Reading Diary B: Public Domain Ramayana

Bharata, the brother that is meant to replace Rama as King returns, unaware of his father's death and brother's exile, and his furious/saddened. He blames his mother, Kaikeyi, and declare he will not take the throne from Rama.

Once Bharata finds Rama in the woods, Rama refuses to return to the Ayodhay and the throne, as this would go against the words of his father. This shows how much honor and respect meant in those times.

Rama's golden sandals-symbol of royal authority in his absence from the kingdom.

Bharata, Rama, and the Golden Sandals: Public Domain Ramayana 

Rama and Lakshmana encounter a rakshasa in the woods and attempt to kill it. Unable to kill in like any normal mortal, they decide to bury it in a pit. Little did they know, this rakshasa was cursed to take this from until Rama would slay him and grant him entrance back into the heavens. Rama and his prominence are again shown through this unlikely association. 

Ravana's sister, Shurpanakha falls in with love Rama and chooses him as a husband to rule with. This sparks the hatred between Ravana and Rama. 

Rama alone defeats the armies of Shurpanakha's brother, Khara while he send Lakshmana and Sita to hide in a cave. He is winning the ongoing battle with his foe. 

Shurpanakha finally tells Ravana of her dealings with Rama, sparking the rivalry between the two men. 

Ravana: Public Domain Ramayana 

Maricha, the son of Thataka who Rama killed, is sought out by Ravana to help take Rama down.

Using a sort of Trojan Horse tactic, Maricha take the form of a golden deer and mimics Rama's voice to draw Rama and Lakshmana away from Sita. Once Sita is alone, Ravana swoops in and steals her. 

The God's are happy to see that the time is coming when Rama will defeat Ravana. 

Ravana attempts to seduce Sita, but she remains faithful to Rama. 

Jatayu, the vulture who attacked Ravana, tells Rama what happened and where Ravana has taken Sita. 

They encounter Kabandha, another rakshasa in disguise, who tells the two men the whereabouts of Ravana and how to defeat him-seek aid from Sugriva the ape chief.