Indian Epics Topics Brainstorm

1. Possible Topic: Hanuman. To be honest, Hanuman has been a character of interest in Indian folklore since before I took this class. I met someone while skiing one time who's name was Hanuman. Since that isn't something you hear everyday, I was intrigued. I know I am late on this assignment, but after reading the second part of the Ramayana I think Hanuman is one of the most interesting characters of the tale. His ability to move mountains and save Rama during his struggle in Lanka makes him very interesting for me. I hope to better understand his position/relation to Indian Epics on a deeper level.
Research So Far. Hanuman is one of the central characters of the Week 2 readings of the Ramayana. After reading about his deep involvement with the story and steadfast devotion to Rama, the readings gave me an insight into what kind of character Hanuman was. Also reading about him on Wikipedia (birthplace and childhood) it is clear that he is a very prominent character in the story.

2. Possible Topic: Karma. I have read about the topic of Karma in various books on Buddhism and other books written by the Dalai Lama. It is something that I know a little bit about but want to see how it is applied to these stories. Is the word "karma" used in the stories as it is used in everyday conversation? Or is there a more serious or spiritual undertone to it.
Research So Far. I started researching Karma once it appeared in the Ramayana surrounding the death of Dasharatha and his life experiences. I became especially interested in the topic after reading about it under the Story Book Topics where it talks about how universal the topic is, literally being able to be applied to any story. Also browsing the Indian Epics Story Book Archive. I really liked the setup of The Karma Times site.

3. Possible Topic: Avatars of Vishnu. My interest in this was sparked from reading about Rama in the week 2-3 readings. His heroism is constantly reinforced throughout the story and most everyone supports this. I think it is interesting that the God's would animate themselves in order to carry out their will.
Research So Far. Again, reading from the Ramayana has given me some insight into this topic. For example, when Rama is confronted by Parashurama, also an avatar of Vishnu. After looking into it more on Wikipedia, I found out that there are 10 major Avatars of Vishnu, which are referred to as Dasavatara. Involving many different figures and stories, this is a fairly diverse topic that I find very interesting.

4. Possible Topic: Astra. To be honest the reason I chose this as a possible topic is because I was a little confused when they would reference these magical weapons during the readings. I think it is interesting how they are endowed to specific characters and are more powerful that generic weapons.
Research So Far. Reading about this in last week's reading was interesting. For example when Rama is able to bend Shiva's bow and also when he gains the weapon of Parashurama by passing his test. Through reading the various sources on the course site I found out that these weapons can take any form. While the majority of the time they take the form of an arrow, a blade of grass has been used an an astra.

Hanuman: Wiki Commons 

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. 

Reading Diary A: Public Domain Ramayana

Dasharatha performs the Ashwamedha (horse sacrifice) and is promised four sons. One of these son's is Rama; the human avatar of Vishnu sent from the heavens to defeat Ravana, who is unable to be defeated by a God. This foreshadows the importance of Rama in the story.

Rama and his brother make their passage into manhood by accompanying Vishwamitra to battle and slaying she-demons. Rama reluctantly slays the she-demon and is rewarded with supernatural weapons that he is able to call upon simply with thought.

Rama finally meets Sita, and it is love at first sight. Although all of the girls in the kingdom would wish to be with Rama, he and Sita are powerfully drawn to one another. Sita, like Rama, is a human avatar of the Goddess Lakshmi. This signifies the depth and strength of the love the two share for one another.

In order to be with Sita, Rama must bend the bow of Shiva (Shiva Dhanush); a test called upon by Sita's father, King Janaka. Rama does this with ease, and leaves everyone in awe. A demonstration that some things in life are destined by fate.

Rama Breaks the Shiva Dhanush: (Wiki Commons)

Rama passes a similar test with Parashurama, who arrives shortly after his winning of Sita. Parashurama, also an avatar of Vishnu is angered and almost attacks Rama's brother before he intervenes. He asks Rama to string the bow of Vishnu, which he does easily. This further solidifies his prominence in the story. 

Rama and his three brothers all marry daughters of King Janaka, creating power families. 

Rama's prominence is further solidified by him being chosen as heir to his father's throne, and the support this decision revives from Dasharatha's council. 

Manthara, the "humpback" nurse of the royal family despises Rama and through her workings convinced Dasharatha to banish Rama from the kingdom and name another son king to be. His brother Lakshmana and Sita accompany him into exile, true devotion. 

As Dasharatha dies alone (none of his sons present) he realizes his karma for the actions of his life.