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The Kingdom of Lanka

Posted by Art Of Legend India [dot] Com On 11:03 PM 0 comments

Hanuman Crouched Low on the slopes of Mount Mahendra, stretching out his tail and fixing his eyes on the horizon. He remembered his father the Wind god and prayed for his protection. Then he vowed, 'Either I shall find Sita or destroy Lanka,' and leaped into the sky.

As he launched himself the mountain shook, sending forth showers of fragrant flowers. Thousands of trees were uprooted and swept into the sky, falling like a carpet of stars into the sea. He flew through the air with his tail out behind him, shining like the sun as he passed in and out of clouds. His eyes blazed and the wind thundered past his ears while far below the sea tossed in his wake, churning up waves as high as mountains.

Wishing to help Hanuman, the Sea god sent the winged mountain Mainaka up from the seabed to give him a resting place. But as the mountain, with its gold-tipped peaks, rose before him, Hanuman simply thrust it aside with his chest. The gods were thrilled at his prowess and wanted to see more of his splendour, so they sent Surasa, mother of the Naga celestial snakes, to test him. She assumed a gigantic form and rose from the ocean in front of Hanuman, with her mouth outstretched to devour him. But Hanuman expanded his size, forcing her to open her mouth wider, then shrank to the size of a thumb to enter and leave her mouth in an instant, and continued on his way.

Next came the sea-demoness Simhika, who had not eaten for years. When she saw Hanuman flying above the sea, she used her magic powers to seize his shadow. Hanuman felt himself' held back by some unseen influence and looked down, seeing Simhika in the sea. He swept down towards her and she tried to swallow him, but he again shrank to nothing and flew into her mouth. Penetrating deep inside her, he burst out through her heart and killed her instantly.

As he neared the island of Lanka, Hanuman saw forests and mountains stretched out below him, and in the distance Mount Trikuta, beside which stood the fabulous city of Lanka, looking like the capital of heaven. He returned to his normal size and touched down safely on the peak of Mount Trikuta. Not even short of breath, he set off through the lush jungle towards the city. Soon he arrived at the edge of the outer moat beneath towering walls and turrets of gold with pennants fluttering in the breeze. He made his way to the northern gate where he saw large numbers of guards and much coming and going. He lay hidden among the trees until darkness fell.

When all was dark he shrank to the size of a cat and sprang over the battlements. By the light of the full moon he followed the main highway into the city. Around him were mansions of' gold inlaid with diamonds and pearls. Deep rumblings, like the distant roar of' the ocean, came from the depths of the city, and here and there bells tinkled. Suddenly he was challenged by a hideous female figure.

'Who are you and what do you want?' she demanded.

'First tell me who you are,' Hanuman replied.

'My name is Lanka, the guardian spirit of this city, and I am aware of all that goes on here. No one can wander about this city without my sanction.'

'It is my wish to see around Lanka and I shall do as I please,' retorted Hanuman.

Not without overcoming me,' she cried, and struck Hanuman on the face. In retaliation he felled her to the ground with a slap.

'Spare me,' she begged. 'I was once told by Brahma that when a monkey enters Lanka and overpowers me, the defeat of' all the rakshasas who live here will soon follow. I give you permission to go wherever you please and assure you that you will accomplish your purpose, and in so doing bring about the destruction of Ravana.'

Hanuman continued on his way. Soon he heard laughter and music and saw on the streets people of all kinds. Some were ugly, others beautiful, some coarse, others refined. He saw scholars and priests, powerful warriors and drunken fools. Naked ascetics with shaven heads muttered malevolent spells and eyed him curiously as he passed, while monstrous demons with deformed features and misshapen bodies guarded doorways along the way, armed with swords, clubs and spears.

After passing many mansions and crossing wide avenues, Hanuman came to the outer gates of Ravana's palace, made of solid gold embellished with precious gems. Inside was a city within a city, filled with mansions of gold and silver, teeming with demons strutting here and there, challenging each other in proud tones, singing boisterously or lying in drunk-en stupor. He also saw noble beings, hand-some and graceful, dressed in finery and shining brightly.

Entering the inner palace, Hanuman passed armed guards mounted on chariots and throngs of courtiers in avenues vibrant with the sound of kettledrums and trumpets. He came upon rakshasa women, some bashful, some alluring all exceptionally beautiful. He looked at them all closely, hoping to find Sita, but saw her nowhere.

He ranged among the houses of Ravana's generals and ministers, and his brothers Kumbhakarna and Vibhisana. He passed Ravana's stables, which housed mighty war elephants and horses of many colours, and then he entered gardens and pleasure grounds resounding with the cries of peacocks and sparkling with heaps of gems.

Finally he reached Ravana's personal residence. Blazing with jewels, it was a palace. of such splendour it seemed as if heaven had come down to earth. In its inner courtyard was moored the fabulous Puspaka airplane, like a mountain, with domes clustered one above another. This was the airplane that Ravana had stolen from Kuvera, the treasurer of the gods, and was his proudest possession. It was built from gold, silver, coral and crystal; yet it hovered weightless above the ground. Hanuman slipped aboard, up stairways of' gems, through pillared halls laid with crystal and lit by emeralds and sapphires. Fountains played in lotus pools surrounded by groves of artificial trees and flowers. The Puspaka was capable of travelling at the speed of mind along cosmic pathways. It was imbued with a mind of' its own, which responded to the thoughts of its commander, who must have exceptional power in order to control it. Hanuman scoured all the chambers and hallways on its many levels, but did not find Sita.

From there he stole into Ravana's private apartments where he saw bevies of' gorgeous women deep in slumber, exhausted from their revelries, their limbs and coverings in disarray. With their heads pillowed on one another's breasts and arms, their garlands and necklaces scattered, and their breath perfumed by fragrant wines, they looked like swans floating on a sea of lotus flowers. Lamps burned dimly, held by sentinels of gold who watched silently over the fair assembly.

In the midst of this scene was a raised bedstead of ivory and gold beneath a white canopy where Ravana slept, fanned by female attendants. His powerful arms, encircled with gold bracelets and flashing with diamonds, revealed the scars of' many battles. Around his bed slept female musicians, still holding their musical instruments in sensuous embrace.

On a richly upholstered bed nearby lay a fair-complexioned woman more gorgeous than the others. At first Hanuman thought her to be Sita, but then he realized this could not be so; Sita would never surrender herself to be enjoyed by Ravana. This woman must be Ravana's queen, Mandodari, who had been given to him as a young girl by her father, the demon Maya. Since then Ravana had carried off thousands of other young girls from the homes of' gods and celestial beings, all of whom were allured by his power and sexual energy. Sita, however, was the one woman who would never submit to his will.

Continuing his search, Hanuman entered the dining hall, where meats such as peacock, rhinoceros and porcupine stood untouched or half-consumed on golden dishes. The floor was scattered with broken cups and bowls amid piles of disordered cushions, pools of juice and half-finished cups of wine.

Leaving the palaces, Hanuman scoured the open spaces surrounding them. He looked among the crowds at crossroads, in narrow lanes, in chasms and ravines, but not seeing Sita anywhere, he began to fear the worst. Perhaps she had fallen into the sea as she was carried to Lanka, or been set upon by the demon women in Ravana's employ, or had died from a broken heart in separation from her lord. In despondency Hanuman decided to hide somewhere and fast to death, his mission having failed.

Just then he came across a grove of ancient ashok trees that he had not noticed before, hidden beneath a wooded hilltop beside Ravana's palace. This was Ravana's private retreat and something told Hanuman it might be the place where he would find Sita. He prayed to Vishnu to give him success, and leaped over the boundary wall. Inside, the trees were thick with flowers and entwined with climbers. As the monkey jumped from one tree to another they scattered their blossoms, covering him with petals so that he looked like the spirit of' spring. Advancing deeper into the grove he found that the trees took on a silver hue, and their flowers became richer and more perfumed. Water tumbled down the hillside into a crystal-clear pool with a white sandy bed sparkling with gems and corals. Around the pool, marble steps descended from among trees of gold that chimed as if with tiny bells in the breeze. Hanuman climbed the tallest tree and peered out from its branches across the moonlit landscape. Nearby was a tree greater and more venerable that all the others. Beneath it he saw a woman seated on the ground dressed in torn unwashed clothes. She was pale and drawn and her face was bathed in tears, but her beauty shone like the moon through a veil of clouds.

Hanuman knew her to be the same woman he had seen carried over Rishyamukha Hill by Ravana, and he recognized the ornaments she wore as matching the ones cast down from the sky to the monkeys that day, and her yellow robe as matching the silk cloth in which they had been wrapped. She must be Sita.

Around her demonesses circled restlessly, hideous in appearance, carrying clubs or spikes. Some had only one eye and misshapen features, some were covered in hair, some were hump-backed or monstrous in size, with heads of goats, camel's feet or donkey's ears. In the midst of these monsters, Sita was weighed down by grief, like a boat sinking beneath its load.

