PDE Ramayana: Vishvamitra

Public Domain Edition: Ramayana

Reading Guide. Rama and his brothers are now young men, and a great sage named Vishvamitra comes to ask King Dasharatha a favor: he wants Rama and Lakshmana to help him do battle with evil rakshasas (demons) who are disturbing the sacrifices of Vishvamitra and the other priests.

Image. The illustration shows the sage Vishvamitra, dressed in the clothes of a forest ascetic, speaking with the king. This style of painting is called Kangra.

Source. Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists by Sister Nivedita (1914). [300 words] This portion comes from a different source: a prose version of the Ramayana by Sister Nivedita, a follower of Swami Vivekananda. You can read more about her at Wikipedia: Sister Nivedita.

---

Avatar | 4. Vishvamitra | Thataka

---

Now there was a certain great rishi named Vishvamitra, originally a kshatriya, who by the practice of unheard-of austerities had won from the gods the status of brahmarishi. He dwelt in the hermitage called Siddhashrama and came thence to ask a boon from Dasharatha. Two rakshasas, Maricha and Subahu, supported by the wicked Ravana, continually disturbed his sacrifices and polluted his sacred fire; none but Rama could overcome these devils.

Dasharatha welcomed Vishvamitra gladly and promised him any gift that he desired, but when he learned that his dear son Rama was required for so terrible and dangerous a service, he was cast down, and it seemed as though the light of his life went out. Yet he could not break his word, and it came to pass that Rama and Lakshmana went away with Vishvamitra for the ten days of his sacrificial rites. But though it was for so short a time, this was the beginning of their manhood and of love and strife. Vashishtha cheered Dasharatha's heart, assuring him of certain victory for Rama.

So, with his father's blessing, Rama set out with Vishvamitra and his brother Lakshmana. A cool breeze, delighted at the sight of Rama, fanned their faces, and flowers rained down upon them from the sky.

Vishvamitra led the way; the two brothers, carrying their bows and swords, wearing splendid jewels and gloves of lizard-skin upon their fingers, followed Vishvamitra like glorious flames, making him bright with the reflection of their own radiance.

---

Avatar | Vishvamitra | Thataka

---

Vishvamitra speaks with King Dasharatha
(you can see Rama and Lakshmana listening in)

PDE Ramayana: Rama the Heir Apparent

Public Domain Edition: Ramayana

Reading Guide. Remember that Dasharatha needed a son for a very specific purpose: to carry on the royal line. Now he has four sons, so he must decide who will be the heir apparent.

Image: The illustration again comes from a Ramayana of the Mughal period. You can read more about Mughal painting at Wikipedia.

Source. Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists by Sister Nivedita (1914). [400 words]

---

Wedding | 13. Rama the Heir Apparent | Manthara

---

Now Dasharatha reflected that he had ruled for many, many years and was weary, and he thought no joy could be greater than if he should see Rama established on the throne. He summoned a council of his vassals and counsellors and neighboring kings and princes who were accustomed to reside in Ayodhya, and in solemn words, like the thunder of drums, addressed this parliament of men.

"Ye well know that for many long years I have governed this realm, being as a father to those that dwell therein. Thinking not to gain my own happiness, I have spent my days in ruling according unto Dharma. Now I wish for rest and would install my eldest son Rama as heir-apparent and entrust the government to him. But herein, my lords, I seek for your approval, for the thought of the dispassionate is other than the thought of the inflamed, and truth arises from the conflict of various views."

The princes rejoiced at the king's words as peacocks dance at the sight of heavy rain-clouds.

There arose the hum of many voices as for a time the brahmins and army-leaders, citizens and countrymen considered together. Then they answered, "O aged king, assuredly we wish to see Prince Rama installed as heir-apparent, riding the elephant of state, seated beneath the umbrella of dominion."

Again the king inquired of them for greater certainty, "Why would ye have Rama to your ruler?" and they replied, "By reason of his many virtues, for indeed he towers among men as Shakra amongst the gods. In forgiveness he is like the Earth, in debate like Brihaspati. He speaks the truth and is a mighty bowman. He is ever busied with the welfare of the people and not given to detraction where he finds one blemish amongst many virtues. He is skilled in music, and his eyes are fair to look upon. Neither his pleasure nor his anger is in vain; he is easily approached, and self-controlled, and goes not forth to war or the protection of a city or a province without victorious return. He is beloved of all. Indeed, the Earth desires him for her Lord."

Then the king summoned Vashishtha, Vamadeva, and other of the brahmins, and charged them to make ready for Rama's installation.

---

Wedding | Rama the Heir Apparent | Manthara

---

Dasharatha and Rama.

PDE Ramayana: Crossing the River

Public Domain Edition: Ramayana

Reading Guide. Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana leave Ayodhya, cross the Ganges, and begin their fourteen years of exile in the forest. You have already seen that they have put aside their royal clothing, and now Rama and Lakshaman will wear their hair in jata style, the dreadlocks of Hindu ascetics.

Image: The beautiful painting on this page shows the forest exiles in their clothing made of leaves. It is another painting in the Kangra style, named after the city of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh in far northern India. According to legend, it was a hero of the Mahabharata — the mighty warrior Bhima — who founded the city thousands of years ago.

