Looking for Seeta, Rama and Lakshmana walked towards Mount Rishyamooka. Their way lay through Pampa Pond. Lakshmana took great care of his brother Rama and served him well during those tense moments. They had no clue as to where to find Seeta; yet, they kept walking.Several ashramas were there around Pampa Pond. The ashrama located […]
As soon as Lakshmana left, Ravana who had been hiding behind thick trees and bushes, transformed himself into an ascetic (mendicant). Chanting shlokas from the scriptures and holding out his bowl for alms, he came up to the hut. Ravana called out for alms. It was customary for the lady of the house to give
Mareecha went with Ravana in the Pushpaka Vimana to the place where Panchavati was situated. Mareecha transformed himself into a beautiful golden deer. The magical deer began to frolic near the hut of Rama and Seeta, sometimes grazing and sometimes running towards the water. Suddenly, the movement of the deer caught Seeta’s eyes and she
Akampan was the only demon who survived the battle. He reached Ravana’s court to tell him the news about it and the death of Khara, Dooshana, Trishira and the other demon warriors. “It seemed as if every soldier had been battling with Rama,” said Akampan, “This was a part of Rama’s power of illusion.” Hearing
Lakshmana had reached before Shurpanakha could harm Seeta. He tried to stop her, but she went mad in anger. To avenge her ridicule, she wanted to kill Seeta.When Shurpanakha did not listen, Lakshmana grew furious and drew his sword. He attacked her, cutting off her ears and nose. Shurpanakha screamed with pain. Howling with pain,
The days at Panchavati were enjoyable for both the princes and for Seeta. They sat and talked of the seasons, the beauty of Nature, their family, Ayodhya and had religious discussions. Both the brothers did away with the demons who attacked Seeta and their hut.One winter morning, they all went as usual to bathe in
Rama and Seeta, with Lakshmana, had lived in the Dandaka Forest for about ten years. There, they met Sage Agastya who was the first to reach Mount Vindhaya. Sage Agastya advised Rama to go to Panchavati across river Godavari.Upon reaching Panchavati, they met a huge vulture sitting on a tree along the way. It was
Viradha’s Salvation It had been several days since Bharata returned to Ayodhya. The distance of Ayodhya from Chitrakoot was not much and people used to come there for Rama’s advice. He did not like it. After consulting with the saints and the sages they moved towards the Dandak Forest. After a few days, they reached
A kingdom is unsafe in the absence of a king who protects the kingdom and its subjects and carries out administrative duties. Thus Sage Vasishtha called a council of ministers to decide what was to be the next course of action. Bharata was also present there. Some of them wanted that Rama should be called
The next day, in consultation with Sage Vasishtha, messengers were sent to Kekaya to bring back Bharata and Shatrughna. Hearing the message, the two brothers got worried and immediately left for Ayodhya.They reached Ayodhya eight days later. The city seemed deserted and quiet. When the two brothers entered the palace, they found the same silence
Sumantra returned to Ayodhya and the people surrounded him. Everyone wanted to know about Rama. But Sumantra walked away towards the palace. He found king Dasharatha and queen Kaushalya grieving deeply.On seeing Sumantra, Dasharatha who was in queen Kaushalya’s chamber said, “Where is my Rama? How are Seeta and Lakshmana?” Sumantra’s eyes welled up. He
The moment Rama was about to step into the boat, the boatman said, “I have heard of you and of your powers. You turned a rock into a woman with the dust of your feet. My wooden boat is the only source of my livelihood. If you step into it and it turns into a
Guha’s happiness knew no bounds. He along with his near and dear ones received Rama, Seeta and Lakshmana warmly and provided them with whatever hospitality he could. Rama, Seeta, Lakshmana and Sumantra spent the night as the guests of chieftain Guha. The next morning, Rama asked Sumantra to return to Ayodhya and look after king
Rama told his mother, Kaushalya, the whole story. She was grief-stricken. But Rama had to uphold his father’s promise and ensure that his word was honoured. Lakshmana said he would go with him to serve him in the forest. Rama tried to dissuade him but all in vain.Rama touched Kaushalya’s feet. Rama went to the
Finally, the desperate king said, “I promise, my beloved queen, to fulfil any wish you have. Please tell me why you are so upset.” Then Kaikeyi said, “I will tell you, but first promise me that you will give me what I ask for.” “I swear in the name of Rama; I will surely fulfil