Bal Kanda:

Dasharatha was the king of Kosala, an ancient kingdom that was located
in present day Uttar Pradesh. Ayodhya was its capital. Dasharatha was
loved by one and all. His subjects were happy and his kingdom was
prosperous. Even though Dasharatha had everything that he desired, he
was very sad at heart; he had no children. 

During the same time, there lived a powerful Rakshasa king in the island
of Ceylon, located just south of India. He was called Ravana. His
tyranny knew no bounds, his subjects disturbed the prayers of holy men. 

The childless Dasharatha was advised by his family priest Vashishtha to
perform a fire sacrifice ceremony to seek the blessings of God for
children. Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, decided to manifest
himself as the eldest son of Dasharatha in order to kill Ravana. While
performing the fire worship ceremony, a majestic figure rose from the
sacrificial fire and handed to Dasharatha a bowl of rice pudding,
saying, "God is pleased with you and has asked you to distribute this
rice pudding (payasa) to your wives - they will soon bear your
children." 

The king received the gift joyfully and distributed the payasa to his
three queens, Kausalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra. Kausalya, the eldest
queen, gave birth to the eldest son Rama. Bharata, the second son was
born to Kaikeyi and Sumitra gave birth to the twins Lakshmana and
Shatrughna. Rama's birthday is celebrated now as Ramanavami. 

The four princes grew up to be tall, strong, handsome, and brave. Of the
four brothers, Rama was closest to Lakshmana and Bharata to Shatrughna.
One day, the revered sage Viswamitra came to Ayodhya. Dasharatha was
overjoyed and immediately got down from his throne and received him with
great honor. 

Viswamitra blessed Dasharatha and asked him to send Rama to kill the
Rakshasas who were disturbing his fire sacrifice. Rama was then only
fifteen years old. Dasharatha was taken aback. Rama was too young for
the job. He offered himself, but sage Viswamitra knew better. The sage
insisted upon his request and assured the king that Rama would be safe
in his hands. Ultimately, Dasharatha agreed to send Rama, along with
Lakshmana, to go with Viswamitra. Dasharatha strictly ordered his sons
to obey Rishi Viswamitra and fulfill all his wishes. The parents blessed
the two young princes. They then departed with the sage (Rishi). 

The party of Viswamitra, Rama, and Lakshmana soon reached Dandaka forest
where the Rakshasi Tadaka lived with her son Maricha. Viswamitra asked
Rama to challenge her. Rama strung his bow and twanged the string. The
wild animals ran helter-skelter in fear. Tadaka heard the sound and she
became incensed. Mad with rage, roaring thunderously, she rushed at
Rama. A fierce battle ensued between the huge Rakshasi and Rama.
Finally, Rama pierced her heart with a deadly arrow and Tadaka crashed
down to the earth. Viswamitra was pleased. He taught Rama several
Mantras (divine chants), with which Rama could summon many divine
weapons (by meditation) in order to fight against evil 

Viswamitra then proceeded, with Rama and Lakshmana, towards his ashram.
When they started the fire sacrifice, Rama and Lakshmana were guarding
the place. Suddenly Maricha, Tadaka's ferocious son, arrived with his
followers. Rama silently prayed and discharged the newly acquired divine
weapons at Maricha. Maricha was thrown many, many miles away into the
sea. All other demons were slain by Rama and Lakshmana. Viswamitra
completed the sacrifice and the sages rejoiced and blessed the princes. 

The next morning, Viswamitra, Rama, and Lakshmana headed towards the
city of Mithila, the capital of the kingdom of Janaka. King Janaka
invited Viswamitra to attend the great fire sacrifice ceremony that he
had arranged. Viswamitra had something in mind - to get Rama married to
the lovely daughter of Janaka. 

Janaka was a saintly king. He received a bow from Lord Siva. It was
strong and heavy. 

He wanted his beautiful daughter Sita to marry the bravest and strongest
prince in the country. So he had vowed that he would give Sita in
marriage only to the one who could string that great bow of Siva. Many
had tried before. None could even move the bow, let alone string it. 

When Viswamitra arrived with Rama and Lakshmana at the court, King
Janaka received them with great respect. Viswamitra introduced Rama and
Lakshmana to Janaka and requested that he show the bow of Siva to Rama
so that he could try to string it. Janaka looked at the young prince and
assented doubtfully. The bow was stored in an iron box mounted on an
eight-wheeled chariot. Janaka ordered his men to bring the bow and place
it in the middle of a big hall filled with many dignitaries. 