Source. Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists by Sister Nivedita (1914). [400 words]

---

Exile | 18. Crossing the River | Karma

---

Driving fast for two days, Rama reached the boundary of Koshala, and, turning back toward Ayodhya, bade farewell to land and people. "O best of cities," said he, "I say it to thee and to the deities that guard and dwell with thee: returning from my forest home, my debt paid off, thee and my father and my mother I will see again."

Then they left Koshala, rich in wealth and kine and brahmins, and passed through other smiling lands until they reached the blessed Ganga, crystal clear, resorted to by every creature, haunted by gods and angels, sinless and sin-destroying. There Guha, king of Nishadha, greeted them and fed their horses and kept guard over them all night, and when the dark cuckoo's note and the peacock's cry were heard at dawn, he sent for a splendid ferry-boat.

Then Rama asked for starch-paste, and he and Lakshmana dressed their hair in matted locks, after the fashion of hermits dwelling in the forest. Rama said farewell to Guha, and Sumantra the charioteer he bade go back to Ayodhya, though he prayed to follow farther.

Then as they crossed, Sita prayed to Ganga for safe return after fourteen years, vowing to worship that River-Queen with many offerings.

That night they dwelt by a great tree on the farther bank and ate boar's flesh slain by Rama and Lakshmana, and those two brothers vowed to protect Sita and each other, whether in solitude or amongst men. Lakshmana should walk in front, then Sita, and Rama last.

They talked also of Ayodhya, and Rama, fearing Kaikeyi's evil heart, would have Lakshmana return to care for Kaushalya, and he railed against Kaikeyi and somewhat blamed his father, swayed by a woman's will.

But Lakshmana comforted his brother so that he wept no more. "Thou shouldst not grieve," he said, "grieving Sita and me, and, O Rama, I can no more live without thee than a fish taken out of water — without thee I do not wish to see my father, nor Shatrughna, nor Sumitra, nor Heaven itself."

Then Rama was comforted, and slept with Sita under the banyan-tree, while Lakshmana watched.

---

Exile | Crossing the River | Karma

---

Life in the forest.

PDE Ramayana: Ravana and Maricha

Public Domain Edition: Ramayana

Reading Guide. Remember Maricha? When Rama was younger, he went with Vishvamitra to fight rakshasas. At that time, he killed Thataka, but her son Maricha escaped with his life. Now Ravana will seek Maricha's help in his plan to abduct Sita.

Image: Not all artists attempt to show all ten of Ravana's heads and all twenty of his arms, but that is what you will see in the illustration below.

Source. Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists by Sister Nivedita (1914). [200 words]

---

Ravana | 32. Ravana and Maricha | Golden Deer

---

So Ravana took his chariot and fared along by the sea to a great forest to consult again with Maricha, who dwelt there in a hermitage practicing self-restraint. Maricha counseled Ravana not to meddle with Rama. "Thou wouldst get off easily," he said, "if Rama, once angered, left a single rakshasa alive or held his hand from destroying thy city of Lanka."

But Ravana was fey and boasted that Rama would be an easy prey. He blamed Maricha for ill-will toward himself and threatened him with death. Then Maricha out of fear consented, though he looked for no less than death from Rama when they should meet again. Then Ravana was pleased, and, taking Maricha in his car, set out for Rama's hermitage, explaining how Sita should be taken by a ruse.

Maricha, obedient to Ravana, assumed the form of a golden deer and ranged about the wood near Rama's hut: its horns were like twin jewels, its face was piebald, its ears like two blue lotus-flowers, its sleek sides soft as the petals of a flower, its hoofs as black as jet, its haunches slender, its lifted tail of every color of the rainbow — a deer-form such as this he took! His back was starred with gold and silver, and he ranged about the forest lawns seeking to be seen by Sita.

---

Ravana | Ravana and Maricha | Golden Deer

---

Ravana and Maricha.

PDE Ramayana: Jatayu and Ravana

Public Domain Edition: Ramayana

Reading Guide. The mighty bird Jatayu, who has been watching over the exiles in the forest, does battle with Ravana, trying desperately to save Sita. Meanwhile, as Ravana carries Sita off into the sky, she drops her jewelry as tokens for Rama to find, showing which way to go. The god Brahma rejoices when he sees that all is going according to the cosmic plan to destroy Ravana by means of a human avatar: Rama.

Image: If you count Ravana's heads in the illustration below, you will see that he has nine human heads and one donkey head. This is a frequent motif in Ravana artwork; you can also see depictions of Ravana with ten heads plus an additional donkey head. Symbolically speaking, Ravana possesses knowledge in abundance, but he still acts foolishly.

Source. Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists by Sister Nivedita (1914). [400 words]

---

Ravana and Sita | 36. Jatayu and Ravana | Sita in Lanka

---

But Ravana's yellow eyes grew red with anger, and the peaceful face changed, and he took his own horrid shape, ten-faced and twenty-armed; he seized that gentle thing by the hair and limbs, and sprang into his golden ass-drawn car, and rose up into the sky.

But she cried aloud to Lakshmana and to Rama. "And O thou forest and flowery trees," she cried, "and thou Godavari, and woodland deities, and deer, and birds, I conjure you to tell my lord that Ravana has stolen me away."

