The Ramayana

By Jagdish Krishanlal Arora

The Ramayana, through its various Kandas, imparts invaluable lessons for humanity, and Balakanda, as the foundational section, lays the groundwork for the remarkable journey of Lord Rama and the timeless wisdom contained within the epic. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the pursuit of dharma, the strength of love, and the commitment to righteousness can ultimately lead to triumph and a life well-lived.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jagdish Arora
• Release date: Oct 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223665359

Book preview

Introduction

The Ramayana is an ancient Indian epic that consists of seven books or Kandas. These Kandas are divided into chapters, and the number of chapters can vary depending on the version and the way it's organized. Here's a general breakdown of the Kandas and their approximate number of chapters:

Balakanda: This book mainly focuses on the childhood and early life of Lord Rama. It contains around 77 chapters.

Ayodhyakanda: This Kanda describes Rama's exile and Sita's abduction. It usually contains around 119 chapters.

Aranyakanda: This Kanda tells the story of Rama's life in the forest during his exile. It typically contains around 75 chapters.

Kishkindhakanda: This book revolves around the events in the monkey kingdom of Kishkindha, focusing on the alliance with Hanuman and the search for Sita. It has around 67 chapters.

Sundarakanda: This Kanda is primarily dedicated to Hanuman's journey to Lanka to search for Sita and contains approximately 68 chapters.

Yuddhakanda: This Kanda narrates the great war between Rama and Ravana and includes about 128 chapters.

Uttarakanda: This is the final Kanda and includes the events that occur after Rama's return to Ayodhya. The number of chapters varies, but it typically contains around 131 chapters.

The total number of chapters in the Ramayana can, therefore, range from around 645 to 665 chapters, depending on the version and how it's organized.

Our book covers almost the entire epic but is presented in a narrative form and contains 25 chapters. Due to the huge number of chapters in older versions and different narratives added by multiple authors over the years it is not possible to write the entire 645-665 chapters and present them to the readers.

But this book has tried to cover most of the major events as we have been taught in childhood and have read in different forms or seen it on television.

Chapter 1: The Grand Sacrifice

In the splendid court of Ayodhya, the news of the impending Ashwamedha Yajna had spread far and wide. Citizens from all corners of the kingdom had gathered, their faces filled with anticipation and hope. The atmosphere was charged with an air of festivity, as they knew that their beloved king, Dasharatha, was seeking a boon from the gods.

Seated on his ornate throne, King Dasharatha appeared regal in his royal attire, his demeanour reflecting both his responsibility as a ruler and his vulnerability as a father. The absence of a male heir weighed heavily on his heart, and his longing for a successor was palpable.

Beside the king, Queen Kausalya, his chief queen, radiated a calm and graceful presence. Her deep eyes held a mix of anxiety and hope, for she had yet to bear a child. Her unwavering support for the king was evident in her posture, which exuded a sense of loyalty and love.

As the rituals of the yajna unfolded, the gathered sages and priests chanted mantras, creating an ambiance of divine invocation. The scent of incense wafted through the air, mingling with the melodious sounds of conch shells and bells.

O King Dasharatha, the chief priest announced, the time has come for you to perform the most sacred part of the yajna. We shall invoke Agni, the god of fire, to accept your offerings.

The king, his eyes filled with both hope and humility, nodded his consent. He approached the sacred fire, his hands trembling slightly as he offered oblations, reciting the ancient Vedic verses. The flames danced in response, their fiery tongues reaching skyward.

Agni, the god of fire, emerged from the blazing inferno. His radiant form was both awe-inspiring and comforting, a manifestation of the divine in the mortal realm.

O King, Agni's voice resonated like the rumble of distant thunder, I am pleased with your devotion and the sincerity of your sacrifice. I bring you a boon, a nectar that will bless your queens with sons.

King Dasharatha, overwhelmed with gratitude, accepted the golden vessel Agni presented. The vessel was filled with nectar, a divine elixir that had the power to fulfill his deepest desires. The king turned and walked towards his three queens, Kausalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra, their faces reflecting a blend of hope and trepidation.

Kausalya, as the chief queen, was the first to receive the golden vessel. Her eyes glistened with tears of joy as she held it in her hands. She looked to her husband, King Dasharatha, and spoke with a quiver in her voice, My lord, if it pleases you, I would like to drink this divine nectar.

The king nodded and lovingly replied, Of course, my queen. May the gods' blessings be with you.

With great reverence, Queen Kausalya sipped from the golden vessel. The nectar was sweet and soothing, and it seemed to infuse her with a divine radiance.

