Ramayana through illustrations Aranya Kand Part I

After the Baal Kand and Ayodhya Kand, here comes the Aranya Kand-1. In this Kand, we will tell you how Lord Rama along with wife Sita and brother Lakshmana went to serve 14 years in the forest and how they met Shurpanakha, the sister of the King of Lanka Ravana. We are here to narrate the full story of Aranya Kand-1 with the help of pictures.

When Lord Rama along with Sita and Lakshmana reached the forest, they had to cross the River Ganga. Guha (the king of Shrungabheripura), who had heard about Rama’s banishment, came running to help him. He asked one of his boatmen, Kevat to take them to the other side of Ganga. Kevat did namaskaar to the divine personalities and politely asked them to sit in his boat. He washed Lord Rama’s feet before letting him sit in his boat. After washing the feet, he ferried them across the river. Impressed by his services, Sita asked Lord Rama to give a ring of hers to Kevat. But he refused to accept it saying they both (Lord Rama and Kevat) do the same work. Kevat then explained his intention of not accepting the ring to Lord Rama. Overwhelmed by his gesture, Lord Rama blessed him with redemption of life and death granted ‘Mukti’ to him.

Shurpanakha, the sister of Ravana (King of Lanka), who was roaming around in the forest, besotted by Lord Rama’s good looks. But he declined her advances saying he is loyal to his wife Sita. She then approached to Lakshmana but got the same reply from him as well. Feeling insulted, Shurpanakha attacked Sita.

After getting rejection from Lord Rama and Lakshmana, angry Shurpanakha attacked Mother Sita. Lakshmana quickly came into action and thwarted her. He then cut off her nose and sent her back to Lanka, the Kingdom of Ravana.

Maricha, the Rakshasa (demon), was an ally of Ravana. Ravana sent him to Lord Rama’s shelter with a wrong intention (in order to kidnap Sita). Maricha assumed the form of a golden deer and roamed around the shelter.

Mesmerized by the beauty of the golden deer, Sita asked Lord Rama to catch him and bring him to her. Rama first disapproved Sita’s proposal but later agreed. He then went away to catch the golden deer for Sita.