Reading Notes: Ramayana Part C

Throughout my readings, the first story that stood out to me was Sita and Ravana by Sister Nivedita. Ravana has taken Sita prisoner in his kingdom over the seas. Hanuman arrives where Sita is said to be held captive and notices a very fragile and weak prisoner in the palace. Hanuman assumes it is Sita based off her jewels described by Rama and her spotless skin. Sita was guarded by many rakshasis in this kingdom. Hanuman was overwhelmed with joyful tears thinking about Rama and Lakshmana. While Hanuman was watching Sita, Ravana awakens and heads over towards Sita, who becomes visibly upset by his approach and sobs. Ravana tries to court Sita with every jewel and wealth imaginable but she continually turns him down saying Rama will come and kill him. Ravana gave her two months to accept his offers to become another one of his wives and if she refused after that point, the rakshasi could torture her forever.

The next story I enjoyed was Hanuman and Sita by Donald A. Mackenzie and Romesh Dutt. Hanuman approached Sita in secret and at first she thought it was a trap of Ravanas. Once she saw the ring of Rama that Hanuman possessed, she became ecstatic with happiness. Hanuman offered to carry her away, but Sita was modest and wouldn't allow any man to touch her other than Rama. So Sita gave Hanuman the jewel from her hair and told him of Ravana's two month plan. The next part goes into a more poem style verse. Sita speaks to Hanuman about her woes and how much she misses Rama. Sita asks if he misses her as well and if Lakshman is still by his side. Sita is so overcome with emotion about the thought of Rama and wants nothing more than to be back in his loving arms.

(Sita being Kidnapped: flickr)