Page 33 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

A POR TR AIT OF INDIA  31

The Ramayana
Rama, the ideal hero, was prevented from becoming
king of Ayodhya by the intrigues of his stepmother, and
sent into exile with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman.
The demon-king, Ravana, abducted Sita, who was then
rescued by the two brothers with the help of the monkey
god, Hanuman. Rama is worshipped as an incarnation
of Vishnu (see p683).

The wedding of
Rama and Sita
took place after
Rama succeeded in
breaking the great
bow of Shiva, which
other suitors for
her hand could not Exiled to the forest for 14 years,
even manage to Rama, Sita and Lakshman lived
lift off the ground. simply and visited the hermitages
of many holy sages.

Ravana’s
ten heads
and 20 arms
signify
his great
intellectual
and physical
strength.

Sita was abducted from her forest hut by Ravana,
the demon-king of Lanka, who came disguised
as a mendicant. The brave vulture Jatayu tried to Hanuman,
save her, but his wings were slashed by Ravana. the Monkey
However, Jatayu was able to tell Rama what God, is a much-
had happened before he died. loved figure
in the pantheon
of Hindu gods, and
worshipped for his
miraculous powers,
his courage and
physical prowess.

Ravana’s palace at Lanka was attacked by Rama and
Lakshman, who, with the help of Hanuman and his army Rama’s triumphant return to
of monkeys, rescued Sita and killed Ravana. Lakshman was Ayodhya is celebrated in the festival
gravely wounded in the battle, but saved by the magical of lights, Diwali (see pp40–41), which
mountain herb, Sanjivini, brought by Hanuman. symbolizes the victory of good over evil.

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