How can such a blameless and exalted soul as Sita be afflicted with so much sorrow?' lamented Hanuman. 'Indeed it is hard to understand destiny. Yet I see she is forbearing as the earth from whom she was born. She does not see the monsters surrounding her, or this heavenly garden. She sees only Rama.

The Ring

As dawn approached Hanuman heard the distant sound of the sacred hymns of the Vedas being chanted in the city. At Ravana's bedside musicians serenaded him and slowly the great demon stirred, his head heavy with drink. His first thought was of Sita. Although he was powerful beyond measure, Ravana was the slave of passion, and at the moment all his passion was focused on Sita. Dressing and perfuming himself, he set off to the ashok grove followed by a procession of female attendants bearing torches in the early dawn light. As it passed through the glades echoing with birdsong, the procession looked like the progress of the god of love.

Hidden among the branches, Hanuman watched as Ravana approached. As soon as she saw him, Sita huddled up in modesty and shook with fear. Although she was distressed and forlorn, she could not hide her flawless beauty, which shone like the moon through the clouds. Hanuman was amazed to see the mighty Ravana actually prostrate himself full-length on the ground before her.

Have no fear, sweet lady, no other demons lurk here. It is only I, begging for your love,' came Ravana's love-stricken words. 'My soul is ravished by you. Please return my love. It is the habit of us demons to seduce other's wives by force, but I have restrained from this for ten months, waiting for you to willingly give yourself to me.

Your beauty holds me entranced. The creator, after fashioning you, must have retired, having surpassed all else. Though you are covered in torn cloth with your hair in a single plait, you make me forget even my consort Mandodari. My thousands of' other wives will wait upon you. Why do you think only of' Rama, a mere man? He is nothing compared to me. Untold wealth can be yours. Just be minel

Take your mind off me and be satisfied with your nettny wives, Sita responded fiercely. 'You should protect me, not seek to molest me. Your infatuation will destroy your kingdom and all who live in it. I belong to Rama as the sunshine belongs to the sun. You will never have me. Soon Rama will be here with arrows of fire to destroy you. You cannot flee he will find you wherever you are.

It seems, good lady, that the more I speak sweet words to you the more unkind you become. Very well, be warned; you have two months to surrender to me. If you refuse to share my bed after that time, you will be minced up and I will eat you for my breakfast!' These foul words upset many of Ravana's women, whom he had won from among gods or pious families. They tried to reassure Sita with secret glances. But she continued fearlessly.

You have no friends here, otherwise they would advise you that you bring upon yourself your own destruction by stealing another's wife, not to speak of the wife of' Rama. I wonder that your tongue has not fallen out, or your eyes been blinded. I am here for your destruction. Touch me at your peril.' Ravana's face twisted and he raised Ahand to strike Sita, but was restrained by his women, who dragged him away. Sport with us, lord, and havelinthing more to do with this Sita,' they implored. 'Do with her agsi-You will to force her to her senses,' he shouted at those around Sita. Angry and humiliated, he left4Now the demonesses came forward, first cajoling, then taunting, threatening Sita with their weapons.

Don't you know what you are turning down? You have been loyal to your husband, now do the sensible. Ravana has vanquished the entire universe. The thirty-three high gods and even Indra himself are under his sway, and now he wishes to give up his wife Mandodari in favour of you. You are mad to refuse.'

I would like to taste her liver,' snarled one, 'and her heart, too.' 'Why should we wait?' cried another. 'Divide her up now and cook her.' 'I will never be his wife,' Sita retorted. 'I am human, and he is a rakshasa and I will never have anything to do with the monster. You can eat me if you like, I don't care.

Shuddering with emotion she withdrew towards the tree in which Hanuman was concealed. 'I would not touch that despicable Ravana even with my left foot. Why can I not die now? Then I would be shamed no more.

If Rama would come, he would kill Ravana and destroy this entire city. Then it will be you who weep, your husbands dead. He will destroy you all.' an old rakshasa woman, named Trijata, awoke just then. Seeing that the other rakshasas were tormenting Sita, she stopped them.'

Eat one another if you like, but you will never eat her. I have had a dream,' she murmured, 'I saw Rama, dressed in shining white, riding with Sita on a great white elephant. Then I saw Ravana and his brothers, their heads shaven, riding south on mules, laughing hideously. Next I saw a powerful monkey set fire to the city or Lanka which fell crashing into the waves, while the women of the city laughed in madness.

My advice to you is stay away from her and leave this place if you can.

Her companions fell silent and sat down listlessly, not caring enough to argue. Sita crept further into the hollow of the tree beneath Hanuman. Fingering the cord tying her hair, she thought of suicide.

Hanuman desperately wanted to reassure Sita. But how could he do so without frightening her? She would think he was just another of Ravana's tricks. He decided to talk in Sanskrit, the human language spoken in Ayodhya. Softly, he spoke of Rama. 'There was once a mighty emperor in the line of Iksvaku called Dasaratha, who had a son named Rama,' he began, and went on to recite the tale of Rama's exploits up to the time that Sita was carried away.

In search of Sita, Rama and Lakshmana journeyed south where they met with Sugriva, lord of the monkeys. In alliance with him a great search for Sita was begun, bringing me to Lanka where I have at last found her. Even now, Rama is waiting for me to bring back news so that he can rescue her.

In rapture, Sita listened to this mysterious voice, thinking at first it was just a dream. She looked here and there until she caught sight of Hanuman in the tree above her. Was this an apparition? How could a monkey talk, and know all these details of her history?

Writer – Ranchor Prime

Biography of Rama, Ramayana, Story of Rama, Sunder Kanda of Ramayana, The Kingdom of Lanka |

kishkindha Kanda of Ramayana

Posted by Art Of Legend India [dot] Com On 12:50 AM 0 comments

The Monkey Kingdom

Beside Pampa Lake the season of spring had carpeted the soft turf with 'blue and yellow flowers, covered the trees and creepers in blossom, and wafted black honeybees among the perfumed blooms. Creepers embraced the trees like amorous young women with their lovers cuckoos sang love-songs and peacocks danced.

Rama could think only of Sita. The lotus flowers on the lake reminded him of her; he heard her calling him to see the beauty of the waterfalls and smelled her in the scented flowers. Without her, he could not live.

Perhaps she will give up her life when she sees spring without me,' he spoke aloud. 'If she would come to me now, I would be satisfied here forever, and would never wish again for Ayodhya or even the pleasures of paradise.

Be patient,' said Lakshmana. 'Now is the time for heroism and determination, not grief and despondency. We must find her wherever Ravana has hidden her.

One day Sugriva, lord of the monkey tribes called the Vanaras, came near the lake to gather fruits and spied them. When he saw those two mighty princes he froze in fear, thinking them allies of his enemy Vali. He hurried back to his lair and called together his counsellors.

Vali has sent two powerful warriors, disguised as hermits. How shall we protect ourselves? Among his followers was Hanuman, son of the Wind god, who was wise and fearless. He counselled Sugriva.

Rama and Lakshmana, alliance with Sugriva and Hanuman eventually leads them to fight side by side against the evil Ravana. Here they are shown together in the thick of battle.

We need not fear Vali, who cannot enter thi region. Why should we panic at the sight of two men?

These are no ordinary men,' replied Sugriva. 'They look more like gods, and they may be with Vali. Go and observe them closely and find out their business.

Hanuman disguised himself as a forest hermit and approached the two brothers. Bowing before them, he spoke with gentle words.

I salute you. With eyes like lotuses and weapons of gold you look like the Moon god and Sun god. I am Hanuman, son of the Wind god, minister of the monkey-lord Sugriva. Pray tell me who you are and what brings you here.

Hanuman's words showed him to be learned and gentle, and Rama answered him with respect. 'I am Rama, son of Dasaratha, and this is my brother Lakshmana.' He went on to say how they came to be in the forest, and how Sita had been kidnapped. 'We know of Sugriva and we seek his friendship and help,' said Lakshmana.

Hanuman thought these two men would be valuable allies for Sugriva. He in turn told them how Sugriva had been exiled and how he had lost his wife at the hands of his cruel brother Vali. 'Come, I will take you to Sugriva,' he concluded. Revealing his true monkey form, he lifted the brothers onto his shoulders and carried them through the forest to Sugriva's camp on Rishyamukha Hill. Arriving among Sugriva's assembly, Hanuman introduced Rama and explained that he needed help.

I am indeed fortunate,' said Sugriva, rising to greet Rama. 'Here is my hand in token of my friendship, if you will accept it.' Rama gladly clasped Sugriva's hand and warmly embraced him. Then Hanuman lit a fire between the two and together they walked around it to seal their alliance.

We are now united as friends, and our joys and sorrows are one,' declared Sugriva, hugely satisfied. Breaking off a large leafy branch from a nearby tree he offered it to Rama as a seat and sat beside him, while Hanuman did the same, breaking another branch and sharing it with Lakshmana. Sugriva then confided in Rama.

