39. Vanarasena's War (Devotional)

      When Rama Reached Lanka, Vibhishana sent some spies inside Lanka to know Ravana's plans. Meanwhile Rama along with Lakshmana, Vibhishana, Sugreeva and his army reached Suvela mountain in Lanka. Rama decided to halt on Suvela mountain for that night and to envision the City of Lanka. They started enjoying the beauty of gardens of Lanka. They see the city with its large mansions and seven storied buildings, including the thousand-pillared mansion of Ravana with a height almost touching the skies. There, above a gate-way of the City, stands Ravana. By seeing Ravana, Sugreeva bounced from Suvela mountain to Ravana's place and started fighting with him. He took off Ravana’s crown and threw it down on the floor. They carried on duel for a long time without any fatigue. Ravana got exhausted and decided to use his magical powers to defeat Sugreeva. Sugreeva after figuring it out, ascended into the skies and landed in the middle of monkey-troops on the side of Rama. Complete Vanarasena got encouraged after witnessing this feat of Sugreeva.

      Rama advised Sugreeva not to repeat such reckless acts in future. Then Rama sent Angada to Ravana to warn him that if he didn't return back Sita, he will be destroyed. Angada jumped into sky and landed on Ravana's palace. He approached Ravana and communicated the whole message given by Rama after hearing which Ravana was infuriated and commanded his soldiers to catch Angada and kill him. Angada fought with all demons easily who came to catch him. He ascended the roof of Ravana’s palace, which equaled the summit of a mountain in height and destroyed it. Then he rose into air and reached Rama. Meanwhile heroes of Vanarasena started attacking gates of Lanka and destroyed them completely. Demons broke the news to Ravana who ordered them to destroy Vanaras by weapons. Vanaras responded the strike with trees, mountain-tops, nails and teeth. In a series of hand-to-hand encounters, the valiant monkeys destroyed the strong demons. The remaining demons waited for the sun to se-in and re-assembled with a renewed vigour for the battle.

      During battle, Angada stroke Indrajit, his chariot and the charioteer all at once but Indrajit vanished from the spot. Sugreeva and his monkeys felt delighted and praise Angada’s prowess. Meanwhile Indrajit being invisible attacked Rama and Lakshmana with serpent arrows which confined them and made them fall on ground like dead people. Vanarasena was feeling grief thinking that Rama and Lakshmana were no more. Then Rama gained his consciousness but still bound with magical serpent arrows. He saw Lakshmana lying on ground life less and started lamenting. Vibhishana approached them and consoled them saying that nothing bad will happen to Rama and Lakshmana. In the meantime, a great wind arose, accompanied by massed clouds and lightning, whipping up the salty waves in the ocean, causing the mountains to tremble as from an earthquake. There appeared Garuda after seeing whom all serpents bounding Rama and Lakshmana fled away. Garuda offered them his good wishes and embraced their faces by which all their wounds got healed.

      Vanarasena started screaming with joy by hearing which Ravana enquired his soldiers to find out the reason. After knowing from them that Rama and Lakshmana were alive, he commanded Dhumraksha to kill Rama. Dhumraksha came to battlefield with a big army and started a fierce battle. Hanuman hit Dhumraksha on head and killed him. Ravana sent Vajradamstra, another demon to kill Rama and his monkeys. Vajradamstra and his army emerged from the southern gate where Angada, the General of the Monkeys was stationed. The monkeys had a tough fight with the demons. Angada, the leader of the monkeys stroke the terrible strong demons, chopping off their heads. The powerful demon Vajradamshtra penetrated the army of monkeys, sowing terror among them. A fierce battle ensued between Vajradamshtra and Angada. Angada assaulted Vajradamshtra with a sword making his head fall on the ground. Ravana next sent Akampana for the battle. A deadly conflict ensued between monkeys and demons. Akampana entered the battle-field and assailed the monkeys with his bow and arrows. Then Hanuman came to the rescue of the monkeys and striked the head of Akampana with a huge tree and killed him.

38. Rama Reached Lanka (Devotional)

      After Hanuman Burning Lanka, he came back to Rama and explained everything happened in Lanka. Everyone was very happy and proud of Hanuman for achieving this. Rama asked Hanuman about Lanka's details and Ravana's strengths and weaknesses. After discussing with Sugreeva and Hanuman Rama fixed an auspicious time for departure. Rama started his journey to Lanka with all vanaras to fight with Ravana and get Sita back. After Hanuman's visit to Lanka, Ravana expected that Rama may attack on Lanka. He called all his ministers for a meeting and asked their suggestions. Demons encouraged Ravana and told him that Indrajit alone is sufficient to defeat entire Vanarasena (Troop of monkeys) and Rama. One of Ravana's half brothers, Vibhishana advised Ravana to return Sita back to Rama and save Lanka. Ravana was too arrogant to accept his advise and decided to fight with Rama. Ravana instructed Prahasta, chief of his army to defend the city of Lanka carefully. Prahasta positioned the army for defense accordingly at suitable places both inside and outside the city.

      Mahaparsva, one of his ministers advised Ravana to take charge of Sita by force. Ravana told him about Brahma's curse on him. Once Ravana saw a celestial nymph, Punjikasthala who was proceeding towards the abode of Brahma. Ravana enjoyed her forcibly which was known to Brahma when she reached his place. Enraged Brahma cursed Ravana that if he revel with any other woman forcibly, his head will break into hundred pieces. Ravana was planning with ministers how to kill Rama and Lakshmana. Vibhishana was continuously explaining the power of Rama and advised Ravana to return Sita back. All demons including Indrajit were not ready to listen to him. Finally Ravana got angry on Vibhishana for praising his enemy before him and refuses to listen to Vibhishana. Vibhishana couldn't save his family by giving advises and sets off to leave Ravana.

