G.

SAI BABA

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JAI RAJ S. ASHER KRISHNA KUMAR S. ASHER

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CHAPTER - 1
Ayodhya was the capital city of the Kosala Kingdom. The land was made fertile by the river Sarayu. Ayodhya was built by Manu, the ruler of Surya dynasty. King Dasaratha was ruling the Kosala Kingdom. He was a great warrior. He helped Gods win many wars. Ayodhya means unconqurable. Dasaratha was a great king. He had eight ministers who were efficient and intelligent. Rushi Vasista was his Guru. Inspite of all his glory, Dasaratha could not escape the regret of not having sons. Hence, he consulted his Raja Guru Vasista and other eminent Brahmins to advise him about this. On their suggestion, Raja wanted to perform Aswamedha yaaga for the sake of male progeny. Yaaga was conducted sucessfully under the guidance of sages. While Dasaratha was performing Aswamedha yaaga, in heaven many of the Gods met Brahma and prayed to save them from misery and hardship caused by Ravana, a devotee of Siva. He had a boon from Brahma to the effect that he would not die in the hands of Devas, Asuras, Gandharvas, Yakshas. Due to his arrogance, he neglected to include human beings in his list. Ravana was cruel and ill-treated Gods including women. His deeds were untolerable.
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All Devas approached Sri Hari and prayed to him to save them from the clutches of Ravana. Hari pitied the Devas and promised that he would be born as son of Dasaratha along with three brothers as an outcome of a yagaa. From the flames of the fire in yaagakundam a pious figure with a pot of sacred payasa appeared and gave it to Dasaratha. King Dasaratha received the pot with great pleasure and distributed payasa to his three wives Kousalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi. He gave half of the quantity of payasa to Kousalya and half of the remaining to Sumitra. Then he divided the remaining payasa into two parts. One part was given to Kaikeyi and other to Sumitra again. Thus Putrakameshti yaga was successful. The queens felt happy and blessed by Devas and drank the payasa with great devotion. In due course, after one year, four sons were born to Dasaratha. Kousalya gave birth to Rama. Kaikeyi gave birth to Bharatha and Sumitra to two sons, Lakshmana and Satrughna, as she took payasam twice. Four sons of Dasaratha grew up to be strong, brave and attained all the qualities of Kshatriyas. Dasaratha was contemplating marriage for his sons. Unexpectedly, Rushi Viswamitra came to Ayodhya. King Dasaratha received the Rushi with due respect and honoured him. Dasaratha was very happy at the arrival of Viswamitra, who came to him voluntarily. Dasaratha enquired the reason for Rushis visit and promised him that he will fulfill any of his requests.
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Sage Viswamitra was very pleased by the word given by Dasaratha. He asked the Raja to send Rama to Aranya with him to kill Maareecha and Subahu, the demons who were disrupting the yaaga by pouring blood and flesh in yaagakundam. Hearing Viswamitra, Dasaratha was stunned and became speechless. After sometime he recovered and gained composure. King Dasaratha begged Viswamitra not to take Rama along with him to Aranya as he is still young and innocent in the ways of war. He does not know how to face the dreadful demons like Subahu and Maareecha who are full of cunning and deciet. Rama does not know the tricks of war and secrets of maya that these Danavas play. King requested Rushi Viswamitra to allow him instead to accompany him to Aranya with huge army to kill rakshasas to save yaaga. Rushi Viswamitra got irritated and angry at the words of Dasaratha. Breaking of promise will be a blemish on the dynasty of Ikshvaku, the Rushi warned. Vasishta advised Dasaratha not to go back on his word and tried to convince King Dasaratha by saying that Viswamitra is a powerful sage who can destroy Rakshasas all by himself. But Rushi Viswamitra wants to bring out the valour of Rama out in the open and mark Rama as a great warrior and archer. Vasishta warned Dasaratha that the failure to fulfill the promise made to the Rushi will lead to misfortune. There is no way to escape except to send Rama with Viswamitra. King Dasaratha made up his mind to send Rama along with Viswamitra reluctantly.
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Lakshmana who was in Ramas company constantly, wanted to follow him to Aranya as well. Rama and Lakshmana, armed with bows and arrows, followed Viswamitra into Aranya. They reached the banks of river Sarayu where Rama and Lakshmana rested for the night on the grass. Early morning of the next day, Guru Viswamitra, woke Rama and Lakshmana up by reciting the sloka Kousalya supraja Rama poorva sandhya pravartate Uttishta nara shardula kartavyam daivamahnikam Which means Wake up O Rama, the good son of Kousalya as sun is rising in the east and perform the necessary rituals Rama and Lakshmana performed the required rituals in the morning after which Viswamitra taught Rama two mantras Bala and Atibala, which will enable Rama to conquer hunger, thirst and tiredness. Rama in turn taught these two to Lakshmana. On the way, they found a deserted kingdoms namely Karusha and Malada. The demon Tataka with his son, Subahu was residing in the area. She was daughter of yaksha, Suketu. With blessing of Brahma, Suketu got a daughter. She had strength of ten thousand elephants. She married Sunda. Due to a curse from Agastya, Sunda died. Tataka and her son Subahu attacked Agastya with vengeance. Agastya then cursed them to become rakshasas. Then Tataka and Subahu destroyed the kingdoms of Karusha and Malada as Agastya had once stayed there.
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Viswamitra entered Aranya with Rama and Lakshmana. He narrated the story of Tataka and cautioned them. He ordered Rama to kill Tataka and protect the interests of sages and people. Rama strung his bow and pulled on it with great strength. A loud thunder was heard everywhere. The wildlife in the forest ran helterskelter. This dreadful sound reached the ears of Tataka and she got angry. She appeared in front of them looking fearsome. She pelted them with boulders. Rama wanted to punish Tataka by cutting off her limbs as she was a woman. But Tataka was ferocious. She tried to attack Rama and Lakshmana with ever rising strength and power as the sunset was nearing. Viswamitra then asked Rama to kill Tataka without hesitation. Dasaratha had ordered Rama to obey Viswamitra and hence it became Ramas duty to follow Viswamitras instructions. He killed Tataka by shooting an arrow to her chest. Viswamitra felt happy and blessed Rama. The forest was rid of Tataka. Rama and Lakshmana followed Viswamitra and reached his ashrama where yaaga was being performed. Viswamitra was very pleased with Ramas obedience and tact. He taught Rama, divine astras obtained through his tapas. Viswamitra began to perform yaaga. It went on for five days without incident. But on the sixth day Subahu and Maareecha appeared roaring loudly in the sky. Rakshasas tried to pour blood and flesh in the yaagakundam to destroy the yaaga. Rama and Lakshmana observed the actions and movements of demons.
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Rama launched Maanavastra(Seteshuvu) on Maareecha. It hit him so hard that he was thrown to a distance of hundred yojanas. Next, it was Subahus turn. He was killed by Rama with Agneyastra. After this, yaaga went on smoothly and was concluded successfully. Viswamitra felt that his work with Rama was still incomplete. He knew that kalyanam of Rama with Sita would complete his work. After successful completion of sacred yaaga, Viswamitra decided to take Rama and Lakshmana to Mithila, the city of Janaka. The main aim of Rushi was to show the bow of Siva which was marvellous and unlifted by anybody. The King Devaratha belonged to Nimi dynasty. Devaratha was the sixth king in Nimi dynasty. The bow was presented by Gods to Devaratha. The city of Mithila flourished in the name of Mithi, the son of Nimi. Janaka also belongs to Nimi dynasty and he was the king of Videha. The ancient, wonderful and powerful bow of Rudra was ancestral property of Janaka Raja. While proceeding to Mithila, Rama and Lakshmana came across one deserted ashrama. Rama and Lakshmana were anxious to know about it. Viswamitra narrated the history of ashrama which belonged to Rushi Gowthama. Ahalya was wife of Gowthama. She was very beautiful. Gowthama was a great tapasa with enriched power. Indra was fond of Ahalya. He had a plan to approach Ahalya in the absence of Gowthama. One day, in the
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absence of Gowthama, Indra entered the ashrama disguised as Gowthama. Ahalya identified him as Indra but could not save her chastity. She warned Indra to leave the place immediately before Gowthamas arrival. By the time, Indra tried to disappear, Gowthama appeared before him with unlimited anger. He cursed Indra that he would lose testicles. Now Gowthama turned to Ahalya and cursed her that she would lie as a heap of ash unseen by anybody without food, swallowing only air. He showed her the way to get rid of the curse. He told that when Rama, son of Dasaratha enters the ashrama, she would get her previous life. Hearing to Viswamitra, Rama entered ashrama. As soon as Rama stepped into Ashrama, Ahalya got her real shape. Rama and Lakshmana paid respects to her and got blessings from her. Gowthama Rushi also came to his ashrama. Couple Ahalya and Gowthama, expressed gratitude and paid respects to Rama. Both brothers, Rama and Lakshmana continued their walk to Mithila with Viswamitra. They had heartful, grand welcome from Janaka Raja of Videha. The purohita, Satananda, praised the greatness of Viswamitra before Rama, Lakshmana and Janaka and narrated unparalleled deeds of Rushi. Janaka had introduction of sons of Dasaratha. Viswamitra praised Rama and Lakshmana as great warriors who punished rakshasas and saved his yaaga. Janaka was a great ruler loved by people. He was not only a warrior but also a great philosopher, a yogi with bundle of gnana.
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King Janaka had no children. As a part of yaaga, once he ploughed the land. At the time of ploughing the field, Janaka Raja found a female child in the furrow. As she was found in the furrow, she was named as Sita. Sita means furrow in Sanskrit. Sita was very much loved by the Janaka while growing up. Sita was nothing but an incarnation of Sri Lakshmi Devi, wife of Bhagavan Sri Maha Vishnu. She attained the age of marriage. Janaka announced that his daughter Sita would marry the prince who can move, lift, bend and string the ancient bow of Siva presented by Devas. On order by Janaka, five thousand strong men brought the bow of Siva with great difficulty to the midst of sabha. With permission of Viswamitra, Rama went to the bow and lifted it up and strung the bow. The bow of Siva broke with loud noise. The earth quaked amidst loud thundering. Except Viswamitra, Janaka, Rama and Lakshmana all others fell unconscious unable to bear the fury unleashed due to the breaking of the bow of Siva. King Janaka felt happy. Heart of Sita was filled with unbounded joy. Janaka decided to get Sita married to Rama, his second daughter Urmila to Lakshmana. He sent messengers to Ayodhya to convey the news and invite King Dasaratha with family and administrators. King Dasaratha arrived in Mithila with his queens and administrators. Dasaratha was welcomed heartily by Janaka. Janaka sought consent of Dasaratha for the marriage of Sita with Rama. On an auspicious day, Rama wedded Sita. Lakshmana
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married Urmila. On the advice of Viswamitra and Vasishta, Bharatha and Shatrughna married Mandavi and Srutakeerti respectively, daughters of Kushdhwaja, brother of Janaka Raja. Not only the people of Ayodhya, Mithila but the Devas felt happy and the world celebrated their marriage that day. The kalyanam of Sita and Rama was treated as kalyanam of the world. Dasaratha was returning to Ayodhya with wives, family members and four new wedded couples and his servants. Their journey was continuing in merry mood. Unexpectedly, nature turned dark and foreboding with bad omens. Parashurama, an avowed enemy of Kshatriyas, appeared before Dasarathi and his followers wielding his weapon of choice, an axe, also called Parashu. He killed the kings, 21 times. As he wears Parashu, he was called Parashurama. He was also the incarnation of Sri Maha Vishnu. The breaking of bow of Rudra was the cause of Parashuramas rage. He wanted revenge for that. He castigated Rama for breaking the bow of Siva. Rama remained calm. He paid respect to Parashurama as he was a Brahmin and elder to him. Dasaratha and Janaka were afraid of Parashurama. Parashurama challenged Rama to take Vaishnava chapam, the bow of Vishnu from him and string it. Humbly, Rama took the bow of Vishnu from Parashurama and strung it. After stringing the bow, Rama placed an arrow on the bow and pulled it. Rama asked his rival what should be done with the arrow which
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is ready to be shot? When Ramas arrow is pulled, it must not go in vain. It must punish something. Then Parashurama replied that he could not surrender the land he obtained from Kshatriyas as it was gifted to Kashyapa. The arrow which was pulled could consume all his tapas and he would proceed to Mahendragiri. Rama shot the arrow and drew his tapas. Parashurama became powerless and mild. He praised the qualities of Rama and disappeared. Thus the avatara of Parashurama ended.

