Reading Diary B: Public Domain Ramayana

1. Bharata Returns

Bharata is about to return to the city after being away for a while. He does not know that his father, King Dasharatha, has died yet and he does not know about Rama’s exile. When he finds out that his father has died from his mother, she tells him without remorse because he can be king now. Instantly, this story sets you up with the rest of the book for suspense and adventure.

2. Dasharatha's Funeral

Bharata decides to go after his exiled brother, Rama, who is in the wilderness. Before he can leave though, he needs to take care of the funeral arrangements for his father. After a long funeral procession including hours of mourning and singing with different types of incenses being released, Bharata decided his father had been honored in death and it was time to go find his brother.

(Dasharatha's Funeral- image from PDE Ramayana)

3. Rama and Bharata

Rama and Bharata finally meet up in the wilderness after Bharata searches for Rama for a long time. They hug and weep over their father’s death. Bharata tries to influence Rama to return to Ayodhya, but Rama refuses.

4. The Sandals

Rama continues to refuse to return to Ayodhya, but Bharata promises to represent him in his absence, so he takes sandals, which have been worn by Rama. These sandals are a symbol.

(Bharata requests Rama's sandals by Balasaheb Pandit Pant Pratinidhi, 1916)

5. Shurpanakha and Rama

Rama's sister, Shurpanakha, falls in love with him. He does not feel the same way about her obviously, but jokingly proposes the idea of seducing their brother.

PDE Ramayana

All of these stories are filled with creativity, drama, romance, and comedy. They all catch the reader's attention immediately and keep them entertained throughout.