      Rama and others started their journey to Lanka and reached ocean. Now they were thinking of ways to cross the ocean. Vibhishana together with four of his companions reached there. Halting in the sky itself, Vibhishana asked Rama to give a refuge to him. Rama asked advise from his vanara ministers. Angada, Jambavantha etc ministers advised not to trust a demon but Hanuman told Rama about how Vibhishana treated him when he was in Lanka. After hearing this, Rama accepted Vibhishana to be one of his associate. A demon named Sardula who was a spy of Ravana, came there without any one's notice and observed Rama and his army. He went to Ravana and explained about vanarasena and advised him to send Shuka as a messenger to Sugriva. As per his advise, Ravana sent Shuka to Sugriva as an ambassador with a message. Shuka approached Sugriva and told him Ravana's message that Sugriva is no way related to what Ravana did to Rama so instead of fighting with demons, it is better to go back to Kishkindha.  After hearing this, vanaras pounced on him and started torturing him. Rama stopped them as messengers should not be killed. Sugriva gave Shuka a message to Ravana that Ravana is no way related to him and as he is enemy of Rama, he must be killed. Sugriva warned Ravana that he with his entire army will be coming to Lanka and destroy everything to ashes. Shuka left to Lanka with Sugriva's message.

      Rama and his ministers were thinking of ways how to cross the ocean to reach Lanka. Rama thought of speaking to ocean to give way and requested ocean to come into personal form. Ocean had no response to which Rama got angry and left fierce arrows which caused a terror among the creatures inside the ocean. Rama took an arrow and said that he will make the whole ocean dry up such that he and his army can walk to other side of ocean. When he stretched the arrow, Sea god appeared before Rama with joined palms and advised to build a bridge on ocean. Sea god told him that he will make the stones float on ocean if Rama's name is written on them so that they can build a bridge with them. He promised them that no crocodiles will be aggressive to them while crossing ocean. Rama told Sea god that his arrow should not go in vain which is stretched and asked him to advise where should it be descended. Sea god advised to leave the arrow towards it's northern side where numerous robbers were living. Rama left his arrow as advised killing all robbers at that place.

      Sea god appointed Nala, son of Vishvakarma to help Rama's troop to build a bridge. Vanaras started collecting big stones and wrote Sri Rama's name on them. When they throw them in the ocean, they started floating. On Nala's supervision they were building a bridge on ocean to reach Lanka. Ravana had a mermaid daughter by name Sovann Matcha. When Ravana saw that vanaras building a bridge to cross the ocean, he ordered his daughter to take her companions and destroy the bridge. So Sovann Matcha along with her companions were removing the stones one by one with out vanara's notice. One day some of the vanaras called Hanuman and explained him that the stones thrown by them were being missed with in some time. Hanuman took some vanaras with him and went inside ocean and observed that a large number of mermaids were taking the rocks and carrying away as soon as they tossed by vanaras. Hanuman looked for their leader and found Matcha. He tried to attack her but being mermaid she was very skillful in swimming. She was evading him very easily. Finally Hanuman gave up and asked her why she is doing this. She explained him that she is daughter of Ravana and she is following Ravana's orders. Hanuman explained her how Ravana kidnapped Sita and Matcha decided to help them. All mermaids returned the rocks and the bridge was built with in seven days. Once bridge is built, Rama and his vanarasena reached Lanka through it.

37. Hanuman Burning Lanka (Devotional)

      Once Ravana tried to enter kailasa to meet Lord Shiva. Nandiswara who is one of the guardian in kailasa stopped him. Ravana got angry and scolded Nandiswara as monkey. In turn Nandiswara cursed Ravana that a monkey will destroy his Lanka. According to his curse, Hanuman started destroying Lanka as explained in Hanuman's Fight In Lanka. Hanuman got confined himself with Brahmasthra to meet Ravana. Indrajit brought Hanuman to Ravana's court where Hanuman met Ravana and was astonished by Ravana's glory. Ravana inquired of Hanuman as to who he was and also his motive in destroying the pleasure-garden as also killing the demons. Hanuman replied that he did all this to meet Ravana and introduced himself as Rama's messenger. 

      Vibhishana, one of the half brothers of Ravana offered Hanuman to be seated as it was ritual that messenger should be respected but Ravana told that there is no need to respect a monkey. Hanuman created his own thorn by expanding his tail and sat on it. Hanuman warned Ravana to return Sita back to Rama else he will be punished. Ravana got angry and ordered his soldiers to kill Hanuman but Vibhishana advised Ravana not to kill Hanuman as it is not right to kill a messenger. So Ravana ordered to wrap cloths around Hanuman's tail and set fire. Hanuman expanded his tail further and further such that even all cloths in Lanka were not enough to wrap around it. Finally when they set fire to his tail, Hanuman started setting that fire to all buildings in Lanka. Hanuman burnt the entire city, barring the abode of Vibhishana. All the demons were frightened seeing the blazing fire consuming their city with its trees, houses and a host of living beings.

      After burning Lanka, Hanuman went to the ocean and got rid of fire to his tail. He jumped into the ocean to refresh himself then a drop of his perspiration fell into the mouth of a great fish (a mermaid) which later gave birth to a mighty hero named Makara Dhvaja. Suddenly Hanuman thought about Sita and frightened that she might also burnt. He came to Ashoka vatika to find Sita safe and was happy. He took leave from Sita and started his journey back to Rama. Hanuman crossed ocean and met other vanaras waiting for him on the opposite side of ocean. All were happy after hearing from Hanuman what he had done. They went to Rama and explained everything. Hanuman gave Chudamani given by Sita as a token of rememberence to Rama (Refer Hanuman Met Sita). Rama confirmed that it is Sita's Chudamani and everyone prepared to reach Lanka to fight with demons and save Sita.

