Week 5: Reading Diary A

Bharata returns. He was at his grandfather’s home, but messengers were sent once Dasharatha dies. Bharata is dumbfounded once he learns that not only his father is dead but also that his brother Rama has been exiled. Bharata becomes king.

Once king, Bharata goes after Rama in the forest to find him. He finally finds him at Chitrakuta. He tells him of their father’s death, but still Rama won’t return to Ayodya until his exile is finally completed.

One of my favorite parts is on page 134 when Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana are welcomed by Atri. The entire encounter was beautiful. It continues onto page 135. I think I’ll probably write about this encounter.

They meet Agastaya on page 138 – the hermit that Atri told them about. This is important because he gives Rama a better bow than the one he had before.

Skipping ahead a little to p. 155, a demon named Viradha abducts Sita while Rama is talking to her. Rama and Lakshmana take off in pursuit and assassinate the demon, but learn that it was really Tumburu who was captured in a demon’s body.

Lakshmana builds a home for the three of them at Panchavati. Ravana’s sister comes over to propose marriage to Rama. When he denies her, she attacks Sita. This is the beginning of Buck’s version of the war between Rama and Ravana.