Krishna, Buddha and Kalki Avatars

Ravan again shows off his pride. Says he will kill Rama, etc. War ensues. Rama shoots arrow to knowck Ravan's head off. But head reappears. Rama is perplexed. Same thing happens a number of times. Rama is nonplussed. He does not know what to do. Then Vibhishan comes and tells him that the only way to kill Ravan is by shooting an arrow at his navel. Rama does so. Ravan dies. War ends. Hanuman gets Sita from Ashoka Vatika. Rama and Sita unite. But Rama asks her to go through a trial by fire although he knows that she is pure. It is more for folks. Sita is shocked. But she sits through fire and easily passes it. Once done, Rama apologises for making her go through it but Sita tells that no one should ever again go through this trial. Now, all are happy.

It is also the end of 14 years. So they head to Ayodhya via Pushpak Vimana. Meanwhile Bharat is contemplating suicide because it has been 14 years and Rama has not yet returned. Just at that time, Rama comes and brothers unite in great ecstasy. End of Rama Avatar.

Avatar #8: Krishna Avatar

Kans

Jai takes form as Kans in Mathura. He gets his sister Devaki married to Vasudev. On the parade, a sage wishes the couple well. And tells that their 8th child will kill Kans. Kans gets scared and is about to kill the couple when Vasudev convinces that he can kill the children and not parents. He then imprisons the new couple.

First six children are all slaughtered by Kans inside the prison only. Vasudev's first wife Rohini comes inside prison to take away the seventh son from inside her womb to her own (Rohini) womb. Kans comes to know that Devaki suddenly is no longer pregnant with the 7th child, & is surprised. Rohini gives birth to this person and is called Balram also called as Dau. Balram hence eventually will become Krishna's brother.

Finally, Krishna takes birth in the prison. Fate tells Vasudev to take the child across Yamuna to city of Gokul and deposit with his pal Nandlal. When they are wondering how, all the prison shackles fall down and doors open. Vasudev keeps Krishna on his head and crosses Yamuna, reaches Gokul and delivers kiddo to Nandlal. Nandlal's wife Yashoda then sends her daughter instead back to prison. Kans comes to kill the infant albeit a daughter but the infant flies away!

Kans learns that his death is awaiting in Gokul. Kans sends his maid Putna (witch) to Gokul to kill Krishna. Putna sees Krishna and takes him away to a jungle. But the little Krishna albeit an infant quite easily kills him.

In his childhood, in order to save the nature, Krishna dives into a river and kills poison insider the Kaalia serpent. Once poison goes away, Krishna dances on top of Kaalia's head.

When Krishna grows bigger, Radha falls for his charm.

Kans asks for Krishna to come to Mathura from Gokul. His parents are sad that he might get killed. At Mathura, Krishna sees one lady with a humpback, walking with great difficulty. Suddenly she is able to walk correctly. Everyone sees Krishna's miracle.

At Kans's palace ground, Kans gets a wild elephant to kill Krishna. But looking at Krishna, Elephant salutes him. Kans is shocked that the maniacal elephant saluted him. Kans then asks wrestlers to fight Krishna and Balram. K and B easily fight them all.

Then K and B go to Kans. Krishna then kills Kans. There was peace in Mathura.

Rukmini

It is time for Vidharba Princess Rukmini to get married in Vidharbha. Prince Shishupal wants to marry her. Same thing with Ruk's bro Rukmi and dad. Rukmini wants to marry Krishna. So Ruk writes a letter to Krishna to help her from this pre-arranged Swayamvara which is unjust since Bride needs to choose her Groom in Swayamvara.

At Dwarka, Krishna tells Balram that he will go to Vidharba to save Rukmini. Balram wants to come with army. So Krishna wants to go before and leaves. On the morn of Swayamvara, Rukmini goes to temple to pray for quick arrival of Krishna. Krishna comes. Rukmini boards the chariot. Krishna then prepares to leave. Rukmini says yes. Krishna blows into his conch to announce to the world that he is taking Rukmini as per her wish, not as a kidnap.

News arrive at Vidharb. Rukmi confronts Krishna. Big battle ensues. Dwarka's army vs Vidharb's army. Krishna uses his Sudarshan Chakra to defeat the Rukmi. He then takes Rukmini home to Dwarka.

Subhadra

Once back at Dwarka, Krishna hears that his sister Subhadra is getting married to Duryodhan due to Balram's improper promise. So Balram asks Krishna to save Subhadra who loves Arjun. At that time, Arjun is traveling all over the world as a Brahmin. He sees Subhadra. Love at first sight. Krishna goes to talk to Vasudev about S's wedding. At the same time Balram goes to talk to his parents to talk about S's wedding with Duryodhan (Hastinapur Prince) which he has already promised. Krishna interjects and tells that it is better to give time till morrow. Balram suspects something but Krishna tells all for S's good.

Krishna then goes to Arjun and tells all. Arjun asks what to do. K tells follow Kshatriya dharma - If man agrees, woman agrees, just take her. It is not kidnap. It is dharma. Arjun agrees. Krishna arranges for both S and A to meet at a Pooja place in the morning. Arjun gets blessings from both Balram (although he doesnt know what Arjun is seeking blessings for!) and Krishna. Krishna also tells to make sure there is no fight between Draupadi and Subhadra. Krishna also tells that there is a deeper meaning to the union of A and S, which is not understandable right now. He also tells that S should be the charioteer for this, not Arjun. Because this journey is more of S's, not Arjun's. Arjun agrees. A and S elope away.

Jharasand

Krishna knew who all would take Kaurav's side even before Mahabharat began. Maghadh samrat Jharasand is one such guy, so Krishna wants to get rid of him. Added to this, J is doing some wrong things like wanting to give 1000 kings as sacrifice to lord Shiva to become all powerful. Krishna wants to stop this nonsense. Birth of Jharasand is as follows -

Brihadrath married two wives and told he will love equally. Old age, still no wives. Once he saw a rishi while traveling. B asks Rishi for son. Rishi gives one mango. King cuts the mango into two pieces and gives to two wives. Each wife gives birth only to half child - half only from top to bottom. Wives get scared and get the infants thrown away. A monster called Jhara sees these infants. She takes the two pieces and joins together. It became a boy. That is Jharasand. So he is in fact two people. So it needsKrishna, Arjun and Bheema to kill him. They move towards Jharasand to challenge him for wrestling. Jharasand agrees for the wrestling competition. Jharasand chooses Bheema amongst the three. Finally Bheema is able to tear him into two pieces. He throws the pieces away but they join back. So Krishna tells that he needs to throw them in opposite directions, meaning left part of body to right and right part of body to left side. Bheema does so and finally Jharasand dies. Krishna then releases all the kings who were kept in prison for sacrifice.

Shishupal

There is one more enemy left for Krishna - Shishupal. When S was born, he had many eyes and many arms. His mother asked when will this be rectified. Fate responds that it will be set right as soon as it is kept on one person's lap. But that same person will also kill him.

Once when Krishna comes to his aunt's place, he keeps the baby on his lap and baby becomes better. Mother suddenly becames afraid of Krishna. She asks Krishna to give him a vow to never kill her son Sishupal. But Krishna says that is not possible but he will definitely give him 1000 chances to make mistakes. But his 1001st mistake will kill him. Sishupal although aware of this never heeds. He insults Krishna for more than 1000 times in Royal Court. Krishna releases his Sudarshan Chakra and that ends Sishupal's life. Sishupal was one more of Kaurav's supporter and hence Pandavs had one less army to worry about.

Geetopadesh

Just prior to start of Mahabharat war, both Arjun and Duryodhana come to Krishna to ask either for Narayani Sena or Krishna Himself be part of their team (Pandav and Kaurav respectively). D is waiting beside the bed while Krishna is sleeping and he came first. Arjun comes next and stands bowed before Krishna. Krishna looks at Arjun first. So he asks him what he wants, but D says I came first. K says Arjun is younger brother, so let him go first. Arjun doesnt want the great Narayani Sena but he wants just Krishna without any weapons. Krishna agrees to be Arjun's charioteer. Perhaps he took this life only to be Arjun's charioteer. D is very happy that A didnt ask for Sena because D wanted the Sena only. A is also happy because A didnt want the Sena and he wanted Krishna.

At the big battle of Kurukshetra between Pandavs and Kauravs, Arjun asks Krishna how can he fight this battle against his own family, his own guru, etc.

Krishna replies - Rely on me, trust me. I am the Truth, I am the Universe. I am Om, I am Sound of Universe, I am the Fire, I am the Life, I am the Penance done for, I am the Fragrance, I am the Beginning, I am the Mind, I am the Intelligence, I am the Strength, I am the Power, I am inside all and yet I am different. I dont have a race nor religion. I am know the Past, Present and Future, I am Father, Mother, Protector, I am all Vedas, I am Swamy, I am student, I am everyone's Ideal. I am everything.

So Arjun asks how can I identify you. Krishna says - there is no end for Him and yet he says - I am the Soul. I am Mareechi, I am Vishnu, I am Chandhra, I am Prahallad, I am Timeless Time, I am Words, I am Death, I am the Beginning, I am character, victory, attempt, I am Shukracharya, I am even Arjun! I am the Creator, I am the Eye.

Arjun says now he is clear. But he wants to see the Viswaroopa version of Krishna. Krishna says he cannot see it in naked eyes. He needs Divine eyes. Krishna grants those eyes to Arjun. Once Arjun gets those eyes, Krishna transforms himself to Viswaroopa Darshan which starts with Om, then he sees Krishna growing in size. Many forms appear before him. A blaze of flame appears behind Water, Fire, suffering all can be seen now. Suffering people enter from one side and leave from one another depicting death and birth where suffering occurs in both instances. Then Brahma and Shiva are seen in the middle of Krishna's heart. Krishna opens his mouth. Whole Universe is inside that mouth. The purpose of this Avatar was to tell the Importance of Good Deeds.

Avatar #9: Buddha

Next Avatar is Buddha. Buddha was born at a time of high deception and heavy violence. After Battle of Kalinga, King Ashok gives up everything to take up non-violence and preach good deeds - and informs that meditation is the only means of achieving success.

Avatar #10: Kalki

Mother Earth then says that Vyas has informed that Vishnu will again take Avatar as Kalki in Kalyug to save mankind. Mother Earth is awaiting this incarnation. [Me-thinks this incarnation is nothing but the daily do-good-ers, saviors!]

Epilogue

And thats the end of that! I am not sure why the makers of Vishnupuran serial made a haste of the last three avatars - they were all encapsulated within 3 hours! And hence the blog entry is less too, compared to other Avatars. Nevertheless -

I feel much honored to have jotted down all of these episodes telecasted on TV over a span of many years. And then in the middle of Ramayana, I could not see any more - either I went abroad or they stopped telecasting. And for a long period of over 15 years, I never thought I could see it till the end. And then one fine day in 2016, in my local library in Pleasant Hill, California, USA, I saw Vishnupuran DVD - and it was not just one DVD, it was the full series of 23 DVDs. Imagine my joy! So not only did I see the rest of the episodes that I had not seen and finish this journal but I also got the opportunity to correct some of the previous errors that I had made due to the telecast on TV where the luxury of pause and rewind is unavailable. And during this process, my daughter became a huge fan of Vishnu too!