36. Hanuman's Fight In Lanka (Devotional)

      When Hanuman Met Sita, he showed Rama's ring to Sita and took Sita's Chudamani to show to Rama. Hanuman took leave from Sita and started his journey to Rama. When he was walking from Ashoka vatika to the ocean, he thought to open assault with the demons, so as to meet Ravana and his ministers for knowing their designs and strengths. He started damaging the royal pleasure-garden attached to the gynaecium at Lanka. Guards at the garden went to Ravana and reported him about Hanuman. Ravana got angry and sent eighty thousand kinkaras (demons) to catch Hanuman. Hanuman with his might, killed all kinkaras with an iron rod. After knowing this, Ravana thought to send Jambumali, the son of Prahasta to catch hold of Hanuman. Prahasta is brother of Ravana's mother Kaikasi (Refer Story of Ravana). Jambumali was a demon in a big lake of wine. He used to sleep there so that whenever he wakes up, he drinks a little bit and sleeps. He can't wait to go fill up the cup and drink so he used to be in a lake of wine. Jambumali was woken up with some anti-liquor medicine. Ravana commanded him to take 80,000 soldiers and fight with Hanuman.

      At that time Hanuman thought to destroy a sanctuary which was sacred to the guardian-deity of the demons. Hanuman assumed a gigantic form and uplifted a pillar in that sanctuary and burnt the sanctuary by producing fire created out of its friction with the other pillars. Jambumali arrived there and warned Hanuman while praising Ravana. Hanuman didn't care him and offered him to fight. Jambumali fired so many astras(powerful arrows) at Hanuman which had no effect on him due to one of his boons (Refer Birth of Hanuman). Jambumali thought to increase his size to surprize Hanuman and closed his eyes and started growing his size. When he thought that he grew enough so huge that Hanuman might be at his ankles, he opened his eyes. There were two big balls before Jambumali by seeing which he got confused. Then He head voice of Hanuman from way above that those balls were his knees. Jambumali got scared of Hanuman's size and looked back to see his army. His army of 80,000 soldiers were dead already. There was a beautiful parliament hall called Caitya, belonging to Ravana. This hall had very huge marble and diamond pillars. When Jambumali was growing his size, Hanuman took one of the pillars and put it on top of the army. They were so nicely organized that simply by a little work Hanuman could finish them all. Furious Jambumali challenged Hanuman to fight with him in his original form. Hanuman readily accepted and they both started fighting. Jambumali jumped on Hanuman. Hanuman put his index finger in his navel and lifted him up and circled and threw him. All his liver and everything came out of his mouth and died.

      Ravana after knowing about Jambumali's death, ordered other seven sons of Prahasta to fight with Hanuman. Seven sons of Prahasta approached Hanuman and started firing numerous arrows on him. Hanuman crushed all of them using his palms, feet, fists, nails, chest and thighs only as his weapons. Later Ravana sent Virupaksha, Yupaksha, Durdhara, Praghasa and Bhasakarna, the five foremost army-generals to capture Hanuman. Hanuman first killed Durdhara who initially attacked him. He then killed Virupaksha and Yupaksha by attacking them with a sala tree. Hanuman later killed Praghasa and Bhasakarna by hurling the top of a mountain on them. Then destroyed the remaining army together with horses elephants and chariots. Ravana was so angry after hearing the news. Ravana's youngest son Akshawanted to fight against Hanuman. With Ravana's approval, Aksha along with his army, elephants and horses approached Hanuman and incites him to battle by discharging three sharp arrows. Hanuman felt kind of Aksha after seeing that he was too young to fight. As Aksha discharged his arrows, Hanuman bounced quickly to the sky and smashed Aksha's chariot and the horses. Still Aksha didn't get frightened and fired so many arrows at Hanuman. Finally Hanuman took Aksha by his feet and threw him down head foremost to kill him.

      Ravana called his son Indrajit (Refer Mandodari's Advice) and asked him to go for a battle against Hanuman. Indrajit went to face Hanuman in combat. The arrows discharged by Indrajit were made ineffective by Hanuman through his peculiar skill of maneuvering them like a wind-god. Realizing that Hanuman cannot be slain, Indrajit discharged Brahmastra (Most powerful weapon created by Brahma) on Hanuman. Hanuman had a boon from Brahma that even Brahmastra also wont have any effect on him. Hanuman wanted to meet Ravana to advise him to give Sita back to Rama so he greeted Brahmastra with his joined hands. Brahmastra became a rope and confined Hanuman as he requested. Indrajit along with other demons brought Hanuman to Ravana's court.

35. Hanuman Met Sita (Devotional)

      After Hanuma's Journey To Lanka, Hanuman reached Lanka by night. Once he entered Lanka, Lankini appeared before him who is a demoness standing at the entrance of the city, gaurding Lanka. She stopped him and Hanuman had to fight with her. Hanuman hit her hardly with his fist and Lanikini fall down. She told him that she is the city of Lanka herself and according to a boon given to her by Brahma, when a vanara conquers her with his might, then a fear will come for demons. She thanked him for coming as a sign to clear all demons in her city and told him to enter Lanka to complete his task. Hanuman changed his form to a small monkey and started looking for Sita.

      Lanka was so beautiful as constructed by the celestial architect Vishwakarma (Refer Story of Ravana). Hanuman was looking all houses, building and everything. He reached Ravana's palace and entered in search of Sita. He saw Ravana and many demons sleeping all over the palace. He saw Ravana's wives sleeping in their rooms. He saw Mandodari and thought that she is Sita by her appearance and decoration. He was so happy that he found Sita at last but then he thought that Sita can not sleep so peacefully without Rama. She wont decorate herself so nicely being separated from Rama. Hanuman realized that she is not Sita and continued his search again. He searched all over the palace and other houses of demons. He couldn't find Sita. He got depressed that Sita might be dead and how he can carry this news to Rama. He thought so many ways how Sita might be dead and thought about what happens if he carry this news to Rama. Hanuman was so depressed that he decided not to carry this bad news to Rama and wanted to become a hermit and live far from Rama and vanaras. Later he thought to kill Ravana or take him alive to Rama to take revenge but finally he decided not to let Rama know this sad news. He thought to hide in Ashok Vatika (Refer Mandodari's Advice) and kill demons one by one. So he went towards Ashok Vatika.

