Reading Notes: PDE Ramayana, Part A

Setting is set: Ayodhya, Koshala, a kingdom whose king was Dasharatha. It was very beautiful and bountiful, as described to be richly decorated. It is also blooming with life and is seemingly successful, as it was evidently described as prosperous. Although it was introduced that Dasharatha was full of sorrow due to not being able to bear an heir.

Subsequently, he would perform a horse sacrifice to please the gods for them to give him one. This made the gods promise four sons be given to him

Indra, as well as other gods went to the heaven of Brahma and spoke to Vishnu about delivering sons to Dashratha, who obliged; the wives of Dashratha who had eaten the sacrificial food then became pregnant with sons, and everyone celebrated.

Dashratha met Vishvamitra who was known by the gods, and welcomed him; his son - however - had to perform a dangerous service, so Dashratha supported him. The service was to enter a jungle with many predators.

Rama went with Vishvamitra and battled with a terrible woman, Thataka and cut both her arms off, and Lakshmana took away her nose and ears; Rama eventually slays her. They were later attacked by Maricha and his crew, but Rama retaliated by sending Maricha off to sea, and slew the rest, while slaying Subahu with fire.

Vishvamitra told Rama a story of Ayodhya with wives and no children, eventually a brahmin bore him sons and he offered a horse sacrifice. The story was more developed by means of a poem in the next chapter.

Dashratha and Vishvamitra's journey continued and they ventured into the city where they were admired for their beauty; they relaxed in a garden of flowers as Princess Sita made a prayer, which was answered when she was given flowers

Janaka welcomed Vishvamitra and bestowed him the bow of Shiva, and whoever could use it would be given permission to marry Princess Sita. Rama was able to, and he was given permission.

A man appeared and scolded whoever had broken the bow while bending it. The man gave another bow - one of Vishnu - to Rama to bend to prove if he was a hero, who was then able to, and the man praised him.

A poem then described the marriage and glory of Princess Sita and Rama.

The rule of Dashratha was then described which lead to Bharata to be banished to the jungle of Dandaka. Rama was then described to have then been gone into exile. His hardships were described, as were a scene of crossing a river with Sita to protect her.

Dashratha was then faced with karma as he accidentally shot a human thinking it was a boar or human; he showed their parents and they grieved while being angry at him.

Eventually, Dashratha dies of grief due to this incident, and his spirit leaves his body while Lakshmana grieved.



Bibliography:
Title: Rama: Retold from the Ramayana
Author: Anant Pai
Link

Rama had been exiled into a deadly forest