I live in fear of my brother Vali. Please protect me.

Don't worry,' reassured Rama. 'You have my word that I shall hill this Vali and help you recover your wife.

I have some news for you about Sita,' spoke Sugriva. 'I was sitting with four friends on top of the hill some days ago when we saw a strange sight. Passing over us in the air was a princess struggling in the arms of Ravana. As they flew above us she threw down a wrapper containing shining jewels.' He showed Rama the jewels. Instantly recognizing them, Rama could not hold back his tears, and cried, 'My darling!' holding them to his heart.

Tell me where Ravana has taken her and I will send him to his death this very day, he swore.

I do not know where Ravana lives or where he has taken Sita,' confessed Sugriva, but I give you my word that I and my monkeys will find her. Do not give way to this overwhelming grief. As your friend I beg you to be manful and restrain your tears.'

I am thankful for your words of advice,' said Rama. 'You are a true friend in time of need. But tell me, how can I help you?

Sugriva told Rama his story. Vail, his elder brother, son of Indra the Rain god, was ruler of the Vanara kingdom of Kiskindha. One day the demon Mayavi challenged Vali to a duel. Taking Sugriva with him, Vali went to face him, but the demon fled. They gave chase, and Mayavi hid in a deep cave. Ordering his brother to stand guard outside the cave, Vali went in after him. A year passed and still he had not returned, so Sugriva, thinking his brother dead, sealed the mouth of the cave with a large stone and returned to Kiskindha, where he was crowned king in Vali's place. Meanwhile, Vali killed Mayavi and escaped from the cave, arriving back in his kingdom to find Sugriva on the throne. In fury he denounced him, seized his wife and banished him.

Since then I have lived in fear, wandering the forests and hills until I found shelter here in Rishyamukha, the only place where Vali cannot harm me. lie can throw mountain peaks in the air and catch them and tear up large trees at will. But once he fought the demon Dundubhi, killing him by throwing him a distance of four miles. The demon's body landed near this place and splashed blood on the sage Matanga. He was so disturbed by this intrusion that he cursed Vali that if he or any of his monkeys ever set foot here they would be turned to stone. That is why we live here, because it is the only place where we are safe from him.

Now that you know the strength of Vali, you will surely understand if I doubt whether you are strong enough to oppose him. No one has ever defeated him in combat, so how do I know you can do it? The skeleton of the demon Dundubhi lies nearby. If you can throw it with your foot a distance of one thousand yards, then you may be strong enough.

Rama took up this challenge and, lifting the carcass with his toe, tossed it a hundred miles. But Sugriva was not satisfied.

The carcass is dried up and lighter than when Vali threw it. I have another test for you. Sometimes Vali used to pierce these sal trees to practice his archery, splitting the trunk of a tree in two. If you can do that you are strong enough to defeat him.

Close by were seven sal trees in a row. Rama took an arrow from his quiver and shot it from his bow. It passed through each of the trees in turn, then penetrated the earth as Far as the underworld before bursting out again minutes later and re-entering his quiver. After seeing this feat, Sugriva bowed low in astonishment and was fully convinced of Rama's power to defeat Vali.

Come then,' said Rama. 'Let us go to Kiskindha where you can challenge your brother to a duel.

The Death of Vali

Kiskindha, the capital of the Vanara kingdom, was built around a series of under-ground caves, with carved pillars and cascades of water. Here Vali lived in comfort with his wives. His peace was disturbed by the roaring of Sugriva, who stood outside challenging him to duel, with Rama concealed in the forest nearby.

The two brothers met with a thunderous clash, like Mercury crashing into Mars. Rama, concealed behind a tree, watched closely, his bow at the ready, waiting for an opportunity to strike Vali. But he was baffled. The brothers appeared identical and it was impossible for him to be sure which one was Vali.

Eventually Vali got the upper hand and Sugriva, battered and bleeding, was forced to retreat, running for his life to the safety of Rishyamukha. When Rama returned Sugriva was dismayed.

You encouraged me to fight with Vali,' said Sugriva, 'saying you would kill him. But now I see it is as I feared: you don't have the strength to do it.'

Let me explain,' replied Rama. 'I was unable to tell you and Vali apart and did not dare fire my arrow in case I killed you by accident. Next time you must wear some distinguishing mark.' So Lakshmana made a garland of' flowering creepers and put it around Sugriva's neck, and they went back a second time.

At the entrance to kiskindha, Sugriva let out a roar which split the air, frightening away all the forest animals. In response, Vali shook with rage and prepared to meet him. But his wife, Tara, was anxious.

Quell your anger and don't let yourself be provoked. I feel uneasy about Sugriva coming a second time. I have heard that he has made friendship with Rama, son of the emperor of Ayodhya, who is invincible in battle. My advice is that you abandon this quarrel with your brother. Make him prince regent and give him gifts, and befriend Rama as well.' But Vali, in the grip of fate, did not heed Tara's advice.

In their search for Sita, monkeys ransack desert caved and kill demons. In the back-round, Hanuman's party see birds emerging from a cave and decide to explore it.

Why should I put up with his arrogance?' said Vali. 'And besides, Rama would never harm an innocent person such as me. I will fight again with Sugriva, so long as he stands up to me. He will soon run away again when he feels the blows of' my fists.

So Vali sallied forth, hissing like a snake. His brother Sugriva, shining golden-brown, tightened his cloth and waited for him. The two met once more, colliding like two bulls. Vali smashed Sugriva with his fist, making him vomit blood. Then Sugriva tore up a tree and struck Vali to the ground, making him shake. They locked in combat, each effulgent like the moon and sun in the sky. They fought with tree trunks, boulders, fists, feet, arms and legs, roaming about the forest smeared in blood like two storm clouds.

Vali started to get the upper hand and Sugriva desperately looked around for Rama. Seeing his chance, Rama let loose an arrow tipped with gold and silver. With a thunderous flash it tore into Vali's breast and knocked him to the ground. Uttering a cry of pain, he lay motionless. He was mortally wounded but he still had the strength to speak. He saw Rama with his bow and accused him.

This is a cruel and dishonorable act, to kill someone who was not fighting against you. I never thought you would stoop to attack me in such a way. I did nothing against you. I am an innocent monkey who lived in the forest eating only fruits and roots. Though you are born to be a king, you have no rights over me. You are a ruler of men, whereas I am a beast of the jungle who has done you no harm. What do you have to say in defense of your brutal behavior?' Vali lapsed into silence, his mouth parched and his body racked with pain. Rama answered Vali with respect.

Why do you reproach me? Listen to the reasons for my action. My brother Bharata is emperor of these lands and it is my duty, under his command, to uphold justice throughout his kingdom.

You failed to give due protection to your younger brother, who you should treat as your own son, and moreover, you took his wife, Rama. The punishment for one who has union with his brother's wife while his brother is alive is death.'

These are my reasons for slaying you, as well as to fulfill my word to your brother that I would help him recover his wife and his kingdom. I have acted as law-keeper for your own good, because the religious laws state that a criminal justly punished is absolved of sin and ascends to heaven just as the pious do. Thus I have released you from your sin and I have no regrets over what I have done.

Vail sighed. 'What you have done is correct. I see that you are indeed devoted to the good of all people with a clear and unruffled mind. I beg you to fulfill my last request. Please see that my son Angada, who is still a boy, is reconciled with Sugriva and cared For by him, and see that Sugriva treats my widow, Tara, with kindness.

Do not worry on this score,' Rama reassured him.

Forgive me,' whispered Vali.

Hearing news of' her husband's condition, Tara hurried to him, crying and beating her head in agony. She came upon him lying on the ground like a spent cloud and clasped him to her bosom.

Why don't you speak to me, my great hero? Why does my heart not break into a thousand pieces to see you in this state? You have got your reward for banishing your brother and stealing his wife. If only you had heeded my advice. Here is your son. Come darling Angada, see your father for the last time.

Vali glimpsed his brother Sugriva standing before him.

Forgive me, brother,' he murmured, 'I was carried away by forces out of my control. I am about to leave for the abode of death, and I want you to take the throne and rule over Kiskindha. Please look after my son Angada as if he were your own, and be considerate to Tara and always listen to her advice, for she speaks the truth.' Finally he spoke to his son. 'Accept Sugriva as your protector and serve him with devotion. Do not be over-fond of others nor without affection, but always seek the balance.' With these words Vali breathed his last.

Sugriva was overcome with remorse after hearing his brother's dying words and thought of' ending his own life. in recompense. Tara also wanted to die.

You are wise and patient, she prayed to Rama. 'Please kill me with the same arrow that killed my husband, then I can be reunited with him.

Do not despair,' Rama comforted them, 'for this world is made up of happiness and sorrow in equal measure. Tara, you will yet And happiness under the protection of Sugriva, and your son will be prince regent, therefore do not lament.

