Thus Spake Sri Rama

[Guest guest]

In course of time Dasaratha became old, and he wanted to install Sri

Rama as the crown prince. All arrangements were complete, when all of

a sudden the cruel queen Kaikeyi who was ill-advised by her very

crooked maid servant Manthara, asked Dasaratha for two boons, which

he had once promised. By one boon, Rama should be banished for

fourteen years and by the second boom, her own son Bharata should be

installed as the crown-prince. Being deeply devoted to father, Rama

at once retired to the forest, accompanied by Sita and Lakshamana.

Unable to bear the rude shock, Dasaratha breathed his last. Bharata

who had great reverence and love for Rama tried in vain to bring Rama

back, but failing, he ultimately installed Rama's sandals on the

throne and starated ruling the kingdom in the name of RAma.

 

Rama, Sita nd Lakshmana settled in Panchavati, from where Wita was

abducted, by the Rakshasa King of Lanka, Ravana, during the absence

of both Rama and Lakshmana who had been drawn away by the deceptions

of a Rakshasa named Maricha. Ravana tried his best to persuade Sita

to become his queen, but she was fully absorbed in the thought of

Rama and spurned his evil proposal with all the contempt it deserved.

Sita was therefore imprisoned in a grove. Rama set out with Lakshmana

in hectic serach for Sita, got some clue from the dying Jatayu and

from the Vanara King Sugriva, helped Sugriva to destroy his usurping

brother Vali and with an army of Vanaras provided by Sugriva, reached

Lanka for the rescue of Sita.

 

A great battle took place between Rama and Ravana, and in the end,

Ravana, with all his gallant warriors, was killed and Sita was

rescued.

 

Contd....