      Hanuman was looking all over Ashoka Vatika being attracted by it's beauty. Then he thought that if Sita were alive, she will definitely be here. He searched for Sita in Ashoka Vatika finally and at one place he saw an emaciated woman surrounded by demonesses. From her radiance and manner of clothing etc, Hanuman recognized her to be Sita. It was early morning by then and Hanuman hid on the same tree under which Sita was sitting. Ravana approached there and requested Sita to be his wife and enjoy his riches. Sita rejected as usual. Ravana left after threatening Sita that Rama will never come to save her and she will meet death if she didn't accept Ravana's request. Hanuman felt sad after seeing what Sita is going through and was waiting for all demonesses will sleep so that he can talk to Sita. When all demonesses slept, Hanuman started singing about Rama so that Sita will believe in him. Still Sita thought Hanuman might be some demon in disguise. Hanuman showed the ring given by Rama (Refer Searching For Sita) to Sita after seeing which she believed him. Hanuman explained everything about how Rama met vanaras and searching for Sita whole world. Hanuman asked her to sit on his shoulders so that he can take her to Rama. Sita rejected saying that Rama should come to free her. Hanuman assured her that he will urge Rama and Lakshmana to reach Lanka with vanaras to conquer Ravana and save Sita. Hanuman asked Sita to give something as a token of remembrance which Rama can recognize. Sita gave him her jewel for the head (Chudamani) and told him a story which only Rama and Sita knows so that Hanuman can tell that story to Rama to assure him that Hanuman met Sita.

       When Rama, Sita and Lakshmana were in Chitrakuta village on Badragiri mountain, one day Rama and Sita were roaming around the forest. Rama was tired and slept in Sita's lap. Then a crow yearning for meat, began to peck Sita. Sita didnt want Rama to get disturbed from sleep and was controlling herself. That crow continued to peck her and hen Sita's blood fall on Rama, he woke and asked her who did this. He looked around and saw the crow flying around, He got so much angry and took a blade of kusa grass and chanted some mantra to make it equal to Brahmastra. Rama threw that blazing blade of kusa towards the crow. Crow ran for a long time to save it's life where as blade of kusa was chasing it. Finally that crow came to Rama and sought refuge. Rama gave it protection and said that weapon left by him can not be reversed. Crow told him that he can take his right eye to which Rama agreed. Blade of kusa struck the crow on right eye. Sita told Hanuman to narrate this story to Rama and ask him how he can forgive Ravana who took Sita away from Rama where as he strike a crow with brahmastra to save Sita. Hanuman took leave from Sita and Sita greeted him to have a safe journey.

34. Hanuman's Journey To Lanka (Devotional)

      As explained in Who Will Cross Ocean, Hanuman took a big leap over the ocean. He was flying over the ocean very fastly. God of ocean wanted to help Hanuman as he was doing this great task for Lord Vishnu. He requested mountain Mainaka to increase its size and give some place for Hanuman to take rest for some time. Mainaka was a mountain which can increase it's size whenever it wanted which had gold in the middle. Mainaka increased it's size and became an obstacle to Hanuman such that his speed will be reduced and he can rest for some time. But as soon as Hanuman's chest struck to the mountain, mountain's peak broke into pieces and Hanuman was flying with out any effect.

      Mainaka requested Hanuman to rest on it for some time. Mainaka told Hanuman that previously all mountains were having wings. Gods and saints thought that mountains may fall on them accidentally and requested Indra to get rid of this problem. Indra cut away wings of all mountains. When Indra came to cut wings of Mainaka, Hanuman's father Wind god saved Mainaka by throwing it to this ocean. So Mainka came flying with Hanuman and asked him to take it's help as return by resting on it. Hanuman replied that he cant waste his time by resting until he finishes his task. But for Mainaka's satisfaction, he touched the mountain with his hands and flew away.

      There was a goddess named Surasa who was one of the daughter of Daksha and the queen of Nagas. She had a boon that who ever wants to cross her, must pass through her mouth only. She wanted to test Hanuman whether he is only strong or intelligent too. She took a big form and arouse from the ocean. Becoming an obstacle to Hanuman, she told him that she will eat him. Hanuman being known that she is a goddess, requested her to allow him to complete his task and offered himself after completion of task. She told him that according to her boon, Hanuman who is infront of her must pass through her mouth and opened her mouth wide to eat him.

      Hanuman increased hs size even more. Surasa also increased her size such that she can eat him. After increasing to a huge size, Hanuman became tiny and entered her mouth and came out. Then Hanuman told her that according to her boon, he entered her mouth so he can leave now. Surasa felt happy about Hanuman's intelligence and blessed him. Thus Hanuman continued his journey. There was a demoness named Simhika with the power to assume desired form saw Hanuman and planned to eat him. She attracted his shadow thus making him slow. Hanuman observed this and looked around. He identified Simhika as demoness once Sugriva told him about. He increased his size a lot. Simhika opened her mouth wider to eat him. Then Hanuman took small form and fall in her mouth. He rend her internal organs with his sharp nails and killed her. Then he flew back again. When Hanuman was almost reached Lanka, he reduced his size such that no demons in Lanka will see him. He landed safely and assumed tiny form and started looking for Sita.

33. Who Will Cross Ocean (Devotional)

      As explained in Searching For Sita, Jatayu's brother Sampati informed vanaras that Sita might be at Lanka. Vanaras were planning how to cross the ocean to reach from India to Lanka. First they asked Jambavantha whether he can fly over the ocean to reach Lanka and search for Sita. Jambavantha considered to be one of the Vanaras but actually he was a king of bears. He was king of Himalayas in previous life born to serve Rama in this life as a bear. During Vamanavatar, when Vamana took huge form to cover all the three worlds, Jambavantha circled around him eighteen times in six moments. That was the speed of Jambavantha. Vanaras reminded Jambavantha about this incident and asked him whether he can cross the ocean.

