The Ramayana by Valmiki
Sanskrit 600 BCE the other is the
Maghaborata (author unknown) around 400 BCE
Hinduisms (Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu) dharma (the righteous path) and
karma (“As you sow, so shall you reap”)
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The Ramayana: A
Telling Of the Ancient Indian Epic
On the banks of the
Sarayu River stood the beautiful city of Ayodhya, the capital of Kosala. In
the city there were magnificent palaces decorated with precious stones.
Spires of great temples rose above the city as if to touch the sky. For
protection, the city was surrounded by a great moat. The people of Ayodhya
were peace-loving and happy. No one was ignorant or poor. Everyone had faith
in God and read the scriptures daily. Each person knew his or her role in society. The brahmins
devoted their lives to studying the sacred texts. The rulers and warriors
governed and protected the city. The farmers and merchants fed and clothed
the citizens. Yet, all was not well in Ayodhya. Dasaratha, the king
was unhappy. Although he was very old, he had no son to inherit his throne. The caste system creates stability? One day the king
called upon his priest Vasistha. "Vasistha," he said. "I am growing old. I
long for a son, a son who will take my place on the throne." The priest knew all
too well that his king needed to have a son. He replied, "Dasaratha, you will have sons.
I shall perform a sacred rite to please the gods." Abraham and Sarah Excited by this
wonderful news, the king ran to tell his three wives Sumitra, Kaikeyi, and
Kausalya, "I will have sons!" At the same moment
many of the gods were growing more and more angry with Ravana, the ruler of the rakshasas, or demons.
Ravana was no ordinary looking demon. He had ten heads and twenty arms. He
also had remarkable powers. But
he was using his power to prevent the gods and holy men from performing
sacred rituals. This was a terrible insult to all who were holy. Gilgamesh’s people causing the Flood Learning of Ravana's
actions, Vishnu, the
protector of the universe, decided it was time to do something. But what?
Years ago Ravana was granted a boon, or promise. This boon protected him from
gods and demons. How then, Vishnu wondered, could Ravana be stopped? Vishnu thought,
"Ravana, in his arrogance, protected himself only from those beings whom
he thought could hurt him. He
failed to protect himself from humans and monkeys." Vishnu
decided to be born as a human who could kill Ravana. The gods and holy men
were pleased with his decision. Vishnu sent a messenger to king Dasaratha
with payasam, a sweet made of milk and rice, laced with a special potion. Incarnation The messenger said,
"Give each of the three wives this drink. It is a boon that will bring
sons." Then the messenger disappeared. The king gave each
of his wives part of the drink. No sooner had his wives finished, than each
shone with the glow of a divine being in their womb. There was great
rejoicing in the city when four sons were born to their king. Their names
were Rama, Lakshmana,
Bharata, and Satrughna. Even as infants, everyone noticed that Rama and Lakshmana were
inseparable. It was as if they were one life in two bodies. Favored son and a “Buddy Movie”—Gilgamesh and Enkidu All four sons grew
to be intelligent men. They learned the holy scriptures well. They were
devoted to the welfare of others. Dasaratha was finally happy. He enjoyed
watching his sons grow before his eyes. He did not say it in so many words,
but he did have a special place in his heart for Rama. One day the sage, or
wise man, Vishvamitra came to Ayodhya to see the king. The king had great
respect for him. "Greetings, oh, wise one. What brings you to my
kingdom?" The sage said,
"I have come to ask you a favor." "How can I
help? No wish is too great to ask," the king responded. "It pleases me
to hear those words from you, " said Vishwamitra. "I have been
trying to perform an important sacred rite which is again and again being
interrupted by Ravana's demons. My vows prevent me personally from fighting
these demons." The king listened intently. "I pray, Dasaratha, that you allow me to take Rama
with me to protect my sacred rite." "But Rama is
only a child. He is but sixteen years of age. I have a better idea. I shall
send you my armies to battle these demons. I will even accompany you. I shall
fight these demons with my own hands. But please do not take Rama. Without
Rama I cannot live even a few minutes." The king began to weep. Vishwamitra
understood the king's pain. But the sage also had no choice. He knew that Rama was an avatar,
or incarnation of Vishnu on earth. He also knew that only Vishnu in
human form could kill Ravana. The king told Rama about Vishwamitra's request.
Rama understood and willingly went with the sage. "I shall go,
too, father," declared Lakshmana. The king did not protest. Rama and
Lakshmana, weapons slung over their shoulders, and followed the sage along
the Sarayu River bank. The journey was a long one. Whenever the three stopped to rest, the sage
took the time to teach the boys how to use the powerful weapons of the gods
to fight the demons. They journeyed until they reached the foot of a
frightening forest. They paused. The sage said, "This was once a
beautiful and prosperous country. Now the terrible she-demon, Tataka, lives
here. She attacks and kills anyone who enters." Neither Rama nor
Lakshmana were afraid. The sage turned to Rama and said, "Now it is up
to you to rid this forest of these demons. By doing so, you will restore the
land to the prosperity and the peace it once enjoyed." The Forest Journey of Gilgamesh and Enkidu Rama clutched his
bow and removed arrows from his quiver. Rama and Lakshmana followed
Vishwamitra into the forest. They heard many strange and frightening sounds.