Such is the marvel of Lord Vishnu that if you really seek Him out, He will surely come to you! This blog on Vishnu is my own form of a tiny yet significant penance to The Great Almighty!

Hope you enjoyed reading Vishnu's enchanting stories.

May Vishnu be with you always!

Errata:
1. Chapter 47 was incorrectly numbered as 48. And so, the chapters from 48 onwards are one number up!
2. Chapter 87 has two occurrences. Hence, the chapters from 88 onwards are, in effect, in correct order!

Chapter 95: Rama kills Kumbhakaran

Meanwhile, Ravana wakes up Kum with help of lots of band and noise. He becomes awake and shouts at all. Ravana says he needs his help.
“What?”
“War.”
“You win without me.”
“This time I need you.”
“Why?”
“I kidnapped Rama’s wife Sita and to get her back, he has declared war.”
“Give her back so that I can sleep peacefully.”
“Will you help me or not?”
“Well, alright, I will.”

Sun rises. War begins. Kum, Mammoth easily walks over a lot of people and all get scared. Kum Vs Rama. Kum is following his maryada and Rama is following his maryada. Difference is that Kum’s maryada is all blood while Rama’s is peace and dharma. Rama after huge battle kills Kum. Sun sets. War stops.

Vib comes to Rama’s camp and informs that Meghnath is doing tapas in Nikumba Temple to gain immortality. Only way for him not to achieve it is by getting him out of the Nikumbhla temple in the night itself. Hanuman goes and irritates M in the form of a bee. Also tells that he is a coward. This irks M and M comes out of the Nikumbhla temple. Lakshman encounters him and war starts between the two. L easily kills him.

The next day is the tenth day of Durga festival (Dashami). Durga goddess appears and tells that today will be the end of Ravana and Dashmi will now be called as Vijaya Dashami. Rama thanks Durga for giving the opportunity to kill Ravan because if Ravan had not kidnapped Sita, then there would not have been good enough reason to kill Ravana.

So last day of battle starts. 

Chapter 94: Hanuman gets Sanjeevini Mountain

A Brahmin disguise will be chanting ‘Jai Sri Ram’. H asks him for help on search for Sanjeevini. Brahmin accepts and gives him water to help himself. On reflection of water, H sees Brahmin transforming into a devil, a helper of Ravana. Devil pleads guilty, saying working on boss’orders (Ravana’s). H kills him and goes forth.

He finds a mountain full of sparkling plants. Not sure which is Sanjeevini. So he gets the whole mountain itself back to Rama’s camp. Meanwhile, Rama asks Sun God to rise late as Lakshman is yet to be cured. H arrives with hill. Rama and doc are all astonished. Doc picks few leaves and uses it to retrieve L back to life. All are happy. Rama thank doc.

Chapter 93: War begins: Lakshman is down!

War begins. Heavy fighting. Meghnath’s Brahmasuthra downs Lakshman. Rama and Ravana are equal almost. Sun down. War stops. Rama is desperate for Lakshman. Jambuvan says only one person can cure L and that is Lanka doctor Sushenth. In a flash, H brings the doc. Rama pleads that for a doc, no enemy, no caste, no side has to be taken. Their only aim is to cure the patients. Doc looks at L and says Sanjeevini plant is required. It sparkles in night. It is available only at Mount Gandmadham. It has to happen before morning. Hanuman goes to get it at night.

Ravana and son are happy that L is down. Mandodhari is concerned that this will make Rama more durious. Ravana says by sun down, tomorrow, Rama too would be down.

Chapter 92: Angadh’s feet

Ravana belittles Angadh’s presence by saying that Rama is a coward. Angadh, full of confidence, introduces himself as Vaali’s son. Ravana asks how he can support Rama as Rama killed his pop. Angadh replies “I go against adharm (injustice). If my pop is adharm, I go against him. I wonder how Meghnath is silent seeing your adharm.”
Meghnath: “Don’t cross the border of being a messenger.”
A: “The conversation is between me and your pop. Why do you interfere?” He then asks Ravana again to let go of Sita. Ravana again belittles Rama saying he is just a manav. Angadh gets angry and asks him to test Rama.

He says he (Angadh) is one percent of Rama’s strength. And he puts one foot on earth firmly and asks him to remove it if he can. No one in palace can, individually or in group. Inluding Meghnath. Ravana himself comes. But Angadh backs off, saying no need to touch his feet. "Touch Rama’s". Saying thus he goes off, “Prepare for war!”

Chapter 91: Rama & Co arrive at Lanka

Hanuman comes back to Rama and conveys all that happened. He even shows the hair clip given by Sita. Prep start to cross the Bay of Bengal from India to Lanka. Sugreev and army gives full help.

Meanwhile, Kaal at Ravan's bedpost laughs at Ravan because his death is nearing. In his court, Ravan also gets news that enemy (aka Rama) is getting ready to cross the ocean. But Ravan is convinced that no one can cross the ocean. Even his own minister agrees that this is true, no one can cross the ocean. But Vibhishan tells that it is not true. The army of monkeys is very strong. If one monkey (H) could destroy entire Lanka, how can we win the war against. So Vib asks Lanka to return Sita back to Rama since Lanka did not do the right thing. But Lanka gets enraged by this suggestion. He kicks him in front of everyone in the court and asks him to get out of Lanka. So Vib and family come to Rama's camp. Sugreev and some folks are fearing if this is a spy activity. But Hanuman informs them that Vib is the only Rama devotee in Lanka since he saw him in the palace singing Rama's praises. All agree since H gave consent. Rama sees him and gives him refuge in his camp. He even does sankalp and names him as Lankesh - King of Lanka. Vib is honored.

To return this honor, Sugreev asks Vib if Vib can suggest an easy way to cross the ocean. Vib suggests why not just ask Sea God. Others think it is a mute thing but Rama agrees. So he sits in front of the ocean for 3 days and does pooja. But Sea God doesnt come. Lakshman tells Rama that its been too long. He gives him a special arrow (from Viswamitra) and asks him to shoot it at the ocean and dry it up completely.

Rama agrees and gets ready to shoot the ocean. Just then Sea God comes up and apologises for the delay. Sea God tells that due to all the salt in the ocean & all the Kaal Koot poison, he got delayed. But he begs not to clean out the ocean otherwise all the animals inside the sea will die. Rama then asks for solution to cross. Sea God tells that Nal and Neel in Sugreev's army have unique gift. In their childhood, they were granted a boon from a sage to lighten the weight of any heavy object. With their touch and blessings from Rama, boulders will stay afloat on the ocean and it can be used as a bridge. Rama thanks Sea God but then asks what he should do with this arrow that Lakshman has given, it cannot be returned back. Sea God says that towards North, there are some demons who are causing issues to some hermits. So Rama shoots arrow at North which gets destroyed.

Meanwhile, entire army of Sugreev is not picking boulders and with the help of Nal and Neel and Ram's words painted on it are put on the ocean which become the bridge. But if Rama throws the same stone, it gets sunk. This is because - anything that Rama gives up, can never stand on its own! Only those that are blessed by Rama can rise and shine.

Whole of Rama’s company (Sugreev and company) cross the bay and land in Lanka. Rama feels a chance has to be given to Ravana to allow him to give back Sita although he is the enemy. So Angadh (Vaali’s son) goes to Ravana’s palace as a messenger chanting ‘Jai Sri Ram.’

Chapter 90: Hanuman sets Lanka on fire

H bids adieu to Sita, but is hungry. So he decides to eat fruits in AV. News reaces Ravana that AV is being eaten away by a Monkey Man. Same time, his son, Akshkumar comes back from training. Ravana asks him to take care of H. H looks at him and says “You are so much of a child. Go, drink milk and play. I wanna meet you poppy.” Aksh challenges him. H easily kills him. News reaches Ravana. Mandodhari cries when she sees the servants lay down her son’s dead body.

Meghnath, the other son is willing to fight. Mandodhari refuses. Ravana says “Say Revenge. Not Sorrow.” So off goes Meghnath.

Intro before fight between Meghnath (Indra winner) and Hanuman (Ram bhakth). A fight ensues. Clearly Hanuman winning, when Meghnath uses Brahmasuthra (powerful Brahma chant). As a mark of respect to Brahma, Hanuman gets caught, and is taken to Ravana, where he makes a mockery of Ravana, saying “I didn’t get caught. I respected Brahma. Moreover, I wanted to see the coward who got a woman kidnapped, was beaten by Sahasrabahu and Vaali.” Ravana is infuriated. H asks for a chair. Laughingly, Ravana refuses. So, H grows his tail so long that it winds itself over and over again and a man-mad thrown-like structure made-of-tail gets created, at about the same height of Ravana’s thrown, who is annoyed by all this, especially when H says Ravana is not well-bred for king.

Ravana asks why he has come here. H replies. Ravana wants to punish him. “Why”, asks H. “Just for eating fruits in AV? After all I am a monkey.” Still Ravana asks all to fight against H. A big fight ensues. Vib comes and stops it all. He says that fighting in palace is bad for a king especially fighting a messenger from an enemy.

Ravana agrees. His punishment against Hanuman is to set his tail on fire. All do so, and all laugh. But once its done, all realize its mistake. H goes on a firing-spree and enlights and engulfs the whole of Lanka on fire and when the whole island is ablaze with fire, he sets off his tail fire with the help of sea water. He then visits AV one last time, bids bye to Sita and asks something from her which will prove to Rama that he has indeed met her. She gives him her hair clip which was given by KK. She also tells that if he delays more than one month, then she would have committed a suicide since Ravan would force her to marry in exactly one month.

Chapter 89: Hanuman meets Sita

Finally he reaches Lanka. Beach-keepers smell a non-Lankanhuman being. Hanuman becomes a 1-inch dwarf. Happily soldiers pluck him to eat. Promptly H gives one on the head and enters the palace. He roams around the palace when he hears a chant on Rama. Forgetting himself, he dances and enters Vibs (Chanter) room. Intro (Anjali putra, Bajrangbali, etc). Vib shows the path to AV.

In AV, Ravana meets Sita, who holds a strip of tree to protect her from him and chants. He asks her to become his but she starts comparing him to Rama. Rama is Sun, he is a small light, liable to be blown away, Rama is a sweet smelling flower but Ravana is a poison, etc. Ravana gets angry and goes to kill her. Mandodhari pitches in and says ‘Over my dead body”. She says to fight against a woman would decrease his fame. So he stops. But he gives one month time to Sita to become his.

