Reading Notes: Ramayana D

Public Domain Edition: Ramayana
Author sources: M. Dutt, R. Dutt, Gould, Griffith, Hodgson, Mackenzie, Nivedita, Oman, Richardson, and Ryder
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Summoning Nala, Philadelphia Museum of Art

The group of monkeys and Rama are not able to cross the water of Lanka, even after Rama used ritualistic power to summon the God for assistance. Why did this first plea not work? However, after expressions of anger, the God of Ocean finally reveals himself and offering advice to call upon Nala. Then, Nala comes and builds the bridge to successfully proceed Rama and his people on the epic journey. In the next episode, Ravana's character is further revealed as he deceives Sita, Rama's lover, into believing that Rama was killed. Although I do not completely understand the exact motives of this, I assume that this was done to make Sita emotionally vulnerable and submissive to any persuading words. The next episode comes with grave excitement as Ravana's son Indrajit attacks Rama and his army of monkeys. In a long and ruthless battle, Indrajit uses his power to defeat Rama. When all hope seems lost, Vibhishana motivated and infused positivity into Sugriva's party that the battle is in fact, not over. Rama is still alive!

Garuda comes to the rescue! I was slightly confused on his origin. Is Garuda a God, a human, or maybe even an angel? Regardless, Rama and Lakshmana are revived and healed by this flying creature. When Ravana is enlightened at the ability of Rama and his army to be so resilient, he knows he needs to bring out his powerful brother Kumbhakarna as a stronger form of ammunition against their enemy. Kumbhakarna is introduced as a terrifying demon with overflowing pent up anger, and the reader begins to fear what harm he is capable of doing to Rama again. After Kumbhakarna is fueled with food, he attempts to face Rama. However, without much detail used, Rama defeats easily defeats him. Ravana's tactics have not worked thus far, so once again, he uses Indrajit to face Rama again.