Rama then stood up in all humility, picked up the bow with ease, and got
ready for the stringing. He placed one end of the bow against his toe,
put forth his might, and bent the bow to string it-when to everyone's
surprise the bow snapped in two! Sita was relieved. She had liked Rama
right at the first sight. 

Dasharatha was immediately informed. He gladly gave his consent to the
marriage and came to Mithila with his retinue. Janaka arranged for a
grand wedding. Rama and Sita were married. At the same time, the three
other brothers were also provided with brides. Lakshmana married Sita's
sister Urmila. Bharata and Shatrughna married Sita's cousins Mandavi and
Shrutakirti. After the wedding, Viswamitra blessed them all and left for
the Himalayas to meditate. Dasharatha returned to Ayodhya with his sons
and their new brides. People celebrated the marriage with great pomp and
show. 


Ayodhya Kanda:

For the next twelve years Rama and Sita lived happily in Ayodhya. Rama
was loved by all. He was a joy to his father, Dasharatha, whose heart
nearly burst with pride when he beheld his son. As Dasharatha was
growing older, he summoned his ministers seeking their opinion about
crowning Rama as prince of Ayodhya. They unanimously welcomed the
suggestion. Then Dasharatha announced the decision and gave orders for
the coronation of Rama. During this time, Bharata and his favorite
brother, Shatrughna, had gone to see their maternal grandfather and were
absent from Ayodhya. 

Kaikeyi, Bharata's mother, was in the palace rejoicing with the other
queens, sharing the happy news of Rama's coronation. She loved Rama as
her own son; but her wicked maid, Manthara, was unhappy. Manthara wanted
Bharata to be the king so she devised a heinous plan to thwart Rama�s
coronation. As soon as the plan was set firmly in her mind, she rushed
to Kaikeyi to tell her. 

"What a fool you are!" Manthara said to Kaikeyi, "The king has always
loved you more than the other queens. But the moment Rama is crowned,
Kausalya will become all powerful and she will make you her slave." 

Manthara repeatedly gave her poisoned suggestions, clouding Kaikeyi�s
mind and heart with suspicion and doubt. Kaikeyi, confused and
distraught, finally agreed to Manthara�s plan. 

"But what can I do to change it?" asked Kaikeyi with a puzzled mind. 

Manthara was clever enough to chalk out her plan all the way. She had
been waiting for Kaikeyi to ask her advice. 

"You may recall that long ago when Dasharatha was badly wounded in the
battle field, while fighting with the Asuras, you saved Dasraratha's
life by swiftly driving his chariot to safety? At that time Dasharatha
offered you two boons. You said you would ask for the boons some other
time." 

Kaikeyi readily remembered. 

Manthara continued, "Now the time has come to demand those boons. Ask
Dasharatha for your first boon to make Bharat the king of Kosal and for
the second boon to banish Rama to the forest for fourteen years." 

Kakeyi was a noble-hearted queen, now trapped by Manthara. She agreed to
do what Manthara said. Both of them knew that Dasharatha would never
fall back on his words. 

The night before the coronation, Dasharatha came to Kakeyi to share his
happiness at seeing Rama the crown prince of Kosala. But Kakeyi was
missing from her apartment. She was in her "anger room". When Dasharatha
came to her anger room to inquire, he found his beloved queen lying on
the floor with her hair loose and her ornaments cast away. 

Dasharatha gently took Kakeyi's head on his lap and asked in a caressing
voice, "What is wrong?" 

But Kakeyi angrily shook herself free and firmly said; "You have
promised me two boons. Now please grant me these two boons. Let Bharata
be crowned as king and not Rama. Rama should be banished from the
kingdom for fourteen years." 

Dasharatha could hardly believe his ears. Unable to bear what he had
heard, he fell down unconscious. When he returned to his senses, he
cried out in helpless anger, "What has come over you? What harm has Rama
done to you? Please ask for anything else but these." 

Kakeyi stood firm and refused to yield. Dasharatha fainted and lay on
the floor the rest of the night. The next morning, Sumantra, the
minister, came to inform Dasharatha that all the preparations for the
coronation were ready. But Dasharatha was not in a position to speak to
anyone. Kakeyi asked Sumantra to call Rama immediately. When Rama
arrived, Dasharatha was sobbing uncontrollably and could only utter
"Rama! Rama!" 

Rama was alarmed and looked at Kakeyi with surprise, "Did I do anything
wrong, mother? I have never seen my father like this before." 

"He has something unpleasant to tell you, Rama," replied Kakeyi. "Long
ago your father had offered me two boons. Now I demand it." Then Kakeyi
told Rama about the boons. 

"Is that all mother?" asked Rama with a smile. "Please take it that your
boons are granted. Call for Bharata. I shall start for the forest
today." 

