The Ramayan Chapter-3&4

Chapter 3 - The Aranya Kand of Ramayana

The Aranya Kand in the Ramcharitmanas narrates the tale of the forest life of Ram, Lakshman and Sita including Sita’s abduction by the demon King Ravana.

Finding Home in the Forest

After being banished, Ram travels far into the Dandaka forest with Sita and Lakshman. The tranquil lakes and verdant surroundings of the natural world provide a striking contrast to the chaos they left behind in Ayodhya. Ram constructs a modest ashram and begins a life of serenity, abiding by the precepts of dharma and coexisting with the natural world. They become friends with the sages and ascetics who live in the forest.

Dandakaranya forest is infested by demons who bother the saints and ascetics. Ram kills demon like Viradha and others so sages can live peacefully. Then he visits the ashrams of Sharabhanga and Suteekshna.

Ram, Sita and Lakshman reach the ashram of Saint Agasthya. Agasthya greets Ram and offers powerful weapons. He also suggests them to go to Panchavati, on the banks of river Godavari, and settle there. On the way to Panchavati, the mighty old eagle Jatayu greets Ram.

Encounter with Surpanakha, Sister of Ravan

A demoness woman, Surpanakha, the sister of Ravana, was captivated by the matchless beauty of Ram. She attempted to seduce him. But when she failed to win either of the two princes, she turned to attack Sita. Lakshmana cut off her nose and ears as a punishment. Hearing of this, her demon brother, Khara, organized an attack against the princes. Ram destroyed Khara and his huge army.

In order to avenge her humiliation, Surpanakha approached Ravana. She well knew of his weakness for women, and the wily demoness described the bewitching beauty of Sita. Her intention to bring this beautiful woman to him was foiled and she was mutilated. Ravan was aroused more by lust than by anger and he resolved to punish Ram by capturing Sita.

The Deception of Maricha and the Abduction of Sita

With Marich's help, Ravan devises a plan and successfully kidnaps Sita. Jatayu, a giant vulture and friend of Ram, tries to rescue Sita, but instead gets severely wounded in the attempt. Sita is help captive under guard in the Ashoka Vatika in Lanka. Ravana used various means of persuasion to force her to accept him but remain unsuccessful.

Search for Sita and Meeting with Shabri

Ram and Lakshman learnt about Sita’s abduction from Jatayu. Because of his devotion and service to Ram. Jatayu received liberation from Ram. The princes immediately set out in search of Sita. During their quest, Ram killed a demon Kabandha, thus liberating him from a curse. They also met the ascetic Shabari, who directed them towards Rishyamukh mountain where they would meet Sugriv and Hanuman.

Kabandha also advised Ram to visit the hermitage of Matanga and meet Sabari, the old disciple of the Sage. Ram meets Sabari and was pleased with the pure devotion of the old sage. Sabari was waiting eagerly for Ram’s holy vision. Sabari gave some clues about Sita. She left her body in the presence of Ram seeking blessing to ascend to the holy celestial regions of Sages. After this incident, Ram moves to Rishyamuka mountain to meet Sugriv.

Significance of the Aranya Kand of Ramayana

The story of Shabri in the Aranya Kand of Ramayana is highly acclaimed. It brings the point across that the key to attract God's grace is to embrace simplicity, like that of a child, and devote ourselves to God with absolute faith and surrender.

Chapter 4 - The Kishkindha Kand of Ramayana

The Kishkindha Kand of Ramcharitmanas describes Ram's entry into Kishkindha, His meeting with Hanuman and partnership with Sugriv.

Meeting with Hanuman and Sugriv

As Ram and Lakshman wondered in search for Sita, Along the way, they found Rishyamhook mountain where Sugriv lived with his minister Jambavan and associate Hanuman. When Sugriv spotted the two prices, suspected if they were sent by his brother Bali. Hanuman disguises himself as a brahmin and approaches Ram and Laksman. Hanuman recognizes Ram and surrenders himself to his holy feet. He informs Ram that Sugriv has seen Sita’s abduction.

Sugriv shares his story of how his brother Bali deceived him. They both agree to help each other.

Sugriv Challanges Bali for Battle

Ram asks Sugriv to engage Bali in a duel and entice him out of Kishkindha. However, both Sugriv and Bali looked so alike that Ram could not differentiate and was unable to kill Bali. As a consequence Sugriv is severely injured and has to run away. Nevertheless, Ram asked Sugriv to wear a flower garland as a mark of identification between the two brothers. This time Ram is able to kill Bali.

Sugriv gets Ready With His Army to Search for Sita

Sugriv was crowned as the king of Kishkindha by Ram following Bali's demise. However, Sugriv got distracted and forgot his promise to help Ram in finding Sita. Laxman rebuked Sugriv and refreshed his memory regarding his pledge.

Without delay, Sugriv commanded the assembly of the bear and vanara (monkey) communities. In order to find Sita, contingents of bears and monkeys were sent out to search in all directions. Hanuman was accompanied by Angad, Nala, Kesari, Jambavan, and others as they set off towards the southern direction. Closer to the sea coast, they noticed a cave that was occupied by Jatayu's brother Sampati. Angad informed Sampati about the demise of his borther Jatayu while trying to protect Sita. Sampati suggests that they will find Sita in the island of Lanka, which is four hundred miles away. He warned that only someone who could cross the vast ocean in one leap would be able to reach Lanka.

Hanuman is Reminded of His Extraordinary Powers by Jambavan

Angad shared that he could leap across the ocean, but he couldn't make it back. Jambavan knew that Hanuman was the only one capable of the task. Hanuman was reminded by Jambavan about his amazing powers that had become dormant as result of misuse. He also told Hanuman that he was born to accomplish the work of his master, Ram. Additionally, he revealed to Hanuman that he had been born to carry out his master, Ram's, assignment.

Significance of Kishkindha Kand

The Kishkindha Kand emphasizes how crucial it is to build coalitions around similar ideals. It also examines the difficult relationship between justice and war, and when action becomes necessary.