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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
Life In Ayodhya
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 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."
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.
The Forest Life
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's Stay in Kiskindha
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.
Hanuman's Prank
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.
The Great War
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."
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.
Period After Coronation
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."