      Jambavantha told them that when he was coming back down after performing pradhakshina to Vamana, he scratched Meru, golden mountain with his toe-nails accidentally. Meru got upset that even saptarishis also float over him with out stepping on where as Jambavantha being a bear stepped on him. He cursed Jambavantha that he will become old, thinking that he did this mistake as he was proud that he was young. So being old, Jambavantha couldnt take the risk. After hearing to Jambavantha, Vanaras looked at Angada who is capable to cross the ocean. As explained in Mandodari's Advice, Ravana and Vali were friends. Ravana offered Vali to send his son Angada to Lanka to study with his son Meghanath. As Vali agreed, Angada was studying with Meghanath for some time. Being mischievous, he was teasing Meghanath a lot. Their guru got angry on Angada and cursed him that if Angada ever comes to Lanka again, he will be killed by Lankini, who was a demoness guarding Lanka. So Angada told vanaras that he can cross the ocean but not sure whether he can come back or not due to this curse. (Later when Hanuman killed Lankini, Angada was able to enter Lanka during battle with out any effect of this curse).

      Vanaras thought a lot and Jambavantha suggested Hanuman to cross the ocean. Hanuman couldn't believe his words and was shocked. He asked Jambavantha that how he can perform such an act where as great and strong people like Jambavantha, Angada can not do. Then Jambavantha explained him about the boons he got from gods and how he forgot about his own strength due to a mild curse (Refer Birth of Hanuman). As Jambavantha reminded him, Hanuman remembered everything and knew his own strength. He increased his size using one of his boon and step on a big mountain near by. Hanuman chanted "Jai Sri Ram" and took a big leap to fly over the ocean to reach Lanka.

32. Mandodari's Advice (Devotional)

      After Sita's abduction, Ravana took her to Lanka and held her captive in Ashok Vatika which is a beautiful garden in his kingdom. Ravana wanted to show off his kingdom's beauty to her. Sita sat under a tree in Ashok vatika and was waiting for Rama to rescue her. Ravana didn't want to own Sita forcibly. He kept  strict security around her and allotted many maids to serve her. He was proposing her everyday to be his queen to which Sita was rejecting. Ravana's wife Mandodari advised him not to do this sin and to give Sita to Rama and make friendship. Ravana was too arrogant and refused. Mandodhari asked Ravana what if Rama found out Sita's where abouts and declared a war on Lanka. Ravana was so confidant that he can win Rama. Then Mandodari reminded him two incidents.

      Once king Karthaveeryarjuna (Refer Parashuramavatar) went to river Narmadha with his beautiful wives to play water games and to bath . With his powerful thousand hands he stopped the flow of water in the river, entered the river and started playing in the water with his wives. Without knowing this, Ravana also came to the same river noted the flow in the river was very less. So he put a tent on the bank of the river and entered the river had a good bath, sat near his tent, started to perform Shiva Puja. Karthaveeryarjuna decided to finish his water game after some time and and go back to his palace. So he removed the blockage of water and allowed the flow in the river. The stopped water flew with great force in the river and affected Ravana’s Shiva puja. His tent was taken away by the force of flood. Ravana was very furious at the sudden flow of water in the river and understood that it was the work of Karthaveeryarjuna. He ran towards Karthaveeryarjuna to hit him. Karthaveeryarjuna lifted him with his fingers without any effort as if he was lifting a tiny creature even before he could start the fight, took him to his capital city Magishmathi and imprisoned him. Ravana had to be in the prison for many years. After some years Karthaveeryarjuna took pity on him and released him from the prison. Later Karthaveeryarjuna was killed by Parashurama (Refer Parashuramavatar). Parashurama accepted his defeat to Rama (Refer Sita's Swayamvaram). So Mandodari asked Ravana how he can win over Rama as he couldn't even stand a chance with Karthaveeryarjuna.

      Ravana had a son named Meghanath. One day Ravana mentioned Meghanath that he defeated all his enemies and should teach a lesson to Indra now. Ravana advised Meghanath to go and fight with Indra. They both fought went to heaven and challenged Indra for a battle. After a terrible battle, Indra lost and was brought to Lanka as prisoner. Ravana chained Indra to a big pillar and made him an object of fun. Finally he released Indra by request of Lord Brahma. Meghanath was given the title of 'Indrajit' (who won over Indra). People in Lanka were celebrating the victory. Sage Narada came to Ravana and praised him. Narada told Ravana that everyone in the world praising him except one. Ravana got angry and asked who as that. Narada told him that's its a big monkey named Vali ho is the king of Vanaras. Ravana pledged that he will defeat Vali and bring him to Lanka for the children to play with. He ordered his son and soldiers to get ready for battle. Narada laughed and said that it is shame to use a big troop of soldiers to fight with a monkey. So Ravana himself set out immediately to fight with Vali alone.

      Ravana and Narada reached Vali's place and Narada showed Vali to Ravana who was frightened by seeing a huge monkey. Vali was praying at that time. Ravana regained his confidence and challenged Vali to fight. As Vali was busy in praying, he didn't mind Ravana's words. Ravana was screaming a lot disturbing Vali's prayer. So Vali took Ravana in a hand and tied him with his tail. Ravana couldnt move any part of his body. Vali continued his prayer and went to all rivers to take bath. All the time Ravana was tied to hs tail helplessly. Finally when Vali reached Kishkindha, other Vanaras saw Ravana and asked Vali about him. Then Vali remembered and released him. Vali asked Ravana what was the matter. Ravana couldn't say anything except requesting him his friendship. From then Vali and Ravana became friends. Mandodari asked Ravana that he failed in battle with Vali and how can he win over Rama who killed Vali. Still Ravana was not convinced and was ready to fight with Rama.