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CHAPTER - 2
Dasaratha with sons, daughter-in-laws, ministers and servants reached Ayodhya happily. The people of Ayodhya lived with joy during the reign of Dasaratha. But Dasaratha was feeling the burden of ruling the country due to his advanced age. He made up his mind to crown Rama as yuvaraja and free himself of the burden. Rama and Sita spent wedded life happily. Rama was kind, brave, courteous and he attained all the royal qualities required for a king. He was loved by all people. When Dasaratha assembled all of his ministers and people to express his desire to crown Rama as yuvaraja, they expressed consent to make Rama as yuvaraja unanimously. Dasaratha announed the pattabhisheka of Rama as yuvaraja. At that time, Bharata had been to Kekeya rajyam, where his grandfather lived. Shatrughna stayed with him there. Time was too short. Dasaratha could not invite Janaka Raja and Kekeya Raja for the celebration of yuvaraja pattabhisheka of Rama. The star was Pushyami as it was auspicious. The streets were cleaned and decorated with variety of flowers and bright lights. Entire Ayodhya was colourful with banana and mango branches. The people were anxious to witness the coronation of Rama.
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There was one servant maid called Manthara. She was sent with queen Kaikeyi, to Ayodhya at the time of queens marriage as a gift. She went up to the palace and witnessed the town filled with wonderful decorations and flags flying atop the houses. Manthara was surprised to see the celebrations in the city. Later she came to know that Dasaratha was performing coronation ceremony to Rama as yuvaraja. Manthara is one of the important characters in the Ramayana as she was responsible to send Rama to forest and consequences that arose from this action resulting in the rest of Ramayana. Manthara was very jealous by nature. Though there was no rivalry with Rama she wanted to put him through untold troubles. She rushed up to the bedroom of Kaikeyi where Kaikeyi was resting on her bed. As soon as she stepped into the bedroom, she blamed Kaikeyi for having lied down and resting on the bed irresponsibly without knowing the things going on in the city. Manthara informed that Rama was being made as yuvaraja the next morning and Dasaratha was neglecting the beloved queen Kaikeyi. Kaikeyi was very happy when she heard of coronation of Rama because she loved and liked Rama with more affection than her own son Bharata. Rama also used to respect Kaikeyi as much as he used to respect his own mother Kausalya. But the cruel words of Manthara poisoned and tortured the mind of Kaikeyi and she made up her mind to punish Rama using Dasaratha as an instrument. Kaikeyi became puppet in the hands of Manthara and Kaikeyi entered kopagruha.
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When Raja Dasaratha approached her, she pretended to be angry with him. Raja asked the reason for her anger. She was silent. Her silence was great punishment to Dasaratha. He begged her humbly to explain the reason for her anger. He tried to console her with lovely words but all was in vain. She became very cruel at heart. Harshly, she demanded to fulfill two boons that were granted to her when she saved his life in the battle against Danavas. In that war, Dasaratha fought on behalf of Gods. When Dasaratha became unconscious, she took chariot to another side and saved his life. Dasaratha then promised to fulfill two desires of Kaikeyi. Kaikeyi took this opportunity to demand her wishes. They were 1)Crown Bharatha as yuvaraja and 2) send Rama to forest for 14 years. Hearing Kaikeyis wishes, King Dasaratha was stupefied. Rama was life itself for Dasaratha. Without Rama, there was no life for Dasaratha. He begged Kaikeyi to exempt Rama from sending to forest. King agreed to crown Bharatha as yuvaraja and asked Kaikeyi to withdraw her second desire. But Kaikeyi refused the request of Dasaratha and she was adamant on getting both the boons granted by Raja Dasaratha. He was helpless. There was no way to escape the word given to his beloved Kaikeyi. He prayed to her that he would touch her feet to reconsider sympathetically and save him by keeping Rama in his presence at all times. But his repeated requests went in vain. Dasaratha was sad and his condition was pitiful. He called on Rama through minister Sumantra. Rama appeared before his father with folded
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hands. Dasaratha was unable to express his pain and no words came out of his mouth. He shed tears. Rama was anxious to know the cause for his fathers distress. Rama turned to mother Kaikeyi and asked her humbly the reason for his fathers distress. He promised his mother that he will fulfill his fathers orders. Kaikeyi told Rama the cause of distress of the King. She explained her two demands of coronation of Bharata and vanavasa of Rama for fourteen years. Rama heard the demands of Kaikeyi calmly. He was neither frustrated nor displeased. He promised to follow their orders and fulfill both the boons granted to Kaikeyi. Kaikeyi ordered Rama to leave for forest immediately to avoid complications. Rama returned to his palace. He decided to proceed to vanavasa. He sought for permission of mother Kousalya who did not agree to send Rama to forest. Rama tried to convince his mother preaching dharma. Kousalya wanted to follow Rama to the forest. Rama told mother that it was the duty of the wife to serve her husband and she should not leave husband alone. Lastly he convinced his mother and obtained permission. Sita decided to follow Rama to vanavasa as a Dharmapatni. But Rama denied her request. Rama told her that it was very difficult to lead life in the forest where there will be wild animals and serpents. He told her that it was difficult to walk on rough roads filled with thorns and sharp stones. Sita replied that she knew of all the difficulties of life in forest. Sita then goes on to say that she would be happy to live in the forest in the company
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of her husband rather than in the Royal palace alone. She emphasised that it was her primary duty to accompany him. More or less she warned him that her father would suspect his manhood,if he fails to take her with him. Rama had no other choice to take her to vanavasa with him.Brother Lakshmana also prepared to accompany Rama to safeguard the interests of brother Rama. Rama agreed for it. Rama, Sita and Lakshmana set out on their way to forest Dandakaranya. Kaikeyi brought and gave jute clothes to both brothers and Sita. Though Vasista objected to Sita wearing jute sarees, Sita as a Dharma patni preferred to wear jute sarees offered by Kaikeyi. Rama helped Sita in wearing sarees. Rama took permission from mothers Kousalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi and paid respects to Dasaratha and other elders. Sumitra instructed Lakshmana to treat Rama as father and Sita as mother. Sumitra was an ideal mother. Charioteer Sumantra brought chariot and Sita, Lakshmana and Rama ascended it. Rama ordered the charioteer to drive. Father,mothers Kousalya, Sumitra and other elderly people followed the chariot. Rama could not digest the sad sight of them following him. Rama ordered Sumantra to drive the chariot fast so as to make father, mothers and others to return to their homes. Rama instructed Sumantra to reply to Dasaratha that he could not hear the words stop stop uttered by him due to sounds of chariot.
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Chariot reached the shore of River Tamasa. The people following the chariot slept under the trees for the night. Rama disliked the difficulties caused to the people by him. He wanted to leave that place before the people woke up.Rama,Sita and Lakshmana sat on the chariot which moved many times forward and backward to confuse the people and misguide them about the route followed by Rama. Lastly the chariot proceeded towards north. Rama paid respects to Ayodhya and prayed it to permit him to proceed further, at the time of crossing its borders.

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CHAPTER - 3
Rama, Sita and Lakshmana reached Shrungaberapuram which was located on the bank of river Ganga. Shrungaberapuram was the area inhabited by tribals and ruled by Guha. Guha received Rama, Sita and Lakshmana with great respect and affection. Rama refused to take food and drinks offered by Guha. They consumed only fruits and water as Rama wanted to stick on to principles prescribed for vanavasa. At night Rama and Sita slept on the grass. Guha and Lakshmana spent the night discussing the circumstances that led to their vanavasa. Rama asked Guha to provide milk of tree called Marri and apply them to both his and Lakshmanas hair to roughen them. On instructions of Rama, Guha arranged boat to cross the river Ganga. Lakshmana helped Sita to get into boat and then Lakshmana and Rama boarded the boat. While travelling, Rama thought of his mothers, Kousalya and Sumitra and their situation at Ayodhya in the absence of their sons. Rama asked Lakshmana to go back to Ayodhya and take care of their mothers. But, Lakshmana told that his life was meant for Ramas service and nothing else. He expressed inability to go back leaving brother in the forest. Lakshmana lastly told that hell is better than heaven in the absence of his beloved God Rama.
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Rama, Sita and Lakshmana reached the Ashrama of Bharadwaja Sage who welcomed them with great respect and affection. Bharadwaja Muni asked Rama to stay at his ashrama and spend vanavasa. As there is possibility of nearby villagers visiting the ashrama, Rama humbly denied to stay at his ashrama. As per the suggestion of Bharadwaja Muni, Rama, Sita and Lakshmana proceeded to a hill called Chitrakutam. They visited Valmiki Ashrama and got blessings of Valmiki Rushi. Lakshmana constructed a beautiful hut for their residence. Rama performed Vastu pooja and entered the kutiram. They were residing happily, enjoying the beauty of the nature in the forest. One day, suddenly they observed commotion in the forest. There were loud noises and elephants of the forest panicked and started running helter-skelter. The entire area was covered by a cloud of dust. Rama asked Lakshmana to find out the cause of the commotion. Lakshmana climbed up a tree and witnessed huge army approaching in the direction of their tent. Lakshmana thought that their brother Bharata was attacking Rama for the sake of kingdom. Lakshmana got angry. He asked Rama to permit him to kill Bharata saying that Bharata is coming to attack Rama. Rama stood for peace. Lakshmana stood for revenge. Rama had faith that Bharata is coming to request Rama to take kingdom back. But Lakshmana had misunderstood Bharatas intentions.
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Rama asked Lakshmana to be patient and relax and Lakshmana kept quiet. Bharata appeared before Rama with great respect and devotion. He bowed before Rama on knees with tears. Bharata told Rama that their father was no more. Rama was overcome with great grief. Four brothers conducted Tarpana rituals in waters of river Mandakini with juices of berries. After that Bharata asked Rama to return back and take the crown in the interest of Ayodhya and people. Bharata expressed his inability to rule the country as he was not proper authority. Rama is the only person who will satisfy the people as a good ruler. The Muni Jabali also tried to convince Rama to come back to Ayodhya with his argument. Rama refused to agree with his argument and proved that the argument is flawed. Rama rejected the direction of Guru Vasista to come back to Ayodhya also and he announced firmly that he came over to forest to fulfill the pledge of his father Dasaratha and he would never come back prior to fulfilling his Vanavasa deeksha. Lastly on request of Bharata, Rama gave his footwear to him. In turn Bharata ruled kingdom from Nandigram on behalf of Rama. On account of Ramas arrival to hill Chitrakutam, the Rakshasa Khara began to ill-treat the sages. Sages left Chitrakuta. Demon Khara was the brother of Ravana. Inspite of Rama
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promising to demolish the entire race of demons, the sages left Chitrakuta with fear. Troubles began for Rama. A giant with big mouth and deep eyes and misshaped body appeared before Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. The demon caught Sita in his rough hand and carried her to some distance. The ugly demon who caught Sita was called Viradha. He was son of Shatahrada and Jaya. Sita was afraid of that giant demon and cried loudly. Rama hurt him with sharp arrows. In unlimited anger, Viradha caught Rama and Lakshmana leaving Sita. Lakshmana cut the left hand and Rama cut his right hand. Ugly demon Viradha fell down to the ground. The giant disappeared and a divine being came up and told that he was a gandharva named Tumbura. Once he neglected the service of Kubera in lust of Rambha. Kubera cursed him to become giant with ugly body but was kind enough to tell that curse will last till he was killed by son of Dasaratha. Rama proceeded to Sharabhanga Maharishis ashrama. By the time Rama neared ashrama there was one divine personality with Sharabhanga Maharishi. Rama grasped that the divine personality was Indra. He did not wish to disturb the conversation between them. So, he waited at a distance with wife and brother till Indra disappeared. Indra wanted to meet Rama after completion of vanavasa deeksha. After departure of Indra, Rama stepped into ashrama and met Sharabhanga muni on whose instructions, Rama moved forward to meet Suteekshana muni. Sharabhanga muni gave all of his powers to Rama and
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went to satyaloka. Rama walked to Suteekshana muni and worshipped him with wife and brother. Suteekshana muni too gave his powers attained through tapasa to Rama. Now Rama attained all the powers necessary to demolish demons and establish peace in Dandakaranya. Rama wanted to move to Dandakaranya. On the way, Sita questioned the wisdom of inviting enmity with demons without any cause. She told that enmity with anybody leads to unrest and chaos. Sita realised that it was duty of wife to suggest to husband to not to step into wrong path. She knew dharma. She wanted herself to walk in right path and also make her people too to walk the right path. Rama replied it was the bound duty of the kings and kshatriyas to protect the people and sages from wicked powers and establish peace wherever they stay. Rama, Sita and Lakshmana reached the ashrama of Atri muni. His wife was Anasuya who taught the principles of good and sacred wife to Sita. On the way, they saw the ashrama of Agastyas brother. After getting farewell there, they reached ashrama of Agastya who was a powerful sage. He blessed Rama, Sita and Lakshmana and directed them to live in Panchavati. Lakshmana constructed a beautiful Parnashala. They performed peace and vaastu worships and entered the Parnashala. For a few days they were very happy there. That was winter which was favoured by kings and farmers. Kings preferred to wage wars in snow season called Hemanta rutu.