Rama did his pranams to his revered father, Dasharatha, and to his
stepmother, Kakeyi, and then left the room. Dasharatha was in shock. He
painfully asked his attendants to move him to Kaushalya's apartment. He
was waiting for death to ease his pain. 

The news of Rama's exile spread like a fire. Lakshmana was furious with
his father's decision. Rama simply replied, "Is it worthwhile to
sacrifice your principle for the sake of this small kingdom?" 

Tears sprang from Lakshmana's eyes and he said in a low voice, "If you
must go to the forest, take me along with you." Rama agreed. 

Then Rama proceeded to Sita and asked her to stay behind. "Look after my
mother, Kausalya, in my absence." 

Sita begged, "Have pity on me. A wife's position is always beside her
husband. Don't leave me behind. I�ll die without you." At last Rama
permitted Sita to follow him. 

Urmila, Lakshaman�s wife, also wanted to go with Lakshmana to the
forest. But Lakshmana explained to her the life that he plans to lead
for the protection of Rama and Sita. 

"If you accompany me, Urmila," Lakshmana said, "I may not be able to
fulfill my duties. Please take care of our grieved family members." So
Urmila stayed behind on Lakshmana's request. 

By that evening Rama, Sita and Lakshmana left Ayodhya on a chariot
driven by Sumatra. They were dressed like mendicants (Rishis). The
people of Ayodhya ran behind the chariot crying loudly for Rama. By
nightfall they all reached the bank of the river, Tamasa. Early the next
morning Rama awoke and told Sumantra, "The people of Ayodhya love us
very much but we have to be on our own. We must lead the life of a
hermit, as I promised. Let us continue our journey before they wake up."

So, Rama, Lakshmana and Sita, driven by Sumantra, continued their
journey alone. After travelling the entire day they reached the bank of
the Ganges and decided to spend the night under a tree near a village of
hunters. The chieftain, Guha, came and offered them all the comforts of
his house. But Rama replied, "Thank you Guha, I appreciate your offer as
a good friend but by accepting your hospitality I will break my promise.
Please allow us to sleep here as the hermits do." 

Next morning the three, Rama, Lakshmana and Sita, said goodbye to
Sumantra and Guha and got into a boat to cross the river, Ganges. Rama
addressed Sumantra, "Return to Ayodhya and console my father." 

By the time Sumantra reached Ayodhya Dasharatha was dead, crying until
his last breath, "Rama, Rama, Rama!" Vasishtha sent a messenger to
Bharata asking him to return to Ayodhya without disclosing the details. 

Bharata immediately returned with Shatrughna. As he entered the city of
Ayodhya, he realized that something was terribly wrong. The city was
strangely silent. He went straight to his mother, Kaikeyi. She looked
pale. Bharat impatiently asked, "Where is father?" He was stunned by the
news. Slowly he learned about Rama�s exile for fourteen years and
Dasharatha�s demise with the departure of Rama. 

Bharata could not believe that his mother was the cause of the disaster.
Kakyei tried to make Bharata understand that she did it all for him. But
Bharata turned away from her with disgust and said, "Don�t you know how
much I love Rama? This kingdom is worth nothing in his absence. I am
ashamed to call you my mother. You are heartless. You killed my father
and banished my beloved brother. I will not have anything to do with you
for as long as I live." Then Bharata left for Kaushalya�s apartment.
Kakyei realized the mistake she made. 

Kaushalya received Bharata with love and affection. Addressing Bharata
she said, "Bharata, the kingdom is waiting for you. No one will oppose
you for ascending the throne. Now that your father is gone, I would also
like to go to the forest and live with Rama." 

Bharata could not contain himself any further. He burst into tears and
promised Kaushalya to bring Rama back to Ayodhya as quickly as possible.
He understood the throne rightfully belonged to Rama. After completing
the funeral rites for Dasharatha, Bharata started for Chitrakut where
Rama was staying. Bharata halted the army at a respectful distance and
walked alone to meet Rama. Seeing Rama, Bharata fell at his feet begging
forgiveness for all the wrong doings. 

When Rama asked, "How is father?" Bharat began to cry and broke the sad
news; "Our father has left for heaven. At the time of his death, he
constantly took your name and never recovered from the shock of your
departure." Rama collapsed. When he came to senses he went to river,
Mandakini, to offer prayers for his departed father. 

The next day, Bharata asked Rama to return to Ayodhya and rule the
kingdom. But Rama firmly replied, "I cannot possibly disobey my father.
You rule the kingdom and I shall carry out my pledge. I will come back
home only after fourteen years." 

