Reading Notes: Ramayana Reading Part A

Reading Notes: Ramayana A

*Two kings: Dasharatha and Janaka

*Dasharatha rules Koshala and lives in Ayodhya 

*Janaka rules Videha and lives in Mithila 

*Dasharatha also is king of the Solar Dynasty (Surya-vansha)

*Father of Rama and Mithila

*Father of Sita

Ayodhya = capital; large streets/buildings/homes; large/beautiful temples and palaces; beautiful gardens and clear waters with fishermen who could see their own reflection; Full of prosperity and happiness

*King lived in a very strong home with 1000 strong guards

*Had eight sage counselors and two family priests; he had three wives and none gave him a son

*Through horse sacrifice, the gods promised him four sons rather than just one. Kaushalya = chief wife who helped with the sacrifice 

*To defeat Ravana (king of Rakshasas) Vishnu comes to earth as Rama, son of the king and referred to as avatar Rama 

*Rama fights a female, Rakshasi, and receives supernatural weapons whose spirits talk to him (also called mantras) 

 *Rama  eventually marries Sita  and his three brothers also find wives from Janaka's family

*Rama is eventually expected to become the new king out of his four brothers

*Rama is banished then goes into exile with his wife and brother

*Rama's father and former king dies due to his karma



Bibliography:  M. DuttR. DuttGouldGriffithHodgsonMackenzieNiveditaOmanRichardson, and Ryder; PDE Ramayana, Ramayana

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A Painting of Rama the Avatar
Lord Rama


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