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One day Rama and Sita were at Parnashala. One woman rakshasi by name Shurpanaka saw Rama and admired his handsomeness. She was the sister of Ravana. She appeared before Rama and asked him to marry her. She told that she was more beautiful than Sita and Sita was in no way comparable to her. Rama took her words lightly and told her to approach his brother Lakshmana who could marry her as he was alone. Lakshmana refused to marry her saying that he was the servant of Rama. Again Shurpanaka came to Rama and started to force him to marry her. When Rama denied her request she became ferocious and tried to eat Sita. Rama thought that jest was not appropriate with cruel people. Rama observed that situation was very serious and asked Lakshmana to punish her. Shurpanaka being a lady, Lakshmana could not kill her. Hence he cut her nose and ears. She became ugly and cried loudly. She wanted to take revenge on Rama and Lakshmana. She was jealous of Sitas beauty. Shurpanaka with her ugly features went to Khara and Dushana who were residing at Janapatham. They were very cruel and powerful. Khara, brother of Shurpanaka with unbound anger sent fourteen strong demons to kill Rama and Lakshmana. Fourteen demons followed Shurpanaka. They reached Rama who understood the matter and ordered Lakshmana to safeguard Sita. Then Rama attacked the demons and killed them in no time. Shurpanaka wept at the defeat of the followers.
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Again she came back to Khara and told him of the defeat and death of their followers at the hands of Rama. She explained that Rama was strong warrior and ordinary people could not face him. Then Khara whose pride was injured, declared war on Rama, with his brother Dushana and fourteen thousand demons. Fourteen thousand demons were on one side, Rama was alone on the other side. But Rama was supported by Dharma. Success will always be with Dharma. The style of war using arrows was marvellous. Khara and Dushana could not understand the usage of arrows by Rama. Rama killed all the demons including Khara, Dushana and Trisura within minutes. The demise of Khara and Dushana was carried immediately to Ravana by his spy called Akampana. Akampana described the glory and beauty of Sita. Ravana made up his mind to make Sita his own. Ravana went to the place of Maareecha, seeking his help to trap Sita in disguise. Maareecha once experienced the pain of blow from Rama and was afraid of going near him. Maareecha was afraid of Rama to the extent that he never wanted to hear the words starting with Ra-kara, like Ratna and Ratha. He told Ravana that it was not wise to pickup enmity with Rama who was so strong and powerful. He advised Ravana to leave the desire to get Sita. After hearing Maareechas advice Ravana returned to Lanka. Ravana was a great warrior and staunch devotee of Siva. He defeated Gods many a times. He had 10 heads, 20 hands and broad chest. He had scars of wounds caused in wars. He defeated Vasuki and Takshaka of Naga race. He defeated Kubera
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and captured his vehicle, an aeroplane called Pushpaka vimana. The beautiful garden called Nandanavanam of Indra was brought under his control. Ravana never had a defeat in his life. Ravana sat in his sabha surrounded by ministers, administrators, servants and people. Shurpanaka with ugly body shedding blood fell down before Ravana. Ravana was astonished. Shurpanaka abused Ravana for his negligence towards the safety of his people and his lust for ladies. She berated Ravana that he was incapable of ruling Lanka as he lost command on administration and had a failed spy system. Ravana, ashamed of her words got angry. He decided to exact revenge on Rama and Lakshmana by abducting Sita. The preaching of Maareecha had gone in vain. That was the bad fate of Ravana and resulted in second attempt at approaching Maareecha. Again Maareecha told that it was inadvisable to wage war on Rama as he was supported by Dharma. He told that Rama was nothing but personifcation of Dharma (Ramo Vigrahavan Dharma). The enmity with Rama would to destruction of the Rakshasa lineage and demolition of Lanka. Ravana paid deaf ear to Maareecha. He threatened that Maareecha would lose life if he failed to help him. Maareecha had a good will. He thought that it would be better to die in the hands of Lord Rama instead of cruel Ravana. In no time, Ravana and Maareecha landed near the Parnashala of Rama. Maareecha turned into a very beautiful and attractive golden deer. The golden deer started to move around
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the premises of Parnashala with intention to attract Sitas attention. Ultimately the deer succeeeded in attracting Sitas attention. She asked Rama to get the deer for herself dead or alive. Rama had no second thought. As soon as Sita asked for it Rama decided to catch it with life if possible. Lakshmana doubted that it was a ploy of rakshasas to harm them. But Rama did not care for the words of Lakshmana who was in turn instructed to watch and safeguard Sita till Rama returns with golden deer. Lakshmana had no choice but to do as told. He was guarding the Parnashala watchfully. Golden deer led Rama far away from Parnashala where it was killed by Rama. While dying, Maareecha shouted loudly Haa Sita, Haa Lakshmana imitating the voice of Rama. Sita heard those cries and thought of Rama in danger. She asked Lakshmana to go to help Rama immediately. Lakshmana thought wisely and told Sita that it was the plan played out by the demons to mislead them. He explained that it was not the cry of Rama as no danger could occur to Rama as he was capable of protecting himself. But Sita did not agree. She refused to believe Lakshmana and blamed him rudely that he was lusting for her. Lakshmana was hurt by Sitas words and they were unbearable for Lakshmana because he treated and worshipped her like his own mother. The bad fate of Sita made her to lose temperament. Lakshmana warned Sita to be careful and left Parnashala in search of Rama. Lakshmana was prepared to disobey the orders of his elder brother as he could not tolerate the thorny words of Sita.
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Ravana was waiting for an opportune moment. Sita was alone. Ravana approached in disguise of ascetic. He was astonished on seeing the beauty of Sita. He started to praise the beauty of Sita. Sita disliked the attitude of Ravana. She could not tolerate this from an ascetic. But she was helpless. Then Ravana came out of his disguise. He had ten heads and twenty hands. He was fierce looking. He claimed that entire nature(sea, sky, air, water, earth), Gods, Nagas, Yakshas, the entire world was under his control. He wanted to tempt Sita with his wealth and strength. He asked Sita to love and marry him and forget Rama. Ravana told Sita that Rama would not dare to attack him as he could not face him in battlefield. Sita warned Ravana with harsh words. She told that Rama was a great warrior and follower of Dharma. Rama will certainly come back and kill Ravana. She warned him that he is playing with cobra as she is very sacred and chaste. She told not to invite death which was certain if he would go down this path. Ravana did not pay attention to her words. He caught her by hair with left hand and lifted up with right hand forcibly and got her into chariot and flew away in the sky. An eagle namely Jatayuvu, a friend of Dasaratha attacked Ravana to save Sita from Ravana. But he could not prevent Ravana from abducting Sita. Ravana cut his wings with sharp sword and the bird fell down in a pool of blood. Inspite of her resistence Ravana carried Sita in chariot to Lanka and kept her in Asokavana under the watch of female demons. When Ravana took her forcibly she dropped some of
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her ornaments tied in a piece of saree she wore. The bundle of ornaments fell in the hands of some of the vanaras staying on a mountain. Now and then, Ravana visited Ashoka vana and insisted that Sita marry him. When she bluntly refused, he threatened her that she would be eaten by demons. But, Sita never cared about his warnings. Many times Sita told him that her husband was a Dharmamurti and follower of truth. One day or the other he would come back and kill all the rakshasas including Ravana and entire Lanka would be destroyed. It was not desirable to have her brought to Lanka. She begged Ravana to free her and hand her over to Rama with apologies. Sita refused food and water offered by demons. She was fasting at Ashoka vana. Gods thought that Sita should be alive. They planned and sent Indra who offered a sacred payasa to Sita. After careful consideration, Sita trusted Indra and consumed payasa. Hereafter, Sita could be alive without food and drink because of the payasa she consumed. While this was happening, in Dandakaranya, Rama was anxious to return to Parnashala. He suspected that something foul was afoot when Maareecha imitated Rama and cried for help. When he saw Lakshmana in the forest in search of Rama, his doubts came true. He questioned Lakshmana as to why he left Sita alone and came for him. Lakshmana sadly replied that Sita forced him to go in
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search of Rama having heard the cries Haa Sita, Haa Lakshmana. She suspected danger to Rama. Inspite of his repeated requests Sita blamed him that he is fond of Sita and causing harm to Rama. With these unbearable harsh words of Sita, he was forced to leave her alone and come in search of Rama. Rama and Lakshmana returned to Parnashala and could not find Sita. They searched for Sita extensively but their effort was in vain. Rama worried a lot, losing courage he wept for Sita. Lakshmana consoled him and advised elder brother to go in search of Sita with confidence. Rama and Lakshmana moved from place to place and searched inch by inch. They saw some deers. Rama innocently questioned them whether they saw Sita. All deers stood up at a time. Deers walked to some distance towards south and again returned towards Rama. Then Rama understood that Sita was taken away towards south. Rama and Lakshmana continued their walk towards south-west direction. They saw flowers scattered there. Rama recognised those flowers as the ones he had given to Sita. Later they found, the signs of rakshasas feet which were big in size and signs of small feet which were considered to be of Sitas. There were broken parts of chariot. The situation was very fearful. Rama wept loudly stating that nobody was there to protect Sita when she was carried by rakshasa. Lakshmana consoled Rama saying that they should face the circumstances bravely being
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Kshatriyas. They moved forward. They found the old bird, Jatayu bleeding. He informed Rama that Sita was taken away by Ravana forcibly and Ravana cut its wings when he tried to fight Ravana. After narrating the incident Jatayu died of his injuries. Rama was kind enough to perform the funeral of Jatayu who attained Moksha. While Rama and Lakshmana proceeded forward in search of Sita one woman demon caught Lakshmana and demanded to marry her. Lakshmana got angry and cut her nose and ears and breasts. At one place Rama and Laskmana came across an ugly rakshasa namely Kabanda. He had huge and heavy body with one eye. His head and neck were not visible. Face was attached to stomach. He had lengthy hands which could spread over two yojanas. He caught both Rama and Lakshmana in his hands and took them to his mouth. Rama and Lakshmana encouraged each other not to be afraid and planned to cut the hands of the rakshasa . Then they proceeded to cut his hands. Then Kabanda fell down on the ground. Kabanda informed that in his previous life he was handsome and rich. He was a son of Danuvu. He used to harass the sages in disguise. Once he threatened sage Sthoolasharira. The sage got disturbed and cursed Kabanda to become ugly. When Kabanda prayed to show the way to get rid of the curse, sage Sthoolasharira was kind enough and told that the curse would last till Rama cuts his hands. Again, Kabanda attacked Indra with pride having fearsome body. Indra struck him with sword Vajrayudha. Then the head and neck slipped into his stomach. When he prayed to Indra, he too told that his real shape would return to him when his hands were cut by Rama.
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On request of Kabanda, Rama and Lakshmana performed Agnisamskara. Soon, the rakshasa appeared in his true shape and informed Rama to approach vanararaja Sugreeva residing at Rushyamooka parvata. Sugreeva was exiled by his elder brother Vali and was residing at Rushyamooka parvata. Ruma, wife of Sugreeva was also under the control of Vali. The king Vali was forbidden by muni Matanga to come over to the area of Rushyamooka parvata. On directions from Kabanda, Rama and Lakshmana proceeded in westerly direction and reached ashrama of Sabari, an old woman. She was a stauch devotee of Rama. On instructions of Guru Matanga muni, she waited for Ramas arrival anxiously. She was serving all the Rushis with devotion and gained their love and affection. Sabari welcomed Rama and Lakshmana with affection and offered sweet fruits to them. Rama praised her sincerity and her efforts to attain salvation. With permission of Rama she renounced life and attained Moksha.

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CHAPTER - 4
Rama and Lakshmana proceeded towards Rushyamooka parvatha searching for Sugreeva. Sugreeva saw two people wandering in the forest with bows and arrows. He was apprehensive as he suspected them to be the spies of Vali. The trustworthy follower Hanuman came to Sugreeva and asked the reason for his restlessness. On reassuring Sugreeva, Hanuman approached Rama and Lakshmana in disguise as an ascetic. Hanuman sat on knees and folded hands humbly paying respects to Rama. He introduced himself as a servant of king Sugreeva. He politely asked Rama and Lakshmana who they were and the reason for their arrival. He came to know that they were sons of Dasharatha, king of Ayodhya and they were in search of Sita. They came over to Rushyamookha parvatam, to meet Sugreeva, to seek his help on Kabandas direction. On hearing to Lakshmana, Hanuman told that Sugreeva was also in need of help of Rama. Sugreeva was deprived of his palace and life partner Ruma, by his elder brother Vali. Rama praised Hanuman for his tactful, smooth and polite manner of enquiry. Rama told Lakshmana that Hanuman was a great scholar and Pundit who knows Rug, Yajur, Sama and Adharvana vedas and grammar (Vyakaranam). Hanuman endeared himself to Rama owing to his great qualities.