Each step they took brought them deeper into the forest. Suddenly there was
an unearthly roar. The three men stopped. From nowhere a huge rock came
hurling out of the sky heading straight for Rama. He slipped an arrow in
place and drew his bow. He fired just as the rock was about to hit him. The
arrow split the rock in two. The pieces fell harmlessly to earth. Then appearing out
of between two trees, Rama saw a horrible sight. It was the hideous form of
the demoness, Tataka.
She was enormous. Around her neck was a human skull. She had sharp claws on
her hands. She looked at Rama and made a growling noise. Lakshmana decided to
wait no longer. He fired his arrow and gravely wounded the demoness. A strange look came
over her face as she felt the arrow pierce her flesh. Placing her hand to the
wound she moaned, "What mortals have wounded me?" Then taking
careful aim, Rama fired his arrow into Tataka's heart killing her. The Forest Journey of Gilgamesh and Enkidu No sooner had the
she-demon died, than the gods in heaven rained lotus blossoms down on Rama
blessing him. The three continued on their journey deeper into the forest.
Along the way, Rama and Lakshmana killed many demons. The sage told Rama:
"I am delighted with you. I shall give you even greater weapons to
defeat any enemy." He knew that Rama's work was far from complete. There
was still the powerful Ravana to deal with. It was one thing to kill Ravana's demons; it was another
to kill Ravana himself. The three finally
left the forest. They headed for Mithila to visit King Janaka. Seeing the
sage, Janaka greeted him saying, "Have I told you about my
daughter?" "Please tell me
about her," responded the sage. The king spoke:
"A few years ago a portion of my land was being plowed and I found a divine child in a furrow. I called
her Sita and adopted her as my own daughter. She has grown into a
beautiful, young woman. Many princes have desired her hand in marriage. But I
wanted the man who married my Sita to be a man of great strength and
righteousness. To prove his
strength, this man would have to lift and string the ancient bow of Shiva.
No man has shown the strength to even lift this bow." The sage turned to
Rama and said, "There is a bow belonging to King Janaka that I would
like you to string." Rama entered a long
room filled with thousands of people. The bow was so heavy it took no less than five thousand
exceptionally strong men to bring the bow and its casing into the room.
Several princes who had tried to lift the bow looked on as Rama approached
the weapon. Rama looked at Shiva's bow. First he touched it. It was
beautiful. Then with no effort whatsoever, he hoisted the bow from its casing
and started to string it. As he did so, the bow snapped in two and fell to
the palace floor. First there was disbelief, then everyone stood and chanted,
"Rama. Rama." The king rose to his
feet and declared, "Sita has found her spouse! Send a messenger to
Ayodhya informing them of the wedding of Rama to my daughter, Sita." The
wedding ceremony was held in the palace. As part of this ceremony, the worship
of the sacred fire began. The holiest sages recited mantras, prayers. After this, King
Janaka led Sita to Rama. He placed her hand in his and said to Rama,
"This is Sita, my daughter, O Rama, who is from today your partner in
life. Accept her. Hold her hand in yours. She will always follow you as your
shadow." Rama looked at Sita. He had never seen a more beautiful woman.
Sita looked at Rama. She had never seen a more handsome man. Following the wedding everyone returned to Ayodhya. All in the city cheered their arrival.
Rama and Sita continued to serve their parents and delight the holy ones and
gods. Sita and Rama were the perfect husband and wife. They were exceedingly
devoted to each other. Rama's parents
watched him mature into a young prince. Rama was a perfectly perfect young
man. He had all the noble qualities. He was patient with others' wrongs, but
would not do wrong himself. He enjoyed the company of elders and wise men. He
was very intelligent and courageous. He was righteous and kind. He was the
perfect warrior. He knew when to use violence and when not to. He was
healthy, strong and handsome. He was highly learned in the scriptures. Rama
was a sat-purusa, the ideal man. Now the king was growing older. He noticed omens suggesting
his end was near. "I have lived long enough," he thought. "I
must be sure my throne goes to Rama, the most worthy of my sons. What a great blessing it would be to see
him as king before I go to heaven. "Then it will be done,"
Dasaratha concluded, "I shall step down and Rama shall be made
king." The king told
everyone about his decision. He informed the priests to begin the sacred
rites that would allow Rama to assume the throne of Ayodhya. Kaikeyi, the
last and youngest of the king's three wives, had heard of the decision to
make Rama king while Dasaratha was still living. This decision pleased her.
But Manthara, a maid-servant, did not want Rama to be king. If she could
somehow convince Kaikeyi to change the king's mind, her position at the
palace would be secure. That evening, she spoke to Kaikeyi in secret.
"If Rama takes the throne, you would lose all your control over the
king. If Rama is crowned, his mother will have control of the kingdom. Your
rule will come to an end. Awake. Act now. You must convince Dasaratha that it
is your son who should be king." Kaikeyi believed Manthara. She decided
to see Dasaratha. She tried everything to convince Dasaratha to listen to
her. "Dasaratha,"
Kaikeyi began, "Do you remember that fateful day I saved your life in
battle? Do you remember how I stopped your runaway chariot. " "Yes,"
replied the king. "And do you
remember what you said after I saved your life?" Without waiting for
an answer, she said, " Oh my powerful king and beloved husband you
promised me two boons. Hear my boons now so that they may be granted."
