Reading Notes: The Ramayana Part D

 

Rama and Sita: Wikimedia Commons

Hanuman landed in Lanka and shrunk down to an unnoticeable size so that he could search for Sita. Hanuman finally found Sita and she looked dirty. Ravana was trying to console her into becoming his prime mistress. Sita declined as she has been since the beginning. Ravana was angry and told the guards surrounding her to break her will. Sita then was planning on hanging herself on a nearby tree when the guards left. Hanuman slowly went towards Sita as not to scare her. He told her of Rama's search and gave her Rama's ring. She was overjoyed and gave Hanuman a memento of hers to give Rama.

Hanuman then became huge again and destroyed many parts of Lanka. He shrunk down and allowed himself to be captured so he could warn Ravana of Rama. This angered Ravana and he set his tail on fire. So, Hanuman grew huge again and set most of Lanka on fire with his tail and then hastened back to Rama's camp.

Ravana then had his city rebuilt by the architect Maya. He then meets with his generals and advisors where they discuss the next plan of action. They overall decide to go and attack Rama and his armies. Vibishana, Ravana's brother, disagrees with Ravana and goes to see Rama.

Many of Rama's advisors did not approve of letting him in, but Hanuman declares that Vibishana is pure of heart unlike the others at Lanka. Vibishana helped Rama by describing Ravana, his plans, and his armies. Rama's monkey army and all animals helped create a bridge made of mud and rocks to cross the sea. Then the army marched into Lanka.

Ravana sent in spies to Rama's army; however,  no one who went out returned. He then had a sorcerer create a decapitated head that looked like Rama's head. Sita was shaken at first, but remained unaffected by the spectacle. Ravana's son Indrajit used poisonous darts to trick Sita into thinking Rama and Lakshmana were dead; however, Garuda, the mighty eagle, caused these darts to scatter. This allowed Rama and his brother to get back on their feet.

Ravana then went out to attack them himself. Rama and Ravana began to fight. This left Ravana sorely wounded, his crown shattered, and his chariot broken. Rama allowed Ravana to return to his palace so that he could refresh and return again tomorrow.

Ravana retreated to his palace and ordered his ginormous brother, Kumbakarna, to be woken. A small army had to wake him, as he had been cursed to have very deep sleep. Kumbakarna caused havoc when entering the battle killing thousands of monkey warriors. Rama, however, killed him by severing his head with an arrow. Lakshamana also ended up killing Indrajit, Ravana's son. Ravana then prepared for a final battle with Rama.

The gods decided to help Rama and sent him Indra's chariot. Rama and Ravana fought for a long time and utilized many supernatural weapons. Eventually, Rama's weapon Brahmasthra struck Ravana's heart and killed him.

Sita was then presented to Rama. He was cold to her, as she had been living in another man's home. A great fire was created and Sita threw herself in. Then the god of fire emerged carrying Sita and presented her to Rama. Rama gladly accepted her as her integrity was established. Rama explained that he had to do that to show the world that Sita's purity was still intact.

Brahma came and spoke to Rama telling him that he is Vishnu. Dasartha, Rama's deceased father, was also allowed to go down to earth and meet Rama. After meeting with Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita, Dasartha went back to heaven. Rama was then informed that he must return to Ayodhya in one day, as his 14 year exile would be over. Rama returned and then was crowned king.

Bibliography: Narayan, R K, and Kampar. The Ramayana. New York, Penguin Books, 1972.