Anand Neelakantan

Rama promises the scavengers of the forest that in his next life he will compensate them for cremating Jatayu and thus denying them sustenance. The cycle of life is discussed….

Ravana tries various methods to entice Sita. He even appears as her father, Janaka, to persuade her, but she sees through his disguise….

The Maya Sita concept in various Ramayanas is discussed in detail, as is Rama's anguish and why in moments of deep despair, no amount of intellectualization works. It is Rama's vulnerability and flaws that make him both human and humane….

Ravana kidnaps Sita. The choices Sita makes in this episode decides her destiny. Various versions are discussed, including the concept of Maya Sita and Sita as Ravana's daughter….

Why did Rama have to take the help of the monkeys? A prank Vishnu once played on Narada, making him into a monkey, and Narada’s curse, is retold here….

Different stories about the origin of Hanuman, the superhero of India, are discussed. The Ramayana is also a tale about orphans, and how each of them is linked to form a beautiful tapestry….

Sage Narada explains to the robber Ratnakara, what karma is – that everyone must take responsibility for their actions and eat the fruits of their actions. He shows him a way towards redemption from a life of sin….

The circle of karma is almost complete for Dasaratha. All the choices he has made and his actions, based on those choices, are bearing fruit. Jabaali, Dasaratha's atheist minister, advises Rama to bow to the people's will; who do not want him to leave….

There are various versions of Rama marrying Sita. The Upanishadic concept of the union of prakruti and purusha is discussed here, as are the Shakteya, Jain and South Indian versions of Rama and Sita's marriage….

Hanuman and the other Vanaras go further south in search of Sita. They face various impediments in their quest. They pass the barren land of Kaandu, and the fertile valley of Swayamprabha….

Rama releases Ahalya from her curse. If Rama killing Tadaka is necessary to rescue society, redeeming Ahalya is a statement against a society eager to pass moral judgements on women's choices….

A leader's dharma is to take responsibility. Janaka, through his selfless leadership and wisdom is hailed as Rajarishi or 'a saint among Kings and a King among saints'. Viswamitra tells Rama about Janaka's virtues….

Sage Viswamitra takes Rama and Lakshmana into the forest to teach them about life. He gives them two mantras to control hunger and thirst….

This is the story of Jaya and Vijaya, the doorkeepers of Lord Vishnu, in Vaikunta. They are cursed by the Sanakakumara sages, for doing their duty….

Broken-hearted, Dasaratha lies on his deathbed. He finally understands that he is paying for his karmas – for giving away his daughter for a son; killing the only son of an old couple; and giving Kaikeyi his word from a false sense of ego and pride….

King Dasaratha of Ayodhya insists on bestowing two boons on his wife, for saving his life in battle, thus placing a price on Kaikeyi's love. By giving her a post-dated cheque, he lays the foundation of future troubles….

Rama orders Ravana to be cremated with the full honours due a King. The unending debate about whether Vibhishana or Kumbhakarna was the righteous one, is discussed here….

This is the story of Dasaratha's firstborn, a daughter, briefly retold here. Dasaratha yearned for a son, ignoring his daughter; even giving her away to be adopted. He eats the fruits of his choice and actions at the end of his life….

Rama is crowned King of Ayodhya and begins his rule. Sita becomes pregnant. The news delights Rama until he hears the slander being spread regarding Sita's chastity….

There are many Ramayanas across Asia. This book is an attempt to introduce different versions of this great epic and draw enduring lessons from this vast tradition. The story is told in chronological order, with interesting detours to introduce the various versions of this epic that exist across Asia….