Then she saw the great vulture Jatayu on a tree and prayed him for help; he woke from sleep and, seeing Ravana and Sita, spoke soft words to the rakshasa, advising him to leave his evil course. Jatayu warned him that Rama would surely avenge the wrong with death, "and while I live, thou shalt not take away the virtuous Sita, but I will fight with thee and fling thee from thy car."

Then Ravan, with angry eyes, sprang upon Jatayu, and there was a deadly battle in the sky; many weapons he showered on Jatayu, while the king of birds wounded Ravana with beak and talons. So many arrows pierced Jatayu that he seemed like a bird half hidden in a nest, but he broke with his feet two bows of Ravana's and destroyed the sky-faring car, so that Ravana fell down on to the earth with Sita on his lap.

But Jatayu by then was weary, and Ravana sprang up again and fell upon him, and with a dagger cut away his wings, so that he fell down at the point of death. Sita sprang to her friend and clasped him with her arms, but he lay motionless and silent like an extinguished forest fire.

Then Ravana seized her again and went his way across the sky. Against the body of the rakshasa she shone like golden lightning amidst heavy clouds, or a cloth of gold upon a sable elephant. All nature grieved for her: the lotus-flowers faded, the sun grew dark, the mountains wept in waterfalls and lifted up their summits like arms, the woodland deities were terrified, the young deer shed tears, and every creature lamented.

But Brahma, seeing Sita carried away, rejoiced and said, "Our work is accomplished now," foreseeing Ravana's death. The hermits were glad and sorry at once: sorry for Sita and glad that Ravana must die.

Now, as they drove through the sky in such a fashion, Sita saw five great monkeys on a mountain-top, and to them she cast down her jewels and her golden veil, unobserved of Ravana, as a token for Rama.

---

Ravana and Sita | Jatayu and Ravana | Sita in Lanka

---

Ravana abducts Sita.

PDE Ramayana: Sampati

Public Domain Edition: Ramayana

Reading Guide. Remember Jatayu, the bird who tried to defend Sita from Ravana? As Hanuman and the army travel south, they meet Jatayu's brother: Sampati. He tells them they are headed in the right direction because Ravana has taken Sita to Lanka.

Image: In the illustration below, Sampati is depicted as a vulture-like bird, although both Sampati and Jatayu have been imagined in many ways by artists over the centuries, as you can see here: Jatayu and Sampati.

Source. Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists by Sister Nivedita (1914). [200 words]

---

The Armies | 48. Sampati | Sampati and Jatayu

---

And after a month the hosts came back from searching the north and west and east, sorry and dejected that they had not found Sita. But the southern host searched all the woods and caves and hidden places, till at last they came to the mighty ocean, the home of Varuna, boundless, resounding, covered with dreadful waves. A month had passed and Sita was not found; therefore the monkeys sat dejected, gazing over the sea and waiting for their end, for they dared not return to Sugriva.

But there dwelt a mighty and very aged vulture named Sampati in a neighboring cave, and he, hearing the monkeys talking of his brother Jatayu, came forth and asked for news of him. Then the monkeys related to him the whole affair, and Sampati answered that he had seen Sita carried away by Ravana and that Ravana dwelt in Lanka, a hundred leagues across the sea.

"Do ye repair thither," he said, "and avenge the rape of Sita and the murder of my brother. For I have the gift of foresight, and even now I perceive that Ravan and Sita are there in Lanka."

---

The Armies | Sampati | Sampati and Jatayu

---

Sampati with the monkeys and bears.

PDE Ramayana: Hanuman's Leap

Public Domain Edition: Ramayana

Reading Guide. The question now is: how to get to Lanka to confirm that Sita really is there? To encourage Hanuman to make the jump, Jambavan (leader of the bears who are allied with the monkeys) tells Hanuman the story of Hanuman's birth and the amazing powers that he possesses. As he makes the crossing, Hanuman encounters a fierce rakshasi who tries to devour him. You can read more about this rakshasi at Wikipedia.

Image: The illustration depicts the story from right to left; on the right, you can see Hanuman confronting the rakshasi, and then on the left you can see him bursting out from the inside.

Source. Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists by Sister Nivedita (1914). [500 words]

---

Sampati and Jatayu | 50. Hanuman's Leap | Hanuman in Lanka

---

Then the monkeys grew more hopeful, but when they marched down to the shore and sat beside the heaving sea they were again downcast, and took counsel together sadly enough. Now one monkey said he could bound over twenty leagues, and another fifty, and one eighty, and one ninety, and Angada, son of Vali, could cross over a hundred, but his power would not avail for the return.

Then Jambavan addressed Hanuman, and recalled his birth and origin, how the wind-god had begotten him and his mother Anjana had borne him in the mountains, and when he was still a child he had thought the sun to be a fruit growing in the sky, and sprang easily three thousand leagues toward it; how Indra had cast a bolt at him, breaking his jaw; how the wind-god in anger began to destroy the heavens and earth, till Brahma pacified him and granted him the boon that his son should be invulnerable, and Indra gave him the boon of choosing his own death.

"And do thou, heroic monkey, prove thy prowess now and bound across the ocean," Jambavan said, "for we look on thee as our champion, and thou dost surpass all things in movement and in vehemence." Then Hanuman roused himself, and the monkey host rejoiced. Swelling with pride and might, he boasted of the deed he would accomplish.