When Bharata realized Rama�s firmness in fulfilling his promises, he
begged Rama to give him his sandals. Bharata told Rama the sandals will
represent Rama and he would carry out the duties of the kingdom only as
Rama�s representative. Rama gracefully agreed. Bharata carried the
sandals to Ayodhya with great reverence. After reaching the capital, he
placed the sandals on the throne and ruled the kingdom in Rama�s name.
He left the palace and lived like a hermit, as Rama did, counting the
days of Rama�s return. 

When Bharata left, Rama went to visit Sage Agastha. Agastha asked Rama
to move to Panchavati on the bank of Godavari River. It was a beautiful
place. Rama planned to stay at Panchavati for some time. So, Lakshamana
quickly put up an elegant hut and they all settled down. 


Aranya Kanda:

Rama, Sita and Lakshmana settled down to lead the life of ascetics in
the forest. Ravana was then the most powerful Asura king who lived in
Lanka (today's Ceylon). Surpanakha, the sister of Ravana, lived in
Panchavati. One day Surpanakha happened to see Rama and instantly fell
in love with him. She requested Rama to be her husband. Rama was amused,
and smilingly said, "As you see I am already married. You can request
Lakshmana. He is young, handsome and is alone without his wife." 

Surpanakha took Rama's word seriously and approached Lakshmana. 

Lakshmana said, "I am Rama's servant. You should marry my master and not
me, the servant." 

Surpanakha got furious with the rejection and attacked Sita in order to
devour her. Lakshmana swiftly intervened, and cut off her nose with his
dagger. Surpanakha ran away with her bleeding nose, crying in pain, to
seek help from her Asura brothers, Khara and Dushana. Both the brothers
got red with anger and marched their army towards Panchavati. Rama and
Lakshmana faced the Rakshasas and killed them all. 

Surpanakha was terror stricken. She immediately flew to Lanka to seek
her brother Ravana's protection. Ravana was outraged to see her sister
mutilated. Surpanakha described all that happened. Ravana was interested
when he heard that Sita is the most beautiful woman in the world, Ravana
decided to abduct Sita. Rama loved Sita very much and could not live
without her. 

Ravana made a plan and went to see Maricha. Maricha had the power of
changing himself into any form he wanted along with the appropriate
voice imitation. But Maricha was afraid of Rama. He still could not get
over the experience he had when Rama shot an arrow that hurled him far
into the sea. This happened in Vashishtha's hermitage. Maricha tried to
persuade Ravana to stay away from Rama but Ravana was determined. 

"Maricha!" shouted Ravana, "You have only two choices, help me to carry
out my plan or prepare for death." Maricha preferred to die in Rama's
hand than be killed by Ravana. So he agreed to help Ravana in the
abduction of Sita. 

Maricha took the form of a beautiful golden deer and began to graze near
Rama's cottage in Panchavati. Sita was attracted towards the golden deer
and requested Rama to get the golden deer for her. Lakshmana warned that
the golden deer may be a demon in disguise. By then Rama already started
to chase the deer. He hurriedly instructed Lakshmana to look after Sita
and ran after the deer. Very soon Rama realized that the deer is not a
real one. He shot an arrow which hit the deer and Maricha was exposed. 

Before dying, Maricha imitated Rama's voice and shouted, "Oh Lakshmana!
Oh Sita,! Help! Help!" 

Sita heard the voice and asked Lakshmana to run and rescue Rama.
Lakshmana was hesitant. He was confident that Rama is invincible and the
voice was only a fake. He tried to convince Sita but she insisted.
Finally Lakshmana agreed. Before his departure, he drew a magic circle,
with the tip of his arrow, around the cottage and asked her not to cross
the line. 

"As long as you stay within the circle you will be safe with the grace
of God" said Lakshmana and hurriedly left in search of Rama. 

>From his hiding place Ravana was watching all that was happening. He was
glad that his trick worked. As soon as he found Sita alone, he disguised
himself as a hermit and came near Sita's cottage. He stood beyond the
protection line of Lakshmana, and asked for alms (bhiksha). Sita came
out with a bowl full of rice to offer to the holy man, while staying
within the protection line drawn by Lakshmana. The hermit asked her to
come near and offer. Sita was unwilling to cross the line when Ravana
pretended to leave the place without alms. As Sita did not want to annoy
the sage, she crossed the line to offer the alms. 

Ravana did not lose the opportunity. He quickly pounced on Sita and
seized her hands, declaring, " I am Ravana, the king of Lanka. Come with
me and be my queen." Very soon Ravana's chariot left the ground and flew
over the clouds on way to Lanka. 

