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TALES FROM THE HINDU DRAMATISTS - Awaken Video

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The combat between the two Ramas is suspended by the arrival of Janaka<br />

and Satananda, and Rama's being summoned to attend the Kanchana Mochana,<br />

the loosening of Sita's golden bracelet.<br />

Parasurama awaits Ramachandra's return. He is accosted in succession by<br />

Vasishtha, Viswamitra, Satananda, Janaka and Dasaratha, who first<br />

endeavour to soothe and then to terrify him; but he outbullies them all:<br />

at last Ramachandra returns from the string-removing ceremony and is<br />

heard calling on Parasurama, and the combat ensues. Ramachandra comes<br />

out victorious.<br />

The two kings Janaka and Dasaratha congratulate each other on the<br />

victory of Ramachandra. Parasurama is now as humble as he was before<br />

arrogant: he calls upon the earth to hide his shame. Whilst Rama regrets<br />

Bhargava's departure, Surpanakha, disguised as Manthara, the favourite<br />

of Kaikeyi, Dasaratha's second wife, arrives with a letter to Rama,<br />

requesting him to use his influence with his father to secure Kaikeyi<br />

the two boons which Dasaratha was pledged to grant her; specifying one<br />

to be her son Bharata's inauguration, and the other, assent to Rama's<br />

voluntary exile. In the meantime, Dasaratha, who has determined to raise<br />

Rama to the participation of regal dignity, communicates his intention<br />

to his son. Rama replies by informing him of Kaikeyi's message, and is<br />

earnest with his father to accede to her request.<br />

Bharata and his maternal uncle Yuddhajit arrive, and ask Dasaratha to<br />

crown Rama and all are full of wonder and concern: however, as there is<br />

no help for it, Dasaratha consents and orders preparations for the<br />

ceremony.<br />

Lakshmana and Sita are alone to accompany Rama, on which her father<br />

Janaka exclaims, "My child, what happiness it will be to wait upon thy<br />

husband in the hour of trouble, permitted to partake and cheer his<br />

wanderings!" Bharata requests permission to go with them, but Rama<br />

refuses his assent; on which his brother begs his golden shoes of him,<br />

promising to instal them in the kingdom, and rule thereafter as their<br />

representative. The seniors are led out in deep despondency, and Rama<br />

with his brother and wife set off to the woods.<br />

A dialogue opens between the two birds, Jatayu and Sampati, the<br />

vulture-descendants of Kasyapa, who have seen successive creations. They<br />

relate Rama's progress towards the south; and Sampati, the elder leaves<br />

his brother Jatayu, with strict injunctions to assist Rama, if needed.<br />

He then goes to the ocean to perform daily duties and Jatayu to Malaya.<br />

Jatayu perches on the mountain and marks the hero Rama in pursuit of the<br />

swift deer. Lakshmana directs his remote course thither. A holy seer<br />

approaches the bower and the dame gives him meet welcome. His form<br />

expands.<br />

It is he, the felon Ravana--his train crowd from the groves; he seizes<br />

upon Sita--he mounts the car. Jatayu cries shame on his birth and<br />

threatens to rend his limbs and revel in his gore. Jatayu is, however,<br />

15

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