Reading Notes: PDE Ramayana Part A

     I did not know what to expect as we started the Ramayana, but quickly I became intrigued by the story of Prince Rama.  Originally from the start of the reading I thought the two kingdoms Kosala and Mithila were juxtaposed against one another to foreshadow some epic battle between the two kingdoms.  As the story wore on, I started to forget about Mithila.  The main focus was on Dasharatha and his sons, specifically Rama.  From his birth, it seemed like everyone knew that Rama was a special, special child.  Of course, it's pretty cool from the reader's perspective knowing that he is, in reality, an avatar of Vishnu.  It seemed to me like Rama's destiny was to eventually take on the demons, specifically the king of demons Ravana.  After all, isn't that why Vishnu decided to divide himself (through reincarnation) to Dasharatha's sons? From birth, Rama seemed destined for excellence.  I really enjoyed that Rama and his brother were able to train together and become very close as they were growing up and becoming more powerful.  Vishvamitra and Rama's relationship seemed poetic; for some reason it reminded me of a Yoda and Luke Skywalker type of relationship.  I was surprised that Dasharatha was so worried about his sons as they left on their journey with the sage; though this was telling of how dangerous the demons were and how perilous the world outside Ayodhya truly was.  I wasn't surprised on the other hand when Rama and his brother passed every test they faced with flying colors.  Then, when the brothers arrived in Mithila, it seemed only fitting that Rama and Sita would have love at first sight.  When Sita's father Janaka pulled out Shiva's bow and stated that no one was ever able to bend it, I knew it was about to go down for Rama.  After all, he is an avatar of Vishnu!  Of course, Rama was able to bend the bow, shocking everyone.  And, in the process, he was able to win over his love apparent Sita.  Dasharatha seemed proud to be able to give up his throne to a son such as Rama.  It seemed like even by this point in the story, Rama was somewhat legendary.  I was pretty shocked that Kaikeyi's servant was able to manipulate her so easily.  I thought Rama handled the news of his exile with true grace and reverence.  In the end, Dasharatha's grief seemed too much for him to handle once Rama left the kingdom. 

This image shows Rama bending the legendary bow of Shiva.

Source: Commons

The material for this week's reading notes comes from the Public Domain Edition of the Ramayana.

The sources include M. Dutt, R. Dutt, Griffith, Hodgson, Mackenzie, Nivedita, Oman, Richardson and Ryder.