Rama then helped them with Vali's funeral. They carried his body in procession to a lonely spot by the river, where a funeral pyre was built and sacred hymns were chanted. As the hills echoed to the crying of his wives and the Vanara women, his body was enveloped in flames and he departed on his long journey to the next world. Rama patiently watched as Sugriva and his companions bathed in the river to purify themselves then came towards him. Hanuman spoke up.

We will now take Sugriva to Kiskindha and crown him. After he has been ceremonially anointed and bathed according to our customs, please come and feast with us in our capital.'

Thank you, Hanuman,' replied Rama, 'but I cannot indulge in the comforts of Kiskindha. I must keep my vow to my father and stay in the forest until my fourteen years are up.

Thus Sugriva, with the help of Rama, got back his wife Rama and his kingdom and lived happily. Meanwhile, the monsoon season began and the rains made it impossible for Rama and his new allies to track down Ravana.

You all enjoy yourselves,' said Rama. 'I will live with Lakshmana in this cave which is dry and airy with a nearby waterfall. In four months, when the rains are over, our search for Sita will begin.

Gathering the Tribes

The rains intensified and Sugriva and Rama retired to their caves: Sugriva to the comfort of the cave-city of Kiskindha, and Rama to his hermit's cave in the forest.

The cave chosen by Rama and Lakshmana was ideal for their needs. It was near the wooded summit of Prasravana Hill, deep and dry and well sheltered from the rain-laden easterly winds. Close by was a rocky pool of lotus flowers and not far away a broad river with sandy banks.

Sitting at the entrance of the cave, Rama looked out through the rain. The earth steamed and dark clouds lashed the mountain sides. The flashes of' lightning inside the dark clouds seemed to him like Sita struggling in the arms of Ravana, and the rain seemed like her tears.

The heat and dust of summer subsided and tracks became muddy and impassable. Mountain streams rushed to the sea, strewn with flowers and reddened by the earth, flocks of swans migrated to their northern homes and flights of' herons flew beneath the clouds pealing with thunder.

Rama lay awake in the moonlit nights thinking of Sita. In the distance he could hear the beating drums and festive singing of the monkeys celebrating Sugriva's victory.

Sugriva is enjoying his change of fortune,' he thought, 'while I have lost everything. But it is not yet time to act. We must wait for the rains to end, when Sugriva will remember his obligation to me.'

After four months Hanuman looked out and saw the sky clear and bright. The rains were over and the time had come to repay the debt to Rama. He went to Sugriva and found him intoxicated in the embrace of his wife Rama.

Do not forget your friend Rama who has done you good service by killing Vali,' reproved Hanuman. 'He is waiting to hear what you are doing to help him find Sita.' Sugriva was stirred into action.

Call for Nila,' he commanded. 'Tell him to muster monkey troops from near and far. All monkey-warriors must be here within fifteen days under pain of' death.' Sugriva then returned to the arms of his mistresses.

But Rama heard nothing. He felt the change of season as the warm autumn nights drew in under a clear sky. He called Lakshmana.

Go and speak with Sugriva. Tell him not to forget that it was I who killed Vali, and warn him that jibe does not help me I am quite capable of killing him too!

Lakshmana set off in earnest to confront Sugriva. As he angrily entered the caves of Kiskindha the guards fled to inform Sugriva of his arrival. Sugriva, however, was in a drunken stupor in the midst of his lovers. Hanuman impressed upon him the seriousness of' the situation.

You have lost track of time. Now go quickly and appease Lakshmana,' he urged.. 'Bow low before him and offer to do whatever Rama pleases.

Lakshmana was ushered into Sugriva's private apartments. He saw beautiful girls decorated with tinkling ornaments. The lovely Tara, now Sugriva's wife, emerged in a languid state, slightly intoxicated with her girdle loosened.

What displeases you, Prince Lakshmana?' she enquired softly.

Your husband appears to have forgotten his duty,' replied Lakshmana. 'For the last four months he has indulged in wine and love-making and seems unaware that it is now time to fulfill his duty to Rama. I have come to remind him.

Please forgive my husband, who forgets the passing of time when under the sway of passion. However, he has already sent for thousands and millions of monkeys, and has quite shaken off his sensuous mood.' Tara beckoned him into Sugriva's presence, where he beheld Sugriva lying like a god on a soft couch embracing Rama and served by young women, his eyes rolling with intoxication. Lakshmana angrily rebuked him. 'You are decadent and ungrateful.

You have accepted Rama's services but have not returned them. Rama wishes me to warn you that if you do not honour your agreement with him you will go the way Vali went.' Sugriva got up quickly, scattering his women like the moon carrying stars in its wake.

Do not speak harshly to my husband,' pleaded Tara, he meant no harm. To please

Rama he would give up his throne and even Rama and myself. He is prepared to kill Ravana, but we must first defeat Ravana's army, which is said to consist of a thousand billion rakshasas. Therefore we have sent for millions of monkeys, baboons and bears From the four quarters to assemble here. Today they are due to arrive.

After Lakshmana had been placated by Tara's words, Sugriva ventured to speak. 'I owe my good fortune to Rama and I will repay him. Ask him to forgive me.' 'Forgive my harsh words, spoken out of concern for Rama,' countered Lakshmana.

Now come with me to reassure him.' 'First I must organize the gathering of' my troops.' Sugriva called again for his commander Nila. 'Send out a second wave of messengers to hasten the mustering of forces from the far-flung mountain ranges of Himalaya, Mahendra, Vindhya, Kailash and Mandara. All must gather here within ten days. Especially attend to those who are sensuous and lazy. Tell them they must obey my royal command or suffer death. In a moment these messengers took to the air. Flying with the speed of mind along the migratory routes of the birds, they fanned out across the world to gather monkeys from seashores, mountains, forests and lakesides.

A vast horde of monkeys assembled black monkeys from Anjana mountain, golden monkeys from the forests of the sunset, monkeys like lions from Kailash mountain, red monkeys from the Vidhya heights, others from the Himalaya range and the shores of the Milk Ocean. When all was in hand Lakshmana took Sugriva before Rama, to whom he bowed low.

Now the time has come for our great adventure,' said Rama.

At this very moment,' announced Dugriva, 'the leaders of' monkeys, bears and baboons are on their way to join us from all over the world, followed by troops numbering thousands of' millions.'

Rama embraced him. As they spoke a dust-cloud rose from all sides veiling the sun The sky darkened and the earth vibrated with the rumble of millions of feet as innumerable monkeys poured into the valley from all sides, led by their illustrious chiefs, each with the power to light single-handedly with the gods. One by one the chiefs came forward to identify themselves to Sugriva and bow to Rama before being assigned a place for their troops.

Now what would you have us do, lord?' asked Sugriva.

First we must find out if Sita is still alive and where she is being held.' said Rama. 'Once we know that, we will decide upon our course of action.

Sugriva called the chiefs together and divided them into four parties, each of which was assigned a different direction: east, south, west and north. They were told to search all the lands as far as the great mountains encircling the earth, beyond which no human or monkey is allowed to pass, and to return within one month. Whoever found Sita was promised ample reward. Among these chiefs, Hanuman was sent south with Angada, son of Vali, Nila, son of the Fire god, and Jambavan, lord of the bears and son of Brahma. Sugriva spoke with Hanuman.

None is your equal, Hanuman. You have the speed and agility of your father, the Wind god. I am relying on you to find Sita.' Seeing Sugriva's confidence in Hanuman, Rama was convinced that he was the one who would find Sita, so he took him aside and spoke with him.

Take this ring inscribed with my name and give it to Sita, so that she will know you to be my servant. Your courage and determination guarantee your success. I am depending on you.

Hanuman took the ring, touched it to his head and then bowed at Lord Rama's feet. Shining like the moon in a clear sky; he set off with the sound of Rama's words ringing in his ears.

The Search for Sita

Once the teams of searchers had been dispatched, Sugriva returned to his life of leisure and Rama to waiting. A month passed and the searchers from the east, north and west returned empty-handed.

We have explored the mountains, forests, rivers and seas. We have ransacked caves and dense thickets, and we have encountered and killed large demons, suspecting them to be Ravana. But we have found no sign of Sitai our only hope now lies with Hanuman.'

Hanuman's party, however, was not to be seen. They had gone south, the direction in which it was known Sita had been carried, over the Vindhya mountains to the desert beyond, which was without water or food. With their strength and hope fading, they criss-crossed the region again and again, finding no trace of' Sita.

When their month was nearly up, exhausted from hunger and thirst, they came to the mouth of a deep cave on the southern tip of the Indian peninsula. From inside the cave came a flow of cool, moist air and around its mouth grew dense green foliage.

Herons and swans emerged from the cave, their plumes wet and stained with the red pollen of lotuses. They decided to venture inside the cave in search of water.

Holding hands, they penetrated the darkness. For a long time all was dark as they journeyed ever deeper. Then they saw light ahead and heard the tinkling of running water. They emerged into a cavern illuminated by a clear, soft light where they found trees of gold, mansions of silver and gold, luscious fruits and heaps of gems. Gratefully they satisfied their hunger and thirst and restored their strength and spirits. Then they looked about them and saw the figure of a woman dressed in deer skin and bark, shining with an aura of' saintliness. Hanuman asked her who she was and to whom the cave belonged.