31. Searching For Sita (Devotional)

      As explained in Vali and Sugriva, Rama and Sugriva became good friends and decided to help each other. Rama promised Sugriva that he will kill Vali and make Sugriva the king of Kishkindha. Sugriva promised Rama that he will send his troops all over the world to search for Sita once he becomes king of Kishkindha. But Vali was not confidant that Rama can kill Vali. There were 9 trees in that forest and vanaras believed that ho ever can cut all those trees with a single arrow, will be capable to kill Vali. To gain their confidence, Rama strike an arrow and cut all those trees in one shot. Then Rama told Sugriva to go and challenge Vali and planned to kill Vali while he was fighting with Sugriva. As planned, Sugriva challenged Vali to fight and they started fighting. Rama hid behind a tree and waiting to strike an arrow on Vali to kill him. But as Vali and Sugriva look a like, Rama couldn't distinguish between them. Finally Sugriva lost and fled. Rama explained him about his confusion and advised Sugriva to wear a garland and fight again with Vali. Sugriva wore a garland and challenged Vali again. This time while Vali and Sugriva were fighting, Rama hid behind a tree and killed Vali with his arrow.

      Before dieing, Vali asked Rama why he did wrong by not fighting face to face to which Rama explained that as Vali took his brother's wife forcibly, he is like an animal so he did right thing according to Kiratha nyayam (Rule of hunters). Rama promised Vali that Vali's son Angada will be the prince of Kishkindha and Vali died peacefully. Sugriva became the king of Kishkindha and Angada became the prince. Now its time Sugriva had to fulfil his promise. He had to send his troops to search for Sita. But due to rainy season, he asked Rama to wait till winter. Rama agreed and was waiting for winter. Sugriva was enjoying his royal pleasures and forgot about his promise to Rama. Rama asked Lakshmana to approach Sugriva and remind about the promise. Lakshmana did the same and Sugriva came to Rama will all his troops and asked his forgiveness. He divided his troops into some groups and sent them to all sides to search for Sita. Rama gave his ring to Hanuman and told him to show it to Sita if he meet her so that she can recognise him as Rama's friend.

      Hanuman, Angada, Jambavantha and some other vanaras headed south side. They reached the edge of south region of India and ocean ahead. They were sad that they couldn't find Sita. While they were talking, they spoke about Jatayu who sacrificed his life while trying to save Sita. Then Jatayu's brother Sampati (Refer Jatayu and Sabari) was around and heard their talk. Sampati asked them about his brother Jatayu as he was searching for him for a long time. Vanaras told him that his brother is died while trying to rescue Sita. Sampati felt sad about his brother's death and informed vanaras that while flying over Lanka, he saw Lanka's king Ravana recently with a beautiful lady who was pleading him to release herself. She might be Sita. Now vanaras were thinking how to cross the ocean to reach Lanka and confirm about Sita's presence.

30. Vali and Sugriva (Devotional)

      Vali and Sugriva are vanaras (monkeys) and sons of Surya, the sun god. Vali ruled the kingdom of Kishkindha where all Vanaras live. Vali had a boon that when he fights with anyone, half of the opponant's strength will be transfered to Vali. So he was invincible. Sugriva was a loyal brother serving him as his minister. Tara was Vali's wife and Ruma was Sugriva's wife. One day a demon challenged Vali to a fight. Vali accepted the challenge, but when he sallied forth, the demon fled in terror into a deep cave. Vali entered the cave in pursuit of the demon, telling Sugriva to wait outside. He advised Sugriva before entering cave to close the cave with a big stone if Vali didn't return back in 3 days so that demon cannot come out. When Vali did not return in 3 days, and upon hearing demonic shouts in the cave and seeing blood oozing from its mouth, Sugriva concluded that his brother had been killed. With a heavy heart, Sugriva rolled a boulder to seal the cave's opening as per Vali's advise and returned to Kishkindha and assumed kingship over the vanaras.

      After some days Vali ultimately prevailed in his combat with the demon and returned home. Seeing Sugriva acting as king, he concluded that his brother had betrayed him. Though Sugriva humbly attempted to explain himself, Vali would not listen. As a result, Sugriva was ostracized from the kingdom, Vali forcibly took Sugriva's wife Ruma. From then Vali and Sugriva became biggest enemies. Sugriva tried to defeat Vali many times but failed. As per Surya's request, Hanuman joined forces with Sugriva (refer Birth of Hanuman). As per the mild curse on Hanuman, he doesn't know his own strength. He was just like any other vanara acing as Sugriva's minister. One day when Hanuman was leaving penance to Surya in the early morning, Ravana was taking away Sita on the same way. Sita removed all her garments and left it on the ground which fell directly in Hanuman's hands. Hanuman got surprised and gave them to Sugriva for safekeeping.

      As per sabari's advise, Rama and Lakshmana reached Sugriva's place (refer Story of Jatayu and Sabari). Sugriva saw them from distance and doubted whether they are friends or enemies. So Hanuman disguised himself as a brahmin and approached them. When he asked Rama about his where abouts, Rama called him Hanuman and told him that the chain in Hanuman's neck is showing his real form. Hanuman remembered that his mother Anjana told Hanuman that who ever can see that chain, will be his master (refer Birth of Hanuman). So he took his real form and fell on Rama's feet. From then Hanuma started serving Rama. He introduced Rama to Sugriva. When Rama told them about Sita's abduction, Hanuman showed them the garments he found the other day. Rama confirmed them as Sita's garments. Rama promised Sugriva that he will help him killing Vali and make him the king of Kishkindha. Sugriva promised him that he will send his troops all over to search for Sita once he become king of Kishkindha.

29. Jatayu and Sabari (Devotional)

      As explained in Story of Garuda, Kashyap got two sons from Vinata. One is Aruna whose egg was partly broken by his own mother Vinata out of curiosity and another is Garuda. Aruna is charioteer  of Surya, the sun god. Aruna got two sons Sampati and Jatayu. when young, they used to compete as to who could fly higher. Once Jatayu flew so high that he was about to get seared by the sun's flames. Sampati saved his brother by spreading his own wings and thus shielding Jatayu from the hot flames. In the process, Sampati himself got injured and lost his wings. As a result, Sampati lived wingless for the rest of his life. Jatayu was saved by Dasaratha once while confronting with Samparasura. He is a good friend of Rama also. When Ravana was taking away Sita, Jatayu saw him and confronted. He tried to save Sita till his last breath. Ravana being stronger cut off his wings and killed him.