Rama felt distressed when he saw Lakshmana. "Why did you leave Sita
alone? The golden deer was Maricha in disguise. " 

Lakshman tried to explain the situation when both the brothers suspected
a foul play and ran towards the cottage. The cottage was empty, as they
feared. They searched, and called out her name but all in vain. Finally
they were exhausted. Lakshmana tried to console Rama as best as he
could. Suddenly they heard a cry. They ran towards the source and found
a wounded eagle lying at the floor. It was Jatayu, the king of eagles
and a friend of Dasharatha. 

Jatayu narrated with great pain, "I saw Ravana abducting Sita. I
attacked him when Ravana cut my wing and made me helpless. Then he flew
towards the south." After saying this, Jatayu died on the lap of Rama. 


Kishkindha Kanda:

Rama and Lakshmana burried Jatayu and then moved towards the south. 

On their way, Rama and Lakshmana met a ferocious demon, called Kabandha.
Kabandha attacked Rama and Lakshmana. When he was about to devour them,
Rama struck Kabandha with a fatal arrow. Before his death, Kabandh
disclosed his identity. He had a beautiful form which was changed by a
curse to the form of a monster. Kabandha requested Rama and Lakshmana to
burn him into ashes and that will bring him back to the old form. He
also advised Rama to go to the monkey king Sugrive, who lived in the
Rishyamukha mountain, to get help in regaining Sita. 

On his way to meet Sugriva, Rama visited the hermitage of an old pious
woman, Shabari. She was waiting for Rama for a long time before she
could give up her body. When Rama and Lakshmana made their appearance,
Shabari's dream was fulfilled. She washed their feet, offered them the
best nuts and fruits that she collected for years. Then she took Rama's
blessings and departed for the heaven. 

After a long walk, Rama and Lakshmana reached the Rishyamukha mountain
to meet Sugriva. Sugriva had a brother Vali, the king of Kishkindha.
They were once good friends. This changed when they went to fight with a
giant. The giant ran into a cave and Vali followed him, asking Sugriva
to wait outside. Sugriva waited for a long time and then returned to the
palace in grief, thinking that Vali was killed. He then became the king
upon the request of the minister. After sometime, Vali suddenly
appeared. He was mad with Sugriva and blamed him to be a cheater. Vali
was strong. He drove Sugriva out of his kingdom and took away his wife.
Ever since, Sugriva had been living in the Rishyamukha mountain, which
was out of bound for Vali because of a Rishi's curse. 

On seeing Rama and Lakshmana from a distance, and not knowing the
purpose of their visit, Sugriva sent his close friend Hanuman to find
out their indentity. Hanuman, disguised as an ascetic, came to Rama and
Lakshmana. The brothers told Hanuman of their intention to meet Sugriva
because they wanted his help to find Sita. Hanuman was impressed by
their courteous behavior and removed his garb. Then he carried the
princes on his shoulder to Sugriva. There Hanuman introduced the
brothers and narrated their story. He then told Sugriva of their
intention to come to him. 

In return, Sugriva told his story and sought help from Rama to kill
Vali, otherwise, he could not help even if he wanted to. Rama agreed.
Hanuman then kindled a fire to bear witness to the alliance made. 

In due course, Vali was killed and Sugriva became the king of
Kishkindha. Soon after Sugriva took over the kingdom of Vali, he ordered
his army to proceed in the search of Sita. 


Sundara Kanda:

Rama specially called Hanuman and gave his ring saying, "If any one
finds Sita, it will be you Hanuman. Keep this ring to prove your
identity as my messenger. Give it to Sita when you meet her." Hanuman
most respectfully tied up the ring to his waist and joined the search
party. 

As Sita flew, she dropped her ornaments on the ground. These were traced
by the monkey army and it was concluded that Sita was carried
southwards. When the monkey (Vanara) army reached the Mahendra Hill,
located on the south shore of India, they met Sampati, the brother of
Jatayu. Sampati confirmed that Ravana took Sita to Lanka. The monkeys
were perplexed , how to cross the huge sea that stretched in front of
them. 

Angada, the son of Sugrive, asked, "Who can cross the ocean?" silence
prevailed, until Hanuman came up to give a try. 

Hanuman was the son of Pavana, the wind god. He had a secret gift from
his father. He could fly. Hanuman enlarged himself to a huge size and
took a jump to cross the ocean. After overcoming many obstacles, at last
Hanuman reached Lanka. He soon contracted his body and alighted as a
tiny insignificant creature. He soon passed through the city unnoticed
and managed to enter the palace quietly. He went through every chamber
but could not see Sita. 