The king reluctantly listened to his wife's requests. "First," she began. "I wish to have
my son, Bharata, placed upon the throne of Ayodhya. Second, I want Rama
banished from the kingdom for a period of no less than fourteen years." Which brother to
choose? The king fell to his
knees and begged his young wife not to hold him to these dreadful wishes. As
a righteous and honest man, he knew he could not go back on his word. Yet, he
couldn't bear to ask Rama to forsake the throne and go away for fourteen
years. He turned pale and speechless. Kaikeyi told Rama the terrible news.
Rather than argue, Rama comforted his father. "Father, your word is law.
I shall do whatever you bid. It is the sacred duty of a son to respect his father."
Then, he turned to his own mother Kausalya, and requested "Please be
sure that father installs Bharata as crown prince." Rama knelt and
touched the feet of his parents respectfully. He stood, turned and left the
palace. Lakshmana declared,
"I shall destroy anyone who opposes your right to the throne.." Rama responded,
"No, Lakshmana. You know it is my sacred duty, my dharma, to fulfill
these wishes." "My brother, if
you must leave Ayodhya, then I shall follow you," Lakshmana said. Rama tried to convince
Sita to remain, but she said sobbing, "And, it is my duty, my dharma, as
a wife to be at your side. How can I live without you? I must join you." Rama tried hard to
convince them to stay but they were insistent. "Then, Sita, come with
me," Rama said. Rama also gave his brother permission to join them. As the three left the palace, they cast away their royal
robes and put on the clothes of hermits. The people of Ayodhya wept as Rama, Sita and Lakshmana
passed from the city. As the chariot went from sight, Dasaratha cried,
"Rama! Rama! Do not leave me." In time, Dasaratha lost the will to
live. His heart simply gave out. Ayodhya mourned the loss of their king. In a few days, Rama,
Lakshmana and Sita crossed the river Ganges searching for a land undisturbed
and isolated from everyone. Soon they reached Chitrakoot, a beautiful place
with many trees and streams. It was paradise. They built a small hut near a
stream. Several days had
passed. Lakshmana, while hunting in the forest, heard the pounding of a thousand
hooves. He climbed a tree to see whose army was approaching. To his
amazement, he saw the lead horseman carrying the flag of Ayodhya. Bharata had
found his brothers. Lakshmana was sure that his brother had come to kill
them. Lakshmana called to Rama: "A great army is approaching led by our
brother, Bharata. I will kill him with my own hands." "Don't be a
fool," Rama said. "He is our brother and he is the king. We must
welcome him." Bharata embraced his
brothers. He cried, "My heart is filled with grief and shame. Grief for
the loss of our noble father. Shame for being offered the throne that you
rightfully deserve. Come back to Ayodhya and be our king." "That cannot be
done," Rama said. "I gave my word and I shall stay here for
fourteen years and no less. Then and only then will I return." Nothing
could sway Rama. "Rama, my
brother," Bharata declared, "as long as you are in exile, no one
shall be king. To ensure this give me your sandals. I will place them on the
throne. For the next fourteen years I will serve our land in your name. And,
if after those fourteen years, you do not return, I shall walk into a fire
and die." Bharata took the sandals, mounted his horse and left the
forest. In Kosala, Bharata put Rama's sandals on the red and gold Ayodhya throne. End of first third—Quiz #1 Several days passed.
Rama, Lakshmana and Sita walked south until they came upon Dandaka forest.
Once a beautiful place, Dandaka was now a barren wasteland. Shreds of bark
from dead trees littered the ground. Stumps of trees were all that remained
of a once lush forest. The sound of the wind seemed to warn anyone who
approached. At night demons prowled the land in search of flesh. Religious
men who gave up all worldly comforts and became hermits also lived in the
forest. They spoke of the horrors that Ravana's demons had done. Rama and
Lakshmana promised they would kill all these demons. After ten years, Rama,
Lakshmana and Sita crossed the Godavari River and reached Panchavati. Here
was a magnificent forest, untouched by demons. The air was fragrant with the
smell of flowers. Fruit grew on every vine. Birds sang joyfully. "Let us build a
hut here." Rama said. Nearby lived the ancient vulture king, Jatayu.
Jatayu made friends with them and enjoyed guarding Sita while the brothers
hunted. Just beyond the
clearing lived Shurpanakha, the she-demon. She was Ravana's sister. She had a
pot belly, huge ears, claws on her fingers and toes, slits for eyes, and
dirty hair. One day she saw Rama in the forest. She put down the bone she was
gnawing on and said, "I want him for my husband." Using her magical
powers, she turned herself into a beautiful maiden. She asked Rama,
"Why does such a strong, handsome man like you live in this forest? Who
are you?" Rama told her his story. Upon seeing Sita, the she-demon said,
"That woman is not good enough for you." Rama responded,
"And who, might I ask, is?" "I am. I can
make you happy." "Perhaps I
should introduce you to my brother, Lakshmana," Rama said half-jokingly.
Sensing that Rama was not interested in her, the demon grew angry. She
assumed her original form and jumped on Sita. In an instant, Lakshmana took
his gold-handled knife from his belt and cut off the she-demon's nose and
ears. She howled in pain as she fled. Shurpanaka ran until
she met her brothers Khar and Dushan who lived on the edge of the forest.
Seeing his sister's bloodied face, Khar cried, "Who has done this to
you?" His wounded sister
whimpered, "A human." "A human!"