After he leaves, Sita asks HAV to help her commit suicide. HAV refuses. So Sita begs AV to take away her ‘shok’ (sadness) by giving something from sky to acknowledge Rama’s presence. H, heretofore sitting on AV branch drops the ring that Sita had given to Rama and that which Rama had given to H. She is shocked. How could the ring come here? Has anyone stolen from him or killed him? Hanuman chants and all rakshasas fall asleep. He drops from AV and sits in front of her. She is shocked at Monkey Man. But he convinces her that he is Rama’s messenger. She is very happy.

Rama, somehow feeling nice that all is well. An intuition that H might have found Sita. A telepathy between Sita and Rama about how much Rama is missing Sita. How much he needs her, is addicted to her and a sorta cant-live-without-you feeling. Going days together without food and sleep.

Sita’s unsure of Hanuman’s powers. So H turns into Mammoth Hulk and shows how powerful he is. Then only Sita gets convinced that H can escape. H refuses to take her away from Lanka because of moral – something against the rules of war.

Chapter 88: Hanuman off to Lanka

H and others rest desperately. Not knowing how to find Sita. All are disappointed. And to not want to return empty handed as well. At that time comes another Eagle-Man, thanking God that after so many days, atlast he has got so many people to eat. But upon descent, one of H’s Co says he looks similar to Jataayu. Eagle man says he is Sampathi – J’s bro. But how do they know about J? The story of Sita Kidnap and J’s fight in vain and ultimately death. Sampathi cries. By his literal foresight, he could predict that Sita is in AV in Lanka. All thank him and he goes off.
Sita feels twitching of her eyes. A good sign of good news. So HAV says maybe Rama came to know about her stay in AV.

H and Angadh (Yuvraj of Sugreev), Jambuvan and other come to beach and span the ocean towards Lanka. Mighty. No one can span it. How? Is the question.

Then, Jambuvan comes and tells Hanuman: ‘You are the strongest in this whole world. Even while you were a kid, you ate Sun, thinking it was a fruit, thereby darkening the whole world. Then, you went to Rishivar and broke his meditation to ask about Rama. Rishi only knew Ayodhya’s Rama but not Rama as the Creator of the World. For you, Rama is everything and all else of little value. Rishi, got angry as you put little value to him as well and cursed that you would not be aware of your strength until someone tells you. Here I am telling you. You are the strongest.’

H gains confidence. He flies across the ocean. He encounters a demonness who wants him to enter her mouth. He tells her that he is on a mission and promises to accept her wishes once he is done with the job. She: ‘No way. Go inside my mouth now. You have promised me!’ So he becomes his Mammoth Hulk and could not fit into her mouth. So she widens her mouth.

Suddenly he becomes very small and goes inside her mouth and comes out before she closes. So his promise is fulfilled. She transforms into an angel, saying she was sent by Devathas to test his ability to handle crisis and he had passed. She wishes him good luck.

Chapter 87: Sugreev’s army starts searching

Rama is drenched in rain. Normally he would have enjoyed it but without his soul mate, who would have made his happiness twice as big, this rain was just another pain. Same drenching for Sita. HAV asks her to come to shelter, but Sita says when her hubby is getting drenched surely, then how can she shelter herself? HAV says men can withstand rain but not soft-hearted ladies. Still Sita refuses. Same drenching with Lakshman. He tells Rama: “This friendship with Sugreev is unfair. You helped him kill Vaali. He became king. He got his kingdom back, wife back. But his promise of helping you has gone down the drain.” Sugreev overhears. He is ashamed of himself. He begs Rama of punishment. Mentally Rama forgives him.

Sugreev takes action with respect to his promise. He sends all his servants, including Hanuman in search of Sita and not to come back without positive result. H says to Rama “I am sure of success. But though this is your task, I need your blessings. If I find Sita, how to tell her I am your friend?” So Rama gives his finger-ring to H. Then H, Jambuvan and all S’s servants go in search of Sita in forests. But all in vain.

Chapter 87: Rama kills Vaali

Hearing this story, Rama says he will help Sugreev to re-attain the brother hood with Vaali. But Sugreev says he is passed the bounds of forgiveness now. Asking why, Rama gets the answer: “After becoming king, Vaali forcefully married Sugreev’s wife (Ruma).” This enraged Rama. No man should ever do this. Bro’s wife is like a sister and if such is the case, Vaali has no right to live. Rama says he will kill Vaali.

Sugreev says it is impossible because half of Rama’s strength will go to Vaali before the fight because of Vaali’s vow. Rama says he will secretly kill Vaali by shooting from behind. Sugreev: “But Rama, that is unfair, unlike you. You are ‘maryaada purush’ (respectable man). How can you do such an unworthy heinous unrespectable act?”

Rama replies: “Intention of any maryada purush is the destruction of papa (evil) in whatever manner possible. Compared to the papa of Vaali, the maryada of Rama is less. So Vaali has to be killed secretly.”

Sugreev goes to Vaali and intimidates him. Vaali comes to Sugreev with fervour to kill. They both start fighting. Rama tries to shoot Vaali but Vaali and sugreev are similar in looks. So he is unable to identify whom to kill. So Rama goes back to the mountain. Sugreev is unanimously defeated by Vaali. But Vaali does not kill him and lets him go and tell his now new friend how powerful Vaali is and how weak Sugreev is. Sugreev runs away, glad to be alive.

Sugreev comes and scolds Rama as to why Rama didn’t help. Rama tells he couldn’t identify. H garlands S and says now its easy to identify. Rama thanks H for his geniusness. Fight again. Easy for Rama. He kills Vaali. Vaali shouts ‘Unfair. Cheat.’ But Rama says he is a cheat for all his crimes. Finally Vaali dies.

Meanwhile, parvathi say to Shiva that ‘Still Rama shouldn’t have done it. Even if he had come in front of Vaali, as Vishnu, he could have easily killed Vaali.’ Shiva, then says, if that happened, there would have been no meaning of ‘wish’, people would stop believing in tapas or vow. Because the main reason Vaali got his vardhaan was such that as more and more people came to kill him, he would be more powerful than the enemy and he wouldn’t die. Also, since Rama had come to Earth in manav awatar he could not possibly technically convert to Vishnu. Parvathi is convinced.

Chapter 86: Story of Sugreev

Rama asks the story of Sugreev. Sugreev says that Vaali got a vow that half of the strength of the enemies would become his every time he kills the enemy (both physically and kingdom-wise). He infact had kept Ravana inside his (S's) armpit for 3 months, squeezing his breath away.

Now, it so happened that that one night, while Vaali was sleeping, a powerful Rakshasa called Mayavi came and said ill things to Vaali, ridiculing the might of Vaali. Vaali became angry and set off to kill him.

A big fight ensues between Vaali and the magical rakshas, before which by the grace of Vaali’s vow, half the power of enemy goes to Vaali. Hence in the fight, Vaali is the outright winner. Sugreev comes to help. But the other rakshas run away.

Both Vaali and Sugreev chase him to kill him. But Rakshas goes inside a cave. Vaali tells Sugreev that if he doesn’t come back within 15 days, then take care of wife and kid (or something on those lines implying that he will be dead).

Vaali goes inside the cave. He finds rakshas and fights him. The blood of the rakshas pours out of the cave and rakshas dies. Waiting Sugreev sees blood and assumes the worst. But still he waits despite it is now almost 30 days.

The family of the killed Mayavi Rakshas then attacks Vaali who easily takes care of all of them. This extra time during which blood has come out of the cave but Vaali did not exit cave makes Sugreev think that Vaali is dead. Hence he thinks of a plan. With the help of huge boulder, covers the entrance of the cave so that no rakshas can come out, without knowing that Vaali is still inside, fighting. Crying, Sugreev goes back. He informs Vaali’s wife of Vaali’s death.

All the praja then unanimously vote Sugreev as their king. Unwilling Sugreev is forced to become king. Just when he is about to be throned, Vaali enters the kingdom, after having killed all the rakshas and having pushed the boulder. Without waiting for any explanations, he attacks Sugreev. Sugreev, not wanting to fight, nor able to explain - gets almost killed, when Hanuman and Jambuvan, his close pals, help him towards the mountain. No one can go to that mountain because of its steepness. Only Hanuman and Jambuvan because of the Mammoth Hulk structure and flying capability. Since the day, Sugreev came to this mountain and he is safe as Vaali could not come near him, but Vaali wants to desperately kill Sugreev.

Chapter 85: Sita’s ornaments

Both Rama and Sugreev express the need of a friend. Rama goes into all possible comparisons for the need of a friend (Sun – ray, life – breath, river – water, etc) He finally comes to the point and tells the story of Sita kidnap. H brings the jewelry and asks if its Sita’s. Rama is convinced. He aks L too, who says sorry, he cannot identify, as hasn’t seen anything of Sita other than her feet and yes, her feet ornaments are the same as one in Rama’s hands. Rama is much pleased. He is happy, now that Sugreev is his true friend. So, he extends his friendship by saying “Your friends are my friends and your enemies are my enemies.”

Sugreev says that his only enemy is his brother Vaali, who kicked Sugreev out of his kingdom when he was the king. All here call Sugreev as maharaj but now he is no longer the one.

Meanwhile, Vaali hears of the 2 visitors to Sugreev whose friendship might destroy Vaali. He sets off to kill them, but his wife gives him a stay-order that since he might burn into ashes once he sets foot on that Kishkindha mountain. So better let them come to you. He agrees and sends sevaks to tell him once they come out of that mountain. Sevak goes.

Chapter 84: Hanuman meets Rama

Rama asks trees for Sita’s coordinates. Lakshman is angry against all trees for being mute spectators while Sita was being kidnapped. But he sees a mountain (Kishkinda?) and believes someone there would have surely seen the kidnap. So, the two set off towards that mountain.

Some human monkeys come to Sugreev and inform about 2 rishivars coming towards their mountain. Sugreev goes to Hanuman (who is chanting ‘Jai Sri Ram’) and asks him to investigate the two. Hanuman goes in the guise of a Brahmin and approaches Rama. Even before speaking, he finds a kinship towards Rama.

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Story of Hanuman

Meanwhile, Parvathi asks Shiva who this Brahmin is. Shiva says it is himself in disguise. The very purpose was that he (Shiva) would visit Rama (Vishnu) during Vishnu’s tour as manav. After Vishnu had asked Shiva to incarnate himself as a monkey, Shiva had chosen the son of Anjani to be his next incarnation which happens to be Shiva's 11th incarnation on Chaitra Shukla day.

But he was wondering how to transfer his powers to the baby. At that time, God of Wind came to Shiva and asked what he was worried about. Shiva mentions his issue. God of Wind (Pawan) says that he can take the powers and deposit. Shiva is very happy. So Shiva grants him a boon. Pawan rejects but Shiva insists. Pawan says since he is Wind, he has no form or family. He would be honored if this baby can be named as his son too (Wind God's son). "Thathasthu", says Shiva. So, it would be called as Pawanputra.

Pawan then takes the power (given by Shiva's Third Eye) and delivers it to the newly born baby of Anjani. Since the baby's mother is Anjani, baby is also called Anjaneya. Anjani's hubby is Kesari - King of Monkey. So he is also called Kesariputra. Anjani also names him as Bajrangbali.

