Reading Diary B: The Ramayana by R.K. Narayan

These are some of my favorite plot lines and stories I found interesting during the reading from the Ramayana by RK Narayan for this week.

1. Although Dasaratha tried to take back his promise so Rama could stay and be king, Rama would not allow his father to do so and he went into exile willingly. When the king learns that he will not return, he cannot handle the news and he dies. The brother who was to be king, Bharatha, returns and is heartbroken to learn that his father is dead and his brother has been exiled by order of his mother, Kaikeyi. He was furious with her and after his father's funeral, refused to be crowned king and began to search for Rama. After an argument, Bharatha agreed to rule for 14 years in Rama's stead.

2. Rama met a great eagle named Jatayu who was once a friend of Dasartha. He was very sad to learn of the death of Dasartha and wanted to end his life, but at the request of Rama and Lakshmana, he agreed to live until Rama ruled Ayodyha, protecting them on their journey.

Rama, Lakshmana, and Jatayu: found on Wikimedia Commons

3. An asura in disguise named Soorpanaka tries to deceive and seduce Rama, but when she notices Sita she tries to convince him that Sita is actually a rakshasa. Rama knows of her deceptions and he leaves her, but Soorpanaka is infatuated and decides to take Sita. As she is following her, Lakshmana attacks and mutilates her. She says that if he takes her, he will be pardoned, but otherwise her kin will destroy everything in their path in anger for what has happened to her. Soorpanka went to get her stepbrother Kara who sent fourteen warriors to destroy the brothers. They failed and were killed by Rama and Lakshmana so Kara went himself. He was defeated as well, so Soorpanka went to tell Ravana. When she told Ravana about Sita, he fell in love with her. Ravana makes a plan to kidnap Sita. 
On a side note, I am loving this epic. I'm actually having a hard time putting this down so I can do readings for other classes. I want to just read this all the time!