Something You Probably Didn’t Know About World Literature — The Ramayana

The Ramayana This "telling" of the Ramayana story was
adapted by Larry Tominberg for classroom use. The Boyhood
of Rama

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 Ayodyha

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."

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."

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.

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."