Just after the baby is born, Pawan tells Anjani and Kesari about the powers of the baby and parents are happy. Pawan also grants him the power of flying. Just then some demons try to attack them but the little baby fights them all off easily and demons run away.

Kiddo then calls Pawan his dad too. But from the moment he is born, he asks who is Ram. This question has come along with the Divine powers transferred by Shiva. Even his own mother doesnt know who is Rama. But Kesari is very glad that he got a child. This was only possible after a huge penance that he carried out to Lord Shiva. Hence Lord Shiva had chosen this family to take birth as 11th incarnation. Kesari right now is deprived of wealth because he has been defeated by demons.

Some other time, Bajrang is hungry. He looks at the Sun and thinks it is a nice fruit. He flies towards it. Wind God listens to his son's naughtiness and laughs. Soon, kiddo consumes entire Sun in his mouth! Whole Universe gets dark. Indra and Co all get tensed. Indra attacks the kiddo. Kiddo fights bravely but cannot hold on for long. Indra's weapon disfigures his face and Bajrang becomes unconsciousness. Sun pops out. Universe is bright again. Indra heads back.

Falling Bajrang is carried by Wind God back to his mom who cries at her loss. But Wind God says that only Indra can give back the consciousness. "But how will Indra come here to monkeys" asks Anjani. Wind God stops wind, air-flow, etc across Universe. Everyone starts choking including Gods like Indra. Indra gets full news of all that happened. He then heads direct to Bajrang and gives his consciousness back. All happy. Wind God releases air flow and all is well. In addition, Indra also tells that from now on, he will be called Hanuman. The disfiguring of the face would add beauty to his face. Indra also grants him the power of Indra's weapon and also the boon of dying at his own will.

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Meanwhile, introductions done between H and Rama, and Brahmin transforms into H after coming to know that it is, after all Rama. He is overjoyed. He asks for forgiveness for his disguise, but Rama says it is alright, because, an enemy has to be attacked only after knowing the enemy’s true intentions.

H remembers his chat with God of Sun:
H: “What is the purpose of life?”
Sun: “Service.”
H: “Whose?”
Sun: “For you, it is Lord Rama.”

So, H is much pleased that the opportunity has atlast arrived for him to serve Rama. When Rama says he has to go to top of the mountain, Hanuman grows into a Mammoth Hulk and takes R&L each in the palm of his hand and places the miniscule-now-ant-like creatures into each of this shoulders. Finally, they all arrive at top of the mountain. Again, introductions. All are at top of mind, seeing it is after all, Rama and not any enemy.

Chapter 83: Shabari attains Moksha

She was forced to marry a drunkard by her parents. So she ran away on wedding night and approached this kuteera where Rishi Mathang's pupils stayed. She helped them all with cooking, flowers, etc and all were happy. But one day, they came to know about her community (adivasa) and started untouchability policy towards her and felt that they had all become impure. So they all left her high and dry. And since that day she is waiting for Rama, alone. She wonders how they felt pure before knowing her and how they felt impure after knowing about her. Rama is angered by Rishi Matang’s disciples' behavior. He curses him saying no river will be a river to those disciples and no tree shall help them.

Shabari tastes each cherry and if sweet, gives it to Rama. If ripe, she throws it away. So it continues. She gives one to L. He throws it away (not sure why perhaps thinking that he did not deserve it). The Rishivar that Rama had met earlier comes to Shabari’s cottage and asks for forgiveness to Rama. It seems no river remained river and no tree helped them. Shabari says the same Rishivar was Matang's disciples. Rama asks them to ask Shabari for forgiveness. They do. She forgives them all. They all go away.

Rama asks permission to go. Shabari becomes senti and says how she can give permission for him to go when all her life she wanted to see him. So, she sits down on the ground and chants his name, saying it is death that she wants now, to achieve moksha. Rama grants it. She dies. R&L namaskar the ashes and move on.

Chapter 82: Shabari

Rama is awake during the nights as well, mourning for Sita’s loss. He is all sadness. He says a guru always teaches with a purpose. Earlier, his guru had made him win over sleep for days together and he had wondered whats the use. But now he realized how useful it is to to be awake for nights together. Lakshman is pained to see Rama awake all night.

R & L encounter Rishivar (sages). Greetings exchanged. Rishivar asks R & L where they are heading. Towards lake. They advise not to, as lake is impure, as an untouchable and adivaas (tribal) community lady takes bath there. Rama gives him his peace of mind saying there is nothing called untouchability, lady impuring water, etc. A woman is a supreme human being equalling God. How can anyone treat her like that. And water is supposed to make impure people pure. A water can never get impure. He advises Rishivar not to teach such baseless things to his students. Parvathi is much impressed. Shiva is happy too and says ‘That’s Rama!’

Upon asking the address of that adivasa lady, R&L head towards her house. She happens to be Shabari, a great fan and devotee of Rama, waiting for him since ages, so much so that she has almost forgotten her own name. So when he calls out to her ‘Maathe’ she replies close-eyed ‘Raam?’ Some tender moments, of how she had waited all these years and of how she would like to keep looking at him for ages together. Rama is touched. She sits them both down and upon prodding, tells her story.

Chapter 81: Ravana’s mother repents

At one point of time, Ravana had jailed Kaala (God of Death/Time). He now approaches him, who is laughing at Ravana. Kaala says that by capturing Sita, Ravana has scripted his own Death. Ravana laughs away. He is the one who captured Time. There can be no death to him. But Kaala laughs at this. He infuriates Ravana and hits him. Kaala laughs away.

Mandodhari enters then. She says she believed Sun will use his power, that mountains will become less foreboding and sea would lose its camness but never that Ravana would punish a chained man and would kidnap a helpless married woman. Ravana says, to kill Rama, one who had pained Shurpanakhi, he can do anything. Mandodhari asks what is the real reason? Is it the beauty of Sita and revenge of his humiliation at Swayamvara?

Ravana laughs and says “Don’t worry, she is not gonna take your position away”. M says she is not worried about losing her position. Rather she is afraid of losing him, as Brahma had not given the vow of “No death from Man” to Ravana. Ravana belittles the vow and Brahma Himself and goes away. Kaala pities mandodhari, a devoted wife, and M pities Sita, a devoted wife.

Dharthi Maa informs that chal (spite), hut (arrogance), sometimes looks as if its winning, and is victorious (as Ravana’s feelings now), but in reality, it is the way for their own sarvanash (Destruction).

Ravana’s mom calls for Vibhushan. She is concerned about Ravana’s doings. Vib is asked to talk to him. He politely refuses saying how can he convince Ravana, when Ravana disobeys his own mother and guru (mom). Mom says she has never disapproved of Ravana’s doings, but this time feels insecure. Vib says her never disapproving Ravana’s doings has made him this way. The path shown by a guru should be towards kalyan and not sarvanash. Mom realizes that she has never been a good mom nor a good guru to Ravana and repents herself and cries.

Chapter 80: Ashoka Vatika

Sita meanwhile keeps throwing beads, necklaces, bangles to earth from PV. Some of these fall on a community of human monkeys the head of which are Vaali and Sugreeva. They gather the ornaments and realizes a woman being kidnapped. They order Hanuman, the Most Valuable Player amongst them, a pious follower of Rama to gather all the ornaments and safeguard them. Hanuman does so, thinking the ornaments either belong to munivar’s wife or woman who was given these by a Munivar’s wife. It is the same divine ornaments given by Anusuya.

Ravan welcomes Sita to Lanka, telling that no maanav has ever come to Lanka, whoever tries to enter Ravan Lekha will die - even if they do not get devoured by the massive ocean. PV arrives at Sri Lanka and lands at a place called Ashoka Vatika (AV) - Lanka's best garden. All women rakshasis are there. Ravana asks the head to take Sita to put her in a palace and that would be the prison for her.

But Sita requests the head not to jail her in a prison as she is not supposed to be in Royal quarters for 14 years as her hubby has taken her a pledge not to enter a palace for 14 years too. Ravana agrees although laughing at the fact that she still considers herself as wife of Rama. She requests him to kill her. But he laughs and refuses. Now that she is his, how can he kill her. Also, if he kills her, Rama could not come to her, and he would’nt able to kill him, who had humiliated his sis.

Ravana leaves her. Sita, accompanied by head of AV (HAV) "Trigitya" rests herself at AV tree. HAV asks Sita if she needs any help. She is a kindly one, though others around are not. Sita calls her “Maatha” and requests death. HAV says Maatha doesn’t kill daughter but takes care of her. And leaves her alone. Sita looks at Sun and says : You see me and you see Rama. Tell him where I am and show him my plight. (same words to Moon at night)

Shurpanakhi hears of Sita at AV. Believing that only if Sita is killed, will Rama be hers, she proceeds towards AV. But just before killing, HAV stops her. Little fight before Ravana enters the scene and cools Shurpanakhi and orders her to go away. He also orders HAV to kill Shurpanakhi if latter disobeys him. He convinces Shurpanakhi of value to him if Sita is kept alive. Ravan prisons Shurpanakha in her own chamber.

Chapter 79: Jataayu tries to save Sita

R & L reach Panchavathi. They see the fallen fruits and assume the worst. They cant find Sita. They go out in the forest in the hope that the kidnappers haven’t gone away far, although the diversion technique of Mareechi becoming golden deer was brilliant.

The constant shouting of Sita falls on Jataayu’s ears. He sees what happening. He is an old eagle. Still, he flies towards Ravana and tries to hurt him. But Ravana calmly cuts both of J’s wings. J apologises to Sita and falls down, with great pain and starts shouting “Rama.”

R & L in their search of the woods hear J’s shouts. They approach him. From him they gather that Sita is kidnapped by Ravana. Ram thanks a lot to J for helping...J dies. But just before that, Rama tells him not to tell his pop in heaven about Sita’s kidnap else D will think how incapable Rama is! Rama considers the death of his pop’s pal as very sacred and performs the last rites thinking J was his father himself.

Chapter 78: Ravana kidnaps Sita

L meets Rama a while later with Mareechi. Rama asks Lakshman why he left Sita in spite of his orders. Lakshman tells the story. They realize the horror and set off towards home.

Meanwhile Ravana nears Panchavathi tasting success. But he cannot cross the Lakshman rekha. So he assumes the guise of a swamy (munivar) and asks for food. Sita comes out with fruits but doesn’t cross the line. Munivar does not take fruits across the border. It is his humiliation. So he is angry and sets off. Sita says no one can go out of Rama’s house empty and she silently apologises to Lakshman saying she doesn’t have a choice, but to cross the border. So, she crosses the Lakshman Rekha.

Munivar immediately transforms into Ravana. He tells her of the humiliation that he faced in her swayamvara and says she is all his now. But she tells him that she is all Rama’s. He drags her forcefully out to Pushpaka Vimana which carries them both towards Lanka, all the time during which Sita wants to break free. PV is like an airplane.

