Reading Notes: Ramayana Part D
Reading Notes: Ramayana
Sources used: M. Dutt, R. Dutt, Gould, Griffith, Hodgson, Mackenzie, Nivedita, Oman, Richardson, and Ryder.
61. Rama and his army consult Nala to build a bridge so that they may cross from the mainland to Lanka. Thus Rama's Bridge was created.
62. As Rama's army approaches, Ravana attempts to worry Sita by creating an illusion that Rama has been captured and killed. Sita sees through Ravana's deceit.
63. Indrajit has done quite some damage to our heroes. Rama and Lakshmana are quite injured by Indrajit's Nagastra (Naga-weapon). However, Garuda, the vahana of Indra, comes to their rescue and heals the brothers back to full capacity.
64. Ravana, getting desperate, wakes his brother, Kumbhakarna. Kumbhakarna, one of the fiercest warriors on Ravana's side, charges out on his chariot to confront the ape army. He fells many an ape, including Hanuman, and captures Sugriva. When Kumbhakarna finally faces Rama, Rama discharges flaming arrows and severs Kumbhakarna's head.
65. After another attack from Indrajit, Hanuman must travel to the mountain of Himalaya and return with 4 types of herbs in order to restore the army of apes to full capacity.
66. Indrajit now tries to deceive Rama, as he creates an illusion of Sita dying. Luckily, Vibhishana warns Rama about the illusion powers that Indrajit possesses. Rama also finds out about a potential opportunity to ambush Indrajit.
67. Lakshmana, having engaged in battle with Indrajit, slays him. Ravana mourn's his son's death. He almost attempts to kill Sita, but the rakshasa who concealed Sita in the Ashoka grove persuade Ravana to not kill her.
68. Ravana launches a revenge strike and attacks Lakshmana. This critically wounds Lakshmana, but fortunately, Hanuman has returned from the mountain of Himalaya with the herbs and they are able to heal Lakshmana.
69. Apparently the gods had been watching this spectacle. Indra decides to send his chariot to assist Rama with defeating Ravana.
70. Rama and Ravana finally face off. Rama receives advice to pray to Sun for blessing.
71. Rama, with the blessing of Sun and a Brahma-weapon, slays Ravana. Vibhishana is named King of Lanka in Ravana's place. Rama's earthly task is ended.
72. Mandodari, Ravana's chief wife, mourns his passing. Vibhishana conducts the funeral rites.
73. Sita and Rama are reunited. But... Rama feels that he must renounce her since she spent so long with another man. (yikes)
74. Sita, obviously upset by this, calls upon Agni to guard her as she has remained faithful. She then enters her funeral pyre. After her faith is proved, she and Rama are reunited.
75. Rama and Sita fly back to Ayodhya. Rama fills her in on what all has happened and sort of recaps the story since their exile.
76. Rama and Sita return to Ayodhya. Bhatan is still there and the sandals of Rama still sit on his throne.
77. Rama is finally crowned King of Ayodhya.
78. Rama eventually gives in to the whims of his people and exiles Sita. She then soon gives birth to two sons, Lava and Kusha.
79. Rama recognizes Lava and Kusha as his sons. He gives Sita a chance to speak for herself in front of the people and swear her innocence. She does, and the asks Vasudhara to receive her. Rama is saddened by her departure.
80. Rama's earthly task now ended, he ascends to heaven to become Vishnu again. The end.
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