Reading Notes: PDE Ramayana, Part B

Listed below is a summary of my notes for the Public Domain Edition Ramayana Part B. Throughout this section, Rama goes further into the woods and has many encounters with dangerous rakshasas. Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana face many trials that test their will to continue living. 

Rama in the woods with Sita and Lakshmana. Web Source: Wikimedia

• Bharata learns of his father's death and performs Dasharatha's funeral rites, while his father's wives mourn. Bharata sets out to retrieve Rama from the jungle, after he learns of his mother and Manthara's boon to have him exiled for fourteen years while he becomes ruler. He weeps and wishes for Rama to take his place as noble king to mask his mother's sins. 

• Bharata finds Rama in the Chitrakutu jungle, and the brothers embrace one another as the death of their father resounds their spirits. Bharata tries to persuade Rama to return to Ayodhya as king, and let him replace him in exile. But Rama chooses his word and loyalty over Bharata's offering, because he believes a man who does not keep his word is just as bad. Bharata then takes golden sandals graced by Rama's feet to bring back to Ayodhya and place on the throne delegated as a symbol of royal law until his return. 

• Sita, Rama, and Lakshmana continue their journey through the woods, and Sita becomes close with Anasuya, the wife of Atri. Sita tells her entire life's experiences and is comforted by Anasuya. The group moves along the path, then Sita is captured by a rakshasa named Viradha, who cannot be defeated or slain by any weapon. Rama and Lakshmana fire blazing arrows at Viradha, but the arrows failed to slay him. Viradha charged at them and took the brothers into the forest. Rama and Lakshmana made a plan to cast the rakshasa into a pit. Doing so, released Viradha of his curse, allowing him to return to his original form as Tumburu as he entered heaven.

• After defeating the rakshasa, Rama and Lakshmana meet a sage named Agastya. Agastya entrusts Rama with many useful weapons, for any battles that he may face as he delves deeper into the jungle. On their continued journey, they encounter another rakshasa named Shurpanakha, who disguised herself to be more appealing to the beloved Rama. Rama rejects her because his love for Sita is too strong, and he proposes she try and seduce his brother Lakshmana. Shurpanakha was not pleased and tries to kill and attack Sita. But Lakshmana disfigures her, and in retaliation, her brother Khara hears of what has happened to his sister and plots revenge. But, Rama continues to defeat all the rakshasas sent his way. 

• Rama comes to battle even more rakshasas, killing Khara, his brother Dushana, and the army of rakshasas. Rama greets Sita victoriously, while Shurpanakha visits her brother Ravana, lord of rakshasas and explains who is responsible for the deaths that have occurred. Ravana laughs and creates a plan to ruin on his sister's behalf. Ravana forces Maricha to go after Rama and steal Sita, disguised as a magnificent golden deer. Sita is amazed by the deer and urges Rama to fetch it for her. Rama agrees, while Lakshmana guards Sita's safety. Rama finds the deer and shoots it, revealing Maricha the rakshasa. Maricha wept in imitation of Rama, causing Sita to go into a frenzy and demand Lakshmana to ensure of Rama's safety.

• Sita is left in the woods by herself, giving Ravana the opportunity to transform into a sage, to lure her away. He reveals himself as the king of Lanka, and Sita's friend the vulture Jatayu tries to save her, but only ends up injuring Ravana and breaking his chariot. Sita leaves behind jewels to keep a trail for Rama to find her. Sita is taken to the demon kings lair, guarded by rakshasa women. Ravana consistently tries to coerce her to love him, but she stands her grounds and refuses. 

• Rama and Lakshmana search for Sita in the jungle, and find Jatayu dying. The vulture tells them of Sita's location with Ravana, and dies in Rama's arms. He also tells them they will need to find the ape chief Surgiva to help defeat Ravana. Rama and Lakshmana come face to face with another rakshasa named Kabandha. They dig a pit to cremate the monster and he speaks to them regarding Sita and Ravana's whereabouts. On their quest to save Sita, they find a hermitage woman named Shaban, who has been expecting them for a long period of time. 

Ramayana Online: Public Domain Edition

Authors: M. Dutt, R. Dutt, Gould, Griffith, Hodgson, Mackenzie, Nivedita, Oman, Richardson, and Ryder.

Web Source: PDE Ramayana Part B