Chapter 77: Lakshman Rekha

Sita, meanwhile, hears the shout and tells Lakshman to go and search for Rama, as it seems he is in trouble. L pacifies her. How can trouble-shooter be in trouble. It is not possible. Also, he foresees that it’s the act of some wicked witch in the forest playing tricks. Not Rama. He can never be in trouble. But nothing pacifies Sita. She is femininely sure its Rama. She starts abusing Lakshman. That he is a coward, that his love to Rama is a show-off, etc (Ideal woman?)

Lakshman says ‘please do not say all this. It is heart breaking. You are like my mom.’ So Sita says ‘Your mom is ordering to go help Rama.’ So, Lakshman shouts to Trees, Earth, Air and Universe : ‘Please be my witness. I did not wish to leave Sita and disobey Rama’s orders. But Sita herself is making me leave.’ He then tells Sita that he will leave although knowing fully well that all this is a sorcery.

He then draws a line surrounding anchavathi, saying it is ‘Lakshman Rekha.’ No one can cross this line. He advises Sita also not to cross the Rekha till he returns. He sets off.

Chapter 76: The Golden Deer

The day is Ramanavami. Rama’s birthday. Sita in an effort to make Rama happy, has made a ring out of tree wood. Rama feels he owes something in return to her. So he asks her what she wants. She looks around and spots a golden deer and informs Rama that she wants that golden deer. Rama tries to convince her that there can be no deer that is golden and if there is one, it should be the magic of the devils that are all around here. But to no avail. Sita becomes adamant (ideal woman?) and tells Rama that she wants the deer or nothing else. Rama is bound by his vow to give her something. So he tells Lakshman to keep an eye on Sita while he tries to get the deer. Rama sets off after the deer.

The deer is nothing but Mareechi in disguise, pressurized by Ravana to have this get-up. The deer makes Rama come far away from Panchavathi. Finally deer (read Marichi) bows to Rama and tells its his pleasure to get shot by Rama. Rama shoots the deer. Mareechi shouts ‘Sita, Lakshman, Sita, Lakshman.’ Rama is perplexed to see M instead of deer. He comes over. Mareech says that this is his last crime, 'please forgive' but provides no further explanantion other than saying ‘Jai Sri Ram.’

Chapter 75: Shurpanakhi wants to marry Rama!

Ravana meets Vibheeshan and tells him that he is taking Shurpanakhi to Ravana's step-brothers Khar & Dushan's kingdom. Vibheeshan says no based on his astrological sense. Ravana says his decisions are irreversible but still he will abide by his brother because of brotherly love. So Shurpanaki goes alone. Khar and Dushan are Ravan's managers of South India.

Meanwhile Khar & Dushan's commanders are attacking sages near Rama's hermitage and Rama saves them all and kills the commanders. The third commander Trishna runs back to the Khar and Dushan just as Shurpanaki enters their place. Trishna tells all about manav who attacked. Shurpanaki wants to see such a guy who seems to be so powerful.

Ravana’s sis Shurpanakhi’s eyes fall on Rama and his pleasing attitude. She falls in love with him and wants to marry him. She approaches and tells him so. He says ‘forgive me, but I am married.’ She is not bothered about it. She says so what, anyone can marry multiple times. But Ram has taken the pledge of one wife. She then sees L and approaches him to marry him. L says he is married, though currently single. She offers to be his sevak. He refuses to have sevaks because responsibility on Rama increases. Then Sita comes out of house. Shurpanakhi sees Sita and becomes jealous of Sita’s beauty. In a flash, she tries to attack Sita and disfigure her face.

But L cuts her nose with the help of an arrow. Hence that place became famous as Nasik (?) Shurpanakhi cries and brings her 3 bros to fight L and kill him and Sita and get Rama to her. The 3 say Rama is maanav, so not good match for her. But when they see Rama, all agree. Rama is too good to resist. But Rama and L kill all of them easily.

Shurpanakhi goes to Lanka to seek Ravana’s help. He hears of Rama, a maanava and how he had killed his 3 manager-brothers. He sets off to kill Rama. But Shurpanaka reminds Ravan of Ravan's promise that he will allow her to marry anyone she wants, and she wants to marry Ram. So now he cannot kill Ram but instead he should convince Ram to marry Shurpanaka. He is confused what he needs to do. He then thinks of asking his uncle Mareech's help.

But Mandodhari, Ravana’s wife (her father was a demon but mother is not), with the help of Ravana’s mom (who is a demon too but her hubby is not) tells him not to go, for she is afraid. Although he is all powerful, Brahma has told that it is maanav who is dangerous to Ravana, when he (Brahma) had given vow that Ravana would not get killed by Rakshasas or Devathas. How much ever the women try to convince him, Ravana refuses to step back as a coward, and goes forth and goes to Mareech. Mareech asks Ravana to be careful because he remembers of his (M's) experience in the past when he was trying to disrupt Viswamitra's yagna. Mareech says that both Ram and Sita are greatest Man and Woman on Earth, so it is tough to break them. At the name of Sita, Ravan remembers his previous fate when he tried to get Sita in the swayamvara and lost. So now he laughs at the timing of Fate.

It is time to get Sita back from Rama and give Rama to Shurpanaka. Mareech says no, he cannot be part of this conspiracy. But Ravan says he will kill him if says no again. Mareech thinks that he is born wretched, he has done wretched things but doesnt want to die a wretched death, instead he wants to die in the hands of Rama. So he agrees to whatever Ravan says. 

Chapter 74: Bharath visits Rama

B is forced by kulguru to take up the mantle of Ayodhya, as the praja are asking for King. B says, it rightly belongs to Rama and no one else and refuses. Kulguru says Kau asked him to become king. B says, following her order is ‘puthradharm’, but being son of KK, it was also his puthradharm to correct his mother’s mistake. If nothing was done, these historical mistakes will continue to happen. So he asks permission to go to Rama to persuade him back to Ayodhya. Granted. Kulguru says, Man can die, but Life cannot.

B’s wife visits Kau, upon KK’s orders to do seva and service, as KK feels guilty of sending Kau’s son and daughter-in-law away. Kau asks why KK is considering its her mistake every time, while actually it’s the Fates. She tells B’s wife to go back to KK and do seva to her, as it is KK who has become lonely, after B’s infamous tirade against her. KK upon hearing all this, feels ashamed of bringing misery into Kau’s life and praises Kau for having such a big heart.

B visits Kau to ask for permission and to ask her and Sumi to join him in calling Rama back. Kau says although Rama took birth in her, the special place that KK has in Rama cannot be taken away by anybody. So, ask KK to go with B. B refuses to speak to her. Kau scolds him saying KK spent 9 tough months to give birth to him and this is what he has to say? “Respect your mom!”

B comes to see KK. KK hides, for she is afraid to face him. B comes and apologisese to her for being rude. KK asks how she can forgive when she is the cause for everything. B says things can be set right if only she would accompany him and go to forest to get Rama back. She is all for it.

Meanwhile, R & Co visit Bharadwaj. Respects exchanged. Rama says they are on their way to Chitrakoot. Sita’s parents hear of happening in Ayodhya. Sita’s pop sets off to visit Ayodhya.

Nishaadraj and Co decide that no one should harm Rama as long as Rama and Co are in forests. He mistakenly thinks Bharat is 'warring' against Ram and encounters Bharat and Co but he gets to know real reason. So he asks them to visit his kuteera (haven), as Rama too had visited it. Bharat agrees. Similarly Sita's father also wants to stop Bharat from 'warring' (attacking Rama) but he too gets the idea. The reason for misconception is that Bharat is going to Ram with full army. Army is not to attach Rama but to get Rama back to Ayodhya with full honors. Having army is honorable to King.

Meanwhile Rama reach the hermitage of Valmiki. He bows to him but Valmiki stops him. Valmiki says he has done lot of bad things in his life and hence he is not eligible to be bowed down to. But Rama says one who is enlightened has to be bowed down anyways and does so.

B & Co meet Rama & Co at the hermitage,  Even the moms have come. Rama meets them all and is extremely happy to see them all but very sad to hear that his pop passed away. KK is too ashamed to see him and shies away. But Rama says how can a mother shy away from his own mother. KK blames herself. Rama says destiny made her do it, not to blame herself. Looking at Bharat's magnanimous attitude towards Rama and offering him to come back, King Dasharath's soul appears and tells that all KK's sins are wiped away due to the great son she has.

Bharat and Co persuade him to come back. Instead Bharat can stay exile for 14 years. KK agrees. Rama refuses. He tells that if Rama does that then Man will not give any value to promise any more. He is maryada purush and he is the ideal person, so it is expected that he should do the ideal thing. Is it possible to go false on D's promise? Noways, Rama convinces B to hold the ship afloat and run the show in Ayodhya while he can continue his peaceful life in forest!

Instead B asks Rama to give his sandals. That sandals will be kept on the Ayodhya throne and Rama's sandals will represent Rama on his behalf. Bharat will await Rama for next 14 years. This Ram-Bharat meeting is historical.

B & Co return back. He does Pooja to the Rama's sandals. B appoints Shatrugna to be responsible for Ayodhya and he wants to stay in the Nandi village nearby until Rama comes back.

KK tells Manthara to never show her face again. It was due to her that all this happened. M goes away. Mandvi wants to go now. KK cries some more thinking how things are all falling down everywhere around her.

Manthara soliloquies that her plans backfired. She says her mission accomplished for now but she will be back when the whole family is divided and not united like how it is now. She commits suicide in River Ganga.

Bharat & wife go to Nandi Village.

Meanwhile Rama and Co come to Sage Atri's hermitage. Sita says that Anusuya stays there, she is the most chaste woman that ever existed. Greetings exchanged. Atri says that Rama's exile is for the upliftment of hermits. Lakshman says no need for a bed for him since he has taken a vow to not sleep until 14 years!

Anusuya, looking at Sita, wants to give ornaments to Sita. Sita looks at them - they are divine ornaments, supposed to be very precious. Sita says no but accepts. Sita asks Anusuya about chastity since Anusuya is epitome of chastity. A woman who doesnt desert her hubby in times of crisis is the supreme test of chastity. Rama looks at her jewels and is surprised - it is the first time he is seeing materialistic things on her since they went on exile. Soon, Rama & Co leave Atri's hermitage towards Panchvati. Panchvati is in South India. Panchvati because there are a number of hermits there and their life has become miserable because of Ravana's demons.

Sage Agastya's followers help Rama find the way towards to Panchvati. Rama is thankful to them. On their way, they smell something bad and they realize it is due to the demons. Rama takes the pledge that he will save all hermits and destroy all demons. On their way, they encounter a strange looking talking big bird. Lakshman thinking it is one of the demon, is about to kill it when Rama stops him and says that it is not right to attack without knowing truth.

