Week #3 Story: Rama and Sita

Authors Note: I wrote this story based on Rama and Sita's part A and B reading. The link and bibliography is at the end. I had heard the names and wanted to know the backstory between these people. It is a really interesting read and I reccomend it!

Rama and Sita Part A and B

This is a story of two kings who lived in a city full of bright and happy people. The birds chirped, the flowers swayed, and the sun shone brightly over the city. There is a king named Dasharatha who is sad because he has no sons from his three queens. Dasharatha's decided to do a Ashwamedha, or horse sacrifice, in order to have sons. The queens were incredibly happy on this sacrifice and were full of hope. The kingdom eld a ritual ceremony for the sacrifice upon its return.  Kaushayla, the chief queen began by slaying the horse. The kingdoms was filled with celebration, chanting’s, and portions of the horse were thrown into the fire as the chanting occurred. The Gods promised Dasharatha four sons. These four Gods were oppressed by Ravana, and Vishnu divided himself into four parts. The king then had four sons of which Rama was the most beautiful and was perceived to have all the marks of Vishnu.

A few years later the young boys grew up to be fine young men. Vishvamita, was a sage who wanted Rama and his brother's help from devils (rakhshasas) who disturb their practices and put out their fires. Dasharatha was devastated to know that Rama's life would be in danger performing the task of having to go with the sage but Rama's victory was assured by Vishvamitra. Rama walked ahead to face a dark and fearfully haunted jungle.

Lakhshmana and Rama walked into the streets of a village alone and explored the city after excusing themselves from the Sage. Girls from the city saw the beautiful men and gossiped. Some said that the dark one was good for Sita. The weapons which they worn, the pearls on their dresses, and the masculine looks of Rama and Laskhsman gave them plenty of attention. The two brothers bathed in a stream, and they plucked flowers near the Kings beautiful palace and lake. Princess Sita happened to be walking in the garden with her maids. The maid told Sita about the youths and Rama knew by the Jingle of Sitas bangles that she would be the one he would love eternally. Sita saw Rama there for the first time. She prayed for the prince at the temple of Bhavni and flowers fell into her hands representing the fact that her wish was granted. She did rituals at home and Rama was restless all night as well.

Vishwamitra then indroduced the men to King Jakata. Jakata took his bow and said whoever can bend this bow can marry Sita. Rama stepped up and snapped the bow in the middle. King Jakata was impressed and was ready to marry the two. He sent messengers for Rama and Sita's marriage. Parashurama then arrived at the scene. He was a tall and bulk man with a bow in one hand and an axe over his shoulder. "His body was bare except for a deerskin cloth about his loins. On his brow were marked three white lines that showed he worshipped the god Shiva. His hair was twisted in a knot." Parashuma was incredibly mad because someone broke the bow.  Rama cooled the hermit Parashurama down. The hermit gave Rama the bow of Vishnu and it clasped as soon as it was in Rama's hands. The hermit was in awe. He gave Rama and Sita his blessings for the marriage. The village was filled with rituals, ceremonies of the marriage, and high emotions. Rama and Sita had gotten married. Rama's brothers found themselves brides as well. 

Kaikeyi was Dasharatha's youngest wife. She was influenced by the words of her servant. Her servant's name is Manthara. She was described as goes: "Ugly and misshapen was Manthara; she was short-necked, flat-breasted, and had legs like a crane; she was big-bellied and humpbacked. When Rama was a child she had offended him and he smote her, and ever afterwards she regarded him with fierce enmity." The nurse asks for Kaikeyi to ask for two boons of which she was promised. Boons meant a promise. So Kaikeyi asks her husband for Rama to be sent into exile and for her son Bharata to be the heir as her two boons. Dasharatha was furious and upset at hearing this. After an initial reaction of shock and anger he gave in saying "I grant the boons, but I reject thee for ever and thy son Bharata also.”

Meanwhile, the city was preparing for Rama to be their heir. The celebrations had begun and he was being pampered. The chief counselor asked for Rama and Sita to walk in together for the ceremony. To quote, "his body was bent, his face was worn with grief. Tears fell from Dasharatha's eyes as his son kissed his feet and the feet of Kaikeyi also; he strove to speak while tears streamed from his eyes." Rama asked what the matter was and Kaikeyi expressed her wish. Rama didn't show how grief stricken he was. He said, “I will depart this day in fulfilment of my father's vow. Cheerfully will I obey his command. Let Bharata be summoned quickly from Girivrajah, and I will hasten to the jungle of Dandaka.”         

Rama told his father he would be back after 14 years. Kaikeyi brought a dress of bark for the three to wear and argued for the soldiers not to go with them. Sita tearfully protested saying "How can I wear raiment of bark? I cannot use such attire.” Dasharatha looked at his shameless wife and claimed Kaikeyi's command was only for Rama and the bark dress was taken away from Sita. They reached Ganga river together. There the King of Nishada fed them and greeted them. Sita prayed to Ganga for a peaceful return after 14 years. Lakshman and Ram vowed to protect Sita and talked about what happened before the ceremony. Lakshman told Rama not to think on what happened and to stick together

Thats it for now!

Rama and Sita

Image Source: https://www.indiapost.com/love-happened-to-rama-before-marriage/

Bibliography

Laura, Gibbs. Reading Part A: King Dasharatha. Ramayana Online: Public Domain Edition

http://ouocblog.blogspot.com/search/label/PDE%20Ramayana