      There was a old woman called Sabari who served for long Rishi Matanga in his ashram near Rishyamuka, and when he was ascending to heaven, he bade his disciple await the advent of Rama who would come to her, bless her, and fulfill her tapas. Sabari obeyed her Master’s command. When Rama and Lakshmana set out in search of Sita (refer Sita's Abduction), en route they killed Kabandakan who had been transformed into an Asura due to a curse. After being released from the curse, he told Rama that Sabari has been waiting for them at Mathanga rishi's ashram. So Rama and Lakshmana visited the ashram where Sabari told them that Mathanga rishi and his disciples had attained moksha and gone to heaven. She also said that Mathanga rishi had told her that Rama and Lakshmana would visit the ashram and that she could reach heaven after serving them. As part of her hospitality, Sabari offered fruits to Rama and Lakshmana before taking them around the ashram and showing the place where Mathanga rishi and his disciples did yagas. She then sought Rama's permission to leave this world. On getting his consent, Sabari entered the fire wearing deer skin and emerged out of it as a beautiful woman wrapped in a silk dress and adorned with beautiful jewels. She attained moksha with Rama's permission.

      Before leaving her body, Sabari advised Rama to meet Sugriva, a vanara living near by who can help Rama with his troop in finding Sita. So Rama and Lakshmana started their journey to meet Sugriva (refer Birth of Hanuman). On the way they saw Jatayu on the ground. Rama was so sad to see him in this position. Jatayu explained him that he fought with someone who abducted Sita. He couldn't tell about Ravana's where abouts and died. Rama conducted final penance to Jatayu and started his journey to Sugriva's place.

28. Sita's Abduction (Devotional)

      As explained in Rama's Padukas, Rama was living on Badragiri mountain along with Sita and Lakshmana. There was a small forest called Panchawati. When Rama, SIta and Lakshmana were passing by, saints who were living in Panchawati requested them to stay there as some demons like Khara were terrorising the saints. Rama agreed and stayed there so that he can kill the demons and he can fulfil the boon he gave to Badragiri also. Rama killed many demons living in the forest and torturing the people near by. One day Ravana's sister Surpanakha (Refer Story of Ravana) was passing by and got attracted to Rama who was meditating at that time. She asked Rama to marry her to which Rama replied that he promised his wife that he wont touch any other woman in this life. Rama advised Surpanakha to approach Lakshmana who has same stature as him.

      Surpanakha approached Lakshmana and asked him to accept her to which Lakshmana replied that if he marry her, she will be a servant of Sita. Surpanakha got angry and told that she will kill Sita so that she need not serve to Sita. Surpanakha was about to attack Sita. Lakshmana stopped her and cut off her ears and nose. Surpanakha ran first to her brother Khara, who had an army at his disposal. Seeing his sister’s disfigurement and feeling his position insulted as the demon lord of the forest, Khara first sent fourteen demon warriors to kill the three humans. However, Rama killed them all. So Khara gathered his army and went forth to attack. Rama killed Khara’s entire army, and his horses, chariot-driver, chariot, and bow were all destroyed. After a one-on-one battle, Khara himself was killed and Rama emerged completely victorious.

      Surpanakha then went to her elder brother Ravana and told that Rama, Lakshmana cut off her nose and ears. Ravana got so angry that he wanted to kill Rama. Surpanakha also told him that Rama had a beautiful wife who deserves to be with Ravana. So Ravana decided to teach a lesson to Rama by abducting Sita as it will be like tit for tat to his failure in Sita's Swayamvaram also. He understood that he need some help so he called his old friend Maricha for help. Maricha's mother was killed by Rama in Panchawati and Maricha himself got defeated two times by Rama after which Maricha left everything and was meditating in a cave peacefully. Ravana provoked Maricha to help him in abducting Sita. Maricha told him that Rama will kill him if he help. Ravana told him that he will kill Maricha if he didn't help. So Maricha wanted to die in good hands and agreed to help him.

      According to plan, next day Maricha showed up in the forest as a golden deer to which Sita got attracted and asked Rama to get it. Rama immediately got prepared to go after that deer. Lakshmana doubted that it might be some demon as golden deers are not real. Rama didn't fear about demons and wanted to check it out. Rama chased the deer to very long distance and finally when Rama strike an arrow to the deer, it became Maricha and screamed calling Lakshamana and Sita with Rama's voice after hearing which Sta got worried about Rama and asked Lakshmana to check. Lakshmana was so confidant that Rama was impossible to defeat. But Sita was still worried provoking Lakshmana to go after Rama. Finally Lakshmana had to go to check on Rama. Before leaving he marked a line around the hut and requested Sita not to cross it till he return which will protect Sita from any demons and went to check on Rama. At that moment Ravana approached there but couldn't cross the line so he disguised himself as a saint and begged. Sita didn't cross the line and offered food to Ravana to which Ravana acted like getting angry and asked her to cross the line. Finally when Sita crossed the line, Ravana took his real form and Sita got fainted. Ravan cut some ground with his hands on which Sita fainted and took her with out touching. Rama and Lakshmana came back to hermitage and searched for Sita all over and understood that someone abducted Sita. They started looking for her.

27. Rama's Padukas (Devotional)

      As explained in Sri Rama's Vanvas, Rama started his vanavas accompanied by Sita and Lakshmana. Sumanthra, a charioteer left them till banks of the river Ganga. Guha, a close friend of Rama and the leader of the hunters was ruling the place near Ganga. He came by foot to meet Rama who welcomed him with open arms treating him like a brother. Guha offered them his kingdom and told that he and his people will serve Rama. But Rama rejected saying that it is not right as he was on Vanvas. He didn't even took royal food from him but only accepted water. Rama consumed only water as his food and lay down on the floor with Sita for the night. Lakshmana watched over them with out sleeping whole night. Next day Rama asked Guha to arrange a boat to cross the river Ganga. Guha prepared the boat and washed Rama's foot. Guha himself ride the boat and bid them farewel after crossing the river Ganga.