Soon the bird comes down to earth and informs that he is actually a friend of King Dasharath. D and the birdie met at this same place when D was practising archery. King D had set in meditation at this same place. At that time, some demons tried to attack him when this birdie stopped those demons. Those demons want to eat D. Birdie fights the demons. D wakes up from his penance and attacks the demons. Once demons are killed, D asks who is Birdie.

Birdie says that he is Jatayu, son of Aru, brother of Garud, vehicle of Vishnu. Now, Jatayu asks how is D to which Rama says he has passed away. Jatayu says he is nearing old age too. Saying so, he leads them to Panchvati. Because of 5 banyan trees at one place, it is called Panchvati.

With the help of his magical archery, Laxman creates a hut at Panchvati just by shooting one arrow - on behest of Ram's orders. Laxman says this is all possible due to Viswamitra's boon. Rama then asks Sita to enter house first since woman is epitome of peace.

Chapter 73: Kaikeyi repents

KK realizes that it is indeed Manthara's manipulative scheme that caused all this. She pushes her away and tells that she is wicked. She wonders what to do now. She is doomed.

Bharat and Shatrugn come and wail in front of D's dead body. Kau says he should give courage and do his duty. B refuses and tells he will go and get Rama to perform last rites. Kulguru refuses saying it is too late and B himself should do the final rites.

Kau goes to call KK. B stops her. Kau asks him if Rama would have done the same. B lets her go. KK is facing her other good self in her room which is shouting at her that she has taken away life of her husband, she has been opposite of a woman, a witch, full of hatred and selfishness, etc when Kau entes the room and calls her. KK apologises to her saying she is the cause for all deeds, Kau consoles her saying its all Fates, and leads her to place where mourners sit beside D’s dead body.

KK comes to touch the D’s feet. B stops her. Kau scolds him. Mahamanthri stops her. He says those are orders from D himself that KK should not touch him. Kau tells what if she orders him now? He replies that he will just bow his head and wait to be beheaded before D's vow can be broken. Then KK speaks up saying she is impure and is the cause for all this disaster. So, atleast, let his soul rest in peace and she decides not to touch and impurify him in any case. She cries and runs away.

Rama looks at the setting Sun and sees gloom and despair and ashanthi all around. He tells L how the sun portrays the whole life. Rising sun is beautiful to watch, like watching kids. Morning Sun is warm. Noon sun is all fiery and power. But then the sun has to set implying that all of them have to leave this world however powerful they might have been. He prays Shiva and Mother Earth to give peace and shanthi to all.

B lights the D’s pyre. KK watches the ashes of D and wants to touch it. But D’s soul comes up and asks her to stop it so that his journey can be smoother otherwise even that will become tough. D gives her a curse that her punishment is for her to suffer until she dies knowing the mistake she did. And she weeps.

R & Co come to Prayag – a place where Ganga and Yamuna meet and where Saraswati flows underneath the two. All are happy to see it. Rama compares it to Gyaan (knowledge = Ganga) and Bhakthi (dedication=Yamuna) but Vivek (Conscience = saraswati) flowing underneath. They encounter some rishivars and ask them for direction towards Guru Bharadwaj. Upon hearing the same, they head towards there, also to purify themselves in the river.

Chapter 72: Bharath returns

The voice of crying females reach KK. Manthara tells her maybe it is because they all wanted Rama to be yuvraj and now he is not. Then, B’s wife comes crying over to KK and informs abt D’s death. KK cannot believe it and is shell-shocked. She collapses to the ground. Immediately she rushes to D’s room, but D’s guards block her. Perplexed, she asks why they are not letting her in. The guards say it was D’s last wish that KK should not be allowed to enter. KK is ashamed and walks back, dejected.

The other wives feel the absence of KK as D’s dead body is laid on the floor. But they don’t crib about it and go on weeping.

B and bro are now back in Ayodhya. Although KK has no interest, Manthara makes KK give ‘aarthi’ to B, but he stops her. He is not the Yuvraj to receive such honour. But he asks KK, why all in palace are weeping and sad. She asks him to come to her room and she would explain all.

He expresses desire to see Rama first as it is almost impossible for him not to see Rama and moves forth to Rama’s room. But KK uses power words like ‘Saugandh’, etc and B is forced to go to KK’s room. Both assemble in her room.

KK tells B that whatever she has done is in the best interest of a mother towards son. She has asked 2 wishes from D. First is that B is to be Yuvraj and not Rama.

B refuses. He says he is not gonna take part in any such crime. He cannot take over the position which rightly belongs to his bro Rama.

Then KK informs him the whole story. KK says the decision is done, he says it is not decision but it is injustice. B wants to go to Rama and tell all. But then KK says 2nd wish being Rama to be away from Ayodhya for 14 yrs. How D dinna wanna let that happen. How he lost health and finally died. B is shocked at his mom. He tells her that KK did all that not because of mamatha towards son, but because of her selfishness, etc. He scolds her a lot, while the mourning in the palace continues. She tells him she is cruel. B says he repents having borne from KK.  He then wants to go and tell father. KK says that now dad is dead. B is shocked. B falls down and when KK comes near him, he tells her not to touch him. He will tell she is not his mother any more, his mother would never do this. He will tell her that you killed B.

Manthara comes to KK's rescue and scolds B. Shatrugn realizes it is all M's manipulation and tries to kill her. B restrains, tells that lets not make our hands touch sinner's blood until we go and see dad. They go away.

Sita has dreams of D coming out of palace in saint robes towards forest. Wakes up in a start. Rama consoles her saying no raghuvamsh character leaves kingdom behind.

Chapter 71: Dasharath dies

KK’s good self and soul fights against her bad self and soul telling her all the bad things she had done. The bad self tells good self that she only did for her son B. The good self asks her what if B himself scolds her, for she had immense love to Rama. Thinking this, she has great fear when Manthara comes and allays her fear. She has got Yuvraj’s crown with her. KK says how she got it, as it is supposed to be sacred. M says she now has all the powers as her B gonna become Yuvraj. This lightens KK’s mood.

Parvati asks Shiva if this is the final day for D, the king who won over 10 devils which gave him the name. Shiva says yes, this is Fate. Even Vishnu took birth in such a house whose father had such success. The guy who had such a huge success had to undergo some amount of pain and this is what happened. The shaap finally has come true for D. If there was no shaap, then life would have taken a different route and still D would have suffered. It is all Fates.

Mahamanthri comes to palace. Doc orders him not to tell D as it might kill him. MM says he is Mahamanthri. His job is to inform the king and he should not delay it, irrespective of consequences. He goes forth and tells D that Rama did not return to Ayodhya. D tells him that perhaps MM did not convince Rama sufficiently. D asks what did Rama say. Mantri says Rama said - Fulfilling the vow given by D to KK is more important to Rama than anything else.

D cries for Rama. Rama, in forest, hears in his soul his father’s cry, He pours Ganga water from his bowl to earth as if he is feeding his pop. D in his palace is fed Ganga water by Rajguru, foreseeing the nearness of D’s death. The Ganga water from Rama synchronous to be Ganga water to D. D very happy, thinking water is from Rama. D looks at breathes his last. All start crying.

Chapter 70: Rama leaves Ayodhya

Rama, Lakshman and Sita come to bid farewell to D and KK. D is shocked to know that Sita and L are also accompanying. He tells Sita that he has promised Mithila King the very best for Sita and he has to abide by it. Sita too says that she is bound by her marital vow to be with hubby all the time. L too says that he too has taken vow to be with Ram all the time and he has to go too. KK is very happy about this since she thinks the number of people to revolt is getting lesser. She is honored by them and thanks them. Rama says that there will not be any revolt from anyone. This is Raghu clan and unity is synonymous with Raghu clan. Thus saying, Rama asks for farewell since it is almost dawn. D keeps asking them not to go but Rama & Co leave.

D asks mantri Sumant to take him away from the chamber where he is situated with KK. He doesnt want to see her face again and neither she should see his face again. KK seems nonplussed now. Once on his bed, he informs Sumant to be the charioteer and take Ram to the border of Ayodhya where there is a dense forest. Ram can stay there for 14 years, that way he is still close by. Sumant rushes out before Rama leaves. After Sumant leaves, D realizes he did a grave mistake. He himself could have been the charioteer instead of Sumant. He rushes out shouting Ram, Ram. All his wives and daughters-in-law come running behind him. He is hardly having any life left in him though. But he is too late.

D comes crying and shouting ‘Don’t leave, Rama’ to the main door of the palace, but Rama and Co carry on in their journey, along with Mahamanthri in the chariot. [Rama, although refusing chariot, would agree since Sumant is just following his father's orders and Sumant asks for permission to just follow his duty.]

Seeing them go away, D faints again at the doorstep. He is carried back to the bedroom where he is doctored, but he informs that his only solace would be the sight of Rama back in palace. The wives except KK cry along with him.

Bharat and bro strangely feel something going wrong in Ayodhya and cant sleep whole night. They inform their granpa of their anxiety and granpa tells them to go check on Ayodhya if all is well. By the way, granpa is feeling all better.

Rama and Co are met by the small village head Nishaad, one of the chieftains who had voted Rama as Yuvraj in the court. N is surprised to see Rama in Saint’s dress, when actually he is supposed to have become yuvraj that day. They tell him of latest happenings. Rama & Co take rest in N’s place and finally comes to the river frontier that separates Ayodhya from woods.

But to Rama’s dismay, there are no boatmen at the coast to assist Rama and co to cross the river. The reason, N explains that all boatmen are afraid of Rama’s feet’s dust which perhaps might turn their boat into something else, because of which they might no longer be boatmen. Rama is perplexed as to what needs to be done. N solves the problem by watering Rama’s feet – a feat which Rama initially refuses but finally agrees to get done.

Once that is done, all are set to leave Ayodhya. Rama takes a handful of Ayodhya’s sand and bids adieu to it. Mahamanthri requests Rama to come back for pop’s sake. Rama says pop’s ‘pran’ (promise) is more important than ‘praan’ (life). If needed D can visit Rama at the forest, but Rama will not go back to Ayodhya palace for 14 yrs. The mahamanthri waves goodbye and returns to palace.

N helps Rama and co to cross Ganga. Rama says he doesn’t have anything to thank him. N says showering Rama’s feet itself was enough for him.

Rama then thanks Prime Minister Sumant for getting him till here. Sumant says he will accept the thanks only if he heads back to Ayodhya. "What?!" Ram asks. Sumant says it is the request from the King. King wanted Ram to cross the river which symbolizes him to have gotten out of Ayodhya, and then ignore the 14 years and head back to Ayodhya. Rama says rubbish. The promise is for 14 years forest life exile and he is bound by the pledge & Dasharath's vow given to KK. He doesnt want D's vow to become a ridicule by Rama going to Ayodhya just after crossing it. If required, dad can visit me in the forest, Rama says and R & Co go into woods bidding adieu.

Chapter 69: The Great Depression!