Finally, Hanuman located Sita in one of the gardens of Ravana, called
Ashoka grove (Vana). She was surrounded by the Rakshashis who were
guarding her. Hanuman hid on a tree and watched Sita from a distance.
She was in deep distress, crying and praying to God for her relief.
Hanuman's heart melted in pity. He took Sita as his mother. 

Just then Ravana entered the garden and approached Sita. "I have waited
enough. Be sensible and become my queen. Rama can not cross the ocean
and come through this impregnable city. You better forget about him." 

Sita sternly replied, "I have repeatedly told you to return me to Lord
Rama before his wrath falls upon you." 

Ravana got furious, "You have gone beyond the limits of my patience. You
give me no choice than to kill you unless you change your mind. Within a
few days I shall be back." 

As soon as Ravana left, other Rakshashis, who were attending Sita, came
back and suggested her to marry Ravana and enjoy the enviable wealth of
Lanka." Sita kept quiet. 

Slowly the Rakshashis wandered away, Hanuman came down from his hiding
place and gave Rama's ring to Sita. Sita was thrilled. She wanted to
hear about Rama and Lakshmana. After conversing for a while Hanuman
asked Sita to take a ride on her back to return to Rama. Sita did not
agree. 

"I do not want to return home secretly" said Sita, "I want Rama to
defeat Ravana and take me back with honor." 

Hanuman agreed. Then Sita gave her necklace to Hanuman as an evidence
confirming their meeting. 

Before departing from the Ashoka grove (Vana), Hanuman wanted Ravana to
have a lesson for his misconduct. So he began to destroy the Ashoka
grove by uprooting the trees. Soon the Rakshasa warriors came running to
catch the monkey but were beaten up. The message reached Ravana. He was
enraged. He asked Indrajeet, his able son, to capture Hanuman. A fierce
battle ensued and Hanuman was finally captured when Indrajeet used the
most powerful weapon, the Brahmastra missile. Hanuman was taken to
Ravana's court and the captive stood in front of the king. 

Hanuman introduced himself as the messenger of Rama. "You have abducted
the wife of my all powerful master, Lord Rama. If you want peace, return
her with honor to my master or else, you and your kingdom will be
destroyed." 

Ravana was wild with rage. He ordered to kill Hanuman instantly when his
younger brother Vibhishana objected. "You can not kill a king's envoy"
said Vibhishana. Then Ravana ordered Hanuman's tail to be set on fire. 

The Rakshasa army took Hanuman outside the hall, while Hanuman increased
his size and lengthened his tail. It was wrapped with rags and ropes and
soaked in oil. He was then paraded through the streets of Lanka and a
big mob followed to have fun. The tail was set on fire but because of
his divine blessing Hanuman did not feel the heat. He soon shrank his
size and shook off the ropes that bound him and escaped. Then, with the
torch of his burning tail, he jumped from roof to roof to set the city
of Lanka on fire. People began to run, creating chaos and hideous cries.
Finally, Hanuman went to the sea shore and put off the fire in the sea
water. The he began his homeward flight. 

When Hanuman joined the monkey army and narrated his experience, they
all laughed. Soon the army returned to Kishkindha. 

Then Hanuman quickly went to Rama to give his first-hand account. He
took out the jewel that Sita gave and placed it in Rama's hands. Rama
burst into tears when he saw the jewel. 

He addressed Hanuman and said, "Hanuman! You have achieved what none
else could. What can I do for you?" Hanuman prostrated before Rama and
sought his divine blessing. 

Sugriva then discussed in detail with Rama their next course of action.
On an auspicious hour the entire monkey army set out from Kishkindha
towards Mahendra Hill, located on the opposite side of Lanka. Upon
reaching Mahendra Hill, Rama faced the same problem, how to cross the
ocean with the army. He called for a meeting of all the monkey chiefs,
and sought their suggestions for a solution. 

When Ravana heard from his messengers that Rama had already arrived at
Mahendra Hill, and was preparing to cross the ocean to Lanka, he
summoned his ministers for advice. They unanimously decided to fight
Rama to his death. To them, Ravana was indestructible and they,
undefeatable. Only Vibhishana, the younger brother of Ravana, was
cautious and opposed to this. 

Vibhishana said, "Brother Ravana, you must return the chaste woman,
Sita, to her husband, Rama, seek his forgiveness and restore peace." 

Ravana became upset with Vibhishana and told him to leave the kingdom of
Lanka. 

Vibhishana, through his magical power, reached Mahendra Hill and sought
permission to meet Rama. The monkeys were suspicious but took him to
Rama as a captive. Vibhishana explained to Rama all that happened in
Ravana's court and sought his asylum. Rama gave him sanctuary and
Vibhishana became the closest adviser to Rama in the war against Ravana.
Rama promised Vibhishana to make him the future king of Lanka. 