      Later Rama, Sita and Lakshmana went on the way of Atri and Anasuya's hermitage (Refer Story of Dattatreya) who heartfully invited them. Anasuya gave some herbs to Sita by using which Sita can protect her beauty even in forest. Next day they took leave from Atri and Anasuya and started their journey again. Once a mountain named Badragiri (Giri means mountain) worshipped Lord Vishnu and took a boon that Vishnu should reside on him. Now in Ramavatar, Vishnu as Rama reached to Badragiri along with Sita and Lakshmana. He told Lakshmana to build a hermitage there and they started living there. Meanwhile Bharata and Sathrugna came back to Ayodhya and with out knowing that Rama went to Vanvas, they went to Rama's place straight. When they didn't find Rama there, they knew everything happened from others. Bharata was so angry that he scolded his own mother Kaikeyi for becoming cause of Rama's exile and Dasaratha's death. He immediately started with all his family members to meet Rama. When he met Rama on Badragiri, he wept like a kid at Rama's feet and informed about their father Dasaratha's death. Rama also felt sad and they did last penance to their father in river Ganga.

      Bharata requested Rama to come back and rule Ayodhya. Even Kaikeyi requested Rama to do so saying that she took her boon back. But Rama said that it's his father's word that he should complete 14 years of Vanvas so he must follow it. According to rules of royalty, If any king didn't rule for 14 continuous years, he is not eligible to rule again. That's why Kaikeyi asked Rama to exile for 14 years. So Bharata told Rama that he will kill himself if Rama didnt come to Ayodhya after completing Vanvas. He asked Rama to give his Padukas (chappals) and promised that till Rama's return to Ayodhya, his padukas will rule Ayodhya on his be half. Bharata took Rama's padukas on his head and went back to Ayodhya with his family. From then Rama's padukas ruled Ayodhya till Rama's coming back to Ayodhya. That's the reason Rama could rule Ayodhya even after 14 years of vanvas.

26. Sri Rama's Vanvas (Devotional)

      Rama's father Dasaratha was famous for his miraculous ability to hunt blind and shooting arrows by hearing the sound only. Once during hunting, Dasaratha heard a noise resembling elephant drinking water and shot an arrow in the direction which shot an young boy named as Sravana Kumar who was collecting water in a pitcher for his blind parents. Sravana was the only child of his blind parents who were totally dependent on him. Sravana used to carry them everywhere on two pans of balance supported on his shoulder. Sravana asked Dasaratha, as his dying wish, to carry water to his thirsty parents. Dasaratha carried the water to the old couple and they drank the water thinking that it was being offered by their son. The king then hesitantly narrated the death incident of Sravanakumar to them. The old couple was so distressed that Sravana's father cursed Dasaratha that one day he too would suffer from Putrasoka (grief of separation from one's son). The old couple then sacrificed their lives, as they did not want to live anymore after consuming water offered by their son's killer.

      Once Dasaratha also fought for the gods in the battle against demons and his last wife Kaikeyi acted as his charioteer who saved Dasaratha's life during the battle. Dasaratha was so pleased with Kaikeyi that he asked her to wish two boons on which Kaikeyi said that she would ask when she wished to avail them. After his sons' marriage, Dhasaratha came back to Ayodhya with his family (Refer Sita's Swayamvaram). His three wives, four sons and four daughter in laws all were happy. Janaka's brother Kushadhvaja who is now the father in law of Lakshmana, Bharata and Sathrugna invited his three son in laws to his place. Lakshmana rejected the offer as he always wanted to be with his brother Rama. Bharata and Sathrugna had to accept after Dhasaratha's advice and went to their father in law's kingdom with their wives. Rama, Sita and Lakshmana, Urmila were in Ayodhya along with their father and mothers.

      Dhasaratha wanted Rama to take up his duties as new king of Ayodhya. Even his three queens and all people in that kingdom were wishing for that moment. Dhasaratha consulted sage Vasishta for muhurth (right time) for Rama's Pattabhishekam (occasion from which new king will be assigned to his duties). Vasishta noted a good muhurth for Rama's pattabhishekam which was announced by Dhasaratha to all people in Ayodhya. All people were happy about it and were celebrating. Kaikeyi had a maid named Mandhara who was Kaikeyi's great confidante. When she heard the news about Rama's pattabhishekam, she was overpowered with sudden anger. She mind washed Kaikeyi saying that if Rama became king, his own son Bharata and his wife would be Rama and Sita's servants. Kaikeyi finally fall into her trap and  Mandhara advised Kaikeyi to ask Dhasaratha two boons which he promised earlier. First boon will be that Bharata should be declared as king of Ayodhya instead of Rama and second boon will be that Rama should be sent into exile for fourteen years.

      Kaikeyi asked Dhasaratha to grant same boons suggested by Mandhara after hearing which he was shocked and rendered speechless. After regaining his courage, Dasaratha tried to console Kaikeyi saying that he will make Bharata as King of Ayodhya and requested her to take back the wish to send Rama into exile. But Kaikeyi was adamant about her wishes which Dasaratha had to fulfil as promised. Dasaratha was terrified with the thoughts of living with out Rama and dropped unconscious. Kaikeyi called Rama and explained him that Dhasaratha was feeling grief to fulfil her wishes. Rama promised her that he will do anything to upheld his father's promise and after hearing about her boons, he agreed for Bharata's pattabhishekam and to take vanvas.

      Rama seek permission from his other mothers Kousalya and Sumitra and prepared to go for Vanvas. Sita also prepared to go forest with him saying that she must accompany him as his half part. Lakshmana also prepared to follow them to serve Rama and Sita. Lakshmana's wife Urmila told his husband to serve Rama and Sita every second and that she will sleep all time on be half of Lakshmana also. From then till they reach Ayodhya back, Lakshmana didn't sleep at all and Urmila slept for the whole time. After Rama left Ayodhya, Dasaratha could not bear the pain of the separation from his most beloved son. Unable to withstand the anguish, the dispirited king Dasaratha died out of grief and pain.