The sage Viswamitra comes to Dasaratha, the king of Ayodhya, to request
the aid of his eldest son Rama. Each tries to outdo the other in
complimentary speeches. The sage observes:--
"The monarch of the day invests the dawn with delegated rays to scatter
night, and ocean sends his ministers the clouds, to shed his waters over
the widespread earth."
The king, taking counsel with himself, and being reminded by Vamadeva,
one of his priests and preceptors, that the race of Raghu never sent
away a petitioner ungratified, sends for Rama and Lakshmana, and allows
Viswamitra to take them with him, to his hermitage, situated on the
banks of the Kausiki or Coosy river, to protect him in his rites against
the oppression of Taraka, a Rakshasi.
The cry is heard that Taraka is abroad. Rama, after some hesitation
about killing a female, slays her.
Viswamitra now proposes that they should visit Mithila. The two princes
are introduced to Janaka, the king of Mithila, who is urged by the sage
to let Rama try to bend the bow of Siva. Sanshkala, the messenger of
Ravana, the king of Lanka, now arrives to demand Sita in marriage for
his master, refusing, at the same time, on his part, to submit to the
test of bending the bow. The demand is refused. Rama tries his fortune,
bends the bow and wins the lady. The family connection is extended by
the promise of Urmila, Mandavi, and Srutakirti, to Rama's brothers.
Sanshkala is highly indignant and carries the information to his
master's minister Malyavan, who is disappointed on Ravana's account.
Malyavan anticipates that Ravana will carry Sita off; and to render the
attempt less perilous, projects inveighing Rama into the forests alone,
for which he sends Surpanakha, the sister of Ravana, in the disguise of
Manthara, the attendant of Kaukeyi.
Parasurama then appears and boasts of his destruction of the Kshatriya
race. Rama replies:--"This flag of your fame is now worn to tatters, let
us see if you can mount a new one." Rama then calls for his bow, and
Parasurama presents him with his axe. They go forth to fight. In the
end, the two Ramas turn very excellent friends. Parasurama departs.
Dasaratha now declares his purpose of relinquishing the kingdom entirely
to his son Rama, Lakshmana announces the arrival of Manthara, and
presents a letter from Kaikeyi, the purpose of which is to urge
Dasaratha's fulfilment of his promise, and grant her as the two boons,
the Coronation of Bharata, and banishment of Rama. The old king faints.
Rama recommending his father to Janaka, departs for the forests,
accompanied by Lakshmana and Sita. On their arrival in the forests, they
are cordially received by Sugriva, the brother of Bali the king of the
monkeys. Lakshmana carries on a dialogue with Ravana, disguised as a
juggler.
Jatayu, the king of birds, beholds Sita carried off by Ravana. He
follows the ravisher. Rama and Lakshmana both express their grief.