Then he rushed up the mountain Mahendra, shaking it in his wrath and frightening every beast that lived in its woods and caves. Intent upon achieving a hard task, where no friend could help and no foe hindered, Hanuman stood with head uplifted like a bull and, praying to the sun, to the mountain wind, to the Self-create and to all beings, he set his heart in the work to be accomplished. He grew great and stood like a fire, with bristling hair, and roared like thunder, brandishing his tail; so he gathered energy of mind and body.

"I will discover Sita or bring Ravana away in chains," he thought, and therewith sprang up so that the very trees were dragged upward by his impetus and fell back again behind him. He hurtled through the air like a mountain, his flashing eyes like forest fires, his lifted tail like Shakra's banner. So Hanuman held his way across the ocean. Nor, when the friendly ocean lifted up Mount Mainaka, well wooded and full of fruits and roots, would Hanuman stay to rest, but, rising up, coursed through the air like Garuda himself.

Then a grim rakshasi rose from the sea and caught him by the shadow, and would devour him, but he dashed into her mouth and, growing exceeding great, burst away again, leaving her dead and broken. Then he perceived the farther shore, and thinking his huge form ill-fitted for a secret mission, he resumed his natural size and shape, and so alighted on the shore of Lanka, nor was he ever so little wearied or fatigued.

---

Sampati and Jatayu | Hanuman's Leap | Hanuman in Lanka

---

Hanuman and the rakshasi.

PDE Ramayana: Hanuman in Lanka

Public Domain Edition: Ramayana

Reading Guide. Hanuman now prowls the city of Lanka, looking for Sita. He finds Ravana's palace and even enters Ravana's bedroom to find him sleeping there, but he cannot find Sita.

Image: The painting below shows the city of Lanka, the "golden city" of King Ravana. The image is from Christie's auction house, where the painting recently sold for $30,000.

Source. Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists by Sister Nivedita (1914). [600 words]

---

Hanuman's Leap | 51. Hanuman in Lanka | Ashoka Grove

---

On the mountain summit Hanuman beheld the city of Lanka, girt with a golden wall and filled with buildings huge as cloudy mountains, the handiwork of Vishvakarman. Impatiently he waited for the setting of the sun; then, shrinking to the size of a cat, he entered the city at night, unseen by the guards.

Now Lanka seemed to him like a woman, having for robe the sea, for jewels cow-pens and stables, her breasts the towers upon her walls, and behold, as he entered in, she met him in a terrible shape and barred his way. Then Hanuman struck her down, though gently, considering her a woman, and she yielded to him and bade him accomplish his affair.

Hanuman made his way to the palace of Ravana, towering on the mountain-top, girt with a wall and moat. By now the moon was full and high, sailing like a swan across the skyey sea, and Hanuman beheld the dwellers in the palace, some drinking, some engaged in amorous dalliance, some sorry and some glad, some drinking, some eating, some making music, and some sleeping. Many a fair bride lay there in her husband's arms, but Sita of peerless virtue he could not find, wherefore that eloquent monkey was cast down and disappointed.

Then he sprang from court to court, visiting the quarters of all the foremost rakshasas, till at last he came to Ravana's own apartments, a very mine of gold and jewels, ablaze with silver light. Everywhere he sought for Sita and left no corner unexplored; golden stairs and painted cars and crystal windows and secret chambers set with gems, all these he beheld, but never Sita. The odor of meat and drink he sniffed, and to his nostrils there came also the all-pervading Air, and it said to him, "Come hither, where Ravana lies." Following the Air, he came to Ravana's sleeping-place.

There lay the lord of the rakshasas upon a glorious bed, asleep and breathing heavily; huge was his frame, decked with splendid jewels, like a crimson sunset cloud pierced by flashes of lightning; his big hands lay on the white cloth like terrible five-hooded serpents ; four golden lamps on pillars lit his bed.

Around him lay his wives, fair as the moon, decked in glorious gems and garlands that never faded. Some, wearied with pleasure, slept where they sat; one clasped her lute like an amorous girl embracing her lover; another fair one, skilled in the dance, made graceful gestures even in her sleep; others embraced each other. There, too, was Mandodari, Ravana's queen, exceeding all others in her splendor and loveliness, and Hanuman guessed she must be Sita, and the thought enlivened him, so that he waved his arms and frisked his tail and sang and danced and climbed the golden pillars and sprang down again, as his monkey-nature moved him.

But reflection showed his error, for he said, "Without Rama, Sita would not eat or drink or sleep or decorate her person, nor would she company with any other than he; this is some other one."

So Hanuman ranged farther through the palace, searching many a bower in vain. Many fair ones he beheld, but never Sita, and he deemed she must be slain or eaten by the rakshasas. So he left the palace and sat awhile in deep dejection on the city wall.

---

Hanuman's Leap | Hanuman in Lanka | Ashoka Grove

---

Lanka, golden abode of King Ravana.

PDE Ramayana: Sita and Ravana

Public Domain Edition: Ramayana

Reading Guide. As Hanuman watches, hidden up in a tree, he sees Ravana trying to persuade Sita to reject Rama and take Ravana as her new husband.