Khar replied, "What human can do this? Take us to them. We will kill
them." Khar gathered his army of demon warriors and marched into the
forest. Lakshmana noticed
the sky growing darker. Day seemed to turn into night. Then he looked again.
The sky was filled with flying demons. Upon seeing this, Rama told Sita to
remain in the hut. With Lakshmana at his side, Rama would face Khar's forces.
Rama fired his golden arrows skyward. With each shot, mortally wounded demons
fell to earth. The fierce battle continued. No magic or weapons could save
the demons from Rama's divine weaponry. In the end, Khar and his 14,000
warriors were slain. Shurpanakha watched in horror as her brothers and their
army were destroyed. She hurried to Lanka to see her brother, Ravana. "Oh, Ravana.
Khar and Dushan have been killed by humans. All their warriors are dead,
too," Shurpanakha cried. Ravana rose from his
throne. The crowns on his ten heads glistened. He raised his ten left arms
pointing to his disfigured sister and said, "And how many thousands of
humans fought so well?" "There are but
two, my lord." answered Shurpanakha weeping. "Two!"
roared Ravana, his voice echoing through the palace. "The two
banished princes from Ayodhya. They have done this alone," his sister
said. "What gods are
on their side?" Ravana wondered. "One more
thing," Shurpanakha added. "Rama's wife, Sita, is the most
beautiful woman I have ever seen. She would make a lovely queen." "Sita,"
said Ravana. "Whoever Sita
embraces as her husband will outgain the gods in happiness," she added. "Perhaps there
is a way to revenge my sister's wounds and avenge the loss of my two
brothers," Ravana thought. "Maybe I can punish Rama in a way he
will never expect." Ravana summoned his magic chariot and flew off. Over
the vast ocean and great mountains he travelled until he landed at the den of
Mareech, the magician. This magician was able to assume the form of any human
or beast. Ravana told Mareecha about Rama. He also spoke of his desire to
take Sita from the forest, carry her back to Lanka and make her his queen. I shall do whatever
I can to help," said the magician. He continued. "I will go to the
Chilrakoot forest where I shall change into a golden deer and stand near
their hut. I will lure Rama away. You will do the rest." The next day, a
beautiful deer appeared at the stream in Panchavati. Sita was enchanted by
it. "Please capture that deer for me," Sita asked Rama. Lakshmana looked
carefully at the creature. He told his brother, "This deer is too
beautiful. It is too perfect. I have never seen a deer like that before.
Brother, approach it with caution." "Stay with
Sita, " Rama told Lakshmana. "I will, my
lord," Lakshmana replied. No sooner had Rama
taken a step toward the deer than it darted into the woods. It was taking
Rama farther and farther from the hut. Then deep in the forest, the deer
paused. Rama moved closer to it. As he did so, the deer changed into the form
of Mareech. "Lakshmana was right," cried Rama. His heart was filled
with fear. He ran as fast as he could. Then he heard a
voice that sounded exactly like his own cry out, "Lakshmana! Help
me!" Rama knew he had been tricked. He hoped his brother would ignore
these cries. "Lakshmana,"
sighed Sita. "That is your brother, my husband. He is crying for help.
You must go to him." "But Rama told
me not to leave your side." Sita insisted,
"You must help him." "I
cannot," replied Lakshmana. "You cannot?
Are you not worried for my husband's safety? How can you just stand there? Do
you not help him because he is only your half-brother? Or because he is my
husband?" "Then I shall
find him," said Sita. "No!" said
Lakshmana. "If you do not
go after him, Lakshmana, I shall kill myself." Finally Lakshmana
made his decision. Before he left, he drew a circle around the entrance to
the hut. "Sita," he said, "do not step beyond this magical
circle. Inside of it you will be safe." Lakshmana grasped
his quiver and ran in the direction of Rama's voice. From behind a tree,
Ravana watched his plan unfold perfectly. In an instant, he changed himself
into a sanyasi, an old wise man, clutching a begging bowl. Seeing this common
sight, and knowing it was her duty to feed the poor, Sita offered the man
fruit. Then Ravana noticed the magical circle. He knew that as long she
remained within the circle, he could not get her. He had to get Sita outside
of it. "Take this offering," said Sita. "I am a
sanyasi. I cannot enter your home. To accept your gracious offering you must
leave your home." Sita hesitated. She
had always helped the poor. How could she ignore this man? Disregarding
Lakshmana's warning, Sita stepped beyond the circle. Then like a tiger
springing from high grass, Ravana grabbed Sita and placed her in his chariot.
Sita screamed, but it was too late. The chariot rose into the sky and sped
off to Lanka. As Ravana headed south, Jatayu, the great eagle, saw Sita.
Jatayu spread his huge wings and flew up to the chariot. "Free
Sita," Jatayu declared "or I shall kill you." Ravana ignored
the threat. Jatayu tore off one of the chariot's railings. He gently removed
Sita from the chariot and set her on the earth. In blind fury,
Jatayu attacked tearing off Ravana's arms and heads. Blood spurted from
Ravana's mutilated body. As fast as Ravana lost an arm or head, it grew back.
Jatayu was growing tired from the fight. Sensing this, Ravana drew his sword
and cut off both of Jatayu's wings. The brave bird fell to the ground dying.
Sita caressed Jatayu. She thanked him for trying to save her. In an instant,
Ravana pulled Sita back into the chariot and staggered back to Lanka. Once in
the city, Ravana tried to convince Sita to stay in Lanka and be his queen.
