Reading Notes: Narayan's Ramayana, Section D

 In this section of the story Rama confronted Ravana in Lanka.  The most confusing thing about this section is the fact that their names are so similar.  In the portions that focus on Rama and Ravana, I found myself getting confused as to who was doing what.

Before Rama crosses the ocean to get to Lanka, he send Hanuman to scout for his wife Sita and determine where she was.  Hanuman was also tasked with scouting the city in which Ravana resided. he decided to confront Ravana and deliver a message, saying that Ravana should desist and return Sita to Rama otherwise they would cross the ocean and attack him. This is the first introduction to Vibishana, who convinced Ravana, who wanted to kill Hanuman, to spare Hanuman.  Hanuman escapes and lights the city on fire.

Ravana shows his arrogance in the portion of the story, by deciding to wait for Rama to bring his armies across the ocean to Lanka.  His other option would have been to go out and attack Rama, but his advisers told him that a true show of strength would be to stay in Lanka and wait for Rama. 

 This part focused heavily on the battle and all the weapons that are used in the fight between Rama and Ravana.  Both Rama and Ravana use flying chariots to fight one another.  Archery seems to be a main focus in the battle. It may also be of importance in Indian culture. 

After Rama defeats Ravana, he is reunited with Sita.  He tells her that because they were separated for so long, he can no longer be her husband. When Sita hears this, she demands Lakshmana build a fire. When the fire was lit, Sita jumped into the fire. She was saved by the god of fire, and Rama now accepted her purity.


Sita In a Fire. Source



Bibliography
R.K. Narayan. Ramayana. Kindle

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