Image: You can see Ravana speaking to Sita in the Ashoka grove; if you look closely, you will see that in addition to his human heads, he has a donkey head — an expression of his foolish stubbornness.

Source. Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists by Sister Nivedita (1914). [300 words]

---

Ashoka Grove | 53. Sita and Ravana | Hanuman and Sita

---

Hanuman saw a marble palace, with stairs of coral and floors of shining gold, and there lay one imprisoned, weak and thin as if with fasting, sighing for heavy grief, clad in soiled robes, and guarded by horrid rakshasis, like a deer among the dogs or a shining flame obscured by smoke. Then Hanuman considered that this must be Sita, for she was fair and spotless, like a moon overcast by clouds, and she wore such jewels as Rama had described to him. Hanuman shed tears of joy and thought of Rama and Lakshmana.

But now, while he yet sat hidden on the tree, Ravana had waked, and that lordly rakshasa came with a great train of women to the Ashoka wood. They followed their heroic husband like lightnings following a cloud, and Hanuman heard the sound of their tinkling anklets as they passed across the golden pavements.

Ravana came toward Sita, and when she saw him she trembled like a plantain-tree shaken by the wind, and hid her face and sobbed. Then he wooed her in every way, tempting her with wealth and power and comfort, but she refused him utterly, and foretold his death at Rama's hands.

But Ravana waxed wood-wrath and gave a two-month term, after which, if she yielded not, she should be tortured and slain, and leaving her to the horrid rakshasi guards with orders to break her will, Ravana returned with his wives to his apartment. Then Sita, shrinking from the horrible she-demons, threatening her with death and torture, and reviling Rama, crept to the foot of the Ashoka tree where Hanuman was hidden.

---

Ashoka Grove | Sita and Ravana | Hanuman and Sita

---

Ravana and Sita.

PDE Ramayana: Hanuman Captured

Public Domain Edition: Ramayana

Reading Guide. Hanuman's adventures in Lanka are not yet over: Ravana's mighty son Indrajit captures Hanuman and brings him, bound, to Ravana's court.

Image: The illustration shows Hanuman brought into the presence of Ravana; if you look at a detailed view of the image, you will see that this artist does Ravana's heads in two levels, with five heads below and five heads above, which is an ingenious solution to the problem every artist faces when they try to show all ten heads.

Source. Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists by Sister Nivedita (1914). [300 words]

---

Hanuman and Sita | 55. Hanuman Captured | Ravana

---

But Hanuman was not satisfied with finding Sita; he dashed about the Ashoka grove and broke the trees and spoiled the pavilions, like the Wind himself. The rakshasis sent messages to Ravana for help, and he, hearing that a mighty monkey was destroying his servants, sent the powerful Jambumali, son of Prahasta, bow in hand, to slay Hanuman forthwith, and, indeed, he wounded him with a sharp arrow as he sat upon a temple roof, but Hanuman hurled a bolt at him and crushed him utterly.

Then a host of heroic rakshasas, led by Prince Aksha, proceeded against Hanuman and met their death; next Indrajit was sent against him, and an awful battle was joined, whereat the very gods were amazed. He sent a million shafts against the monkey, but he, ranging the sky, escaped them all; then Indrajit paused and, with concentrated mind, pondered over the true character of Hanuman and with spiritual insight perceived that he was not to be slain by weapons. Therefore he devised a way to bind him, and he loosed a Brahma shaft at him.

Therewith Hanuman was bound and knew the bond unbreakable, and he fell to earth, but he reflected that it would be well for him to converse with Ravana, and therefore he struggled not, but let the rakshasas bear him off. But they, seeing him still, bound him yet closer, pitifully moaning the while, with cords and bark. But that binding was the means of his release, for the binding power of a Brahma weapon is broken at once if another bond is added to it.

But the wily monkey gave no sign that the bonds were loosed, and the fierce rakshasas, crying to each other "Who is he? What does he want?" and "Kill him! Burn him! Eat him!" dragged him before Ravana.

---

Hanuman and Sita | Hanuman Captured | Ravana

---

Hanuman captured.

PDE Ramayana: Hanuman and Ravana

Public Domain Edition: Ramayana

Reading Guide. While Ravana's advisors debate what to do about Hanuman, Ravana decides to set his tail on fire. Not a good decision on Ravana's part!

Image: The illustration below is another example of the shadow puppets of Andhra Pradesh.

Source. Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists by Sister Nivedita (1914). [100 words]

---

Hanuman Captured | 56. Hanuman and Ravana | Lanka Burning

---

Questioned by Ravana's minister, Hanuman answered that he was indeed a monkey, come to Lanka as Rama's envoy to accomplish his commands and to behold Ravana, and he told the story of Rama up till then, and gave Ravana sound advice, to save his life by surrendering Sita.

Ravana was furious and would have Hanuman slain, but the counsellors reminded him that the punishment of death could not justly be inflicted upon one who named himself an envoy. Then Ravana cast about for a fitting penalty, and bethought him to set Hanuman's tail afire.

---

Hanuman Captured | Hanuman and Ravana | Lanka Burning

---

Ravana and Hanuman.

PDE Ramayana: The Burning of Lanka

Public Domain Edition: Ramayana

Reading Guide. As Lanka burns, Hanuman is afraid that Sita might also be in trouble. Finding her safe, he can then return to the monkey army and make his report.

