to the battle sight. HE began devouring the army of apes and even Hanuman was almost defeated. Finally, Rama came and fired an arrow that decapitated him.
Hanuman and the Mountain.
Indrajit came to Ravana, claiming he would be the one to slay Rama and Lakshmana.
Hanuman picked up the entire mountain in search for the medicinal herbs.
Lakshmana and Indrajit
Sita thinks Rama is dead because of Rava’s illusion. So Indrajit tries to make it look like Sita had been slain and remains on a battle car. Rama saw this and was devastated.
Ravana’s Lament
Laskmana slays Indrajit and Ravana is now more enraged than ever. He lamented and claimed Indrajit was his mightiest hero.
Ravana and Lakshmana
Ravana almost kills Lakshmana.
Indra’s Chariot
The God Indra sends Matali to aid Rama in the battle, intending for him to win.
Battle of Rama and Ravana
The two rival armies prepare for the final battle. Agastya, the sage Rama met long ago, comes to advise him on how to defeat Ravana.
Ravana’s Death
Ravana is defeated by the Brahma-weapon Rama uses. It is revealed that this was the wishes of the gods all along.
Rama and Bharata
Rama Crowned King
Rama returns to Ayodhya after 14 years and is crowned king after the victorious war against Ravana.
Valmiki’s Hermitage
The town of Ayodhya begin to gossip that Sita was unfaithful while she was in Ravana’s control. Rama sends Sita into exile. Sita goes to
Rama Departs
Rama departs the world and is reincarnated as Vishnu.
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