ACT 1: RAMAYANA

SCENE 1
After their fourteen years’ worth exile, Ram and Sita along with
Lakshmana made their way through the Dandaka Forest, hoping to
live in solitude and with tranquillity but little did they know
what awaited them.
Alas for one can never escape destiny, Lord Rama’s love for Sita
was confronted with Surpanakha: a demoness and the sister of
Lanka’s king- Ravana. Surpanakha was now head over heels for
Rama, she approached him with her marriage proposal.
“I have no desire, O Surpanakha, to indulge in any passion nor
do I hold affection for anyone other than Sita.”
Enraged, Surpanakha leapt to harm Sita but Lakshmana intervened
and cut off her ears and nose.
Humiliated, she took refuge with her brother Ravana: the demon
king of Lanka. She sought vengeance for the humiliation she
faced at the hands of Rama and Lakshmana, and even described the
exceptional beauty of Sita to Ravana.

SCENE 2
Ravana with his evil intentions, decided to abduct Sita.
Mareecha who could assume the disguise of a Golden Deer seemed
perfect to deceive Rama and Lakshmana.
Sita mesmerized by the beauty of the deceptive Golden Deer,
expressed her desire to possess it, to Rama.
"Rama, I wish to have that deer. Its fur of gold is captivating.
It would make a wonderful pet. See, O Rama, that deer, how it
appears to be chasing the night."
Rama, who was eager to please her, pursued the deer into the
forest. Ravana managed to lure Rama away from Sita deep into the
forest. Mareecha then imitated Rama's voice and cried out for
help, impersonating Rama in distress.
This compelled Lakshmana to go looking into the forest. He
although did draw up a protective barrier- the Lakshmana Rekha
to protect Sita and urged her not to cross it at any cost.
Ravana, taking advantage of the situation, approached Sita in
the guise of a mendicant.
“O noble lady, I am a mendicant who has wandered here to seek
alms. Please, grant me some food to eat. You appear to be a
woman of great beauty and virtue. Surely, you possess the power
to be generous."
"Welcome, O Brahmana! I have some fruits with me. Please accept
them as alms. It is my dharma to help those in need."
When Sita stepped out of the protective boundary drawn by
Lakshmana, Ravana revealed his true identity and forcibly
abducted her, taking her to Lanka where he held her captive in
his palace. Rama eventually killed Mareecha but couldn’t save
Sita.

SCENE 3
Rama had to free Sita from Ravana and for that he had to be
killed. Rama and Ravana engaged in a monumental duel. Rama,
guided by divine blessings, ultimately defeated Ravana with a
powerful arrow.
Ravana's death marked the end of his tyranny and the triumph of
good over evil. Rama's victory was not only a physical defeat
but also a moral and spiritual triumph, demonstrating the
importance of righteousness and virtue.
After Ravana's demise, Sita was rescued. With the defeat of
Ravana, Rama made his way back to Ayodhya and reclaim his
rightful throne. His return was celebrated with great joy and
festivity, marking the conclusion of the Ramayana and the
beginning of a new era of righteousness and justice in the
kingdom of Ayodhya.

कर्मफल-यदाचरित कल्याणि ! शुभं वा यदि वाऽशुभम् । तदेव लभते भद्रे! कर्त्ता

कर्मजमात्मनः ॥ अर्थ:
Whatever good or bad deed one does, he reaps accordingly. One
must suffer the consequences of one’s own actions.