Image: The image below shows Lanka on fire as Hanuman makes his escape.

Source. Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists by Sister Nivedita (1914). [400 words]

---

Ravana | 57. The Burning of Lanka | March on Lanka

---

Then the rakshasas bound the monkey's tail with cotton soaked in oil and set it all ablaze. But the heroic monkey cherished a secret plan; he suffered the rakshasas to lead him about Lanka that he might the better learn its ways and strength.

Then word was taken to Sita that that monkey with whom she had conversed was led about the streets of Lanka and proclaimed a spy, and that his tail was burning. Thereat she grieved and, praying to the Fire, she said, "As I have been faithful to my lord, do thou be cool to Hanuman." The Fire flamed up in answer to her prayer, and at that very moment Hanuman's sire blew cool between the flame and Hanuman.

Perceiving that the fire still burnt, but that his tail was icy-cold, Hanuman thought that it was for Rama's sake and Sita's and his sire's that the heat was chilled, and he snapped his bonds and sprang into the sky, huge as a mountain, and rushed to and fro in Lanka, burning the palaces and all their treasures. And when he had burnt half Lanka to the ground and slaughtered many a rakshasa, Hanuman quenched his tail in the sea.

Then all at once he repented of his rash deed, for he thought that Sita must have died in the fire. "It is a small matter to have burnt Lanka," he reflected, "but if Sita has lost her life I have failed altogether in my work, and will rather die than return in vain to Rama." But again he thought, "It may be that that fair one has been saved by her own virtue; the fire that scorched me not has surely never hurt that noble lady."

Therewith he hastened back to the Ashoka tree and found her seated there, and he greeted her, and she him, and once more they spoke of Rama, and Hanuman foretold that he would speedily rescue Sita and slay the rakshasas.

Then Hanuman sprang up like a winged mountain and fared across the sea, now clearly seen, now hidden by the clouds, till he came to Mahendra, flourishing his tail and roaring like the wind in a mighty cavern. And all the monkey host rejoiced exceedingly to see and hear him, knowing that he must have found Sita; they danced, and ran from peak to peak, and waved the branches of trees and their clean white cloths, and brought fruits and roots for Hanuman to eat.

---

Ravana | The Burning of Lanka | March on Lanka

---

Lanka on fire.

PDE Ramayana: The March on Lanka

Reading Guide. Hanuman and his army return to where King Sugriva and Rama await them. Now it is time to march on Lanka! The text mentions in passing that Rama feared the magic of the rakshasas; if you are interested in that fascinating topic, be sure to check out the story of Mahiravana, Ravana's magician son.

Image: The illustration shows Rama and Lakshmana traveling on the backs of monkeys; as you will learn from the reading, they will also have bears in their army.

Source. Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists by Sister Nivedita (1914). [200 words]

---

Lanka Burning | 58. The March on Lanka | Ravana's Court

---

Sugriva spoke and issued orders for a march of all the host toward the far south to lay a siege to Lanka, while Hanuman reported to Rama all that he had learnt of the strength and fortifications of the city, saying, "Do thou regard the city as already taken, for I alone have laid it waste, and it will be an easy matter for such a host as this to utterly destroy it."

Now the monkey army went on its way, led by Sugriva and Rama, and the monkeys skipped for joy and bounded gleefully and sported one with another. With them went many friendly bears, ruled by Jambavan, guarding the rear.

Passing over many mountains and delightful forests, the army came at length to Mahendra, and beheld the sea before them; thence they marched to the very shore, beside the wave-washed rocks, and made their camp. They covered all the shore, like a second sea beside the tossing waves.

Then Rama summoned a council to devise a means for crossing over the ocean, and a guard was set, and orders issued that none should wander, for he feared the magic of the rakshasas.

---

Lanka Burning | The March on Lanka | Ravana's Court

---

Rama's army on the move.

PDE Ramayana: Rama Attacks

Public Domain Edition: Ramayana

Reading Guide. You have seen before that Ravana has great powers of illusion. Now as Rama advances on Lanka, Ravana tries to use his powers of illusion to cause Sita to despair.

Image: The painting below shows how Ravana is besieged inside the golden city of Lanka, with Rama's army of monkeys and bears besieging him from all directions.

Source. Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists by Sister Nivedita (1914). [300 words]

---

The Bridge | 62. Rama Attacks | Indrajit

---

Dreadful were the omens of war that showed themselves: the earth shook, the clouds rained blood, a fiery circle fell from the sun. But the monkeys roared defiance at the rakshasas, whose destruction was thus foretold. Then Rama, beholding Lanka towering up to pierce the heavens, built by Vishvakarman, wrought, as it were, of mind rather than matter, hanging in the sky like a bank of snow-white clouds, was downcast at the thought of Sita prisoned there, but he arrayed the host of bears and monkeys and laid siege to Lanka.