But Sita would not listen. She loved only Rama. Hearing this Ravana led Sita
out of the palace and into a garden. He guarded her with a hundred demons. Back in the forest,
Lakshmana found Rama unharmed. Terror filled Lakshmana's heart. He, too, had
been tricked. Upon returning to the hut, Rama cried out,"Sita is gone.
What will I do?" Rama knelt down and
cried uncontrollably. "What must she be suffering?" he wondered.
Rama gathered his strength. He said, "This act shall not go unpunished.
I will slay Ravana and his entire family." Rama and Lakshmana
began their search for Sita. They entered Kiskindha, the kingdom of the
monkeys. Kiskindha was located south of Kosala. Soon they came to a mountain
where Sugriva lived. He was the ruler of the monkey kingdom. Hanuman, a
devoted follower of Sugriva, guarded the entrance to the kingdom. Seeing the
brothers approach, he ordered them to halt. "Who are you?" Hanuman
asked. "I am Rama, the
exiled prince of Ayodhya. This is my brother, Lakshmana. We wish to see your
king. I am hoping he can help us find my wife, Sita. She was taken by
Ravana." Rama and Lakshmana
met Sugriva. They told their story. Sugriva said, "I, too, am in exile.
My brother seized my kingdom and my queen." Sugriva paused. He thought
about Rama's story. Then said. "Help me regain my throne and I will help
you find your wife. One of my people saw
Sita being carried off to Lanka. As she passed overhead, she dropped
this." Rama reached out his hand. It was one of Sita's ornaments. Tears
filled Rama's eyes. Rama and Lakshmana did as they were asked. They defeated
Sugriva's brother and won back the throne. It was now the rainy
season. Rama and Lakshmana returned to the forest. They could not begin their
search for Sita until the rains stopped in autumn. Rama grew more depressed.
The rain seemed to Rama like tears from the gods. Then when the sun shone
upon the land again, Hanuman arrived. Sugriva had fulfilled his promise. The
monkey warrior was accompanied by a great monkey army. Hanuman divided his
troops into four divisions. Each division would go in search of Sita for one
month. At the end of the month, three of the four divisions returned with no
word of Sita's whereabouts. Only Hanuman's division had yet to return. One day as Hanuman
and his men searched for Sita, they saw a great bird on a mountainside. This
bird was the brother of Jatayu. Hanuman told the bird about his search. Then
he asked, "Do you know where Sita is?" "Yes," the
bird said, "She is in the Asoka garden near Ravana's palace." "How do I get
to her?" asked Hanuman. "You must cross
a great ocean," the bird said. Hanuman's army marched
to the mighty ocean. There was no way they could cross this great body of
water. "We must return," said one of the monkey warriors. "How
can we get to the other side?" In a loud voice,
Hanuman declared, "I will cross this ocean and rescue Sita." Hanuman prayed for
strength. He saw the unhappy image of Rama. Hanuman prayed to Rama. Then
incredibly, he began to grow. He grew so huge that the ground began to shake.
With a great cry, "Victory to Rama," Hanuman leapt into the sky.
The monkey army cheered as their leader flew across the great ocean. The gods
smiled down on Hanuman as they admired his courage and devotion. Nothing
could stop Hanuman. On the horizon, he could see Lanka. As he approached the
city, he changed back to his normal size. Once in Lanka, he set out to find
Sita. Soon he came upon
Ravana's palace. He looked in each of the palace gardens, but he could not
find Sita. How could he return without Sita or some word of her whereabouts.
Then he saw a grove of trees. Beneath one of the trees was the most beautiful
woman Hanuman had ever seen. She was crying and repeating, "Rama,
Rama." "I have found
her," Hanuman declared. "Lord Rama will be so happy." Hanuman
looked around. He noticed that Sita was surrounded by many she-demons. Just as Hanuman was
about approach her, he saw Ravana coming. The king of Lanka was sat on the
ground next to Sita. He was saying, "Sita, come with me. Come live in my
palace. I will make you my queen. You can have anything you wish."
Hanuman hid from view. Sita spoke:
"How dare you speak to me this way. You have kidnapped me. I am Rama's
wife, King Janaka's daughter. Rama will come for me. He will rescue me and
kill you and all you demons. If you let me go, I will try to spare your
life." Ravana seemed hurt
by Sita's words. Anger and sorrow filled Ravana's heart. He knew at that
moment he would never have Sita. "Then you shall remain here," he
said as he turned away. Hanuman did not move a muscle. He waited and waited.
The she-demons guarding Sita were getting tired. One by one they fell asleep. Here was his chance
to speak to Sita. Hanuman approached her and knelt at her feet. "Do not
fear. I am Hanuman, Rama's servant and messenger. He has sent me to find you.
He cries for your return." "How do I know
you are telling me the truth? You may be just another demon in
disguise." Sita said. Hanuman reached into
his pocket and removed Rama's ring. "Here," he said, "This
should prove that Rama has sent me." Sita pressed her
hands to her face and cried. "I am sorry I doubted you. Go to Rama and
tell him where I am. Tell him I will wait for him to save me." Sita gave
Hanuman a jewel. "Here. Take this to my lord as proof of my love."
