Ramayana in English

THE CAPTURE OF SITA

(a story from the Ramayana)

 The Ramayana is a famous book from India. It’s the tale of a young prince called Rama who was banished from his father’s kingdom by his jealous step-mother. His beautiful wife, Sita, and his brave-brother the three of them spent many years in wild forests. They lived a very hard and simple life.

One day a dreadful thing happened. The beautiful Sita was taken away by the terrible demon-king, Ravana.  Ravana took Sita to his palace in his island kingdom, Lanka.

The monkey-king and his solidiers help Rama and Lakshamana to destroy Ravana’s army. They also killed the demon-king. Rama and Sita were happy to be together again. With the faithful Lakshamana they returned to their home. The period of their banishment was over.

This story tells how Ravana captured Sita.

THE MEETING WITH SURPANAK

 Rama, Sita and Lakshamana made their new home in the forests of Dandaka. They spent the days quietly living the simple life or hermits. The beauty of nature was a joy to them and they ate the food which was in the forests.

One morning, in early winter, a strange visitor come to their hut. It was a Rakshasi, a giantess, called Surpanakha. She had seen Rama near the river bank and liked his handsome appearance. At one she wanted to have him as her husband. She changed herself into a lovely maiden and walked to wards the hut where the three people lived. The two young princes were sitting outside their hut and talking about the adventures they had together. Boldly the giantess come to Rama and said to him.

Who are you, young man? You wear hermit’s clothes but you don’t look like one. What are you doing in Dandaka forest? Do you know that you are in the country of the rakhsasas, the mighty giants who are maters of this forest?

Rama was surprised to see the young woman, who had come so unexpectedly and spoken so boldly to him. But he answered calmly. “ I am the eldest son of king Dasaratha. My name is Rama and this is my brother Lakshamana. My wife, Sita, is inside the hut. We come to this forest to spend our time quietly until we can go back to our own country. Now will you please tell me who you are, yong lady?”

Proudly Surpanakha answered, “ I am Princess Surpanakha, sister of the mighty Ravana, who is king of all the giants and demons. Listen to me, my handsome prince. As soon as I saw you I know you were right to be my husband. Come with me and my brother will protect you. This is a dangerous place.”

Rama shook his head and said, “ Princess, I can’t come with you, as I said, I am married already. Here is my wife.” At that moment Sita come out of the hut and Rama took her by the hand.

Surpanakha flew into a jealous rage.

“ What! You prefer this pale and sickly creature above me! Leave her and marry me instead!” She cried.

Once again Rama shook his head. The giantess who always had what she wanted became more angry.

“ This little creature stops me from having this handsome prince for a husband.” She thought. “ I’ll kill her now.”

She then changed into her real shape. An ugly creature with wild uncombed red hair and bloodshot eyes stood in front of them. With a screech she jumped upon the young princess. Just in time Rama pulled. Sita away from the monster’s daws.

“ Fight her off, Lakshamana!” rama shouted and pulled his wife back into the safety of their hut.

Lakshamana’s sword shot out and cut off Surpanakha’s nose and ears. With a howl of pain the rakshasi ran away. Many of the giants heard her shriek and they came running to go help her. They attacked Rama and Lakshamana, but the two brave princes killed them all with their swords and arrows.

to be continue.....

(ini hanya kutipan, saya belum menerjemahkannya, thank's to Azmah Shafwah Q.L. )