Week 3 Reading Diary: Narayan's Ramayana

We are now on the third part of Narayan's Ramayana!

Ravana Captured Sita and Kills Jatayu

Sita, after sending Rama after a golden deer, hears his cry for help (a fake cry), and makes Lakshmana go to help him. Ravana then sneaks in a captures Sita. 

Again, Sita's behavior proves to be just horrible. First, she sends Rama after the golden deer, then she makes Lakshmana go after him. She just makes bad decision after bad decision. Even though apparently only men are capable of proper judgement, Rama also made the poor decision to go after the deer. What it really seems like to me, is that in trying to make Rama seem like this awesome god, Sita must be portrayed as the helpless, silly woman.

Sugreeva's Story

Rama and Lakshmana come across Sugreeva in their search for Sita. Sugreeva's brother, Vali, was granted mighty fighting powers and - due to a misunderstanding - will kill Sugreeva if he leaves Mount Matanga.

After hearing the sad story, Rama promises Sugreeva that he will help slay Vila - instead of hearing both sides of the situation and finding a peaceful/logical solution, Rama decides to kill Vali. I think this just further proves how rash and foolhardy Rama can be. Then, Rama hides when he shoots Vila, so that Vila can't ask him to help him as well. This does not make sense to me. Why is it okay for Rama to avoid properly fighting someone just so he doesn't have to make a choice on which brother should be helped. He should have approached Vila right after hearing Sugreeva's side, and THEN made a decision.

A depiction of Vali and Sugreeva fighting. (Image library)

Sugreeva's Army and Hanuman

Sugreeva is crowned king, and Rama asks for him to form an army after the rain passes. Once the rain does pass, though, Sugreeva is late to bring the troops.

First, I think it should be noted how great a brother Lakshmana is! Rama gets a lot of credit for being this awesome dude, but Lakshmana is a stand up guy. He proudly follows his brother and helps him out. He reminds me of my own sister (and she is the best!). Next, I really liked how when Sugreeva notices how awful he was in his drunken stupor, he decides to not drink again. Even though he made a mistake, he is quick to remedy the situation and take full responsibility. Finally, on their journey to search for Sita, the army comes across Jatayu's brother, Sampathi. He tells them where Sita is, and Hanuma is able to find his true stature. I really liked how Hanuma must find it within himself his true identity - I think looking within is something many people should do.