Suddenly the demons awoke. They attacked Hanuman. He killed them with ease. Hanuman was finally taken
to the palace. Ravana ordered him killed. One of Ravana's wise men reminded
the king, "It is not permitted to kill a messenger." "Then we shall
punish him. Set his tail on fire. Let him return home that way," Ravana
declared. As the king's men wrapped Hanuman's tail in cloth to set it on fire
he grew it longer and longer. The more they wrapped, the longer Hanuman grew
his tail. Finally, Ravana ordered, "Set it on fire!" cried Ravana. With his long tail
on fire, Hanuman flew into the sky. He decided to set the city of Lanka
ablaze to punish Ravana. He flew low over the city and set each building,
temple, palace and garden on fire. Flames shot high into the sky. As he flew
over Asoka garden he made sure Sita was safe. Then before he headed home, he
put his tail in the ocean to put out the fire. End of second third—Quiz #2 Hanuman received a
great welcome from his warriors. They hurried back to tell Rama the good
news. By now Rama had given up all hope of ever seeing Sita alive again. When
Rama saw Hanuman returning, he ran to him. "I pray you have word of
Sita." Without saying a word, Hanuman gave Rama Sita's jewel. Rama
praised Hanuman for his bravery and said, "You have given me reason to
live again." Meanwhile back at
Lanka palace, Vibhishana, Ravana's brother, tried to save Sita's life.
"Let her go," he said, "so we can save our kingdom from Rama's
anger." Ravana responded
angrily, "If I return Sita, I will be ridiculed by all the gods and
demons." Vibhishana warned
again, "Do not underestimate Rama's strength. It is said that Rama is an
incarnation of Vishnu sent to earth to destroy all that is unholy. With his
powers he will destroy Lanka. Why do you tempt such a fate?" "I fear no
one," Ravana roared. "Then,"
Vibhishana said, "I can no longer remain in Lanka. Save yourself
brother." "Then go,"
shouted Ravana. "I have no place in my kingdom for the weak and
timid." Vibhishana left the
palace and magically flew to Rama. Arriving at his camp, Vibhishana declared,
"I am the brother of Ravana. I tried to convince my brother to return
your wife. But he refused and I left Lanka. I wish to join you and fight at
your side." Rama responded,
"Vibhishana, you have rejected evil for good. You are welcomed
here." Now Rama had to make a battle plan. Vibhishana told him that
Ravana and his evil son, Indrajit, had great magical powers. His army was
made up of millions of demons. For his honesty and bravery, Rama promised
Vibhishana that he would become the new king of Lanka. Rama stood on the
shoreline of the great ocean and spoke to the ocean god. "Hear me,"
he called. "I am Rama. I have weapons that are beyond imagination. In an
instant I can dry your ocean. If you wish to avoid this fate, show me how to
reach Lanka." The ocean said,
"Rama, here is Nala, son of the great builder. He will build you a
bridge across these waters. I shall support that bridge." With the help
of the monkey army, Nala put up a bridge made of wood, rocks, and stones.
Every creature helped in its own way. It took five days to complete the
bridge to Lanka. Rama, Hanuman, and
the monkey army crossed the bridge by nightfall. As they crossed into Lanka
they shouted, "Victory to Rama!" Hanuman's army
surrounded the city. Rama knew that Sita would soon be safe. Ravana called
for two of his demons. "Change yourselves into monkeys. Move among the
monkey army and find out what you can." The demons entered
The camp and Vibhishana recognized them. They were brought to Rama. He
decided not to punish them. He said, "Send a message to your king. Tell
him that I have come to save my wife and kill him." Ravana was angered
by his inability to learn about Rama's plans. Enraged he called upon one of
his demons. "Make me an exact copy of Rama's head. Then bring it to
me," he said. Ravana took the head to Sita. "O, Sita," he
said, "Rama has failed in his attempt to rescue you. His army has been
destroyed. That is the end of your hope. The time has come to change your
mind and become my queen." Sita looked at
Ravana and said, "I do not believe any of this." Ravana responded:
"I thought you might say that. So I brought the head of your husband,
soaked in blood and sand, to prove my words." Sita collapsed
wailing, "Alas, O Rama, you have followed your dharma. But I have been
widowed. Widowhood is a terrible tragedy in the life of a woman devoted to
dharma. You came to save me, but you gave your own life. O Rama you are happy
now. You have rejoined your beloved father in heaven. But what shall I do? O
Rama, I am the terrible woman who has brought all this upon you. I pray take
me too. Take me with you, my love." Angered by Sita's
devotion to Rama, Ravana stormed from the garden. When he returned to the
palace, he ordered all his troops to march toward the city gates. For four
days both armies stood poised. On the morning of the fifth day, the great
battle began. Each side suffered terrible losses. Blood filled the streets of
Lanka. Bodies of fallen warriors were everywhere. Rama and Lakshmana fought
gallantly. Hanuman was injured
in a duel. Vibhishana showed great valor. Indrajit, Ravana's son, rained
poison arrows upon Rama and Lakshmana. So overwhelming was this attack, that
the two brothers suffered many wounds. "I shall send both of you to the
house of death," cried Indrajit. Rama and Lakshmana
were bleeding heavily, but they fought on. Indrajit hurled even more powerful
weapons at them. Each weapon took a new toll. Rama and Lakshmana fell to the
ground unconscious. Vibhishana prayed to the gods for their safety.
