Extra Credit Reading Notes- Part A

 Part A Notes-

Ayodoyha- home city of King Dasharatha of Koshala (who is sad he has not yet birthed a son). After performing horse sacrifice (Ashwamedha), the gods (Vishnu, Bhrama, Indra, Shivu) promised Dasharatha 4 sons would be born to him. 

4 sons- Kaushayla of Rama, Kaikeyi of Bharata, an Sumitra of Lakshmana and Shatrughana (Rama was most beauiful son)

Vishvamitra takes Rama and Lakshmana on a journey for sacrificial rights. Rama kills Thataka and a band of rackshasas.

 Rama is wandering a city with his brother when he sees the king's daughter, Sita. They both find each other very attractive. Janaks, he king, states that whoever can bend his mighty bow can have his daughter for marriage. Rama lifts the bow and it snaps and is now his weapon, he has won Sita. The hermit challenges Rama to draw the bow of Vishnu and Rama does earning the Hermit's respect. 

Rama and Sita get married and Lakshma and Urmila (Sita's sister) get married

 Kaikeyi wants her son Bharata, not Rama, to be crown prince. She wants Rama to be exiled for 14 years and she tries to convince Dasharatha to do so to which he is reluctant. These two made a vow. 

Rama is banished to his father's despair but he does not grieve and is emotionless himself. Rama, Sita, and Lakshama all go to exile in jungle together. Rama wears a robe of bark (not luxurious and seen as a symbol of lower caste).

As Rama, Sita, and Lakshama they begin their journey in exile, Dasharatha dies after killing an innocent hermit boy and he believes it is karma for this killing.

(Dasharatha passes away)

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Bibliography: Laura Gibbs, PDE Ramayana, Source

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