Farewells and depression galore! Lakshman bids adieu to Rama’s mom, who had hopes of having atleast L here in Ayodhya. But L says “L remaining where R is is the dharma.” Also, L’s wife had agreed and had said she would be here. All in high praise of Urmila, because she was not going with L. Urmi not going without L because L was going as ‘sevak’ to Rama. If Urmi too went, then she would be a burden on Rama. Hence her idea of vanavaasa was to stay in palace without hubby for 14 yrs. Too difficult. Sita offers to touch her feet. Urmi would have none of it.

Shrutikirti and Mandvi are crying too. They inform that if her hubbies were here, such things wouldntve had happened. But they try to gather strength. They decide to take care of their mothers and father.

Mahamantri too is inconsolable. His wife tries to help him but to no avail. He is sad because he had to hear from KK what he never wanted to hear, he had to say to Lord Rama he never wanted to say, he had to see King’s plight he never wanted to see. He wished God had made him dumb, deaf and blind.

KK’s maid comes to Rama to give him sweets for Bharat’s yuvrajness. Rama is all pleased and praises Manthara for getting sweets. He asks her to feed him so that its all the more sweeter. He apologises for L’s behavior when she gave him sweets. He also tells her that even his (R’s) opinion was for B to become Yuvraj and he had told king about it. Manthara is taken aback. Rama tells her that it was always his wish that he could see B on the throne, but now he couldn’t. He asks her to tell B now that he had sweets, he is all that more pleased.

More cries, more pleas by D. But Rama and Co sally forth. The siddhanth and neethi (rules of life) inform that ‘oath taken to be fulfilled’ is more important than that ‘cry-call of the father to son’ And they leave the palace.

Chapter 68: Rama prepares to leave

Manthara distributes sweets saying Bharat’s gonna become Yuvraj. Lakshman overhears and shouts at her, who goes off. Rama sees this. He says that its inappropriate behavior, against a daasi from a rajkumar like himself. A prince should endure such tests of patience and never lose patience. Rama tells all to L, who is shocked. He tells that he is gonna revolt.

Rama tells that orders from parents are never to be disobeyed. [But D said “Don’t go” to Rama!] Rama says its rare to give back pleasure to parents and he feels happy to return the pleasure to his father who has given Rama so much of riches, by executing his promise to KK.

Sita comes to Kau and seeks permission to go to forest with Rama. Kau refuses. Rama arrives. He too refuses. After all, it is to Rama that KK has informed and not to Sita. But Sita points out that she is half of Rama (ardhaangi) and hence he should not be going to forest alone as his other half would still be in palace! Sita says the horror of forest with Rama is better than palace without Rama. Kau initially proclaiming that she would become alone if Sita goes off finally yields as she would have done the same thing if she were in her position. But Rama and Sita seek blessings and prep for departure.

L tells his mom about the latest happenings. She is shocked. How could this happen to such a happy family (raghukul)? How could KK who loved Rama so much send him to forest for 14 yrs? She speaks to Kau and informs her of her wish to protest. Kau forbids her. Says that its not right on the part of womenfolk to question what the king orders and the son does. So be it. So be it.

Bharat and 4th bro at KK’s place receive info that Rama’s becoming Yuvraj (msngr had left prior to latest happenings). KK King hurt that its Rama and not Bharat. B is overjoyed. He tells KK King that whatever happens to any one of them, all feel the same level of happiness and sadness. They decide to consult the doc on KK King’s health and then decide about visiting Yuvraj ceremony.

D mumbles and mutters Rama’s name in pain. KK shuts him off. Bharat is becoming yuvraj and king unhappy. She spates in anger. D scolds her saying the least she can do is just shut up!

Rama gets set to go. Aashirwad from all moms. He is draped in simple apparel, minus all royal jewelry. His robe is the same he used to have as student which he had requested from his guru's wife. Same with Sita except for hairclip that was, seeing whom Rama is sad. Sita says that hairclip she will keep because Kaikeyi gave it to her (Indra's) on oath that she should always keep it.

L wants to come. His mom is glad that there will be company for Rama now that Lakshman will be with him. Lakshman is all praise for such a mom. Rama says no but agrees that Rama cannot without his shadow (L) but only if L’s wife gives go-ahead. Urmila cries, but lets him go. She wants to come too but L says no because L is going as a servant for Rama and a servant cannot take his family with his master. Urmila also promises that she wont ask for any happiness that you wont get in the forest. L is very happy and is proud of her.

Chapter 67: Rama is told the news

Meanwhile, Rama, as part of the last chapter of Yuvraj prep, visits Kau and touches her feet to seek blessings. The minister leads his way to Kau’s where Rama currently is. He thinks of running away rather than tell Rama the latest developments. Minister enters kau’s place. Kau, looking at his face, asks what the matter is. Minister tells that, as per KK, Bharat’s gonna be the Yuvraj and not Rama. Kau is shocked. Rama is overjoyed. He tells KK knows his mind. Also, Bharath is better politician than Rama. But, then minister says Rama is supposed to go to vanavaasa for 14 years. Kau is shocked again. Rama decides to visit KK. Sita overhears all.

D is slowly recovering. He offers her a deal. Let D and Rama go far away from Ayodhya. That should suffice KK. KK refuses. Rama arrives. He thanks her, saying Bharath is a better manager of kingdom. Also, he says, staying in forest is no big deal. It would give him pleasure to understand problems of people living there, to share their sadness, etc and allow him to solve their difficulties.

D shouts “Refuse!” He almost faints again. He tells Rama to become vidrohi (enemy of the state) Rama asks how D can say that. How can sunshine be outlaw to Sun. How can perfume be outlaw to flowers. No. He shall not become victim of ‘breach of promise’. He takes blessing from KK and preps to leave the palace.

Chapter 66: Kaikeyi’s Second Wish

KK says that is just the first wish. The second wish is for Rama to stay in forest (vanavaasa) for 14 years. This hits D like no other weapon had ever hit him. He loses balance and its as if the world underneath him has collapsed. He faints and falls down.

When he regains consciousness KK asks him can he grant her the two wishes. D says there is no problem in making Bharath as the yuvraj as Rama too wanted that. But why 14 yrs vanavaasa to Rama. KK says it is because by 14 years, people would have forgotten Rama and Bharath would be the ruler. D is shocked to wits and wishes she had never saved his life during the battle against Ravana, to kill him like this bit by bit.

At that time he realizes one more curse he had received: the one rom Shravan’s parents which said that at the time of D’s death, no son will be near him. He realizes that KK is part of that curse and fate has its ways after all.

The minister (mahamantri) enters the room. Takes in the situation that of KK towering over the fallen D and is shocked too. KK orders the minister again about the fulfilling of her 2 wishes and tells him the 2 wishes. The minister is shocked and tries to change her wishes, but she cuts him off. She is now Power Incorporated and Obstinate as Hell. She asks him to bring in Rama. The minister obeys.

Chapter 65: Kaikeyi’s First Wish

KK is very angry. Her eyes are burning. D visit the room and he sees that she is dressed in black, her jewels are all strewn over. He asks what the matter is. She confronts him with Rama’s Yuvajness and why is it that she is not informed about it. She uses expletives, and assumes that it is all against her and her son.

But D explains that that is not so. Him not informing her is because of her immense love of Rama and his intention of surprise to her about Rama becoming Yuvraj, which would result in a flood of happiness to her. But she is immuned by this reasoning and too much into her plans because of Manthara’s evil brain-washing. Her anger towards D and Kau and Rama is so intense for them not informing her that she now seeks revenge.

D accepts defeat. Agrees that his plan of giving her joy backfired and is now ready for punishment. KK reminds him of the times when she saved his life twice, during the battle against Ravana, and that, then, he promised to give her 2 wishes which she can ask of him whenever, wherever and whatever she chose. He remembers. She says this is the time and place.

‘Shoot’, says D. She asks her first vow: ‘Bharath should be made Yuvraj and not Rama.’ D is shell shocked. He tells her why is she asking this, as he always thought KK loved Rama more than anyone else. Also all ‘praja’ like rama to be Yuvraj. He then thinks that she never liked Rama after all. She was always selfish and always thought about Bharat, her son and no one else. KK says that is just the first wish.

Chapter 64: Manthara makes Kaikeyi to think ill

Meanwhile, at Ayodhya, Manthara feels something wrongs gonna happen. KK tells her that there is no cure for her doubts and suspicions that will cause her restlessness and sleeplessness. She overhears rajguru giving instructions of Yuvrajness to Rama - like being independent, righteousness, listening to disciples, taking care of them, etc. She informs KK all the ill things about Rama becoming Yuvraj, KK not informed about it, Bharath’s absence adding fuel to all, Kausalya becoming RajMaatha and KK remaining as daasi, etc. So, KK decides to confront D to ask why Ram becoming prince is being hidden from her - which is what Manthira asks her.

D and Kau are talking when KK enters. She asks if they are hiding anything. Kau is about to say about Yuvraj news when D stops her. KK sees this. She knows all now about the hidden conspiracies of D and Kau, them being against Bharath, etc. She walks away in stunned silence and wants to be alone, when Manthara ries to ill-grow her. KK, henceforth being of nice thoughts, now starts encouraging revenge against D.

Kau meanwhile asks D why he stopped her. He says he wants it to be kept as a secret till Rama ascends the Yuvraj throne so that he can see KK in all her bliss and happiness.

D orders all ministers for readiness in all departments to prepare of Rama’s Yuvrajness the next day. The King is unable to sleep. He also sends ministers to KK to get Rama’s brothers provided King of KK is well.

Manthara overhears the next day’s plans. She conveys this to KK. KK cant believe that King is planning something big next day and not informing her about it. Manthara convinces her that the occasion is indeed planned. As evidence, she wants to show KK the eve of celebration in the town. KK says she cannot leave palace without D’s permission. Manthara forces her. So KK goes to town in disguise.

All in happy festive mood. She asks whats the occasion to the citizenry. People shout back “Shame on you! You don’t know? Its Rama’s Yuvraj ceremony tomorrow!” This angers KK against D. They both return to palace and KK is inconsolable. At this juncture of weakness in KK, Manthara reminds KK how she had saved D’s life twice in their very first encounter, and because of which D had given promise that whatever she asks he will grant her. Manthara says this is the time to ask. But KK asks what she should ask and M whispers in her ears.

Later, M asks D who has still not slept to visit KK as KK is angry and at the chamber of wrath. D goes to meet KK.

Chapter 63: Rama considered for ‘Yuvraj’ post

D suggests ‘Prince’-ing Rama, who says Bharath is better equipped to be the Prince. But all devoted to Rama and Sita.

KK’s bro Kukasth visits her, saying parents are ill and wishes to see their grandson Bharath. Not having seen them is making their unhealthy worse. KK perplexed, but after consulting her co-sisters, she agrees. Bharat, although willing to go, says he has never had a day without seeing Rama and indeed it would be difficult. So he assigns the task of ‘morning-darshan’ of Rama to his wife Mandavi. Also he says to look after his mother KK from the bad habits of Manthara.

At the time of his departure, Rama is out with King. Bharath is sad to go without letting him know but he gets permission from Sita herself.