This cave was the home of the demon Maya, who embellished it by his mystic art, but was slain by Indra. I am Svayamprabha, sent here to be its guardian.' Hanuman told her of their search for Sita.

Goddess, our strength is now restored by your generosity. How can we repay you?' 'I want nothing from you, but tell me how I can help you,' she replied.

Show us out of this place. We must return to our king, Sugriva, by the appointed time.' She instructed them to close their eyes and in an instant they were once more in the bright sunlight outside the cave.

As their eyes grew accustomed to the daylight they saw that the season of spring was already far advanced, the trees being heavy with blossom. Fear gripped them as they realized that their allotted month was past. If they returned now, without any news of Sita, Sugriva would kill them.

In despair they decided to fast to death. Weeping, they sat down and prepared to die. However, a more immediate danger faced the monkeys. From far above unseen eyes saw them as a tasty meal sent by providence. Sampati, king of the vultures and older brother of Jatayu, was perched on the mountainside above the monkeys. He had not eaten for a long time, because he was crippled by the loss of his wings.

I shall eat each of these monkeys one by one as they die of starvation,' he said. The monkeys heard this and looked up to see the huge vulture.

While monkey, find out across the world in their search for Sita, Rama entrust Hanuman with his ring, to present to Sita as a token.

Jatayu, lord of vultures, gave his life for Rama,' protested Angada. 'Must we, who have sacrificed so much in the service of Rama, be eaten by this vulture?' Sampati was bewildered to hear mention of his brother Jatayu, and the name of Rama, who he knew to be the glorious son of Emperor Dasaratha.

Who is it that speaks of Jatayu, my brother, and of Rama, son of Dasaratha? Help me down from my perch so that I may speak with you.

The monkeys, who were past caring, thought they may as well die as food for this venerable vulture as by starvation, so they helped him down. They told Sampati the full story of Sita's abduction, Jatayu's death and the monkey's failure to find Sita and their consequent state of despair. Sampati was distressed to hear of the death of his younger brother Jatayu, and eager to help in the search for Sita.

I will not eat you,' he said. `Instead I can help you find Sita. I once saw from this mountain a beautiful young woman carried through the air by Ravana, calling the names "Rama! Lakshmana!"

This was surely Sita,' exclaimed Hanuman. 'Where did Ravana take her?' 'Ravana lives in the city of Lanka on an island a thousand miles out to sea. Sita is held captive there by Ravana.

On hearing Sampati's information the monkeys leapt to their feet, all thoughts of starvation banished from their minds. Excitedly they took leave of Sampati and made their way to the nearby shore of the Indian Ocean. Looking across the southern sea they saw only the vast expanse of water and their hearts began to sink. How could they cross such a great distance as a thousand miles? Each of them estimated his ability in leaping: some said they could leap one hundred miles, some two, some five hundred, but none felt confident enough to cross to Lanka and back. ‘Jambavan turned to Hanuman, who had kept silent.

You are son of the Wind god and are equal to him in your power to fly through the air. When you were a child you saw the sun rising through the trees and mistook it for a fruit. You leapt into the sky to catch it, rising to a height of twenty thousand miles. In anger at your audacity, Indra hurled his thunderbolt at you and dashed you to the ground, breaking your jaw. Therefore you are called Hanuman, meaning 'one with a broken jaw'. To make up for this Indra blessed you to meet death only when you choose to die, and Brahma made you invulnerable in combat. Now show us your prowess by leaping across the vast ocean to Lanka.

While Jambavan spoke Hanuman shook off his depression and grew to a colossal size. Whirling his tail in delight, he prepared to leap across the ocean.

I can overtake the sun on its journey from east to west, or jump to the very ends of the earth, scattering clouds and shaking mountains. Certainly I will jump to Lanka.

Looking for a secure foothold from which to leap, giant Hanuman climbed the nearby Mount Mahendra. As he trod on it the mountain trembled, releasing new springs and alarming deer and elephants, driving snakes from their holes. Concentrating his mind, Hanuman fixed his thoughts on Lanka and the divine Sita, and prepared to jump.

Writer – Ranchor Prime

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Aranya Kanda of Ramayana

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Forest Life

AMA LED THE WAY into the depths of Dandaka Forest. It seemed strangely empty of animals but filled with a dark brooding presence. They saw signs of destruction, such as trees stripped of their branches and the remains of animals brutally mutilated. Suddenly from the shadows emerged a huge deformed creature dressed in tiger skins, dragging behind it several animal carcasses. It pounced on Sita and carried her off.

My name is Viradha,' it roared, 'and I will keep this woman.' Rama hesitated at what to do. The demon saw that they were not ordinary ascetics and demanded to know who they were. Rama told him their names and shot seven arrows into the body of Viradha. In fury the demon released Sita and charged upon the two brothers. They rained arrows upon him, but he merely laughed and shrugged them off.

No weapon can hurt me. I was once a celestial being, but am now cursed to live as a man-eater. Only Rama, the son of Dasaratha, can free me. Now, Rama, you are here, so please kill me and release me from this curse.' He told Rama to bury him alive, as this was the only way he could be killed. So they dug a deep pit and buried Viradha. With his last breath he murmured:

Forgive me, lord, I did not recognize you. This forest is a dangerous place. Go to the sage Sarabhanga on the nearby hill and he will advise where you can safely stay.

Following Viradha's counsel they made their way to the ashram of Sarabhanga. As they approached it they saw a golden chariot, yolked with four green horses, hovering in the air above the place. In it sat Indra. king of heaven, but as soon as he saw them he rose swiftly into the sky. Sarabhanga came out to greet them, saying:

'Indra is here to take me to heaven as a reward for my austerities. Rut first I have waited to see you, my Lord. I must advise you to see Sutikishna. Follow the course of the Mandakini river and you will find his ashram. He will show you your way in the forest. Now, having seen you, I can go to paradise.' Then before their eyes, the old sage was transformed into a dazzling youth and was raised up into the heavens.

They were about to leave when a throng of sages emerged from the forest to petition Rama. 'This region is terrorized by man-eating demons,' they cried. 'Please fight them or we will all be killed.' Rama promised them his protection. Sita, however, was against fighting. She wanted him to live in the forest without violence.

They moved steadily south-west across the Deccan plateau, coming to Sutikishna's ashram, on the peak of a mountain. He advised them to travel through the region visiting the ashrams of saintly hermits. They did this and wherever they went were ample fruits and roots, herds of deer and crystal-clear lakes. Continuing westwards they reached the ashram of the sage Agastya. His strength kept that part of the forest free from demons. He received them with due honour and presented Rama with a set of divine weapons, once used by Vishnu.

Tell us where we should stay,' asked Rama.

'Two days' walk from here is the beautiful forest of Panchavati,' replied the sage, 'always full of blossoms and close beside the river Godaveri. There you must defend the sages from the attack of rakshasas.' Agastya's directions were clear, and resolved any doubts: using Vishnu's weapons, Rama must fight to defend the sages.

So they journeyed to Panchavati, following the path pointed out to them by Agastya until they reached the foot of the mountains of the Western Ghats. As they entered the region they encountered a gigantic and terrifying vulture. At first they took it for another demon ready to devour them, until Rama asked who it was. It replied:

The witch Surpanakha, spurned by Rama and Lakshmana, tries to attack Sita, whereupon Lakshmana uses his arrows to cut off her nose and ears.

Dear son, I am a friend of your father. My name is Jatayu and I am nephew of' Garuda, the divine carrier of Vishnu. I will protect Sita from the demons who live here.' Rama was grateful for this offer, and together they entered Panchavati.

Lakshmana built a cottage of earth, bamboo and thatch for Sita and Rama, and covered its floor with reed matting. As winter set in, a cold westerly wind blew and the woodlands were wrapped in fog. Mist shrouded the river and elephants shrank from its touch. Still the brothers and the princess bathed each morning in the cold waters and offered prayers through the mists to the rising sun.

One morning they were surprised to see a strange misshapen creature, half' woman, half' monster. Her skin was rough and her face and body ugly. She gazed on Rama, infatuated with his beauty, and spoke with a rasping voice:

Noble creature, who are you and what are you doing here?' 'I am Rama, son of Dasaratha,' said Rama politely. 'This is Lakshmana, my younger brother, and here is Sita my wife. We are here on the command of my father to do penance. But tell me, charming lady of slender limb, who are you and what brings you to our cottage?'

My name is Surpanakha, sister of the demon-king Ravana,' she replied, her passions inflamed by Rama's gallant words. 'I live near here with my two cousins, Khara and Dusana. Ever since I first saw you I have wanted you. I am not feeble like this ugly Sita I have strength and passion equal to yours. Let me devour Sita and Lakshmana so that we can be alone in the forest!'

