Essentials of Hinduism - Srimad Ramayana

Essentials of Hinduism

Srimad Ramayana

Aranya Kanda

Rama did not feel comfortable at Chitrakuta anymore, because He felt Bharatha and his people could visit Him often and this place reminded Him of Bharatha. So He decided to move further south to Dhandakarannya where Atri Maharishi’s Ashram was located. His Wife is Anasuyadevi. Both are quite aged and matured Atma Jnanis at the high level. Anasuya cared for Sita with Motherly Love. Rama learned about the neighboring Ashram details as well as Spiritual Experiences from Atri. Rama provided His help of protection from evils at all these Ashram. During these travels, Sita was carried away by a demon by name Virada. The brothers had to fight hard to get Sita, knifed and dumped him under the ground. One Gandharva appeared now from the pit – he bowed to Rama and said he was a demon due to a curse and knew his curse will be removed by Rama. He guided Rama to proceed to Sarabhanga Maharishi’s Ashrama nearby.

Sarabhanga’s Earthly Life was coming to an end but was just waiting for Rama to arrive. Indra just visited him. He said Indra will see Rama at the end when all His Earthly tasks get completed. After guiding Rama to proceed to Sudishnna Maharishi, he entered the Yajna fire and proceeded to the Upper World. Rama left the place with several other Rishis. Sudishnna said he was prolonging his Life with this Sthula Sharira (All bodies with life) and said his desire was to meet Rama. Rama visited other neighboring Ashramas and stayed there weeks or months as worked out at each place.

Ten years rolled by. His important visit was Agastya Maharishi’s Ashrama. Rama noticed there was natural beauty, there was perfection here consisting of a big establishment. Rama prostrated to Agastya. Due to his prolonged Meditation, Agastya had acquired Astra-Sastra secrets and weaponries and he gave them to Rama knowing that He will need them in the near future. As advised by Agastya, Rama went to Panchavati at the Godavari River Bank that was filled with natural beauty and considered as Bhuloka-Svarga. Lakshmana set up an attractive place for their settlement. The three spent time in Dhyana and talking about Almighty’s Greatness. To the south of their location was the Sea and the other side was SriLanka where Ravana was King. But his dominance extended far north even beyond Panchavati. His sister is the demon Surpanaka who lived in the neighborhood of Panchavati. While strolling, she noticed Rama and Lakshmana and got attracted to them. Rama explained their earlier experiences to her. One thing led to the other, she misbehaved and Lakshmana cut off her nose and ears. She went and complained about them to her brother Ravana.

Surpanaka also told Ravana about how pretty is Sita. Ravana sent a small troop to face Rama but Rama killed most of them all. One by name Akampana escaped. He knew the weakness of Ravana. He gave the idea to Ravana that it is smarter for him to bring Sita with him by some means rather than attacking Rama face to face. Ravana liked his idea as he was already sexually attracted to Sita. He sought the help of Maricha to disguise as a beautiful deer to attract Sita’s attention. Once the brothers are away chasing the deer, he could take Sita away.

Maricha initially resisted Ravana’s idea, because, he knew he cannot trick Rama into such acts. However, Ravana threatened to kill him and he had to act according to his King’s plan. As planned, Sita got attracted to the deer, She wanted Rama to get it for Her. Rama kept Lakshmana to protect Sita and went after the deer that ran far away from Sita. After prolonged try, Rama could not catch the deer alive and so He shot an arrow that pierced on the deer (Maricha). Maricha played a trick; he shouted Sita and Lakshmana by imitating in Rama’s voice. Sita got scared and wanted Lakshmana to go and help his brother Rama. Although Lakshmana tried his best not to leave Sita, She started accusing Lakshmana of conspiring to get rid of Rama. Therefore, Lakshmana reluctantly left Sita alone.

Now Ravana disguised as an old man and approached Sita. Sita believed he needed food and gave him food. But Ravana came in his true appearance and carried away Sita in his Pushpa Vimana. Sita shouted for help to Rama and Lakshmana, but they were far away and could not hear Her. She threw some of Her clothes and ornaments down hoping Rama will get it . Jatayu an old bird (a friend of Dasaratha) tried to fight with Ravana to save Sita but Ravana cut his wings and the bird fell down. In the meantime, Rama found out Maricha’s trick and knew Sita was in trouble. He met Lakshmana and was upset Sita was left alone.

As expected by Rama and Lakshmana, Sita was not found at the residence. They looked all over in the neighborhood for Sita. Rama was totally shattered having lost Sita. Lakshmana consoled his Brother. They met Jatayu on the way and learned about Sita’s plight. Soon Jatayu died and Rama took care of the last rites for the Bird. Rama and Lakshmana proceeded southwards as advised by Jatayu. On the way, got rid of an unusual looking monster, and during cremation a lovely creature appeared from the fire and ascended to the Celestial World. Before leaving he said to Rama: you will regain Sita; go to the Bank of Pambai and seek the help of Sugriva living in the Rishyamuka Hill. This concludes the Aranya Kanda.

This article is a snippet from the Book Essentials of Hinduism, Authored by G.S Nilakantan. Hinduism for All is available online at www.giri.in and across Giri Trading Agency Private Limited, A chain of Speciality Stores dealing in all kinds of products needed in Indian Culture and Tradition.