Ramayana

Rama's Adventures

There are two kings, Dasharatha and Janaka. Dasharatha is the ruler of the Koshala kingdom. He is the king of the Solar dynasty. This story takes place in a city called Ayodhya, a beautiful and prosperous city. Dasharatha does not have any sons. A horse sacrifice takes place and the gods promise him four sons.

Ravana must be defeated. He cannot be defeated by gods though, only humans or monkeys. Vishnu is born on earth as a human to defeat Ravana. He is born to be one of Dasharatha's sons. He becomes Rama, the most beautiful child.

When they grow older, Vishvamitra asks Rama and his brother Lakshmana to battle demons. This signals the beginning of their manhood.

In the jungle, they cross a woman named Thataka. Rama cuts off her arms and she becomes invisible. Rama eventually kills her and great weapons appear to him.

Eventually, Rama falls in love with a woman named Sita. She is the goddess Lakshmi. King Janaka presents a challenge. Any man who wants to marry Sita must bend the bow of the god Shiva. Rama wins this challenge and makes Sita his bride. They marry.

Rama will be the heir to carry on the royal line, but Dasharatha's mind was tainted and he forces his son Rama to exile. Rama does not resist and goes into exile. Dasharatha is overwhelmed with guilt. The suffering he is going through is his karma for banishing his son. He dies and no sons are present at his death.

Bharata returns but did not know his father had died and does not know that Rama has been exiled. He mourns for ten days and after these ten days, he goes into the forest in search of Rama. He tries to convince Rama to return to the city and Rama refuses. Bharata takes Rama's sandals as a representation of him. He waits for Rama's return in Nandigram.

They go and visit the ashrams of many sages. They met Atri and his wife Anasuya. While they are there, Sita opens up to Anasuya and tells her life story.

Something happens. Sita is kidnapped. A demon has taken Sita away. Rama and Lakshmana battle the demon. The demon is Viradha. Viradha's real name is Tumburu. There is an ancient curse that connects him and Rama together. The demon is unable to be wounded with a sharp weapon because of his special protection. To defeat Viradha, Lakshmana takes a hoe and digs a pit. He throws Viradha into the pit. Lakshmana and Rama rejoice.

While in the forest, Rama meets Agastya, another sage. Agastya presents Rama with weapons. Rama wants to continue to travel deeper into the forest. Because of this, he refuses to stay with Agastya in his hermitage.

While traveling in the forest, Rama passes Ravana's sister, Shurpanakha. She is ugly, misshaped, unpleasant, and has a harsh voice. While she falls in love with Rama, the feelings are not reciprocated. He rejects her.

Rama continues in the forest and journeys on. Much is to come that Rama does not know.

Author's Note:

The Ramayana story is one of my favorites that has been read in class thus far. I enjoy the storyline and seeing the characters develop throughout the story. The story follows Rama, his life, and his purpose.

I used the readings from week three to create my own story of Ramayana. My story is based on Ramayana: the Public Domain edition. I am retelling the beginning of the Ramayana story. The Ramayana story is so interesting. I am retelling the beginning parts of the story because it is necessary to understand. This is the foundation of Rama's life and what led up to the events later on. The foundation of this story is critical.

In this story, you will read about Rama, who is Vishnu, and Rama's life. He is the most beautiful child. He ends up marrying a woman named Sita. Eventually, Rama is banished. He has to leave Ayodhya and live for 14 years in exile. His father, Dasharatha, is the one who banished Rama.

Ravana is another important character. Rama comes down as a human to defeat Ravana. Ravana cannot be defeated by gods, only humans or monkeys. That is why Vishnu comes down in the human form.

Bibliography:

Laura Gibbs, Ramayana Online: Public Domain Edition

Kaushalya and Dasharatha

Dasharatha's Death