Reading Notes: Ramayana Part D

To prepare, Rama asks Nala to build a bridge over the ocean so he and his army can cross the ocean to Lanka. Nala builds "Rama's Bridge", bridging the mainland to Lanka. Ravana learns that Rama is approaching Lanka, so he manipulates Sita to think that Rama is dead through his powers of illusion, but she soon realizes that he is lying to her. Rama and Ravana engage in battle and Indrajit injure Rama's army using a Nagastra. It seems like all hope is lost for Rama and his army, but Garuda heals Rama's soldiers. In retaliation, Ravana wakes up his brother Kumbhakarna for battle. Indrajit hits Rama with another devastating attack with a Brahmasta, so Hanuman looks for medicinal herbs in the mountains and heals Rama's army with them. Since Rama and his army keep overcoming whatever obstacle Ravana throws at them, Indrajit makes an image of Sita and tries to trick Rama into thinking Sita is dead. However, Vibhishana tells Rama that it's an illusion and to ambush Indrajit at Nikumbhila. With his advice, Lakshman ambushes Indrajit and kills him with his bow and arrow, praying to the Gods to help him. Ravana vows revenge on Lakshmana and pierces him in the heart with an arrow, but is healed with Hanuman's healing herbs. The Gods watch the events unfold, then Indra sends his chariot and Matali to help Rama win. Agastya the sage offers Rama some advice, telling him to pray to Aditya and the sun to win the war. By doing so, he received power from the Sun, but it doesn't work. Finally, he uses the Brahma to kill Ravana, hitting his heart. Finally victorious, Rama goes to rescue Sita. However, he shames her for being abducted and "lusted" by another man even though it was against her will. As a result, Sita has to prove her fidelity to Rama by walking through fire, who deems her virtuous and pure. He receives her again and they fly back to Ayodhya in a flying chariot. Rama is welcomed back by Bharata and is finally crowned king. 

The story continues with the raging battle between Rama and Ravana, in which both individuals experience victories and losses. However, the most interesting part to me is all of the help Rama receives from the Gods, receiving literal "Deus Ex Machinas" that drive him to victory. He fulfills his god-given purpose but meets an obstacle with his wife. He basically slut shames her for being abducted and makes her walk through fire to prove her "purity".  And then they fly in a flying chariot. WHAT. I'm sorry, is this Grease? I didn't enjoy these particular scenes of the story. 

Source: Indian Myth and Legend by Donald A. Mackenzie (1913)

Battle at Lanka 

Source: Wikimedia