But I am already married,' laughed Rama. 'Why don't you choose Lakshmana, my younger brother? He is handsome and strong and would make a far better husband for you.' Hearing this, Surpanakha turned her amorous attentions upon Lakshmana.

Come then, Lakshmana, I will be your wife and we will wander through the forest together.'

But why should you want me, 0 beauty of soft complexion,' joked Lakshmana, ‘when, I am merely the servant of Rama? Better that you become Rama's wife, and replace this ugly Sita.

Surpanakha's simple brain was confused. She knew only that Sita stood in her way. With eyes like red-hot coals she rushed at Sita, intent on killing her.

Punish her, Lakshmana!' cried Rama, catching hold of the hideous monster. In an instant Lakshmana had cut off her ears and her nose, making her roar in agony. The unfortunate creature, splattered in blood, fled deep into the jungle.

Surpanakha flew straight to her cousin Khara and threw herself on the ground in Front of him, bleeding and sobbing. He was shocked to see her condition and said, 'My poor cousin, what fool has done this to you, inviting instant death?'

Two handsome princes, Rama and Lakshmana, dressed as ascetics, are in the for-est with a beautiful young girl. Out of jealousy she made them do this to me. I will not be satisfied until you have killed them all and I have drunk the girl's blood.

Khara, in fury, dispatched fourteen rakshasa demons from his personal guard to kill Rama and his companions. Surpanakha led them to the cottage. Seeing them, Rama quickly ordered Lakshmana to take Sita away to a safe distance, leaving him to deal with the intruders alone.

The rakshasas charged at Rama, hurling spears and clubs, but he cut down their projectiles with fourteen gold-tipped arrows. He then shot another fourteen arrows, killing each of the rakshasas. Surpanakha, pale and shaken, escaped and hurried back to her cousin.

I have sent my soldiers to avenge you,' growled Khara, 'so why are you now rolling on the ground like a wounded serpent?

I have seen a terrible thing,' wailed Surpanakha. 'Those brave demons of yours have all been slain by Rama. He killed them as easily as a lion kills jackals, and now I am afraid. This Rama has entered our forest with his sharp arrows and I don't see how you can stand up to him. We will all be killed. What are you going to do?'

Stop your tears, cousin,' assured Khara, biting his lip in rage. 'Today I will send Rama to the abode of death.

Khara ordered his brother Dusana to bring an army of fourteen-thousand rakshasas. He ascended his golden chariot, engraved with alligators, moons and stars, with wheels encrusted with jewels, and hung about with bells. Looking like Death personified, he rode through the jungle with his dreaded army, bristling with clubs, spears, javelins, swords, axes and scimitars. On his way his left arm throbbed and his eyes dimmed with tears. He saw a red halo around the sun, and darkness enveloped him even though it was daytime. His horses slipped on the road, and a vulture perched upon his flagpole.

What do I care for these bad omens'?' shrieked Khara. 'Nothing can stand in my way.' He encouraged his army to go forward with a great battle roar.

Rama, meanwhile, experienced good omens: his right arm throbbed, favorable birds perched on nearby branches and Lakshmana's face shone brightly. At the approach of the demon army he ordered Lakshmana to take Sita to a safe place. Divine beings gathered anxiously in the sky to watch.

The ensigns of the demons came into view with much shouting and clashing of swords on shields. Rama stood alone, holding his bow tightly before him, his knuckles white, eyes pin-pointed on the approaching enemy, his arrows at the ready. His usually gentle face was suffused with anger, and he shone like a white-hot flame.

Khara surrounded Rama with his troops. Thousands of weapons of all description rained down on the solitary hero. Rama was besieged like a mountain peak enveloped in storm clouds, but he stood firm and poured arrows from his bow, intercepting the incoming weapons and absorbing their fury as the ocean absorbs a river in flood. His bow seemed permanently bent in a great arc as his arrows struck the hearts of the demons. He split their bows, cut their ensigns and destroyed their chariots, driving them back to Khara for protection.

Dusana, Khara's brother and general, rallied the demons and led a fresh assault. Arrows, clubs, uprooted trees and boulders fell on Rama from all sides. He invoked a celestial weapon which threw back the entire host. His hands did not appear to move, only to rest on his bowstring, yet thousands of' razor-sharp arrows streamed from his bow, hiding the sun. Rama gradually reduced the demons until the ground was strewn thickly with helmets, broken weapons and broken bodies. Out of this carnage rushed Dusana, armed with an enormous gold-plated club spiked with iron, capable of flattening a whole army, but Rama's arrows cut off his arms and killed him.

Trisira, Khara's greatest champion, terrible to look upon with three heads, advanced like a black storm-cloud emitting torrents of arrows and roaring like thunder. He clashed with Rama as a lion clashes with an elephant, wounding him on the forehead. Enraged, Rama released arrows, destroying his chariot and cutting off his three heads. Blood spurted from his severed trunk as he fell dead, and his cohorts fled terrified into the forest.

Now it was Khara's turn. With fear in his heart he discharged magical weapons into the sky and charged at Rama as a moth is drawn into a fire. He pierced Rama with many arrows and split his bow, but Rama felt the arrows as an elephant feels the striking of' a goad. He took up the diamond-studded bow of Vishnu given to him by Agastya and released nineteen deadly shafts. Six pierced Khara's head, arms and chest, twelve shattered his chariot and killed his chariot driver and horses, and one struck him in the heart, knocking him to the ground.

You have persecuted holy men of the forest for mere sport,' said Rama. 'Now reap the reward of your sinful deeds. The sages you killed are watching this fight from the sky. Now they will see you dispatched to hell.

But Khara stood firm with his huge mace.

What is the use of your boastful words, when I am about to kill you?' he retorted. 'I believe in action, not boastful words. You have killed all my soldiers, but now I will wipe away the tears of their relatives.' Then he hurled his mace, which blazed with fire and burned the surrounding forest to ashes. As it flew through the air towards him, Rama shattered it into a thousand fragments with his arrows. The demon uproot-ed a big tree, whirled it above his head and threw it at Rama, but Rama's arrows cut the tree to pieces. Filled with anger, he pierced Khara with countless arrow shafts. Maddened by the smell of' his own blood, the demon summoned his last strength to run headlong at Rama. Using a special arrow given to him by Agastya and the bow of Vishnu, Rama struck Khara in the chest. The smoking arrow entered the demon's heart with a sound like thunder, killing him instantly.

The divine beings in the sky praised Rama and showered him with flowers. Sita emerged from hiding with Lakshmana to embrace him in relief and joy. The forest was safe once more.

EVIL RAVANA

Ten-headed Ravana shifted uneasily on his throne. His twenty arms and broad chest were covered with scars from countless battles with the gods, any one of which would have killed a lesser being. He listened as Akampana, the sole survivor of Khara's army, told him how a mere man had single-handedly killed his entire garrison in Dandaka forest. His eyes burned blood-red and he hissed like a cobra.

Who is this man to risk my wrath?' asked Ravana.

He is the glorious Rama, son of Dasaratha,' replied Akampana.

Then I shall go myself and destroy him.' replied Ravana.

I would not advise it, 0 mighty king, said Akampana. 'Rama is invincible; his arrows can bring down the very stars from the sky. But he has one weakness: his beautiful wife Sita. Without her he will lose his will to live.

Then I shall carry her off in my chariot,' retorted Ravana. Mounting his golden chariot inlaid with jewels and drawn by mules, Ravana flew to his magician friend Maricha's distant hermitage. But when Maricha heard Ravana's intention he advised him against it.

'What fool has advised you to kidnap Sita?' he asked.

It would be better to drink poison.' So for a while Ravana swallowed his anger and desisted from his plan.

Then his sister Surpanakha, her face scarred, came to him eager for revenge.

I have been disfigured, your territory has been usurped and fourteen thousand of your soldiers killed while you idly enjoy yourself. What kind of ruler are you?' she taunted, and again Ravana's anger was stirred.

Tell me of this Rama,' he said. 'What is his strength? How does he fight? Is it he who has disfigured you'?'

Rama is handsome like the god of love, but his arrows bite like serpents,' replied Surpanakha. 'I could not see when he took arrows from his quiver, when he bent his bow or when he released them. I could only see our soldiers fall like a field of corn before a hailstorm. In an hour and a half' he killed fourteen thousand of' them. His brother Lakshmana did this atrocity to me on account of' Sita, his beautiful wife. She presides over the forest like a goddess, and her beauty surpasses the whole creation. She is a worthy consort for you. Take her for your own, and be avenged on Rama!'

In his fury, Ravana again approached Maricha for help in kidnapping Sita. But Maricha had his own reasons to fear Rama and tried to dissuade him.

You underestimate Rama's strength,' he replied, full of dread. 'You will never succeed in taking Sita, any more than you could steal the brilliance from the sun, but if some-how you do Rama will surely kill you in battle and lay waste to the city of Lanka.