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Hanuman took his real shape. He made Rama and Lakshmana to sit on his shoulders and carried them to Raja Sugreeva. Hanuman introduced Rama and Lakshmana to Sugreeva and told that they were their friends and Rama was capable of killing Vali. And Rama was also in need of Sugreevas help to find the whereabouts of his wife Sita. Hanuman told that they were in mutual need of each other. Sugreeva brought a branch of tree and made Rama sit on it. Lakshmana was standing near by. Hanuman immediately brought another branch of tree and offered seat to Lakshmana as well. Hanuman knew how to treat and respect the people. Fire as a witness, Rama and Sugreeva declared their friendship. They took oath to help each other. Rama wanted to know the reason for rivalry between Vali and Sugreeva. Sugreeva narrated the facts that led to enmity between them. A Rakshasa called Mayavi was an enemy of Vali. One night Mayavi came to Kishkinda and challenged Vali for a battle. They fought for some time. Vali proved to be too powerful for Mayavi and he could not stand before Vali for long. He ran away to a far away place and entered in a cave there. Vali chased him and he too entered cave following Mayavi. Sugreeva too followed them. Before entering the cave Vali asked Sugreeva to wait outside the cave until he returns back. Sugreeva waited there for nearly for one year. One day Sugreeva observed blood flowing out from the cave and heard the cries of Vali. Then Sugreeva thought that Vali was killed in the battle and Sugreeva placed a
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huge rock on the entrance of the cave blocking the way out to keep Mayavi holed up inside. Then Sugreeva returned to Kishkinda and his ministers pressurised him to occupy the chair of Kingdom. Relunctantly he agreed and took charge of Kishkinda in the absence of Vali. Surprisingly one day Vali returned to Kishkinda and he was very angry with Sugreeva. Sugreeva explained true facts to him that led to his coronation. But Vali did not believe the words of Sugreeva and beat Sugreeva almost to death. Sugreeva escaped narrowly from his hands and took shelter in Rushyamooka Parvata to where Vali and his followers cannot go as they were forbidden by the Matanga Muni. Sugreeva narrated another incident of fight between Vali and Rakshasa Dundibi. Dundibi was arrogant that no one could defeat him in a fight. He invited the Sagara for a fight. Sagara informed that he was unable to face as he was protecting many creatures in waters. He told that mountain Himalaya was suitable for fight with Dundubi. Dundubi went to Himalaya and challenged him for a fight. Mountain Himalaya said that he was providing shelter to many a sage, trees and rivers. So he was not ready for a fight. He told Dundibi to go to Vali as he was probably the only one fit enough to fight him. Then Dundubi went to Kishkinda and challenged Vali for a fight. A tough fight took place between them and Vali killed Dundibi. Vali threw his body to a distance of one yojana. The drops of blood fell in the ashrama of Matanga Muni. Matanga Muni saw this and cursed the persons responsible for
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the incident that they would die when they enter the premises of the ashrama. Since then Vali and his men were afraid of entering the premises of Rushyamooka parvatha where Sugreeva took shelter. After hearing to these facts, Rama promised to kill Vali. Still Sugreeva doubted the valour of Rama Again Sugreeva informed Rama that Vali was able to go round the earth and worship Goddess Gayatri in four directions early in the morning. Sugreeva also mentioned that Vali was capable of felling seven sala vruksha at a time. Then Rama felt that it was necessary to establish faith in the mind of his friend Sugreeva. He threw the skeleton of Dundubhi with his toe to a distance of ten yojanas. Sugreeva told that Vali was able to throw the heavy body filled with blood and flesh. Next Sugreeva wanted Rama to demolish one tree using only one arrow. Rama demolished seven trees at a stretch with single arrow. The feat shown by Rama satisfied Sugreeva. Sugreeva gained full confidence in Rama. He prayed to Rama and asked to excuse him for having expressed doubts on his valour. He wanted Rama to save him from Vali immediately. On advice of Rama, Sugreeva went and invited Vali for fight. Rama was hiding behind a tree watching the fight between vanara brothers along with Lakshmana and Hanuman. Rama waited for an opportune moment to launch the arrow on Vali. But it was difficult for him to recognise Vali as both of them resembled each other in size and shape. Sugreeva was almost beaten to death by Vali and narrowly escaped and ran away.
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Sugreeva questioned Rama as to why he could not kill Vali. Rama replied that Vali and Sugreeva were same in shape and actions. They resembled each other in every aspect. So he could not release the arrow lest he shoot Sugreeva by mistake. Rama ordered Lakshmana to put a garland around Sugreevas neck. Again Sugreeva went to Vali and challenged him for a fight. Rama, Lakshmana and Hanuman waited behind the tree. Vali with unbounded rage rose for the fight. Tara, wife of Vali tried to obstruct Vali to go for fight. She told that there must be something afoot as it did not make sense for Sugreeva to challenge him again and again though he got deadly blows. She told that Sugreeva was blessed by Rama. Rama was nothing but the Avatara of MahaVishnu. But Vali truned a deaf ear to his wife Tara and fought with Sugreeva fiercely. While vanara brothers were fighting, Rama shot a powerful arrow at Vali. Immedietly Vali fell down to earth. Rama came to Vali and tried to console him. Vali blamed Rama for killing him hiding behind the tree. Vali told Rama that had Rama requested him he would have punished Ravana suitably and got back Sita to Rama within no time. Rama was calm, and peaceful. He convinced Vali with soft words that he had expelled his brother Sugreeva and made Sugreevas wife his own. As a representative of king Bharata it was his duty to punish and kill wrong-doers in the interest of peace in kingdom. Vali realised that he had committed sins and begged Rama for forgiveness. Rama consoled Tara who was in grief and asked
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Rama to kill and send her to her husband. Hanuman also consoled Tara and told her to look after the welfare of their son Angada, and help him lead all the vanaras. On instructions from Rama, Sugreeva performed obsequies to Vali. Rama could not go to Kishkinda to crown Sugreeva as he should not step into a town or village till the vanavasa is completed. Hanuman and other vanara leaders went to Kishkinda to crown Sugreeva as king and Angada as Yuvaraja. Tara also lived with Sugreeva along with Ruma as his wife. As it was rainy season, it was not the suitable time to engage an enemy in war. It was not possible to go in search of Sita, during rainy season. Rama told Sugreeva to take up the task to search Sita as soon as the rainy season comes to an end. Sugreeva had lust for women and power. He was leading a luxurious life with two wives. He had forgotten the pledge made to Rama. He failed to take steps to search Sita as per promise though the rainy season came to an end. The season of early snow called Sharatkala began. Sharatkala is known for beauty of the nature which provokes the lust for luxurious life. Hanuman once reminded Sugreevas duty. Then Sugreeva ordered his warriors to assemble. Rama was eager to find Sita. The negligence on the part of Sugreeva forced Rama to warn Sugreeva severely through Lakshmana stating that Sugreeva also would join his brother, if he neglects his duty. Lakshmana walked to Kishkinda. He was very furious.
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Sugreeva was afraid of Lakshmana and could not face him directly. Sugreeva was in a drunken state. Sugreeva knew the tactfulness of Tara and he asked her to talk to Lakshmana. Tara approached Lakshmana and informed that Sugreeva had lust for women and power. He was not satisfied with the life spent so far as he was deprived of a real life for long time. Sugreeva was not at fault as it was common for everybody to lead a luxurious life. However he had already ordered the leaders of vanaras and the army to assemble and be ready to search for Sita as promised by him. Thus Tara convinced Lakshmana of Sugreevas sincerity. Sugreeva also followed Lakshmana and met Rama with humbleness. Once again he expressed his determination in searching for Sita. All battalions of Vanaras stood before Sugreeva and Rama.They were numbered in crores. They were ready to take up the task and were waiting for orders of the King Sugreeva, who asked Rama to give directions to Vanaras to proceed further. Rama told that it was the duty of King Sugreeva to issue suitable orders to his subordinates. Always Rama stood for Dharma. Sugreeva narrated and described all the places to be searched with utmost care and he mentioned all secrets of all places to Vanaras proceeding to take up work. Rama was surprised about the extent of geographical knowledge that Sugreeva possessed. Rama asked Sugreeva how he attainted that level of geographical knowledge about borders and territories. Sugreeva replied that he rushed up place to place when he was hunted by his brother Vali with no place left for shelter. Thus he
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came across all the places and came to know of their importance. Sugreeva divided his companions into divisions. Crores of vanaras who were strong and capable awaited directions from Sugreeva. Sugreeva ordered vanara Vinatha to East, Hanuman and others to South under the leadership of Angada, Sushena to West and Satavali to North and they proceeded with innumerable vanaras in tow in search of Sita. Rushaba, Mainda, Dvivida, Vijaya, Gandhamadhana, Ulkamuka, Asanga, Hanumantha and Jambhavanta were main leaders of the force. Sugreeva ordered the leaders to return to Kishkinda within a month. Otherwise, they would be sentenced to death. All groups of Vanaras proceeded as per directions issued to them under their leaders. Three groups of Vanaras went towards east, north and west, returned within right time to Kishkinda without fruitful result. While sending Hanuman, towards south under the leadership of Angada, Rama gave his ring as a sign of identity to Hanuman as Ramas expectations on Hanuman were high that he would be able to detect whereabouts of Sita. Rama knew the capacity of Hanuma. The batallion under the leadership of Angada reached southern part of Vindhya parvata in search of Sita. They were hungry and thirsty. They were in need of food and water. They saw a cave from which birds were coming out with wet wings. They thought that there was water available in the cave. As per the suggestion of Hanuma, all vanaras entered the cave which was covered with thick darkness. All vanaras one by one in queue, hand in hand entered the dark cave. At one particular point, they
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found a light shining brightly. That place exuded peace. Then they saw some palaces . They saw a lady sitting in a halo of light. She wore the skin of deer. Hanuman went to her humbly holding hands and asked her who she was. She replied that her name was Swayamprabha. She informed that cave belongs to Hema, a dancer of devaloka. She was loved by Maya who built up the golden palace. Hema too loved Maya, a sculptor. Indra did not tolerate Hemas love for Maya. Indra killed Maya. He gifted the golden palace to Hema. In turn, Hema handed over the golden palace to Swayamprabha. Swayamprabha was kind enough to spare food, fruits and water to vanaras who were hungry and thirsty. All vanaras felt happy and grateful for food and water. Hanuman narrated the incidents to Swayamprabha that took place that led ultimately to search of Sita. He expressed gratitude for help extended to them. On Hanumans request, she directed all vanaras to the shore of sea called Mahadadi. The time fixed for their return by Sugreeva had expired when the vanaras were in the cave of Swayamprabha. Angada, son of Vali, was afraid that his uncle Sugreeva would kill all vanaras because they failed to return back to Sugreeva on time. He decided to leave life (prayopavesam). He was supported by some other colleagues like Tara. Hanuma disliked the decision of Angada who wanted to do prayopavesam because Hanuman considered this course of action to be cowardly. Hanuman advised Angada to withdraw his plan and instead redouble his efforts to find Sita. After detection of Sita, Sugreeva certainly would appreciate
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Angada and his followers. Angada turned a deaf ear to Hanuman and sat on grass to end his life. There was one old eagle called Sampaati. He heard the conversation taking place between Angada and Hanuma from which he understood that his brother Jatayuvu was dead when he obstructed Ravana. Eagle Sampaati told vanaras that Jatayuvu was his brother. One day two brothers tried to fly up in the sky and reached the sun. Jatayuvu could not resist the hotness of the sun and was about to fall down. Then Sampaati, the elder brother tried to save him by spreading his wings widely on his brother. The wings of Sampaati were burnt by the hotness of the sun and he fell down on the shore of Mahadadi. He was unable to move from place to place because of his burnt wings. He requested the vanaras to carry him to sea shore so as to enable him to perform Tarpana to Jatayuvu. Sampaati again told the vanaras who were depressed, when he tried to commit suicide, the Nishakara maharishi informed those wings that he lost could be gained back when he helps to Rama in search of Sita. Sampaati with his divine vision informed that Sita was carried away by Ravana to his kingdom, Lanka. And Sita was under the watch of demons in his palace. Lanka was far away, a hundred yojanas from that place. One should cross the sea spread over one hundred yojanas to find Sita. As soon as Sampaati
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informed the fact of Sita, he got his wings back and flew away. With this fruitful insight, Angada and others gained confidence and decided to continue searching for Sita. No vanara was able to cross the distance of one hundred yojanas at a stretch. Angada was able to cross the sea spread over one hundred yojanas at one time. But he expressed his inability to return back. Jambavanta, the old bear told that he went round the entire earth and did pradakshina of Vamana when Bali Chakravarty was dethroned. But it was when Jambavanta was young. But now, he was unable to cross the sea due to old age. Jambavanta knew the strength of Hanuma who sat alone. He went to Hanuma and helped him to recollect the extent of his abilities. Hanuman was cursed by rushis to forget his power and ability till others remind him. In his boyhood Hanuma was disturbing the tapas of rushis with silly behaviour. Hanuman was naughty in boyhood. He had forgotten his past and behaved as a commoner due to curse of Rushis.

