Reading Notes: PDE Ramayana, Part A

The Ramayana Online: Public Domain Edition, is composed of many telling stories regarding Rama, his successes, joys, hurt, and overall journey in life as the son of Dasharatha. Rama learns plenty of lessons along the way. I really enjoyed reading the different types of stories that were formulated from a variety of individuals. The notes I summarized are further expanded below. 

Sita almost being slain by Mandodari. Web Source: Wikipedia

• Dasharatha, king of Koshala was surrounded by an abundance of beautiful gardens, and the capital Ayodhya contained people who were constantly celebrating life and happiness. However, Dasharatha had a void in his heart, because he desired a son from his wives. Dasharatha's desperation led him to seek Ashwamedha, which is a horse sacrifice. Kaushalya the chief queen, sacrificed the horse with a sacred scimitar, while brahmins proceeded to shout mantras. In the end, the god's promised four sons would be born to Dasharatha. Maharajah gave birth to four sons, Rama being the most honorable. because he reflected and possessed all the qualities of Vishnu. 

• Now, Ravana proved to be a hindrance to the god's and special measures were taken to combat that. Vishnu advised people to not fear, because he would deliver them from the despicable Ravana. A sage named Vishvamitra, asked Dasharatha for his assistance to get rid of the evils Ravana put in his path. However, only Rama could overcome Ravana, which worried Dasharatha. Dasharatha kept his word and sent Rama and Lakshmana away for 10 days with Vishvamitra. Rama was urged by Vishiwamitra to slay the rakshasa woman, Thataka. Rama defeated her with a mighty arrow and the sage praised him. He was gifted with celestial weapons, and 6 days later equipped them to slay Thakata's aids who tried to avenge her death. The sages before Rama, glorified his victory. Vishvamitra then tells Rama different tales regarding the goddess Ganga and Gautama the sage. 

• Rama and Lakshmana venture out to experience the awe of the city. The people admired them from a distance. Sita, the avatar of the goddess of Lakshmi, gained sight of the brothers and Rama caught her eye. Sita and Rama had fallen in love. King Janaka of Mithia (Sita's father) was introduced to the young brothers, and given knowledge that they longed to witness Shiva's great bow. As they witnessed greatness and noble history, Janaka advised bending the sacred bow was impossible. But, he offered whoever could bend the bow, his daughter Sita's hand in marriage. Rama bent and snapped the bow in half, and was immediately granted right and honor to wed Sita.

• Parashurama suddenly appeared before them and angrily questioned the dismantler of the god's bow. Rama intervened to calm his rage, and he encouraged him to string the great bow. In an instant, Rama achieved the request.

• Rama and Sita get married, and Rama's brothers also become part of the Janaka family through ancient ordained right. The end of the wedding ceremony brought joyous celebration from the sky like flowery rain.

• Following the wedding, Rama's father summons his kingdom to ask for their thoughts on who is deserving to take Dasharatha's reign as king. Rama is appointed and vouched as most fit because of his qualities and character. Although most everyone is happy about the installation to come for Rama as king, Manthar opposes the proposal, speaking spitefully of Rama. She wishes to exile Rama for 14 years, and install her son Bharata as king in. Manthar convinces Dasharatha's youngest wife Kaikeyi to do so, in memory of two boons owed for previously saving Dasharatha's life. Dasharatha is hurt and angry that his wife would ever wish for such a hateful upon his family. He grants the two boons, but forever detests Kaikeyi and her son Bharata. 

• Dasharatha weepingly calls his son to exile him to the jungle. The kingdom is shocked and fuming with the king's decision to exile his son. Rama willingly agrees to his father's wishes. Sita and Lakshmana are furious, and insist on going in to exile with Rama. After much debate, Rama allows them to accompany him. Rama strips of his robe of bark. Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana depart Ayodhya and cross the Ganga river, never looking back. 

• Dasharatha reminisces on a moment he committed an act that caused great grief, sorrow, and death. He believes his current suffering is a result of bad karma. Dasharatha dies a painful death without his sons he longed to be born. His deepest sorrows lie with the hurt of exiling his beloved son, Rama.  

Ramayana Online: Public Domain Edition

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

Web Source: PDE Ramayana Part A