"Protect Rama and Lakshmana while they are hurt." While the monkey
warriors stood by grief-stricken, the battle raged on without Rama and
Lakshmana. Ravana's demons made themselves invisible and attacked the heart
of the monkey army. Ravana's forces were merciless. Thousands were killed by
unseen attackers. Seeing his forces in retreat, Hanuman charged on with a
great cry. "Victory to Rama! Death to Ravana!" With his remarkable
strength, Hanuman smashed the skull of every visible enemy. He challenged any
of Ravana's men to advance. Seeing Hanuman's great courage, the monkey-army rallied
behind their leader and fought harder. Ravana's army was losing its
advantage. Angered by this news, he decided to join the battle. He climbed in
his chariot and soared above Lanka in search of Rama. By now Rama and
Lakshmana, having regained consciousness but still dazed, returned to the
fight. Ravana viewed the battle scene from the clouds. Then he spotted
Lakshmana. He aimed his magic bow and fired. The arrow cut through the air
and struck Rama's brother in the chest. He collapsed. Hanuman rushed to
Lakshmana's side. He gently lifted the wounded prince and carried him to
safety. Just when things
were starting to look up for Rama's warriors, Indrajit returned to the
battle. He was now invisible. All the monkey soldiers could hear was the
mocking laughter of Indrajit as he soared over them. Indrajit's weapons took
an enormous toll on the monkeys. By the time he returned to the palace, every
monkey was either wounded or killed. Only Rama, Hanuman, and Vibhishana
remained standing. Rama looked upon around and said, "The battle has
been lost." Then in a weakened
voice, Jambuvan, one of the leaders of the army, said, "No, Rama. There
is still a way we can regain the advantage and defeat Ravana. Tell Hanuman to
go to Kailasa Mountain. There he will see a blazing hill of medicinal herbs.
Have him bring these herbs back before sunrise and our army will be
saved." Hanuman rose above
the earth and flew off with great speed. When he reached the mountain, he saw
the hill that Jambuvan described. But he could not find the herbs. Realizing
time was short, he uprooted the entire hill and carried it back to Lanka.
Hanuman flew off balancing the hill in one hand. When he returned to
Lanka, the monkey warriors began inhaling the healing air of the herbs.
One-by-one, they rose to their feet and regained their strength. Even
Lakshmana recovered from his near-mortal wound. Hanuman returned the hill to
its original place. Rama embraced Hanuman and said, "I know no one who
shows your valor and devotion." With that, Hanuman
cried out, "Victory to Rama!" Using all their
weapons, Rama, Lakshmana, Vibhishana, and Hanuman finally overpowered
Indrajit. Ravana's son had fought long and hard, but now he was dead. Hearing of his son's
death, Ravana decided now was the time to kill Rama and put an end to this
bloodshed. Arming himself with his most powerful weapons, Ravana left Lanka
palace. He spotted Rama leading the monkey army toward the city gates. Ravana
fired a magic arrow at Rama. Seeing the arrow, Rama split it with his own arrow.
Ravana tried everything to overpower his foe. But each time, Rama had an
answer. The fight lasted two
days. Rama could feel his strength leaving him. He turned to one of his sages
and said, "My spirit is nearly gone. My arms and legs ache. My heart
wants to go on, but my body can no longer respond." The sage said to
Rama: "Listen carefully to this secret. It is the heart of the sun that
will bring you victory and the auspiciousness to destroy Ravana. Worship the
sun, O Rama. He alone protects all beings. Pray to him." As Ravana was
reloading his weapons, Rama knelt to pray to the sun. Then the sage said,
"Rama, you will this very moment conquer Ravana." After looking at
the sun, Rama felt his strength return. His heart was filled with joy. Ravana attacked
again. Both armies stood by and watched. Rama reached for his most powerful
weapon, the Brahma-missile, to be used only when all else had failed. He took
it to his hands. As he did so, the earth shook. All the warriors covered
their eyes and fell to the earth. Rama stood poised. He aimed the weapon at
the on-rushing Ravana. He fired. The missile struck Ravana's chest and
exploded. Ravana fell dead. "Victory to Rama!" shouted his men. The gods praised
Rama. The earth became steady once more. The wind blew softly. The sun shone
brighter than ever. Vibhishana knelt at the body of his dead brother and
burst into tears. "Why didn't you listen to my words? Why were you so
overcome with Sita and power?" Rama touched
Vibhishana's shoulder and said, "Our ancients say that you should not
mourn a mighty fallen warrior on the battlefield. Victory is the monopoly of
none. Weep not for one who is no more. Rise, for we still have work to
do." Vibhishana prepared
the funeral rites for his brother. "My brother was so evil, people will
try to keep me from giving him an honorable funeral." Rama replied,
"No one will stop this rite. Hostility ends with death. He is your
brother and he is mine too. You must honor him with this rite."
Following the funeral rite, Rama made Vibhishana the new king of Lanka.
Vibhishana's wife and maidens took Sita from the garden. A beautiful sari was
placed around her. Jewels made her sparkle. A scarlet spot adorned her
forehead. Sita could not wait to see her victorious husband. Rama entered the palace
and Sita bowed at his feet. He felt both love and sorrow for his wife.
"We shall return to Ayodhya," he said. Once back in
Ayodhya, Rama seemed troubled. Many people in the city expressed doubt about
Sita's faithfulness while in Lanka. One day a messenger came to Rama and
said, "I fear that the people of our kingdom have lost faith in your
wife's virtue. Ravana, they say, made her unfit to be your queen. Even the
lowest men whisper, 'How can Rama forget that Sita lived with another
man?" Rama stood at the
window of his room and looked out upon Ayodhya. Sorrow filled his heart.