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CHAPTER - 5
Jambavanta alerted him and asked to take up the task immediately. With recollection of past Hanuman rose to the occasion. He pressed the mountain Mahendra with feet and flew up in the sky. The force was so great that as soon as it happened, the trees, mountains, wild animals, the entire nature became chaotic. Hanuman prayed to Rama in mind and said that he would travel like an arrow of Rama straight to Lanka to achieve the goal. Hanuman travelled from north to south which was a bad omen for Lanka. Hanuman was blessed by Surya who protected him from his hotness. The wind felt cool to him. While Hanuma was crossing the ocean, Sagara called on Mynaka mountain and asked him to offer grand reception to Hanuman. The existence of Sagara was due to the king of Ikshvaka dynasty named Sagara Chakravarty. Mountain Mynaka was also rescued by Vayudeva, the father of Hanuma. To express their gratitude to Hanuma, who was on the work of Rama, the ocean Sagara asked Mynaka to invite Hanuma as a guest and respect him. Hanuman respectfully denied the invitation offered by Sagara through Mynaka and touched the mountain Mynaka with hand and told that it was not the proper time to accept invitations and waste time. He informed that he would not take rest till he found Sita. While Hanuman was crossing the ocean , he was obstructed by Surasa, a Nagadevata on request of Gods to test the sincerity and honesty of Hanuman. Surasa changed
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her shape as a Rakshasa and stopped Hanuman and asked him to become food for her. Hanuman promised her that he would become food for her on return journey and prayed her to let him proceed. But she did not agree and insisted that he become her food immediately as per the boon granted by God Brahma. Then Hanuman spread his body to hundred yojanas. Surasa also opened mouth to the extent of hundred yojanas. Quickly Hanuman shortened his body to thumb size. He entered her mouth and came out within a moment without giving scope to close her mouth. Surasa appeared in her real shape and appreciated the timely thinking of Hanuman. She blessed Hanuman and wished him success in his efforts. Again Hanuman was obstructed by a Demon called Chayagrahi. She pulled Hanuman with all her strength downwards. He faced difficulty to move ahead. He observed that some unknown devilish power was pulling him down. He recollected the words of Sugreeva who warned the danger of Simhika. He understood that Simhika was pulling him down and he attacked her. Simhika raised her body and opened mouth wide. Hanuman within no time entered her mouth and gave a death blow to her and she instantly lost life. Finally, Hanuman reached Lanka crossing the Ocean. He enjoyed the beauty of Lanka. To escape the attention of the Rakshsas, he reduced himself to the size of a cat. Inspite of his efforts, he could not escape the attention of Lankini, the protector of Lanka. She roared up and questioned him as to who he was?
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Hanuman asked her to allow him to enter the city and enjoy its beauty. She did not permit him and struck a blow to Hanuman. In turn he also struck a strong blow and she fell down. She appreciated Hanuman and told him as per verdict of Bramha her defeat would cause the demolition of Lanka and its public and rulers. Hanuman climbed the wall and jumped inside the Lanka. He put left leg on the floor of Lanka which was a bad thing for Lanka. That was night. The moon was shining in the sky. Hanuman paid namaskarams to moon who showered coolness and bright light to help Hanuman in his search for Sita. Hanuman felt happy for the help extended by the God Moon. Hanuman searched for Sita every inch in the palaces in the Lanka, guarded by a huge army of soldiers. The Demons of all shapes and sizes, tall, short, stout and of odd appearances were armed with deadly weapons and were patrolling in all directions of Lanka. The city of Lanka was located on Trikutadri. It was adorned with diamonds, pearls and rubies. There were a number of palanquins, chariots, elephants, horses and a variety of vehicles in Lanka. Hanuman entered the palace where wives of Ravana were sleeping. It was midnight. The beautiful women were lying on their rich beds in deep slumber. Their valuable and shining ornaments and clothes were in disarray. They seemed to be tired after Kamakeli. He searched the residences of Vibheeshana, Mahodara, Virupaksha, Sarana, Jambumali, Indrajith etc for Sita. Inspite of his sharp vision and thorough search he could not trace the whereabouts of Sita. Hanuman got
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disappointed and depressed. His thoughts had gone to the extent of suspecting the demise of Sita. Again and again he thought if Sita were dead , Rama would not live. Consequently Lakshmana and their other two brothers, their mothers would not be able to live after hearing this news. Hanuman wanted to end his life. Again he recollected the words of old eagle bird Sampaati that Sita was alive in Lanka. He came to a conclusion that it would be better to be a Taapasi instead dead. Hanuman lastly decided atleast to kill Ravana, if he failed to find Sitas whereabouts. For a minute he meditated. He prayed to Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, Indra, Agni and other deities. Then he got an idea to search in a garden called Ashokavana which was left unsearched. He entered and sat on a branch of tree Simshupa. He hid on back of leaves. He observed a lady who was alone under a tree, she was very weak and her condition was pitiable. The saree worn by her was old and uncleaned. The ornaments mentioned by Rama were found hanging to the branches of Simshupa tree. Hanuman firmly decided that she was Sita, wife of Rama. She was surrounded by women demons, who were ugly looking. Sita was uninterested in her surroundings. She had her attention neither on demons nor on the nature. Her mind was filled with husband Rama. Heartfully Hanuman paid respects to Sita by folding hands. Sun appeared in the sky, with bright rays. Bramharakshasa recited vedas. Ravana went to Ashokavana along with women to see Sita. He insisted that she marry him and enjoy the glory of his kingdom. He disturbed Sita with unlawful, vulgur language. She felt ashamed of his behaviour.
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Sita treated Ravana lesser than a piece of grass. She picked up a piece of grass and kept in between Ravana and herself. She followed the custom that women should not talk with unrelated man directly. Sita sincerely advised him to be satisfied and live happily with his wives. The desire on women other than wife was like a setting fire to ones clothes. The desire on Ramas wife would cause death to Ravana, his sons, ministers and army. The entire Lanka would be ruined and become burial ground. Sita warned Ravana severely and sincerely advised him to hand her over to Rama and beg for pardon. Ravana got angry and ordered women demons to be strict and act cruelly till Sita agrees for his proposal. But Sita did not pay attention to his threatnings. The demons began to threaten Sita, that they would eat her, if she did not agree to marry Ravana. Sita was disgusted with Ravanas misbehaviour and she tried to hang herself with hair. Then she heard narration of dream of Trijata, and she got confidence and relief. Trijata had a soft corner for Sita. She supported Sita in every aspect. She enligtened other cruel demons with the dream that she got. She narrated the facts she saw in the dream. Sita sat on white mountain amidst the ocean. Then Sri Rama, on great elephant came with Lakshmana and picked up Sita on to the elephant. Sita touched the sun and moon with the hands. Rama travelled in Pushpaka vimaana towards north , which was good sign for Sita.
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On the other hand, Ravanas body was covered with oil. He rolled on earth. He was wearing red dress. He fell down from PushpakaVimana. He was wearing the garland of raintree (ganneru) flowers. He fell down from a chariot drawn by donkeys. Ravana travelled on pig, Indrajit on crocodile and Kumbhakarna on camel travelled towards south. It was a bad omen to Ravana and his Lanka, which drowned in sea, as told by Trijata. The setting of fire to Lanka by Hanuman was also witnessed by Trijata in her dream, which would become true later. Hanuman waited for an opportunity to appear in real shape and to have conversation with Sita. He obsereved that Sita was alone and then he sang a story of Rama in a low voice, which was heard by Sita alone. Sita looked at Simpshupa tree and saw Hanuman singing the song. She was surprised and became unconcious. But she recovered quickly and woke up. She thought that it might be a dream. But she confirmed that it was not a dream as the appearance of vanara was true. And singing a song was also real. In the meanwhile Hanuman got down from the tree and sat on his knees before Sita. Hanuman humbly asked her who she was? She told that she was the daughter-in-law of King Dasaratha and daughter of Janaka and wife of Rama. Hearing to Sita, the heart of Hanuman filled with joy. He introduced himself as Hanuman, devotee of Rama and servant of Sugreeva, the Vanara King. He informed that Rama and Lakshmana were in search of her. He told that Rama is worried for her and he is not taking meat and liquor. He
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was always thinking of Sita.. To satisfy Sita, Hanuman described the structures of bodies with divine qualitities of both Rama and Lakshmana. Hanuman told that he was sent by Rama and Sugreeva in search of Sita. Sita questioned how the man and vanara became friends? Hanuman narrated the facts right from Rama and Sugreeva becoming friends, death of Vali, sending Vanaras in search of Sita and crossing of ocean by him and finding her. Even then Sita doubted the presence of Vanara before her. Then Hanuman showed and handed over the ring given by Rama as a sign of identity. Sita took the Ring and felt happy that Rama was with her. She gained confidence and believed the words of Hanuman. Then she informed Hanuman the harassment of Ravana and the time limit left for her was only two months out of a total one year given by Ravana. She asked Hanuman to bring Rama to her and release her from Lanka. Hanuman asked her to sit on his shoulder so that he would take her to Rama safely. Sita doubted the capability of Hanuman as he was too short. Hanuma felt ashamed of the words of Sita and immediately he expanded his body to the extent of Meru and Mandadri mountains. Sita was surprised seeing the Hanumans body. She consoled Hanuman and expressed regret for the words she spoke. She explained that if she was taken by Hanuman to Rama, the prestige of Rama would be degraded. So Rama himself had to kill the enemy and take her back. She asked Hauman to go back to Rama and send him to Lanka soon. Hanuman was very intelligent. He asked Sita to mention some of the important events took place
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between Rama and herself. Sita narrated the event of the crow namely Jayanta, son of Indra. One day Rama and Sita were in the garden. She was sitting on thigh of Rama. A crow came and began to poke her breast with its nose. While adjusting her girdle, Sita cried loudly and angrily. The crow ran away and again returned when Rama slept on thighs of Sita. The crow began to poke her breast again and again due to which blood came out. With pain Sita woke up Rama and told him about the crow. Rama took a piece of grass and used on the crow as a Brahmastra. It hunted the crow as crow was fleeing from place to place. Crow went to Indra and other deities for protection. But they all expressed inability to save him from Ramas astra. The crow returned back to Rama and prayed for forgiveness. The astra removed one eye of the Crow as astra once used should not go wasted. With kindness of Rama the Crow kept its life but lost one eye as a punishment. After narrating the incident of the Crow as a sweet memory to Rama, Sita gave a jewel called Choodamani as her identity to Rama. Hanuman took it. He wanted to return back to Kishkinda. Before leaving for Kishkinda, Hanuman wanted to know the strength of Ravana and his force. He wanted to know the secrets of Lanka so as to enable Rama and Sugreeva to strategise better for the war. Pramadavanam, a beautiful garden was the first victim of Hanumans wrath. It was much liked by Ravana. Hanuman killed some of the guards who attacked him to save the garden. Some

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of the guards rushed to Ravana and informed the destruction of the garden by a monkey. Ravana sent eighty thousand soldiers to catch and bring the monkey. All the soldiers sent by Ravana were killed by Hanuman. Ravana took the matter seriously and sent Jambumali, son of Prahasta, sons of ministers, and other soldiers like Virupaksha, Yoopaksha, Durdara, Praghasa, Bhasakarna to face Hanuman and they were also killed by him. Aksha Kumara a great warrior attacked Hanuman fiercely and he too lost life. After the death of Aksha Kumara, Indrajit beloved son of Ravana attacked Hanuman. A great battle took place between them. Lastly Indrajit launched Brahmastra on Hanuman who surrendered himself voluntarily respecting the God Brahma. The Rakshasas tied him with ropes and brought him to Ravana in his court. Hanuman wanted to see Ravana and wanted to estimate his strength. When he saw Ravana he was surprised by the handsome figure with strong body. Hanuman introduced himself as the servant of Rama and warned Ravana severely and asked him to hand over Sita with due respect and save Lanka and its people. Ravana got angry and asked his people to kill him. But Vibhishana, brother of Ravana told that it was not fair to kill the ambassador but there were many ways to punish the culprit. Ravana realised the fault and asked to set fire to tail of the Monkey without which it will look ugly and he will be a laughing stock. Rakshasas with great zeal tied clothes to the tail and poured oil on it and set it on fire. Hanuman was taken
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to streets of Lanka to shame him. Hanuman was calm. He wanted to see Lanka in day light and observe its every nook and corner and estimate its strength. Hanuman followed the demons to some distance and after that he threw them away forcefully and jumped up onto the palaces and set fire to them. He jumped from mansion to mansion and set fire to Lanka and turned it to ashes. Sita came to know that fire was set to the tail to Hanuman. She prayed to Agni Deva to be cool to Hanuman. Hence fire neither bothered nor burned Hanuman. Later Hanuman realised and repented that Sita could have been caught in the fire and died. But he immediately consoled himself that fire cannot do any harm to Sita and realised that it was due to her prayer that fire was cool to him and did not burn him. He went to Sitas place where he found her safe. Hanuman decided to return to Kishkinda where his friends and colleagues were waiting anxiously. He climbed up the mountain Aristagiri and moved North from South. On return journey he touched Mountain Mynaka courteously and continued journey. Colleagues heard the loud sound of wind caused flying of Hanuman and felt happy for his return safely. To avoid anxiety to his colleagues, Hanuman cried loudly that he saw Sita. All vanaras were very happy and they proceeded to Sugreeva with Hanuma. On the way they entered into Madhuvanam guarded by Dhadhimukha, a representative of Sugreeva who liked and took care of Madhuvanam with great interest. All vanaras with permission of Hanuman in drunken mood spoiled the trees and
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beauty of vana. They gave blows to Dadhimukha who obstructed their enjoyment. On report of Dadhimukha, Sugreeva felt that it was sign of great achievement by Hanuman. He ordered the vanaras to come and meet him urgently. All vanaras including Hanuman, appeared before Sugreeva. Rama was very anxious to hear the news. Hanuman humbly informed Rama that he saw Sita at Lanka. Her condition was very pitiable and serious. She was eagerly waiting for Ramas arrival. Only one month was left for her to be alive. Hanuman showed Rama the ornament given by Sita. Rama took the jewel sent by Sita and felt the presence of his wife and wept for her in agony. Rama felt that there was no suitable gift to present to Hanuman other than an embrace. As a great reward than any other Rama heartfully embraced Hanuman. Hanuman clearly told the greatness of Lanka with its strength of army, forts and the means of war etc to Rama. Rama decided to raid Lanka without loss of time. That was the auspicious day with star Uttara Phalguni. Next day was Hasta nakshatra.

