Ravana, although a very learned person and a devotee of Lord Shiva, had committed many crimes against devas and sages and women. His destruction was certain. As he sat in his court, Shurpanakha entered wailing and screaming, with her mutilated nose and ears. “What happened to you?” asked Ravana, shocked to see his sister in […]
The description of Seeta’s beauty made Ravana abduct her and make her his own possession, like all the other valuable things he had collected in his golden kingdom of Lanka. It would be an added pleasure to make Rama suffer for killing his brothers and demon army. Ravana decided to consult Mareecha who, he knew,
Placing food and money is the custom practised by the Vietnamese for their dead members. Do you know: The deceased is traditionally buried twice in Vietnam. After a person has died, his body is washed and dressed. A chopstick is placed in the deceased’s mouth with a little rice and three coins. Fake money is
Ravana began to attack kings and princes and devas and take away their kingdoms and possessions. Kubera advised him to stop. Ravana’s advisors counselled him to attack Kubera and take Lanka from him. Ravana wondered in his mind whether he should attack his elder brother. During this time, he met an old man and his
Once Ravana had tried to move Mount Kailash, the abode of Shiva and his wife Parvati. Annoyed with him, Shiva pressed the mountain down and Ravana’s hands were caught under it. He screamed with pain, and was advised to please Lord Shiva. So when he recited and sang songs in praise of Shiva, he was
Re-naming the deceased is a Vietnamese custom. Do you know: The Vietnamese believe it is unfortunate for the deceased to keep the same name as when he was alive. When a person is about to die in Vietnam, the members of family gather around him/her. The eldest child bends to hear his last words and
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, Trisira and the soldiers. “It seemed as if every soldier were battling Rama!” said Akampan. This was a part of Rama’s power of illusion. But it did not lessen
The Seijin no Hi is a ‘coming of age’ festival celebrated in Japan on the second Monday in January. Do you know: The age of attaining adulthood in Japan is 20 years. At the Seijin no Hi, the men and the women who have attained the age of 20 years, dress up in traditional attire
Shurpanakha led them to Panchavati. Rama met the generals and asked them to leave, but they had come to do battle with Rama. Rama asked Lakshmana to take Seeta away to a cave for safety, while he dealt with the rakshasa army. Lakshmana obeyed, taking Seeta away from there. Rama’s bow shot arrows faster than
As Rama intervened to save Seeta, he told Lakshmana to punish Shurpanakha and teach her a lesson. In a flash, Lakshmana had drawn his sword and attacked her, cutting off her ears and nose. Howling with pain, screaming abuse, and threatening revenge, Shurpanakha fled into the forest. She found her brother, Khara, with his cronies
Shurpanakha was getting irritated by this behaviour and failed to see that the brothers did not wish for her advances. Rama was a faithful husband and Lakshmana only focused on serving Rama and Seeta. But Shurpanakha could not accept this. When she saw Seeta smiling at the brothers sending her back and forth, she screamed
African dolls come in varying styles and designs, based on the tribe or group making it. Do you know: Apart from being toys, African dolls also serve the purpose of ensuring fertility. Depending on the tribe, the African doll’s style changes and so does its uses. For instance, Ndebele people make LingaKoba dolls in colourful
Rama politely introduced himself, his wife Seeta and his brother Lakshmana, explaining that they were the sons of Dasharatha, late King of Ayodhya. In turn, Shurpanakha introduced herself as the sister of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Vibheeshana. She said two more of her brothers, Khara and Dooshana, were roaming the forest. They were all warriors. “I
Shichi-go-san meaning 7-5-3 is a festival organized for 3 and 7-years-old-girls and 5-year-old boys in Japan. Do you know: This festival dates back to the Heian Period, between 794 and 1185 when nobility would celebrate the entering of children into middle school. The Shichi-go-san celebration is a day when parents along with their children, who
The Red Egg and Ginger Party is organized in China, when a pregnant woman completes one month of pregnancy. Do you know: The Chinese consider an egg a symbol of life changes and harmony while ginger is important to establish balance. The Moon-yut party or red egg and ginger party, is held by the proud