To reach Lanka, Rama decided to build a bridge with the help of the
monkey engineer Nala. He also summoned Varuna, the God of the Ocean, to
cooperate by staying calm while the bridge was in the making.
Immediately thousands of monkeys set about the task of gathering the
materials to build the bridge. When the materials were piled up in
heaps, Nala, the great architect, started to build the bridge. It was a
stupendous undertaking. But the entire monkey army worked hard and
completed the bridge in just five days. The army crossed over to Lanka. 


Yuddha Kanda (or Lanka Kanda):

After crossing the ocean, Rama sent Angada, the son of Sugrive, to
Ravana as a messenger. Angada went to Ravana's court and delivered
Rama's message, "Return Sita with honor or face destruction." Ravana
became enraged and ordered him out of the court immediately. 

Angada returned with Ravana�s message and preparation for the war began.
The next morning Rama ordered the monkey army to attack. The monkeys
rushed forward and hurled huge boulders against the city walls and
gates. The battle continued for a long time. Thousands were dead on each
side and the ground soaked in blood. 

When Ravana's army was losing, Indrajeet, Ravana's son, took the
command. He had the ability to fight while staying invisible. His arrows
tied up Rama and Lakshmana with serpents. The monkeys began to run with
the fall of their leaders. Suddenly, Garuda, the king of the birds, and
the sworn enemy of the serpents, came to their rescue. All of the snakes
slithered away leaving the two brave brothers, Rama and Lakshmana, free.

Hearing this, Ravana himself came forward. He hurled the powerful
missile, Shakti, at Lakshmana. It descended like a fierce thunderbolt
and hit hard at Lakshmana's chest. Lakshmana fell down senseless. 

Rama wasted no time to come forward and challenged Ravana himself.
Following a fierce fight Ravana's chariot was smashed and Ravana was
sorely wounded. Ravana stood helpless before Rama whereupon Rama took
pity on him and said, "Go and rest now. Return tomorrow to resume our
fight." In the mean time Lakshmana recovered. 

Ravana was shamed and called upon his brother, Kumbhakarna for
assistance. Kumbhakarna had the habit of sleeping for six months at a
time. Ravana ordered him to be awakened. Kumbhakarna was in a deep sleep
and it took the beating of drums, piercing of sharp instruments and
elephants walking on him to awaken him. He was informed of Rama's
invasion and Ravana's orders. After eating a mountain of food,
Kumbhakarna appeared in the battlefield. He was huge and strong. When he
approached the monkey army, like a walking tower, the monkeys took to
their heels in terror. Hanuman called them back and challenged
Kumbhakarna. A great fight ensued until Hanuman was wounded. Kumbhakarna
headed towards Rama, ignoring the attack of Lakshmana and others. Even
Rama found Kumbhakarna difficult to kill. Rama finally discharged the
powerful weapon that he obtained from the wind God, Pavana. Kumbhakarna
fell dead. 

Hearing the news of his brother's death, Ravana swooned away. After he
recovered, he lamented for a long time and then called Indrajeet.
Indrajeet consoled him and promised to defeat the enemy quickly. 

Indrajeet began to engage in the battle safely hidden behind the clouds
and invisible to Rama. Rama and Lakshmana seemed to be helpless to kill
him, as he could not be located. Arrows came from all directions and
finally one of the powerful arrows hit Lakshmana. Everyone thought this
time Lakshmana was dead and Sushena, the physician of the Vanara army,
was called. He declared that Lakshmana was only in a deep coma and
instructed Hanuman to leave immediately for Gandhamadhana Hill, located
near the Himalayas. Gandhamadhana Hill grew the special medicine, called
Sanjibani, that was needed to revive Lakshmana. Hanuman lifted himself
in the air and traveled the entire distance from Lanka to Himalaya and
reached the Gandhamadhana Hill. As he was unable to locate the herb, he
lifted the entire mountain and carried it to Lanka. Sushena immediately
applied the herb and Lakshmana regained consciousness. Rama was relieved
and the battle resumed. 

This time Indrajeet played a trick on Rama and his army. He rushed
forward in his chariot and created an image of Sita through his magic.
Catching the image of Sita by the hair, Indrajeet beheaded Sita in front
of the entire army of the Vanaras. Rama collapsed. Vibhishana came to
his rescue. When Rama came to senses Vibhishana explained that it was
only a trick played by Indrajeet and that Ravana would never allow Sita
to be killed. 

Vibhishana further explained to Rama that Indrajeet was realizing his
limitations to kill Rama. Hence he would soon perform a special
sacrificial ceremony in order to acquire that power. If successful, he
would become invincible. Vibhishana suggested Lakshmana should go
immediately to obstruct that ceremony and slay Indrajeet before he
became invisible again. 

