Ayodhya Kanda in Ramayana
“Aranya Kanda” is the third book of the Indian epic, the Ramayana, and it focuses on the period of Lord Rama’s exile in the forest.
The key events in “Aranya Kanda” include:
- Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana in Panchavati:
- After leaving Ayodhya, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana settle in the Panchavati forest.
- Surpanakha’s Encounter:
- Surpanakha, the sister of Ravana, encounters Rama and expresses her desire for him. When Rama refuses, Lakshmana mutilates her nose and ears.
- Khara and Dushana’s Attack:
- Surpanakha reports the incident to her brothers Khara and Dushana. In retaliation, they attack Rama, but Rama defeats them.
- Shurpanakha’s Complaint to Ravana:
- Surpanakha complains to Ravana about the harm caused to her by Rama and Lakshmana.
- Ravana’s Deceptive Plan:
- Ravana, driven by lust and revenge, decides to kidnap Sita. He sends Maricha, a demon, in the form of a golden deer to lure Rama and Lakshmana away from Sita.
- Kidnapping of Sita:
- Ravana, taking advantage of Rama and Lakshmana being away, kidnaps Sita, deceitfully using the disguise of a holy man.
- Jatayu’s Brave Attempt:
- Jatayu, the vulture and a friend of King Dasharatha, tries to rescue Sita but is mortally wounded by Ravana.
- Rama and Lakshmana’s Search for Sita:
- Rama and Lakshmana return to find Sita missing. They embark on a search for her, encountering various sages and animals who offer assistance.
- Hanuman’s Introduction:
- Hanuman, the monkey deity and a devoted follower of Lord Rama, is introduced in “Aranya Kanda.” However, his major role comes in the later books.
These events set the stage for the subsequent books, especially the “Kishkindha Kanda” and the “Sundara Kanda,” where the focus shifts to the search for Sita and the alliances formed to rescue her from Ravana.