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CHAPTER - 6
Sugreeva, Angada, Jambavanta, Neela, Hanuman and other great vanaras were present before Rama and Lakshmana and waited for orders. Rama planned the war. At first it was decided that vanara Neela would lead the batallion. The route they would travel should contain trees with fruits and water. Vanaras should be careful to avoid poisonous food and water. Great warriors Rushabha, Kumuda would follow the army led by Neela. Old people, boys, weak persons should stay in Kishkinda. Rama and Lakshmana would occupy the shoulders of Hanuman and Angada respectively. Raja Sugreeva would travel by palanquin carried by carriers. Sharp nails and teeth were preferred weapons of vanaras who reached and occupied the area of sea shore on north side. They saw Vibhishana standing in the sky along with his four followers. Vibhishana informed vanaras that he came over to get protection from Rama. Rama consulted important leaders whether to allow him to stay with them. Some of the leaders like Shambhu, Angada, Mainda expressed doubt about admitting Vibhishana into Ramas army as he belonged to rival party. They told that no one should be believed at this juncture when war preparations were on. Rama could not take any decision. He asked Hanumans opinion. Hanuman replied that it was upto Ramas will and pleasure to allow Vibhishana in the party. He told that Rama was sarvagna. There was nothing unknown to Rama. Vibhishana though from rival party was good. He was a follower
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and staunch supporter of Dharma. Vibhishana defied his brother Ravana and requested asylum from Rama. Hanuman informed that it was not the time to point out the loopholes or mistakes of a person who came for asylum. Lastly, he left the decision to Rama. Rama was kind enough to bless Vibhishana and gave abhaya and granted protection. Rama announced firmly that it was his pledge to excuse and protect people who come to him seeking pardon. Even if Ravana comes to him seeking raksha he would be protected. Vibhishana became a devotee of Rama. He stood as a strong soldier, clever and active advisor in Ramas batallion. He served and helped Rama wilfully through out his career. The landing of Rama at the shore of ocean was brought to the notice of Ravana through spy Shardula. Ravana sent Shuka to Sugreeva to turn him to his side leaving Rama. But Sugreeva refused Ravanas proposal. Sugreeva and Hanuman asked Vibhishana to suggest a way to cross the ocean. Vibhishana suggested Rama to pray to Sagara to give the way to cross the ocean.Vibhishana told the existence of Sagara was due to the kindness of Sagara Chakravarty of Ikshvaku vamsa. Rama sat on a bed of grass and prayed to Sagara for three days for which there was no response from Sagara. Rama fiercely warned Sagara and picked up arrow to punish him. Immediately Sagara with folded hands stood before Rama and advised that only vanara Nala was able to construct the bridge on ocean as he was blessed by his father Viswakarma, a godly sculptor. Rama led the arrow picked up to punish the race
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of thieves Druvyakulyam, in which the water was completely dried and a great hole was formed. Thus the arrow was not wasteful. Nala began to construct the bridge on the sea. Vanaras carried mountains, trees and threw into the sea. They constructed the bridge to the extent of fourteen yojanas, twenty yojanas, twenty one yojanas, twenty two and twenty three yojanas on first, second, third, fourth and fifth day respectively. They constructed bridge on the sea to the tune of one hundred yojanas only in five days. Vibhishana walked in front of the army with a sword in hand to detect any foe on the way. The army followed him. Rama and Lakshmana sat on the shoulders of Sugreeva and Angada respectively. Rama declared war on Lanka. He divided the army into batches and positioned them at specific places. Angada and Nala stood at the center of the army, Rushabha on right, Gandamadhana stood on the left side. Rama and Lakshmana stayed on the main part of the army. Rama planned Garudavyuham. Jambavanta and Sushena were staged at important places. Shuka who was arrested was let free by Rama with instructions to watch the army and tell to Ravana the greatness of his army. Again Shuka and Sarana came in disguise to watch the batallions of Rama and were caught by Vibhishana. Even then Rama was kind enough to leave them unhurt. On hearing strength, firmness and kindness of Rama, Ravana was afraid to some extent. Ravana was not satisfied with information secured so far. Again he sent spy Shardula to collect more information regarding Rama and Sugreeva and their army.
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Shardula observed the ability of the army and told to Ravana to withdraw from the war and make friendship with Rama as it was not easy to win over them. But Ravana refused to listen to his good words. Ravana had a crooked plan to deceive and threaten Sita. He showed the head and bow of Rama to Sita with the assistance of Vidhyujhwa rakshasa. The head and arrow were artificial. But Sita believed that they were real and got disturbed. She wept for a while. Sarama, wife of Vibhishana was a devotee of Rama. She informed Sita that Rama and Lakshmana were safe and alive. This was a stage scene created by Ravana who did not care for the words of old demon Avidda to free Sita. Thus Sarama consoled Sita. The ministers of Vibhishana namely Anala, Sharabha, Sampaati, Praghana went to Lanka and found the secrets of Lankas army. Lanka was spread over hundred yojanas. It was located on the peak of a mountain. It was guarded by a strong force. Ravana stood on the highest mansion observing the Ramas army. Ravana attracted the looks of Sugreeva. Sugreeva jumped to the mansion and caught Ravanas neck and he threw the crown of Ravana in dust. Bitter fight took place between them. Ravana could not control Sugreeva. Ravana used maya and trapped Sugreeva but Sugreeva narrowly escaped and came back. Rama
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warned him not to be adventurous and undertake risky measures without planning as he could not tolerate if any bad happened to Sugreeva. Sugreeva regretted his hasty actions. As a last resort Rama sent Angada to Ravana for negotiations. Rama followed political morality and Dharma but due to Ravanas arrogance war became unavoidable. Finally war started. Crores of vanaras suffered blows from dreadful weapons, trees and rocks while rakshasas suffered bites of sharp teeth and nails of monkeys. Demon Pragnana died in the hands of Sampaati. Hanuman killed Jambumalini. Nala killed Pratapana. Agniketu, Rashmiketu, Suptagna were killed by Rama. Vajramushti, Nikumbhasura, Ashaniprabhu, Vidyunmalini were killed by vanaras Mainda, Neela, Dvividha, Sushena respectively. Angada attacked Indrajit, son of Ravana. The fight between them was fierce. Angada demolished the chariot and killed the horses of Indrajit. The driver of the chariot was dead. Indrajit who was seriously injured sought for the help of magic. He launched Nagastra on Rama and Lakshmana who were tied by it and fell down unconsciously. The other vanaras could not find where Indrajit was who was invisible. Sugreeva lost courage. All his followers were worried. Indrajit returned to Lanka and announced the demise of Rama and Lakshmana. He ordered to celebrate enemys death ceremony in Lanka. Hearing the bad news, Sita was afraid and
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began to weep. On instructions of Ravana, Sita was taken to the place where Rama and Lakshmana were laid down unconsciously. All vanaras were weeping and they were helpless. After sometime, Rama gained consciousness. He too was worried for his brother Lakshmana whom Rama valued more than his wife or kingdom as he was right hand to him. Lakshmana was a outer life of Rama. Rama told that he would not return to Ayodhya without brother Lakshmana. Vibhishana also worried much. Garutmanta called, God Garuda, came over there and touched Rama and Lakshmana. Lakshmana came to consciousness and wounds of both brothers were healed. The news that Rama and Lakshmana recovered from the effect of Nagastra reached Ravana. He was surprised and sent Dhumraksha to fight against Rama. Dhumraksha died in the hands of Hanuma. Angada killed Vajradanshtra. Kumuda, Nala, Mynda had tight fight with rakshasas. Rakshasa Akampana raised fiercely to the occasion and tortured vanaras. Hanuman picked up a big tree with roots and beat him on his head and killed Akampana. Another great warrior Prahasta was appointed as head of army by Ravana. He was followed by ministers, warriors Narantaka, Kumbahana, Mahanadha, Samunnata. They faced bad omens which were neglected by them. They had fearsome battle with vanaras. Dvividha, Durmukha, Jambavanta, Tara killed rakshasas Narantaka, Samunnata, Mahanadha, Kumbahana respectively. The loss of followers made Prahasta angry and he started to kill vanaras vengefully. Vanara Neela beat Prahasta with big rock on
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head and Prahasta died. The death of Prahasta shook Ravana and he was afraid. Ravana accompanied by his son Akampana, Indrajit and great charioteer Atikaya and others, Mahodara, Pishacha, Trisura, Kumbhasura, Nikumbha, son of Kumbhakarna reached battle field. Sugreeva faced Ravana at first. Sugreeva threw a tree at Ravana who in turn hurt Sugreeva with sharp arrow. Sugreeva fell down losing consciousness. The vanaras Gavaya, Gavaksha, Sudanshtra, Rushabha and Jyotirmukha, Nabha attacked Ravana at a stretch. But it was in vain. All other vanaras gathered around Rama and sought protection. Rama prepared himself to face enemy Ravana. But Lakshmana asked brother to permit him to face Ravana. Lakshmana attacked Ravana with limitless anger. Rama warned Lakshmana to be careful while dealing with Ravana as he was clever, bold and tactful warrior and warned Lakshmana to watch for the lapses of Ravana and make use of them. This was the good quality of Rama to praise greatness of enemy and recognise it where warranted. With blessings of Rama, Lakshmana reached battlefield and attacked Ravana directly. In the meanwhile, Hanuman intervened and got a strong blow on chest by Ravana. Hanuman was shaken by the blow for a minute. Immediately he too retaliated with a death blow with his strong palm to Ravana. Ravana was also shaken like a mountain hit by earthquake. Ravana praised the capacity of Anjaneya.