I did not ask your opinion,' Ravana replied sharply, 'I merely asked your help. Go to Dandaka Forest and use your magical art to take the shape of a golden deer. Show yourself to Sita, who will surely ask Rama to catch you, then while he is away mimic his voice to call Lakshmana. While Sita is unprotected I will capture her.

Forget Sita, or you condemn us both to death with this perilous plan,' Maricha rasped, his mouth dry with fear.

Do as I ask, or fail me and your life is worth nothing. I do not keep traitors. Risk death from Rama, or face certain death from me. The choice is yours.'

Very well. I will accept death from Rama, which will be better than death from you. But I warn you, when he has killed me he will come for you and destroy your kingdom. But you will not heed my words a person who is destined to die does not accept advice from friends.' '

Then let us leave,' pronounced Ravana, and together they boarded his chariot and sped to Dandaka Forest.

THE GOLDEN DEER

Sita had gone a little way from the cottage to collect flowers, when she caught sight of a beautiful golden deer among the trees. It was unlike any she had seen before, with horns glinting like sapphire, hoofs like gems and golden flanks spotted with silver. It pranced and spun in circles, then cocked its head to gaze at her.)She was captivated. 'Rama, Lakshmana, do look !'

The brothers saw the deer, but Lakshmana, ever vigilant, was suspicious. 'Beware, Rama, this is no real deer it is an illusion of the demon Maricha, who practices this deception to lure his prey. He has killed and eaten many this way.

But it is so beautiful Said Sita. `Do catch it for me, my lord, and we can keep it as a pet. Or you could kill it and we will sit on its golden skin.

You will have this deer, alive or dead,' promised Rama. 'If, as Lakshmana says, it turns out to be Maricha I will slay him just as he has slain so many.

Rama made Lakshmana stay with Sita to protect her, then took up his bow in pursuit of the deer. He tried to capture it but it fled deep into the forest, luring him far from the cottage. Growing uneasy he decided to kill it, and sent a flaming arrow into its heart. Struck to the core and on the point of dying, Maricha shed the illusory shape of the golden deer and revealed his true monstrous form) In agony he cried out, mimicking Rama's voice, 'Alas Sita! Lakshmana, help me!' and gave up his life.

The forest fell silent. Rama felt his heart grow cold with fear for Sita. He sped back in the direction of the cottage.

Sita and Lakshmana had heard the plaintive cry, and Sita appealed to him to go and help Rama, but he did not stir.

Why don't you go?

Princess, there is no need. Your husband is invincible and no one, demon or god, can harm him. What you heard was not Rama's voice, but a trick of Maricha. Rama has ordered me to protect you and I cannot leave you here alone.

Are you Rama's enemy, that you want him to die so t hat you can possess me?' cried Sita in outrage. 'Is it me you have wanted all this time'? You deceitful and cruel man!' Her words cut Lakshmana to the quick.

Very well, I will go to Rama,' he spoke in anger and hurt, 'but you are in grave danger. May the woodland deities protectyou!' And he was gone, leaving Sita streaming tears and beating her breast.

As night follows day, the coming of Ravana followed Lakshmana's departure. Disguised in the saffron robes of an ascetic, he advanced through the trees towards the cottage. As he did so the birds fell silent and the air went still. He saw Sita on the ground in front of her cottage, her moonlike face bathed in tears, and he was smitten by the arrow of love.

0 delicate lady, I am enchanted by your slender waist, broad hips and round breasts. I have never seen such loveliness. Who are you and why are you alone in this dangerous forest?')

Confused and afraid, Sita did her best to receive the mendicant with due respect, offering him a seat and giving him food and water. As she did so she looked around nervously for Rama or Lakshmana, but saw only the dense green forest spread in all directions. She introduced herself, then asked who he was. His answer terrified her.

Leaving Lakshmana to guard Sita at the cottage when Rama pursues the magical golden deer

I am ten-headed Ravana, feared by all the gods. My capital, across the sea, is Lanka, the most beautiful and best fortified city in the universe. Come and live there with me, where five thousand maids will serve you. Forget Rama. He is not even equal to my little finger.

I am the devoted wife of Rama,' protested Sita, 'who is a lion among men. Beside him you are a jackal, and can never hope to have me.' Her body shook with fear. 'You may think yourself invincible, but if you take me your life is at an end!' t Bristling with anger, Ravana showed his true colossal form, with ten heads, blood-red eyes, and twenty arms, covered in red robes and golden ornaments. Grasping Sita's hair he dragged her to his golden chariot.

O Rama, you do not know what is happening to me!' Sita cried as Ravana's chariot rose into the sky. '0 trees, rivers and spirits of the forest, all you animals and birds, please tell my dearest Rama that Sita was carried away by Ravana.

All this time Jatayu slept in a nearby tree. Now the bird awoke to see a tragedy unfolding. He spread his wings and took to the air, warning Ravana.

Old as I am, I will kill you as Rama killed your brother. Stay and fight with me, prowler of the night!

Ravana turned on Jatayu, like one mountain clashing with an-other, and struck him with hundreds of barbed arrows. Jatayu tore at him with his sharp talons and beak, breaking his bow, killing his mules and chariot driver, and sending his chariot crashing down to the ground. Ravana held Sita tightly as he fell to the ground. Then, leaving her, he rose once more into the sky by mystic power alone. Jatayu swooped upon his back and slashed at his head and, shoulders arms tearing off his twenty But as each arm was lost another one grew in its place. The aged Jatayu grew tired while Ravana's fury intensified. He severed Jatayu's wings, and he fell to the ground, able to rise no more.

Sita cried bitterly and embraced Jatayu as he lay dying. She tried to flee but, laughing, the cruel monster took her by the hair a second time and lifted her up into the darkening sky.

In the heavens the gods watched. 'Our purpose is accomplished,' they said grimly.

His destruction is now certain. Nothing can save him from the wrath of Rama.

Ravana carried Sita through the air to Lanka, like a cloud flashing with lightning. 'You shameless creature!' she cried. 'My lord will pursue you to the ends of the earth, and once he has found you your life will not last one hour. You are caught in the noose of death!

As Ravana's shadow sped over the forests, Sita spied far below five great monkey chiefs seated on a mountain pe4. She tied her jewels in her silk wrapper and threw them down, unnoticed by Ravana. The monkey chiefs received the jewels and looked up with unwinking eyes. They saw Sita, her face wet with tears, coursing through the air in the grip of Ravana. Unaware that he had been seen, the evil monster flew on to Lanka, carrying in his arms his own death in the form of Sita.

THE EMPTY COTTAGE

Rama had gone further from the cottage than he intended. As he hurried back, deep in the jungle behind him a jackal gave forth a lonely howl, sending a shiver down his spine. He knew the rakshasas would want revenge for the terrible defeat he had inflicted on them. Now, with Maricha's trick unmasked, he feared the worst. How could he have been fooled so easily? His only hope was that Lakshmana had not been taken in by Maricha's false cry for help and had stayed with Sita. Yet his worst fears were confirmed when he met Lakshmana coming alone the other way, his face ashen.

Where is Sita?' Rama called out in dismay. 'I fear that some demon will have carried her away or killed her.' Lakshmana, realizing his mistake, remained silent.

Where is she who shared my sufferings with me all this time?' Rama continued. 'Is she still alive? If not, I shall die.

Racing through the under-growth, scratched and bruised, they came to the cottage. All was empty and silent, mats and eating utensils in disarray. The only sound was the trees creaking in the wind.

Why did you leave her?' cried Rama. Lakshmana sorrow-fully tried to explain what had happened.

While the cottage unattended, demon-king Ravana advances on Sita, disguised in the saffron robes of an ascetic.

You should not have taken a woman's harsh words so seriously,' Rama reproached, then pondered, 'perhaps she has gone to the river to fetch water, or out to gather flowers.' They looked in her favourite places, but could not find her. Running here and there like a madman, Rama scoured the forest calling out to the trees and animals.

Trees, did my dear Sita come to you gathering flowers? Deer, did she pass this way? Tigers, did you see her moonlike face?' He imagined he saw her before him. 'Why are you running away from me, my darling? Wait, come back!' He returned to the empty cottage and called out, 'Come out now, sweetheart, do not jest. I know you are hiding. Please do not leave me I can't live without you.

Don't give in to this madness, brother,' said Lakshmana. 'We must try to find her. She may have wandered off, so we shall search the mountains, caves, rivers and forests.' But although they searched long, no trace of Sita could be found. Lakshmana tried his best to console his brother, but Rama cried bitter tears.

How will I ever be able to return to Ayodhya without Sita? Lakshmana, you must go back and tell them that without Sita I could not live. Tell Bharata to take the throne and rule the earth. My sinful deeds in past births have now caught up with me. She has been taken by cruel demons who even now drink her blood. To think that she used to sit here on this rock with me. I can hear her laughter still. 0 Wind god, you know everything. Did you see which way she went?