Kaikeyi, the second queen, also approached the king with anticipation. She had been married to Dasharatha with the hope of bearing his children, but she too had not yet become a mother. Her youthful face was a mix of hope and anxiety as she spoke, My lord, may I also partake of this nectar?

Dasharatha, ever attentive to the feelings of his queens, nodded with affection. Kaikeyi, you have every right to share in this divine blessing. May the gods' grace be upon you.

Kaikeyi's heart soared as she took a sip from the golden vessel. The nectar was like a balm to her soul, and her spirit felt rejuvenated.

Sumitra, the third queen, had been blessed with twin sons even before the yajna. She, too, approached the king, her maternal instincts prompting her to seek a share of the nectar. She asked with a gentle smile, My lord, may I also partake of this divine gift?

King Dasharatha, grateful for the sons he had received earlier, lovingly granted her request. Of course, my dear Sumitra. You have always been a devoted queen and mother. The gods' blessings are meant for all.

Sumitra sipped from the vessel, her heart brimming with contentment as the nectar filled her with a sense of peace and gratitude.

With all three queens having partaken of the divine nectar, the king turned to the gathered assembly. His voice resonated with joy as he declared, The gods have bestowed their blessings upon us. Queen Kausalya has borne a son, and so has Queen Kaikeyi. Queen Sumitra, in her magnanimity, has shared in the nectar's grace, for she already has twin sons. We are truly blessed, and Ayodhya shall witness celebrations like never before.

The people of Ayodhya, having witnessed this divine event, erupted in joyous celebration. The city was bedecked with colourful decorations, and the air was filled with the sweet sounds of music and laughter. The birth of the royal sons was heralded with great rejoicing, and the citizens could sense that the kingdom's future was bright.

Rama, born to Queen Kausalya, was a celestial child. His divine virtues and extraordinary qualities would come to define the very essence of dharma (righteousness). As he took his first breath in this mortal realm, the stage was set for a grand narrative of love, sacrifice, and the triumph of good over evil that would unfold in the chapters to come.

Chapter 2: Rama's Extraordinary Childhood

In the heart of Ayodhya , nestled within the grand palace, the young princes - Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna - were growing into remarkable individuals. The kingdom was abuzz with the news of Rama's birth, and his extraordinary virtues had already begun to shine.

The royal court was a place of continuous discussions and deliberations, and Rama's extraordinary qualities were a recurring topic of conversation among the nobles, ministers, and sages who graced the palace.

One bright morning, in the grand hall of the palace, King Dasharatha was engrossed in a conversation with the revered sage Vasishtha. The king, adorned in resplendent regal attire, had a serene demeanour, and the sage, his long white beard cascading like a waterfall, exuded an aura of wisdom and tranquillity.

Your Majesty, Sage Vasishtha began, I have observed the young princes closely over the years, and it is abundantly clear that Prince Rama possesses divine virtues beyond compare. His wisdom, humility, and commitment to dharma are unparalleled. It is as if the gods themselves have taken birth in him.

King Dasharatha, his eyes reflecting both pride and gratitude, nodded in agreement. Indeed, venerable sage, I have been blessed with sons of exceptional character. Rama's presence fills our hearts with joy and reassures us of a bright future for Ayodhya.

Just then, a soft voice interrupted their conversation. It was none other than Queen Kausalya, who had been listening to their discussion with a gentle smile on her face.

Dearest husband and revered sage, Queen Kausalya said, your words warm my heart. Rama, as our eldest son, has indeed brought immense joy and pride to our lives. His qualities make him a true embodiment of dharma.

Sage Vasishtha, his eyes twinkling with a sense of deep knowledge, responded, Your Majesty, Queen Kausalya, it is no ordinary feat to nurture such a virtuous soul. Rama's extraordinary attributes are a testament to your wisdom and devotion.

As the conversation continued, Rama, accompanied by his younger brothers Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna, entered the grand hall. Rama's presence was a calming influence on the entire assembly, and his brothers naturally gravitated toward him.

Father, Rama greeted King Dasharatha with respect, Sage Vasishtha, and dear mother, what brings you all together this morning?

King Dasharatha, proud of his eldest son, responded with a warm smile. We were discussing the remarkable qualities that grace your existence, my son. The virtues you display are a source of joy and pride for us all.

Sage Vasishtha, with a gentle nod, added, "Indeed, Prince Rama, your virtues are like the radiant sun that dispels darkness. You are a paragon of dharma, and your wisdom is