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Vanara Neela climbed up and sat on the crown of Ravana and began to jump here and there. Witnessing the scene, Rama and Lakshmana were surprised. Ravana used Agneyastra to get rid of Neela, which made Neela to fall down with a great injury. Now Lakshmana faced Ravana who tortured him with sharp arrows and astras granted by Brahma. In turn Lakshmana made Ravana suffer till he became senseless. Again Ravana got up and launched a powerful weapon called Shakti on Lakshmana and Lakshmana became unconscious and fell down. Ravana tried to lift Lakshmana and take him to his place. But it was not possible. Ravana failed to lift Lakshmana as he was avatara of Adisesha. Hanuman observed the situation and beat Ravana on the chest hurting him badly. Hanuman lifted Lakshmana and carried him to Ramas shelter. After gaining consciousness, Ravana became violent and created chaos among the vanaras. Vanaras tried to run away from the field. Rama decided to attack Ravana. Rama sat on the shoulder of Hanuman. Rama demolished the chariot and killed the horses of Ravana. The flag of Ravana was cut down. Charioteer was no more. The bow slipped and fell down from the hands of Ravana. The status of Ravana was degraded and he was helpless. Then Rama gave a golden opportunity to Ravana to think again and again to choose good and worthy path. But Ravana chose the wrong path which led him to horrible and terrifying death. Rama told Ravana who was tired in war and unable to stay firmly to go back and return next day, prepared freshly with all equipment and accessories to fight with him. It
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was a great and untolerable insult to a real warrior like Ravana. There was no other choice to Ravana except to accept the challenge thrown by his rival. Ravana returned home with shame. He recollected all his cruel activities like insulting women like Vedavati, Rambha and killing the Ikshvaku dynasty king Anaranya who cursed him to die in the hands of king of Ikshvaku dynasty. He was bitterly afraid of Rama. But he failed to realise the Dharma and its influence. It was his bad fate which led to not only his horrible death but also the demolition of entire Lanka and its people. Kumbhakarna was the brother of Ravana. He had a huge body and he was ugly looking. At a time he used to sleep for a period of six, seven and nine months. When he was woken up it was common for him to eat heaps of rice, a number of animals as food and big vessels of liquor and raw blood for fluids. Kumbhakarna had gone to sound sleep just nine days prior to the day Ravana was insulted by Rama in the war. Ravana ordered to wake him up so as to be sent to war. Soldiers tried very hard to wake him up. They made loud voices with beating drums near his ears. They bit his ears. But he did not get up. They made thousands of elephants walk on his rough body. They poured water into his ears. But Kumbhakarna had no sensation. Lastly with great difficulty they succeeded to get him to wake up. He was very hungry and thirsty. He ate food, meat and swallowed blood, liquor in huge quantities. He was informed that
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his elder brother Ravana was waiting for him. Immediately Kumbhakarna was present before Ravana who ordered him to wage a war against Rama and his army. Kumbhakarna preached few good and right words to Ravana to surrender Sita to Rama and save Lanka and its people. But Ravana blamed Kumbhakarna with harsh words. But for obliging elder brother Ravana, Kumbhakarna entered the battlefield fiercely. Looking at his huge and ugly body, vanaras were frightened and began to run away. Kumbhakarna caught and put tens and hundreds of vanaras into his wide mouth. Vanaras Dvividha, Hanuman jumped on Kumbhakarna. Kumbhakarna made Hanuman suffer by using weapon Shakti. Angada hurt Kumbhakarna with lance. Kumbhakarna was injured. In turn, he kicked Angada strongly with palm. Sugreeva attacked Kumbhakarna but could not stay before him. Kumbhakarna returned to Lanka carrying Sugreeva in his armpit. Sugreeva was unconscious for some time. When Kumbhakarna was stepping into Lanka, Sugreeva got up and bit ears and nose of the rakshasa, who lost stability. Sugreeva slipped and escaped from clutches of Kumbhakarna and jumped to the place where vanaras and Rama waited for his return. Hanuman, being a servant could not attack Kumbhakarna to get Sugreeva released lest his masters prestige is lessened. Kumbhakarna got irritated and ate number of vanaras. Lakshmana faced him. Kumbhakarna did not care for Lakshmana and attacked Rama directly. Rama cut his two hands with Indrastra.
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Even then, Kumbhakarna tried to catch Rama. Rama cut his two legs and filled his wide mouth with arrows. Kumbhakarna lost life to Indrastra used by Rama. The head of Kumbhakarna fell in the city of Lanka and body into the sea. The death of Kumbhakarna made Ravana sad. Trisura, Atikaya, Narantaka, Devantaka rose ferociously and attacked vanaras with double strength. Narantaka, Devantaka, Mahodara were killed by Angada, Hanuman and Neela respectively. Hanuman killed Trisura with his own sword. Rushabha killed Mahaparshva. Atikaya fought with Lakshmana who killed him with Brahmastra. Hearing about the death of his sons and followers, Ravana could notice the power and vigour of Rama. Ravana was losing courage. He felt sorry for not having heard the well wishing words of Vibhishana who was exiled. Only one son, Indrajit was alive for Ravana. He was capable of miracles and maya. He injured Gandamadhana with eight arrows, Nala with nine arrows, Mynda with seven arrows, Gaja with five arrows. Vanaras were unable to face him. Indrajit who was invisible poured powerful arrows on Rama and Lakshmana. He used Brahmastra on Rama and Lakshmana for which they had high respect. Respecting Brahmastra, Rama and Lakshmana stood silent and fell down on earth losing consciousness. Indrajit returned to Lanka with pride and informed father that Rama and Lakshmana were dead and all vanaras also fell down on earth. Vibhishana, Hanuman searched for other soldiers with lights in their hands. Vibhishana found Jambavanta
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who was lying down and enquired his welfare. Jambavanta at first questioned whether Hanuman was alive and safe. Vibhishana questioned Jambavanta as to why he was enquiring about only Hanumanta leaving aside Rama and Lakshmana. Jambavanta replied that if Hanuman was alive all vanaras were with life. If Hanuman was not safe the safety of all vanaras was questionable. This indicates the importance and value of Hanuman in Ramayana. In the meanwhile, Hanuma reached Jambavanta and stood at his feet with folded hands. Jambavanta felt happy on hearing to Hanuman and told him to go to a mountain containing Ayurvedic medicinal trees. That mountain was located in between Vrushabhagiri and peak of Kailasa. The medicines were MrutaSanjivini (life-giving), Vishalya Karani(the power giving to move after getting life), Sandhana Karani ( medicine to heal the wounds and make skin normal), Savarna Karani (medicine which wipes out scars and increases the beauty of skin). Jambavanta instructed Hanuman to proceed to a particular mountain and get the medicines without loss of time to save Rama and Lakshmana. Hanuman flew to the mountain but he could not detect the trees of medicines which were hidden. Hanuman had no second thought and he picked up the entire mountain and carried it to their camp. As soon as mountain arrived, with a whiff of wind blowing on the medicines, Rama and Lakshmana got up. Rama ordered Sugreeva to set fire to Lanka. The Lanka was burnt to ashes. Knowing the fact that Rama and Lakshmana were alive, Indrajit

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returned to battlefield. Prior to arrival of Indrajit, Kumbha and Nikumbha, sons of Kumbhakarna and Makaraksha fought and died in the field. Indrajit wanted to lessen the courage of Rama and Lakshmana, he killed a black goat. The arrows used by Rama and Lakshmana were in vain. Lakshmana wanted to smash all demons with Brahmastra. Rama stopped Lakshmana by saying that it was not fair to kill all the rakshasas and innocent people for ones fault. Indrajit was their only aim. He should be punished. This shows the magnanimity of Rama who followed Dharma even in the battlefield. Knowing the mind of Rama, Indrajit returned to Lanka. He wanted to create chaos among the enemies with a dreadful scene. He caught the hair of maya Sita and cut her head in the presence of vanaras. Hanuman witnessed the scene and wept. Hanuman informed Rama of the cruel scene he saw. Rama also became nervous and began to weep for Sita not knowing the crooked plan of enemy. Vibhishana brought the reality to the notice of Rama and told that it was a trick played by Indrajit to deceive and lessen the courage of rival. It was only maya played by Indrajit. Sita was safe in Ashoka vana. Vibhishana informed Rama that Indrajit wanted to gain time to perform worship of Nikumbila devi, due to influence of whom nobody could defeat him. Indrajit started worship of Nikumbhila. Lakshmana with Vibhishana, Hanuman and other leaders reached the place of Homa and waged war on demons guarding the Homa. Hearing the commotion among the demons, Indrajit got disturbed. Thus,

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Nikumbhila Homa was distrupted in the middle. Indrajit was overwhelmed by unexpected hindrance to Nikumbhila Homa. He attacked Lakshmana with great displeasure. Hanuman got Lakshmana seated on his shoulder. They severely and seriously injured each other. Their bodies were covered with sharp pointed arrows and a bloody battle continued. Indrajit blamed his uncle for having released the secrets of kith and kin to enemy. Vibhishana replied that he was on right path and he committed no sin. And he advised Indrajit to apologise to Rama. The horses of Indrajit were stolen by vanaras, Pramadi and Sharabha, Rabhasa and Gandamadhana. Indrajit got down from chariot. He wanted to use the powerful astra called Shakti on Vibhishana, but Lakshmana broke down the Shakti astra used by Indrajit who went back to get another chariot. Indrajit used a powerful astra granted by Yama and Lakshmana in turn used astra granted by Kubera on Indrajit. Both astras were in vain. Lakshmana thought that divine power is needed to kill the opponent. Then he took pledge on Rama saying if Rama is follower of Dharma, truthness and a great warrior, let the enemy be killed by this arrow. Pledging on Rama, he left the arrow on Indrajit. The arrow cut the head of Indrajit who lost his life. Soon Rama took Lakshmana to his heart and appreciated his vigour and wisdom. Rama appreciated Vibhishana and Hanuman for their timely help. Hearing the news of demise of his lovely son Indrajit, Ravana became inconsolable. He went to Ashoka vanam to kill Sita. Sita was afraid that she would really be killed by Ravana. A
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gentle minister namely Suparshva diverted the mind of Ravana saying that it was not proper to kill a woman. If he was a real warrior he should kill Rama and marry Sita. Ravana sent a large number of soldiers with deadly weapons to attack Rama. Rama was very furious. Vanaras pulled the weapons from hands of rakshasas and killed them with their own weapons. Rama killed demons in countless numbers. Rama appeared to each rakshasa as a separate person. They were unable to understand how Rama was using and leaving the arrows and how quickly they were hitting the rakshasas. Rama alone demolished eighteen thousand elephants, ten thousand chariots, fourteen thousand horses and lakhs of infantry, within a one and a half hour. Ravana entered the battlefield from north in a chariot which was pulled by eight horses. His left eye and left shoulder trembled and this was a bad omen. But he did not care for bad omens. Virupaksha and Mahodara both lost lives in the hands of Sugreeva. Angada killed Mahaparsva. Ravana looked on Rama and poured a group of arrows on the forehead of Rama. The arrows released from Ausurastra were with mouths of lions, tigers, eagles, crows, foxes and suffered Rama much. Rama launched Agneyastra and made Ravana worthless. In the meanwhile, Lakshmana hunted Ravana with seven powerful arrows. He tore the flag with a symbol of skull of man flying on the chariot of Ravana. Ravana directed his attention on Vibhishana who killed the horses and wanted to punish him with lance. Lakshmana intervened and made the weapon released by Ravana useless
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and saved Vibhishana. Then Ravana released the most powerful and strong weapon called Shakti on Lakshmana which hit him hard on the chest and injured him grievously and made him inactive. When Ravana took shakti to launch on Lakshmana, Rama prayed to the weapon not to kill his brother. Thus that weapon had little influence on Lakshmana. Rama pulled out that sharp weapon from chest of Lakshmana who was lying down inactive. Rama worried for his younger brother. He said that he would live without wife Sita and kingdom. But he was unable to live without Lakshmana, sahodara. Rama expressed his unbound love and affection towards Lakshmana by saying that wives are available everywhere but it is difficult to get sahodara like Lakshmana. Rama decided to renounce his life for Lakshmana. The doctor in vanarasena namely Sushena told Rama that Lakshmana was alive.Sushena directed Anjaneya to get the medicine from mountain which he had brought previously. Again Anjaneya brought mountain itself to save time. Sushena the doctor detected the ayurvedic medicines and squeezed into powder and put to nose of Lakshmana with which he woke up. Rama felt happy for Lakshmanas recovery. Lakshmana consoled Rama from grief. He encouraged Rama to wage war against Ravana and kill him and to crown Sugreeva as per the word given to Sugreeva. Rama realised his promise and responsibility and attacked Ravana. Ravana stood on the chariot but Rama stood on the earth. Indra sent his chariot with charioteer Mathali to Rama.