Meanwhile Ravana's spies, sent in monkey shape to gather news, brought tidings thereof to Lanka and, advising him of Rama's resistless power, counseled that Sita should be surrendered, but Ravana was enraged, and drove the spies away disgraced, and sent others in their place, but ever with the same result. No help was there, then, but to give battle or yield up Rama's bride, but Ravana took counsel first to betray Sita to his will. He told her that the monkey host had been dispersed and Rama slain, and a rakshasi came in, bringing the semblance of Rama's head and bow, and Sita knew them, and was grieving out of all measure, and crying aloud with many lamentations, and she prayed Ravana to slay her by Rama's head that she might follow him. But therewith came in a messenger from the rakshasa general calling Ravana to the battle, and he turned to the field of war,  and when he left, the head and bow immediately vanished, and Sita knew them to have been but counterfeits and vain illusions.

---

The Bridge | Rama Attacks | Indrajit

---

Lanka besieged.

PDE Ramayana: Indrajit

Public Domain Edition: Ramayana

Reading Guide. You will meet a new character in this episode: Garuda, the great winged mount (vahana) of the god Indra. In a moment of desperation, he comes to heal the soldiers of Rama's army who have been wounded by Ravana's son Indrajit. Indrajit has used a weapon called a Nagapasha or Nagastra, a Naga-weapon or serpent-weapon. Since Garuda is the enemy of the Nagas, it makes sense that he is the one who heals the warriors this time.

Image: The image below shows Sita flying over the battlefield, seeing Rama and Lakshama struck down by serpent-weapons.

Source. Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists by Sister Nivedita (1914). [700 words]

---

Rama Attacks | 63. Indrajit | Kumbhakarna

---

Then the monkeys advanced in order and swarmed about the walls, flooding the moat and striking terror into the hearts of the rakshasas; scaling parties climbed the walls and battered down the gates with trees and stones, shouting "Victory for Rama and for Sugriva!"

The rakshasas sallied forth in turn with horrid trumpetings and joined in battle with the monkeys, and all the air was filled with the noise of fighting, and terrible confusion arose of friend and foe and man and beast, and the earth was strewn with flesh and wet with gore. Thus an equal battle raged till evening, but the rakshasas waited for the night, and eagerly desired the setting of the sun, for night is the rakshasas' time of strongest might. So night fell, and the demons ranged, devouring monkeys by thousands.

Then those of Rama's party rallied and for a time prevailed, and Indrajit, the son of Ravana, was beaten back. But he, resorting to his magic, became invisible, and showered deadly wounding arrows upon Rama and Lakshmana; fighting in crooked ways, he bound them fast so that they fell helpless to the ground, covered with a thousand wounds.

Sugriva, Hanuman, Vibhishana, and all the leaders of the monkeys stood round about those wounded heroes with tear-filled eyes, but Indrajit, unseen of any save his uncle Vibhishana, rejoiced, and let fly many a shaft that wounded Hanuman and Nila and Jambavan. Then Indrajit returned to Lanka as a victor, and his father welcomed him, and for a while the fighting ceased.

Now Vibhishana rallied the frightened monkeys and comforted Sugriva, saying, "This is no time for giving way to grief. Rama is not dying. Do thou gather the forces and inspire them with fresh hope." But the monkeys were panic-stricken, and if even a straw moved they deemed it to be a rakshasa.

And Ravana meanwhile, taking Sita on his car, showed to her Rama and Lakshmana lying on the field, senseless and pierced with many arrows, wounded and lying in the dust, and she deemed them to be dead, and wailed — but Ravana brought her back to Lanka.

Meanwhile Rama came to himself, and seeing Lakshmana seeming to be dead, he made great lamentation and,  praising what the monkeys had done, though unsuccessful, he gave them leave to go whither they would across the bridge and seek their homes. And Vibhishana, too, had no more taste for battle or desire for the throne of Lanka. But Sugriva comforted them and gave them fresh courage, and the monkey-chief Sushena told of a magic herb that grows by the Milky Ocean and can restore the dead to life, "and let the Wind-God's son go thither for it," he said.

But as he spoke a stormy wind arose, lashing the sea and shaking the very mountains, and suddenly the monkeys beheld Garuda sailing through the air like a flaming fire. As Garuda came nigh, the arrows fell from the wounded heroes like frightened serpents darting away, and when he bent in salutation and touched their faces with his hands, the sons of Dasharatha were healed, and they came to their former strength and radiance, and more.

Then Rama questioned Garuda who he was, and he answered, "I am thy friend, thy life free-ranging external to thyself, Garuda, and I have come to aid thee, hearing that thou wert bound by the magic shafts of Indrajit. Now thou shouldst take warning how the rakshasas fight with cunning and magic, and thou shouldst never trust them in the field. I take my way: thou needst not wonder how friendship came to be between us; thou shalt know all after the battle is achieved. Surely thou shalt slay Ravana and win back Sita."

With this Garuda, embracing Rama and Lakshmana, embracing, too, the monkey-chiefs, rose into the sky and sailed away upon the wind. Then the monkey-chiefs, seeing Rama and Lakshmana restored to life and power, began to roar and frisked their tails; drums and kettledrums were struck, and seizing trees, hundreds and thousands of monkeys advanced again upon the gates of Lanka.

---

Rama Attacks | Indrajit | Kumbhakarna

---

Sita sees Rama and Lakshmana fallen.

PDE Ramayana: Hanuman and the Mountain

Public Domain Edition: Ramayana

Reading Guide. After another devastating attack by Indrajit, this time using a Brahmastra (Brahma-weapon), it is up to Hanuman to save the army.

