Reading Notes: Ramayana, Part A

Reading Notes for Ramayana, Part A: Dasharatha is king of the Koshala kingdom. He has three wives but no children to pass the kingdom to. In the need of a human who can defeat Ravana, the gods allow the god Vishnu to become Rama, Dasharatha's son. With special rice and sacrifice, the three wives of Dasharatha are granted children. Dasharatha's wife Kaushalya gives birth to Rama, Kaikeyi gives birth to the son Bharata, and Sumitra gives birth to two sons, Lakshmana and Shatrughna. The four sons grow up and one day a sage by the name of Vishvamitra begs Dasharatha to give him Rama to help him battle demons. Dasharatha refuses in the beginning but finally agrees if Vishvamitra takes both Rama and one of his brothers, Lakshmana. Vishvamitra guides the brothers throughout their journey. Vishvamitra took on the role of being a father figure to Rama and Lakshmana during their time together. Vishvamitra told them stories and taught the boys about special astras and mantras. Of course the reason why Rama and Lakshmana were on this journey in the first place was to do battle with demons. Rama first goes into battle with a demon named Thataka and kills her. Rama then encounters the sons of Thataka who are furious at Rama for killing their mother. Rama eventually kills Thataka's sons. As Rama goes into battle with more demons and wins said battles, he falls in love with a beautiful woman named Sita along the way. To win Sita's hand in marriage, Rama successfully lifts, bends, and strings the bow of the god Shiva. As Rama wins the heart and hand of Sita, Dasharatha is brewing up a plan to name Rama as his successor. However, the royal servant Kooni gets in the way and forces Dasharatha to pass his kingdom to his other son, Bharata. Dasharatha has his hands tied up and crowns Bharata as the next king while throwing Rama into exile. Rama does not argue and simply obeys.

(326 Words)

Bibliography: Laura Gibbs; Reading Guide Part A and Part B: Narayan. Ramayana; link.

Ramayana. Source: Flickr