Rama accordingly sent Lakshmana, accompanied by Vibhishana and Hanuman.
They soon reached the spot where Indrajeet was engaged in performing the
sacrifice. But before the Rakshasa prince could complete it, Lakshmana
attacked him. The battle was fierce and finally Lakshmana severed
Indrajeet's head from his body. Indrajeet fell dead. 

With the fall of Indrajeet, Ravana�s spirit was in complete despair. He
wailed most piteously but sorrow soon gave way to anger. He furiously
rushed to the battlefield to conclude the long drawn fight against Rama
and his army. Forcing his way, past Lakshmana, Ravana came face to face
with Rama. The fight was intense. Finally Rama used his Brahmastra,
repeated the mantras as taught by Vashishtha, and hurled it with all his
might towards Ravana. The Brahmastra whizzed through the air emitting
scorching flames and then pierced the heart of Ravana. Ravana fell dead
from his chariot. The Rakshasas stood silent in amazement. They could
scarcely believe their eyes. The end was so sudden and final. 

After Ravana's death, Vibhishana was duly crowned as king of Lanka. The
message of Rama's victory was sent to Sita. Happily she bathed and came
to Rama in a palanquin. Hanuman and all other monkeys came to pay their
respect. Meeting Rama, Sita was overcome by her joyous emotion. Rama,
however, seemed to be far away in thought. 

At length Rama spoke, "I am happy to rescue you from the hands of Ravana
but you have lived a year in enemy's abode. It is not proper that I
should take you back now." 

Sita could not believe what Rama said. Bursting in tears Sita asked,
"Was that my fault? The monster carried me away against my wishes. While
in his residence, my mind and my heart were fixed on my Lord, Rama,
alone." 

Sita felt deeply grieved and decided to end her life in the fire. 

She turned to Lakshmana and with tearful eyes she implored him to
prepare the fire. Lakshmana looked at his elder brother, hoping for some
type of reprieve, but there was no sign of emotion on Rama�s face and no
words came from his mouth. As instructed, Lakshmana built a large fire.
Sita reverently walked around her husband and approached the blazing
fire. Joining her palms in salutation, she addressed Agni, the God of
fire, "If I am pure, O fire, protect me." With these words Sita stepped
into the flames, to the horror of the spectators. 

Then Agni, whom Sita invoked, arose from the flames and gently lifted
Sita unharmed, and presented her to Rama. 

"Rama!" addressed Agni, "Sita is spotless and pure at heart. Take her to
Ayodhya. People are waiting there for you." Rama delightfully received
her. "Don't I know she is pure? I had to test her for the sake of the
world so that the truth may be known to all." 

Rama and Sita were now reunited and ascended on a air chariot (Pushpaka
Viman), along with Lakshmana to return to Ayodhya. Hanuman went ahead to
apprise Bharata of their arrival. 

When the party reached Ayodhya, the entire city was waiting to receive
them. Rama was coronated and he took up the reins of government much to
the great joy of his subjects. 

As of today, the celebrations of Navaratri, Dasshera and Dewali come
sequentially. Navaratri marks the beginning of Rama's prayer to Goddess
Durga to obtain the divine power to kill Ravana. Then Rama received the
divine power on the eighth day of Navaratri (Ashthami). Finally, Ravana
was killed on the day of Dasshera. Diwali celebrates Rama's triumphant
return to Ayodhya and his coronation. 

Uttara Kanda:

Rama and Sita lived happily for some time. Yet there were people in the
kingdom who were unhappy about the fact that their queen had lived in
the house of another man for so long. Rama, convinced that his queen had
to be above suspicion, banished a pregnant Sita from Ayodhya. She went
to live in Sage Valmiki's hermitage, where she gave birth to twin sons,
Luv and Kusha. The boys grew up in the hermitage and were educated by
Valmiki. When they were about 15 years old, they went to Ayodhya and
encountered Rama, who asked them about Sita. When he learnt that she was
at the hermitage, he went there to bring her back to Ayodhya. However,
he said that for the sake of his subjects, she would have to prove her
innocence publicly, with yet another trial by fire. Even Sita's enduring
spirit could not bear this final cruelty. She called upon her mother,
the Earth, to prove her chastity and take her back into her arms
forever. Bhoodevi, the Earth, parted under Sita's feet to accept her. As
Sita was being swallowed by the Earth, Kusha tried to save his mother
but was unsuccessful. Heartbroken, Rama decided to give up his life and
took jala samadhi by walking into the Sarayu River.