Lakshmana came to see his brother. Rama turned to him and asked, "What
is a king? Kings cannot be blamed or ridiculed. They are above all other men.
They are beyond doubt." "I know of what
you speak of, " his brother replied. "I have heard the ugly rumors
and lies." "I have tried
to think of a way to deal with this problem. I cannot rule Ayodhya and not
have my people respect my queen. Therefore, with great sorrow and resolve, I
have made a decision. Before dawn tomorrow you and Sumantra will take Sita
back to the forest. Leave her there and return." "But she will
die." "This is the
nature of the world," Rama said. "This is what I must do." Lakshmana said sadly,
"The dharma law is difficult to know and sometimes more difficult to
follow. This act is wrong. There is no way that Sita would ever have
disobeyed you or done what the people say. I know this in my heart." "Do as I say,
my brother." Before sunrise, Ayodhya
was shroudded in dense fog. It semed as if the sun refused to show itself
this fateful day. Sumantra, Lakshmana and Sita crossed the river in a small
fishing boat. Lakshmana sat at Sita's side. Sita could see him crying.
"What is wrong?" she asked. "My brother,
your husband has listened too long and too well to the words of the people of
Ayodhya. They say you were unfaithful to Rama. And to avoid any more
disgrace, our king has ask me to escort you back to the forest." Sita turned to
Sumantra. "Do not look for reason here," he said. "This act is
beyond men's knowing. Rama will live alone from this day forth." "Why must this
be so?" cried Sita. Sumantra continued:
"All the universe is a sign to be read rightly. War and peace, love and
separation are hidden gateways we must pass to get to other worlds. Let us
not grow old thinking that truth is what most people see or say it is. Sita,
you will get back to Rama only by entering this forest. This world is like a
breath on a mirror. It does not last. Have patience." Sumantra and
Lakshmana returned Sita to the forest. Sita smiled and said, "Good-bye,
Sumantra. You have touched my heart with your wise words and given me new
hope. Good-bye Lakshmana, my borther-in-law. Be well." Sita stood on the
river bank as Sumantra and Lakshmana's boat crossed the glistening river.
Then she heard the soft voice of the river goddess say, "Let life go,
Sita. Do not outlive life. Come home. Come home. Dive into me." Sita was about to
step into the river when she heard the voice of an old man. "Do not
enter the river," he said. Sita looked at the
shaggy old man and asked, "Who are you?" "I am Valmiki,
a poet and a hermit. I live in this forest. Make my home yours." He led
Sita to his home in the forest. There Sita gave birth to Rama's twins sons,
Kusa and Lava. For the next twelve years she and her sons lived with Valmiki.
During that time, Valmiki composed a poem called the Ramayana. When he
finished it, he taught the poem to the boys line-by-line. He taught them how
to sing the poem while playing the flute and drum. The boys learned well. In Ayodhya, King
Rama decided to hold a great public festival. He invited everyone in the
kngdom to take part. There would be music, story-telling and singing. Kusa
and Lava came to Ayodhya to recite what Valmiki called the earth's first
poem. On the first day of
the festival, the boys began singing the story. Rama heard about this
wonderful poem and came to see it performed. After hearing only a few lines,
Rama asked, "What is this beautiful song called?" "Ramayana,"
said Kusa. Rama looked at the
twins. His heart ached with emotion. "These are my sons!" he
declared. He sent a messenger
to find Sita and convince her to return to Ayodhya. The next day Sita
returned. She was dressed in bright gold and scarlet. Rama was overjoyed.
Sita approached Rama and said, "Let me prove my innocence before you
once and for all." "I give you
permission," Rama replied. Then Sita took a
step back and said, "Mother earth, if I have been faithful to my
husband, take me home." The earth rumbled. The ground rolled and moved
beneath Sita. With a great noise the ground opened and took Sita back. The
earth shook again and closed. For that moment,
everywhere in the whole universe, there was harmony. "I will never see
Sita again as long as I live on earth," Rama said. "It is a brief
life given to us." Rama ruled Ayodhya for a thousand years. One day Rama he
thought, "Where is my life? And where am I? I want to go home now. I was
born of the god, Vishnu, and it is time for me to return to him." Rama left the palace
and entered the crowded street of Ayodhya. Everyone stood quietly as their
king passed. Rama continued walking until he reached the banks of the Sarayu.
He touched its water with his feet. All the gods looked down on him. Even
Brahma, the creator, came in person to see Rama. He spoke to Rama:
"Come, O Vishnu, join your brothers, Lakshmana, Satrughna, and Bharata.
Return to Vishnu. Return to heaven." With Brahma's words,
Rama smiled and stepped into the river. All of Rama's followers entered the
river after him and all went to heaven. Rama was home. The Ramayana was loved
and praised by all. The gods were pleased. Lava and Kusa traveled throughout
India singing Valmiki's glorious poem about their father. Wherever they went
they said, "Men who listen to the Ramayana will live a long life. They
will be free of sins and will have many sons. Women who listen to the
Ramayana will be blessed with children like Rama and his brothers. All those
who listen please Rama. Such is the glory of this story. May all who recite
it or listen to it regularly find increased love, wisdom, and strength." |