Image: The depiction of Hanuman carrying the Medicine Hill is one of the most popular Hanuman icons. This is a Hanuman statue in Haladiagada, Kendrapada, Orissa in eastern India.

Source. Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists by Sister Nivedita (1914). [300 words]

---

Kumbhakarna | 65. Hanuman and the Mountain | Indrajit

---

Then Ravana grew ever more heavy of heart, but Prince Indrajit came to his father and vowed to slay Rama and Lakshmana that day, and he sallied forth. But first he offered libations unto Fire, and sacrificed a goat, and the bright, smokeless Fire-God, with his flickering tongue, rose up to take the offering, and he bestowed a Brahma-weapon on Indrajit, and blessed his bow and car with charms. Armed with that weapon, Indrajit slew countless hosts of monkeys, and laid low Sugriva and Angada and Jambavan and Nila and other chiefs, but himself remained invisible. Then Rama, seeing him thus weaponed and unassailable, counselled a semblance of defeat. And Indrajit returned victorious to Lanka.

Then Vibhishana and Hanuman ranged the field, beholding thousands of slain and wounded, a horrid sight and grim, and they came nigh to the king of bears, Jambavan, and asked if he yet lived. He answered faintly, recognizing Vibhishana's voice, and asked if Hanuman was alive; then Hanuman bowed to Jambavan and held his feet. Jambavan rejoiced, and despite his wounds he spoke to the Wind-God's son, "Do thou labour for this host of bears and monkeys, for only thou canst save them. Thou shalt bound over the sea, and reach Himalaya, king of mountains, and bring thence the four life-giving herbs that grow on him, and return forthwith with healing for the monkey host."

Then Hanuman roared and sprang, and he passed across the sea and over hills and woods and rivers and cities till he came to Himalaya and beheld its hermitages. He ranged the mountain, but the herbs were hidden from him, and angered and impatient, Hanuman rooted up the whole mountain and sprang with it into the air and returned to Lanka, welcomed by all the host. And the slain and wounded monkeys rose up whole, as if from restful sleep, healed by the savour of the four medicinal herbs. But all the slain rakshasas had been cast into the sea. Then Hanuman took the mountain-peak again to Himalaya and returned to Lanka.

---

Kumbhakarna | Hanuman and the Mountain | Indrajit

---

Hanuman carries the Medicine Hill.

PDE Ramayana: Rama Departs

Public Domain Edition: Ramayana

Reading Guide. After Lakshmana is taken by the gods into heaven, Rama decides that the time has come for him to depart this world likewise, becoming Vishnu again.

Image: In the illustration, you will see Rama speaking with the god Brahma. This is a detailed view of a large illustration; you can see the full view here: Mewar Ramayana.

Source. Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists by Sister Nivedita (1914). [500 words]

---

Sita Departs | 80. Rama Departs | PDE Ramayana

---

At length there came to Rama's palace the mighty yogi Time, and Rama honored him. He named himself Time, begotten by Narayana on Maya, and he reminded Rama of his godly self and all that he had achieved in Heaven and on earth. "O Lord of the World," he said, "thou wast born on earth for the destruction of the Ten-Necked rakshasa, and thou didst undertake to dwell on earth for eleven thousand years. Now that time is ripe and the grandsire sendeth me to tell thee: now wilt thou reign yet longer over men, or wilt thou return to the lordship of the gods?" Then Rama praised the yogi and said he had spoken truth, and for himself he would return to his own place.

But already Lakshmana had left his home and gone to the banks of Sarayu to practice great austerities, and there the gods rained flowers upon him, and Indra lifted him from the earth and returned to his own city, so that all the gods, seeing the fourth part of Vishnu come back to them, were gladdened and began to worship him. Then Rama would follow the same path.

Hearing that Rama was going away, the monkeys, born of the gods, went to Ayodhya and beheld him; and Sugriva said, "I have set Angada upon the throne of Kishkindha, and I will follow thee."

Then Rama granted the desire of all the monkeys to follow him, but to Hanuman he said, "It is determined already that thou shalt live for ever: do thou be glad on earth so long as the tale of me endures."

To Jambavan and some others Rama appointed life till the end of the Kali age, and other bears and monkeys he gave leave to follow him. To Vibhishana he gave good counsel regarding government, and ever to worship Jagannatha, Lord of the World. The next day Vashishtha prepared all due rites for those who go to the other world, and all men following Rama and the brahmins set out for Sarayu.

When they came to Sarayu, Brahma, the grandsire, came thither with the godly folk and a hundred thousand goodly cars, and the wind of Heaven blew and flowers rained down from Heaven upon earth. Then Brahma said to Rama, "Hail, O Vishnu! Do thou, with thy brothers, enter in again in whatsoever form thou wilt, who art the refuge of all creatures, and beyond the range of thought or speech, unknown of any save thy Maya."

Then Vishnu entered Heaven in his own form, with his brothers, and all the gods bowed down to him and rejoiced. Thus did all beings there assembled, entering the waters of Sarayu, attain to the heavenly state, and Brahma and the gods returned to their own abode.

Thus ends Ramayana, revered by Brahma and made by Valmlki.

---

Sita Departs | Rama Departs | PDE Ramayana

---

Brahma and Rama at the river.