Reading Diary B: New Face of Rama

Hanuman returns to the kingdom to report to Rama and King Sugriva about what he saw in Lanka. The monkey armies advance to Lanka to rescue Sita. Meanwhile back in Lanka, Ravana's royal court discusses whether they should return Sita to Rama or to go to war with Rama. Ravana's younger brother, Vibhishana, urges Ravana to return Sita to Rama, but Ravana refuses to heed his brother's lecture. Vibhishana abandons his brother and becomes allies with Rama. This action caught my attention because Vibhishana cuts his brotherly ties with Ravana. Family who turns on other family may appear as the ultimate betrayal, but Vibhishana can be justified because Ravana is committing an awful deed by holding Sita hostage.

Rama and the armies attack Lanka. The scenes depicted in the story reminded me of a battle scene from Lord of the Rings, especially when Garuda heals the soldiers in battle.

It was a cruel trick that Ravana and Indrajit played on Rama and Sita, making an illusion that they were both dead in order to feel despair and lose hope. A major event occurred when Lakshmana slayed Ravana's son Indrajit. Even though villains are portrayed as heartless monsters, Ravana mourned for his son: "He was the mightiest of my heroes and the dearest to my heart." Ravana was shattered. He attempted to slay Sita for revenge, but rakshasas stopped him from tainting his reputation. Infuriated, Ravana almost kills Lakshmana. As he was destined to do, Rama kills Ravana using the weapon created by Brahma.

What shocked me the most was the reunion between Rama and Sita. I was expecting a very romantic embrace when they saw each other, but instead Rama denies her! He's suspicious of Sita because she stayed in Ravana's house. Rama had the audacity to say, "...but thou art stained by dwelling with another than myself.." I thought their love was so powerful and loyal that Rama would always trust Sita. How could he let Sita walk in fire to prove herself? After reading the chapters for this diary, I lost so much respect for Rama.

Sita walking in the flames. Source: Mewar Ramayana