Rama, meanwhile, is telling all the ministers why he is not the right candidate for ‘Yuvrajship’. Ministers ask why he killed Subahu, why he gave Ahalya life and why he lifted Pinakini. Rama replies that he killed Subahu because he was following his Kartavya (work), gave Ahalya life because of dharma and lifted Pinakini because his guru told him to do so.

Ministers say that only such person who does his work, dharma-follower and guru-follower can become yuvraj. Rama is at a loss to say anything and accepts defeat, read ‘post of Yuvraj’.

Raja is happy. So is rani. So is kulguru, who advises Rama and Sita to undertake a host of actions before becoming Yuvraj, such as worshipping Sun God at a river bank every morning for 15 days and eat once a day. Sita has to do the same. Sita and Rama readily oblige. Sita also wants to know dos and donts of being a crown princess.

King and Kausalya are elated. Kausalya says she will inform KK about Ram's becoming a prince later.

KK’s father is on bed, sick, waiting for grandchildren. When they come, he is all pleased and assures them all, including doc that he will get well.

Chapter 62: All Marry!

Ravana dreams of going angrily to Shiva and asks him how is it that him (Ravana) being the original owner of the Pinakini, he himself couldn’t lift it. Shiva tells him that Ravana’s tapas was for the best of society, not for his ego and that his ego itself is causing his fall. Ravana wakes up distressed. His mom comes and pacifies him. She says its fine to have ego and his ego and pride is his power. Ravana is happy.

Meanwhile, Swamy of Mithila goes to Ayodhya to convey the message that Rama has won the challenge of lifting the Pinakini and thereby winning Sita as wife, although not as competent in Swayamvara, but lifting upon orders of V. Raja D is amused and happy on the union of Ayodhya and Mithila.

KK is all happiness and informs to Manthara about departure to Mithila to witness Rama’s wedding. Latter is not excited and informs former so. Former dissatisfied with Manthara. KK strolls off.

Sita’s 3 sis asks questions like “Why kanya has to go off to groom’s place?” Reply: “New vamsh (family).” 3 sis asks Rama: “Whats a wife?” Reply: “Ardhangi (half life) and makes man complete.” Rama asks Sita through sis: “Whats a hubby?” Sita replies senti-ly: “Tree without water, life without air, etc.” Sis all shocked at both answers. Wonders if Rama and Sita were born for each other.

V talks with Mithila King and sets up 3 sis wedding to 3 sons of D [Laxman - Urmila, Bharat-mandvi, Shatrugan - Shrutikirti]. D arrives at Mithila. News to him about 4 weddings. The 4 weddings take place.

All 4 sons with 4 wives return to Ayodhya, after respective cryings! Jewels passed on from moms to daughters-in-law. Manthara’s anxiety over extreme love of KK towards Rama and not towards KK’s own son Bharath. Some jewels of KK presented by Indra during her wedding passed onto Sita and not Bharat’s wife Mandavi, for whom it really doesn’t matter saying Sita is her idol.

Manthira says Mandavi is not really Janak's daughter. She is his younger brother Kushdhwaj's daughter. Apparently KK and all know this. Mandavi herself says she has never called her own father as father, instead she calls as kaka just because Sita does so.

Meanwhile Rama and Sita exchange pleasantries. Rama says her position is in his heart. All in palace - 1 king, 3 queens, 4 princes and 4 princesses all are unselfish and hence there is lots of love and happiness.

KK greets Bharat and Mandvi but outright says her love for Ram and Sita are much more but nonetheless B and M are her children too. B & M agree heartily much to Manthira's chagrin. KK is very happy that all 4 princesses are united. 

Chapter 61: Parashuram becomes Brahmin

Raja Janaka says sorry. Rama owns ownership of unintentional breakage. Lakshmana comes to rescue and speaks loosely and without respect. He says “If your father had power to make head and rest of body as one, don’t you have the power to make bow as one if its broken, instead of shouting around?”

Rama restrains him to talk further and tells P to kill him, but just before he asks him to reconsider the motive. “Its just a bow, for God’s sake!!” Also, P’s anger against Kshatriyas is supposed to be only because of Sahasrarjun. Why kill all Kshatriyas? If part of fruit is rotten, why punish rest? Why the ahankaar? says Ram. He even says he will be glad to kill to die under great Parashuram's Parish. Soft words hit hard.

P apologises for his outburst. He realizes the intention of breaking of Pinakini was to make Parashuram a Brahmin. He realizes Rama is another incarnation of Vishnu. He is now freed of his pride. It is the first time when two incarnations of Lord Vishnu talking to one another! P gives his bow to Rama and walks away a Brahmin.

Chapter 60: Rama weds Sita

V tells Ahalya’s son Shatanand that Rama brought back life to Ahalya. Ahalya’s son’s gratitude to Rama. Rama and Lakshman go flower-picking. Rama sees Sita. Sita sees Rama. Both stare. Love at first sight. Sita prays Parvathi to have Rama as hubby. Parvathi appears and thathasthu - you will get Rama as hubby. Rama prays Shiva to have Sita as wife but he is confused since he cannot participate in the Swayamavara. Shiva appears and informs Rama that destiny got him here and destiny alone will take care of future. No need for him to worry. Parvati and Shiva speak to one another. Vishnu considers Shiva as his idol when in human avatar, and Shiva considers Vishnu as his idol at other times. Parvati says that she will fulfill Sita's promise. All for good, says Shiva.

Day of Swayamvara. Ravana too graces the occasion. Raja Janaka’s Guru says “no” to asuras in Maanav’s occasions. Ravana ignores (as he ignored his wife before going to swayamvara). The one who wins Sita is one who picks up the Pinakini (gifted by Parashuram and unliftable except by Sita). So Ravana thinks its his Pinakini. He cannot lift it. He falls. All laugh. Others try too. No one can. All laugh. Ravana announces that no one can lift it and Sita will remain unmarried. He walks away.

Meanwhile, in the swayamvara, Janaka is sad that no Kshatriya is strong enough to lift Pinakini and says so to all contestants. Lakshman shouts at Janaka no to belittle Kshatriyas (He and Rama are not competitors but V’s (who is a spectator) aides) V too is sad that no one is able to marry Sita.

V orders Rama to lift the bow, to save the face of Kshatriya and Janaka. Rama approaches Pinakini. He chants prayers to Lord Shiva (whose gift it is). Does pooja to Pinakini like aarthi, flowers, etc. Chants more prayers and then finally lifts the Pinakini in his left hand quite easily enough.

He ties the string and pulls the string in mock-arrowing. But the bow breaks in the middle because of the pull. Thunder strikes. Rama feels guilty. Parashuram, doing tapas, suddenly realizes the Pinakini is broken and marches in anger to Janaka’s palace.

Sita, as ordered, garlands Rama and accepts him as her hubby. She thanks her stars. Rama thanks Shiva for giving him the power. At that time, Parashuram comes to the palace and sees the broken Pinakini and vows to kill the man who did this.

Chapter 59: Sita’s Swayamvara

V gets invitation from Mithila King on yagna for Shiva's bow (given by Parashuram) and Sita’s swayamvara at the same time. He accepts and informs Rama and Lakshman to go with him. He knows the future and realizes that it is important for Rama to join the invite. On their way, they encounter a dilapidated ashram where a stone keeps calling for Rama. The 3 are perplexed but V narrates the story of Ahalya who was given the curse to become a rock.

Sita meanwhile approaches Rishi Gautam and does pranam. Rishi who was doing meditation is interrupted but he welcomes her and gives her blessing. She refuses to accept the blessing and says she doesn’t want any blessings from a hand which gave shaap to wife even without wife’s mistake.

Rishi is angered and asks why she supports Ahalya; couldn’t Ahalya know a desire such as that wouldntve been asked by him and it was someone else? Sita counters that Ahalya, who kept doing exactly her swami asked her, how could she have refused. When he knew Ahalya was not a person to give into desire by her own will to a strange man unless if it were by mistake, why couldn’t he forgive her? The actual culprit was Indra and G’s tapas powers were used inappropriately. G breaks down and asks sorry. Sita says ask sorry to Ahalya. So G goes.

V meanwhile finally asks Rama to put his foot on stone. Rama refuses as it is unwise to do so on any woman. V confirms that it is just so that Ahalya can be purified and personified literally! Rama agrees, and puts his foot on the stone and Ahalya transforms from stone to woman and thanks Rama. At the same time, Rishi Gautam comes.

Gautam apologises profusely to his wife Ahalya for his folly, after Rama asks him in doing so. Rama tells him that Ahalya is the victim of Deva power (Indra) and Penance power (Gautam). So G says sorry to A but Ahalya refuses to take apology. After all, he is her swami. Then, Rama, V & L are on their way again. Gautam and Ahalya ask them to hold on for some time but they refuse. Ahalya says that her son Shathanand is a priest in Janakpur and S is the priest of Sita. She asks V to convey message to Ahalya's son that Ahalya is now out of the curse. V agrees.

Rama & Co come across Ganga River on the way to Janakpur. V narrates the story behind the birth of Ganges.

Once due to the curse of Sage Kapil, a king called Sahaj’s 60 sons were massacred. The kulguru of that kingdom (Bhagirath) did tapas to Vishnu to get pure water, which Vishnu obliged. But Shiva took all the outflowing water onto his hair on head. The kulguru, Bhagirathi, then does tapas to Shiva, who obliges and Ganges flows from his hair. The Kulguru then leads the path for Ganges to flow and hence Ganga took birth. Since it acted to purify the ‘paapa’ (sin), it is called paapavinashini. [story might not be correctly recollected]

River Ganga acts as border between Awadh and Mithila. Meanwhile in Mithila, Janaka King prays Shiva to, prior to Swayamvara, award his daughter Sita a good hubby. He is sad, although, because his daughter is going away. But his wife Sunaina says a girl is like money. Start from scratch, and once you have enough, give it away. An implicit reference to Goddess Lakshmi who happens to God of Money too.

At the side of Shiva’s idol in Janaka’s place is the bow given by Parashuram. The heaviest ever, able only to be picked up by over 10 soldiers. One fine day, when Sita was still a kiddo, she had picked up the bow and cleaned it. Raja and Kulguru were shocked to see this amazing Goddess-like feat and since then it was decided that the person who lifts the bow would be Sita’s hubby.

V & Co finally enter Janaka’s palace. He is overjoyed and is most grateful for having brought Rama as a contestant to Swayamvara, but V says they are his aides and have just accompanied and have not come as contestants. For them to be contestants, Raja D has to be consulted. At the same place, V & Co meet Ahalya and Gautam’s son. Urmila, Mandavi and Shutrikal are Sita’s sisters.

Meanwhile D plans his remaining 2 sons to visit Mithila to contest for Swayamavara. KK refuses saying without Rama, others cannot go. All agree. She demands what happened to Rama and D says he cannot order V to do what D wants although he is the Chakravarthi (monarch) of Ayodhya.