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The fight between Rama and Ravana was very fierce and uncomparable to any other fight. The Gods, Godesses, Rushis, Yakshas, Gandharvas, all creatures in the world were afraid of their fearful battle. Ravana stood undefeated. Both were injured seriously. And both stood as equal rivals. As soon as Rama cuts the head of Ravana, another head would be grow back up on his neck. Seeing this, Rama was disgusted. Agastya came to Rama and preached the meritorious Adityahrudayam which enabled Rama to kill Ravana. All lokas felt happy on death of Ravana. All Gods poured flowers on Rama from sky. War was over. Mandodari wife of Ravana along with other women who were in loss of their life partners came to battlefield. And they wept. Mandodari blamed Ravana for turning deaf-ear to her requests to not to pick up quarrel with Rama who is considered to be avatara of Maha Vishnu. On advice of Rama, Vibhishana performed obsequies to his elder brother Ravana. Vibhishana was crowned as king of Lanka. With the permission of Vibheeshana and Rama, Anjaneya came to see Sita and informed the death of Ravana. All women demons were afraid of Sita, expecting punishment from her. Sita excused all women servants. Vibheeshana too came to Sita with permission of Rama and asked her, to come over to Rama after taking a pious bath and wearing valuable ornaments. But Sita was very anxious to see Rama and rushed to the place of Rama without taking bath. She stood at a distant place to Rama expecting a warm welcome from him. But Rama did not react to the expectations of Sita and he asked her to prove her chastity by
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entering into fire. On instructions of Rama, Lakshmana arraged fire. Sita prayed the God of fire, to prove her chastity and entered in it. Soon the God of fire took Sita in to his hands and came out of fire and appeared before Rama and told that Sita was chaste and she spent all the time in devotion of Rama. Sita knew that the test is for people but not for Rama and Sita. Rama wanted to avoid comments on the character of both himself and Sita by the people in future. Rama took Sita to his hands and received her with joy. Brahma and other Gods reminded Rama that he was the avatara of Maha Vishnu and Sita was Maha Lakshmi. They asked Rama not to behave as a human being. Rama replied to them that he was born as human being and he should act as human being only adopting the morals intended for mankind. He wanted to behave exemplarily to coming generations of human beings. Vibhishana arranged Pushpakavimana for Rama to go to Ayodhya with Sita. Sita wanted to take the wives of vanaras who helped them along with them. Then the vanaras like Sugreeva accompanied Rama and Sita with their wives. Rama sent Hanuman to Nandigrama to inform Bharata about his arrival to avoid undesirable sacrifice by Bharata. Hanuman went to Nandigram and informed Bharata the arrival of Rama with Sita, Lakshmana and others. Rama instructed Hanuman to observe the mindset of Bharata whether he was fond of kingdom. If Bharata wanted to be the ruler, Rama was prepared to deprive himself of the kingdom and luxuries. Dasaratha Maharaja, father of Rama came to battlefield
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in a Vimana after the grand victory of sons and blessed them. On request of Rama, God Indra made all vanaras alive who died in the battle. Mothers Kousalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi along with important leaders, people proceeded to Nandigrama where Bharata invited Rama and Sita with heartful glory. Bharata gave foot wear to Rama and submitted kingship humbly. Rama proceeded to Ayodhya with wife, mothers, brothers, Rushis, ministers and people. The people of Ayodhya were very happy and joyous. The coronation of Rama as King was performed in a grand manner. The entire kingdom was covered with festive atmosphere. Gods, Goddesses, Kinnara, Gandharva, Vanaras and bears were present in countless numbers. Rama and Sita had a sacred bath with Ayurvedic medicinal juices. The celebration of coronation was performed by Vasishta, the family purohita. The crown filled with diamonds, gems was worn by Rama under the blessings and mantras chanting by rushis. Horses, cows with calves and oxen were distributed as benevolent gifts to Brahmins in a large numbers. On suggestion of Rama, Sita presented her necklace to Hanuman as a token of appreciation. Rama and Sita were very happy. The rule of Rama was marked for Dharma. People had pleasant life and reign of Rama was called Rama Rajyam wherein Dharma and Satya flourished in full bloom.

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CHAPTER - 7
That was winter season. One day Rama and Sita had a jolly trip in the garden. Sita expressed her desire to see lands of tapovanas. Rama agreed to fulfill her desire. Rama called on meeting of ministers and spies. Sometime passed by with narration of funny stories and jovial talk with poets like Vijaya, Kasyapa, Keliya. Rama enquired Bhadra the spy regarding the news and talk about the king Rama and his family. Bhadra was hesitant to reveal the truth before his beloved king Rama who pressurised him to tell the truth without any hesitation. Bhadra felt sad and told Rama that public was praising Rama as a great ruler, worthy king but criticizing him for receiving back Sita who was under the custody of Ravana ignoring her chastity. These words hurt Rama as thunderbolt. Rama ordered Lakshmana to take Sita to the banks of Ganga and leave her near to tapovana, on consultation with his three younger brothers. Sumantra arranged chariot. Sita had a view that she was taken to witness the tapovana. She happily sat on chariot, travelled near to tapovana of Valmiki on banks of Ganga. When Sita was very happy, Lakshmana slowly revealed the fact that she was being left forever by Rama on account of criticism of public on her chastity. Sita was shocked hearing to words of Lakshmana and she blamed her bad fate.She told Lakshmana that she would not be the cause for any diminution in the prestige and fame of Rama.
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She expressed her respects to her mothers-in-law and Rama and all other people. Reluctantly Lakshmana returned to Ayodhya. On the way, Sumantra told the great secret to Lakshmana to avoid his grief. Sumantra told that Dasaratha Maharaja knew the vanavasa and departure of Sita to Rama. Dasaratha had a curse of a Rushi, father of MuniKumara Sravana who was killed by him by an arrow launched on the base of Shabdhavedi. Dasaratha had a curse to the effect that he would die repenting for son. Sumantra told that Rama would rule the kingdom for 11000 years. He would sacrifice wife and two sons would be born to Rama in a tapovana. This was a well-known fact to Dasaratha as told by Sumantra. Maha Vishnu who took the avatara of Rama cursed by Bhrugu maharishi for having killed his wife who supported and provided shelter to rakshasas. The entire fact was told by Durvasa muni to Dasaratha. Sumantra heard the words of Durvasa but he could not reveal to others as he had a oath to Dasaratha. Rama was worrying the viyoga of Sita and he was consoled by Lakshmana who knew the secret of Ramas birth and the curse of Dasaratha. One day, a bleeding dog approached Rama and sought justice. It was beaten by a Brahmin. Rama called on Brahmin and consulted ministers as to punish the Brahmin. Simultaneously Rama asked dog how to punish the Brahmin. Dog told to appoint the Brahmin as a head of the monastery. Rama and ministers wondered about the decision of the dog. Dog explained the reason
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for its birth as a dog. In his previous janma, he was a Brahmin worshipping the God in temple. Inspite of his honesty, due to use of oil relating to God unknowingly, he was born as a dog in next janma. If this cruel Brahmin is appointed as monastery there was possibility of his committing many mistakes and blunders to get a worse birth. On another day a Brahmin boy died and his body was brought to sabha of Rama. Father was weeping and blamed Rama that his sons untimely death occurred due to adharma occurring in rajya ruled by Rama. Rama went in search of adharma activity caused untimely death of Brahmins son. He flew from place to place in pushpaka vimana in search of adharma activity. Lastly he found that one non-Brahmin was performing tapas on rivers base upside down. Rama questioned him about the reason for his tapas. The person replied that his name was Shambhuka and he was performing tapas to attain swarga with living body. While that person was replying Rama cut his head with sword. Immediately the dead Brahmin boy started breathing again. All gods praised Rama for his timely decision and action. There was Valmiki ashrama on the banks of Ganga river. Some of the shishyas of Valmiki observed pregnant Sita and informed Valmiki maharishi. Valmiki consoled Sita with affection. Being a daughter-in-law of Dasaratha, wife of Rama, daughter of great Janaka Raja, Sita should not weep, Valmiki told. Sita was leading peaceful life in Valmiki ashrama. She gave birth to twin male children. Valmiki performed all rituals required by them. He
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named them as Kusha and Lava. Kusha and Lava were growing gradually under the watch and guidance of Valmiki. Valmiki taught them Vedas, Shastras, Dhanurvidya etc. Shatrughna on suggestion of Rama killed Lavanasura. Rama felt happy and crowned Shatrughna as king to Madhurapuram. After rebirth of Brahmin boy, Rama wanted to perform Rajasuya yagam. Bharata hinted to Rama that Rajasuya yagam leads to war and loss of lives of people. Lakshmana proposed to perform Ashwamedha yagam instead of Rajasuya yagam. It was decided to conduct yaga on the bank of Gomati river in Nymisharanya. Under the able leadership of Bharata, Ashwamedha yagam was to be conducted. Bharata carried the golden statue of Sita to the place of yaga. Gold, diamonds, gems, jewelry were distributed as charity. The yagaswa was left and Lakshmana followed it as protector. Yaga was being conducted. On indications of Valmiki, Kusha and Lava walked in the streets and surroundings of palace of Rama singing a story of Rama called Ramayana in rhythm and tune. They sang the first twenty sargas as told by Narada maharshi. Rama heard the soft and melodious voice of children and ordered to bring them to his presence. Kusha and Lava sang the story of Rama in front of Rama and this attracted the members in the sabha. Rama was very much influenced with their song. Rama asked Bharata to offer huge gifts to Kusha and Lava who politely refused them saying that they were not required for the life of sages. Rama understood that those two boys were of his own and they were trained by Valmiki maharshi.
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Rama sent a word to Sita to come over to Rajasabha with permission of Valmiki and prove her chastity. Sita came before Rama and stood in his sabha and took pledge that if she worshipped Rama throughout life and if she maintained chastity let her mother, Bhudevi come and absorb her into the earth permanently. As soon as her pledge was over the Goddess Bhudevi appeared before them blessing Sita and took her to hands and entered into the earth. Rama and his brothers, sons and people were in agony. Thus the avatara of Maha Lakshmi as Sita came to an end. Rama did not marry again. He performed thousands of Ashwamedha yagas and many a Suvarna yagas keeping the statue of Sita besides him. Kousalya, Sumitra, Kaikeyi were dead. Bharata was sent to wage a war against Gandharva Raja Shaylusha who was defeated. On victory, Rama told that sons of Bharata namely Taksha and Pushkala would rule the Gandharva kingdom. Taksha ruled Takshashila and Pushkala ruled Pushkalavathanagaram. Bharata conquered Karuvada kingdom and made sons of Lakshmana rulers. Angada ruled Angadiyapuram and Chandraketu ruled Chandrakantam. Bharata and Lakshmana were engaged in service of Rama. After some days kalapurusha in the form of rushi came and asked Rama to discuss in a lonely place. He put a condition that nobody should come when conversation was on. If anybody disturbs the conversation he should be sentenced to death. Tapasi told Rama that the ruling period of eleven thousand years was over. He requested that Rama end his avatara and come back to devaloka
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as told by Brahma. In the meanwhile, the rushi Durvasa came to Rama. Lakshmana requested him to wait for some time as Rama was engaged in secret talks. Durvasa threatened Lakshmana that he would smash the entire dynasty of Rama if he would not see him immediately. Lakshmana decided to sacrifice his life to save the dynasty. He entered the room where Rama and tapasi were in discussions. He informed the arrival of Durvasa to Rama. Rama was very sad. No option was left to Rama but to punish Lakshmana. Vashishta advised Rama that expulsion is equal to death. Rama expelled Lakshmana and Lakshmana entered Sarayu river and renounced life. Rama wanted to make Bharata as king of Ayodhya to renounce the avatara. Bharata denied the proposal of Rama. Rama established south kosala and north Kosala. He constructed Kushavati and Shravasti towns and declared his sons Kusha and Lava as kings. The sons of Shatrughna, Subahu and Shatrughati became the rulers of Madhuranagara and Vidisha respectively. Rama blessed Hanuman and asked to stay at Bhuloka till his stories are heard widely on earth. He asked Hanuman to do Rama Sankeertana. He said Jambavanta, Mynda, Dvividha to be on the earth till the entrance of Kali purusha on the earth. He told that Hanuman and Vibhishana would stay on earth till pralayam occurs. Rama wore thin clothes. He had two kalashas with sacred water in his hands. Sri Lakshmi and Bhudevi walked right and left to Rama. Elder people, youngsters, servants, women of royal palace followed Rama with great respect and devotion. Rama walked to
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a distance of one and a half yojana and entered river Sarayu and disappeared. All Gods and Goddesses expressed hearty welcome to Rama. Brahma welcomed Rama from sky itself. Rama turned into Maha Vishnu along with three brothers. Rama asked Brahma to place all of his followers in Brahmalokam. The Ramayana is a sacred text which reaps fruits of punya to the readers. One who reads, writes, narrates, propagates Ramayana will attain moksha as told by Valmiki Maharishi. Let us read Ramayana and attain Moksha.

Shubham.

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