Reading Diary A: Public Domain Ramayana

1. Sugriva and Hanuman

1.     Sugriva is a monkey king? He is now living in exile as Rama and Lakshmana head out in search of him. Lake Pampa is where they find Sugriva hiding. Sugriva is afraid because he thinks that the two brothers have been hired to find him by his brother, Vali. The brothers meet Hanuman, a monkey god, and Rama’s future most devoted fan.

2. Sugriva's Story

1.     Sugriva and Vali have been fighting for a long time. Vali took away Sugriva’s wife in order to avenge himself. Rama wanted revenge for his dear friend Sugriva and he challenges Vali to meet them in battle. This is where it all begins.

3. The Armies

1.     Sugriva has broken his promise to Rama and Lakshmana shows up at the palace to intimidate Sugriva and remind him of that promise. Sita was still missing because she had been taken by opposing forces. Sugriva was going back on his promise to recover her, which made Rama very angry. He finally sends out the monkeys in search for Sita.

4. Hanuman's Leap

1.     Hanuman promised himself that he would find Sita or “bring Ravana away in chains”. A rakshasi came out of the shadows as Hanuman leaped across her mouth. He killed her in the process. What is a rakshasi?

Hanuman battles the sea-demon Surasa on his way to Lanka; he plunges in through the mouth and then fights his way out through the ear. (British Library: Mewar Ramayana)

5. Hanuman Captured

1.     Hanuman found Sita, but continued to look around until Prahasta, who was sent by Ravana, came to kill him. Prince Aksha and Indrajit also came after Hanuman, but to no avail. Indrajit realized that Hanuman could not be killed with weapons, so he then used his spiritual insight in order to bind him forever. Hanuman was bound, but insisted on speaking to Ravana.

Public Domain Ramayana