Please take heart,' reassured Lakshmana. 'It's no good crying like this, Rama. We must find Sita, not simply cry for her.' But Rama was lost in an ocean of grief and could not heed him.

Rama asked the deer for news of Sita, whereupon they all looked up to the sky and turned their heads south, walking slowly in that direction, looking first to the sky then to the ground. Lakshmana read their movements and called Rama to follow. Soon they found signs of Sita's abduction: flowers from her hair scattered on the ground, huge rakshasa footprints and beside them Sita's footprints running away, then the shattered remains of a golden chariot, with quivers and a broken bow encrusted with gems lying close by. Then they found evidence of a fierce fight with drops of blood strewn about. Nearby they found the gigantic crushed bodies of mules and a dead charioteer still grasping his reins and whip.

Where is she?' shouted Rama angrily, his eyes burning and his lips trembling. 'If the gods do not return her, I will throw them from heaven and annihilate the world with my arrows.

Unable to bear Rama's agony, Lakshmana stood before him with joined hands.

My lord, you are not yourself. I know you to be mild like the moon and patient like the earth. Come back to your true self. With me as your companion and sages as your helpers, you will rind Sita. We will search the oceans and rivers, forests and mountains until we find her. We will leave no place untouched. If after that we do not find her then you may annihilate the worlds. Take heart everyone in this world must accept sorrow and pain and learn to overcome them. You are strong enough to be steady in the face of this calamity. Show your true qualities and awaken your wisdom. Let us take decisive action!'

Rama accepted his younger brother's good instruction. Controlling his anger and leaning on his mighty bow, he recovered himself. 'What shall we do then, good brother?'

Let us first search the entire region: gorges, chasms, valleys and caves all the places loved by demons then consider what else to do.

They set off, bows in hand. Almost immediately they found Jatayu, lying on the ground like a fallen mountain. Rama took him for a demon and was about to finish him with an arrow, when he heard him murmur: '0 child, the lady you seek was carried off by a great rakshasa, along with my life. I tried to stop him, but he got the best of me. I killed his charioteer and destroyed his chariot, but now he has flown to the south with Sita.'

Who was he,' asked Rama desperately, seeing Jatayu's life ebbing fast, 'and where did he take her?

It was the evil Ravana, the half-brother of Kuvera,' whispered Jatayu, his voice Fading.

Speak more!' begged Rama, but Jatayu had breathed his last.

This king of the birds was a great soul, Lakshmana, who sacrificed his life for my service,' said Rama. 'Souls such as this can be found even among birds and animals. He was my devoted servant and his passing pains me as much as the loss of Sita. Fetch some wood so that we may give him a worthy cremation, and help him attain the reward for his great sacrifice.

They burned Jatayu's remains and chanted prayers over them. After bathing in the river, they offered fruits in his memory and found peace in their minds. They then put that place, and its memories, behind them and set off to the south in search of Sita.

THE SEARCH BEGINS

As ten-beaded Ravana carries Sita through the sky, the mighty vulture Jatayu attacks him in an attempt to rescue Sita.

At first Rama and Lakshmana were confronted with densely tangled jungle. With great difficulty they managed to penetrate it and find a way to the west, out of Dandaka Forest. They entered another forest, filled with a threatening presence. Lakshmana's left arm throbbed and he felt a sense of foreboding. They heard from the heart of the forest a terrible roar. With swords drawn they went towards it, and found a strange and horrifying monster of awesome dimensions.

The creature was blue and covered in bristling hairs, without head or legs, but with two enormous arms. In the centre of its body was a large mouth filled with sharp teeth above which blazed a single eye. Rama and Lakshmana surveyed it from a good distance, but without approaching them it suddenly extended its great arms across the intervening space and seized them, squeezing the breath from their bodies.

Caught in its grip, they thought that now, after having survived so many calamities, their end had at last come. But as the monster carried them towards its mouth to swallow them they were able to draw their swords and each sever an arm at the shoulder, rendering it powerless. It spoke to them.

Who are you two heroes that have so fearlessly overcome me?

This is Rama, son of Emperor Dasaratha, and I am Lakshmana his brother. Rama has been exiled to the forest by his father and now seeks Sita, his consort, who was carried away by a rakshasa. But who are you and how did you get this terrible form?

I will tell you my story,' said the monster. 'I was once Kabandha, a demigod of the heavens, equal in beauty to the Sun god himself. For my amusement I used to terrorize the rishis of the forest in this monstrous form. One day I assailed a powerful mystic who cursed me to be trapped in this body. I begged him for mercy and he conceded that when Lord Rama would come and cremate me in a lonely forest I would regain my former splendour. Since then I have stayed here in this forest and made it my habit to grab anything that moves in the hope that one day this Rama would fall into my grasp. Now, Lord Rama, you have come to save me and I await your mercy. If you do what must be done by burning this body to ashes, I will regain my godly form as well as the ability to give you good advice for your search.

Rama and Lakshmana readily agreed to help the ogre, and asked for help in return.

We know that Sita was taken by the rakshasa king Ravana, but we do not know what he looks like or where he lives. Help us in this.

They gathered together wood and built a fire and placed the monster upon it. As its ugly body sizzled and melted into the flames, the celestial Kabandha emerged, brilliant and joyful, decorated with gorgeous robes and ornaments and garlanded with unlading flowers. An aerial chariot appeared before him and he seated himself upon it, illuminating all directions with his effulgence, and then turned to Rama.

Listen to my advice,' he said. 'It is said that a person suffering misfortune should make alliance with another suffering similar misfortune. There is a monkey chief called Sugriva, who was cast out of' his kingdom by his brother Vali. He is a great hero, being the son of Surya, the Sun god. He will help you in your quest for Sita. I tell you this: his monkeys will search every corner and whether she is on the pinnacle of heaven or in the depths of the underworld, they will find her, and restore her to you after helping you destroy the demon Ravana and his armies.

You will find Sugriva by the side or Pampa lake. From here you must go westwards passing through forests of' abundant fruit trees. You will see places resembling paradise, with dripping honey and nectar-like fruits. Pass over mountain and hill until you reach the lotus-filled lake of Pampa. There you will find the ashram of the saintly woman Sabari, who even now awaits your arrival. After visiting her, look for Sugriva on Rishyamukha Hill, to the east of' the lake.' Even as he spoke, Kabandha began to glow, rising into the heavens, calling, 'Seek Sugriva!' and was gone.

Following the way pointed out to them, the brothers reached the edge of Pampa and there they saw the hermitage of Sabari. She clasped their feet in joy.

I have kept for you many forest foods, please come to my ashram,' she begged. 'Today my life of penance is at an end. I have seen you, Lord Rama, who are the great-est of the gods and the flower of humanity. I shall now depart this world in peace.' At their request she showed them round the ashram, which had been home to Matanga and other great sadhus who had already departed this world for the supreme destination.

Rama and Lakshmana search everywhere for Sita; they come upon the dying Jatayu; after Jatayu death, in the far distance, they cremate him by the riverside and after fruits in bid memory.

Now, lord, permit me to cast off this aged body, long worn out by practice of penance and prayer. I long to join those great souls who went before me, and whom I served with love.' Before their eyes she entered a mystic fire and was transformed, emerging in an ethereal form which vanished up into the sky.

By the company of' this saintly woman,' said Rama, 'I feel thoroughly purified. Whatever bad karma we have been suffering has been cleansed, and now our good fortune awaits us, beginning with our meeting with Sugriva.

Meanwhile, carrying in his arms his death incarnate, Ravana reached the city of Lanka. He handed Sita to rakshasa women, telling them to serve her every need. Next he sent eight of his most powerful warriors to Dandaka Forest as spies to keep him informed of' Rama's movements. His mind turned to Sita and how to win her love. He showed her his palace housing thousands of women, with pillars of ivory and crystal, stairways of' gold, walls studded with diamonds and floors inlaid with gems.

The city of Lanka covers eight hundred square miles and is impregnable,' he boasted. 'I command two hundred million rakshasas. All this I give, if you will be my queen.'

Further, I give you Puspaka, the magical space-ship I won from my half-brother Kuvera, the treasurer of the gods. It will take us anywhere you wish to go with the speed of' thought. But come, dear lady, why look so miserable?

Sita's face was wet with tears. 'You have unlawfully kidnapped me, you evil monster, and your death is sealed. You can keep me in chains or put me to death I will never give myself' to you.

I will give you one year to surrender to me,' growled Ravana. 'After that, my sweet, I will have you cut into pieces and served for my breakfast.' He called the rakshasa women. 'Take her to the ashok grove and hold her captive there. Give her no rest, but torment her until she agrees to surrender to me.

Sita, thinking only of' her lord, fainted and was carried away.

Writer – Ranchor Prime

Aranya Kanda of Ramayana, Description on Discussing activity of Ravana, Forest Life of Rama, Forest Life of Rama in brief, Hindu, Hindu Religion, Life of Rama, Rama in forest, Ramayana, Religion |

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