Hikayat Sri Rama dan Sita Dewi

Summary

This legendary tale from ancient India follows King Sri Rama, a hero of the Tretayuga era, as he embarks on a perilous journey to rescue his wife, Sita Devi, who has been abducted. With the help of his loyal brother, Laksamana, Sri Rama faces numerous trials, including encounters with mystical creatures and challenges from powerful foes. Amidst his quest, Sri Rama is tested by faith and loyalty, culminating in a dramatic trial by fire for Sita to prove her purity. Ultimately, Sri Rama and Sita reunite, returning triumphantly to their kingdom, Ayodhya.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sri Rama is a legendary king from India, said to belong to the Surya dynasty (Suryawangsa), and is associated with the Tretayuga period.
• 😀 Sita, the wife of Sri Rama, mysteriously disappears, prompting Rama to embark on a journey to find her, aided by his brother Lakshmana.
• 😀 During their search in the forest, Sri Rama and Lakshmana encounter a boastful male bird with four wives, who mocks Rama for not being able to protect just one wife.
• 😀 The male bird offers a challenge, claiming to be able to protect his four wives while Sri Rama, with only one wife, fails.
• 😀 Rama prays to the divine to prevent the bird from protecting his wives, causing the bird's abilities to fail.
• 😀 As Rama and Lakshmana continue their journey, they meet a crane who gives them guidance and a blessing, requesting a favor to lengthen its neck for easier drinking.
• 😀 Rama uses his magical bow to shoot an arrow, which leads them to a source of water, but the water is foul and unpalatable.
• 😀 Following the water source, they discover a dying giant bird named 'Gentayu,' who tells them about its battle with Ravana and gives Rama a ring that belonged to Sita.
• 😀 The bird urges Rama to burn its body in a place uninhabited by humans, but despite Rama's search, no such place is found. Eventually, he burns the body where they are, resulting in a great fire that does not harm Rama.
• 😀 After encountering many trials, Rama finally reunites with Sita, but due to doubts about her purity after being separated, he demands she undergo a trial by fire. Sita emerges unharmed, symbolizing her chastity, and Rama accepts her back.

Q & A

What is the significance of Sri Rama's quest for Sita?

Sri Rama's quest for his wife, Sita, represents a journey of loyalty, devotion, and moral righteousness. It highlights the challenges he faces and his perseverance in overcoming them to rescue her from the demon king Ravana.

Why does Sri Rama become angry with the boastful bird?

Sri Rama becomes angry with the boastful bird because the bird claims to protect four wives, while Sri Rama, despite his power, could only protect one. This arrogance provokes Rama, leading him to pray to the gods to humble the bird.

What was the bird’s wish that was granted by the gods?

The bird's wish granted by the gods was the ability to stretch its neck, making it easier for the bird to drink water. This was a symbolic act to humble the bird after its boastful remarks.

How did Sri Rama and Lakshmana find the giant bird, Gentayu?

Sri Rama and Lakshmana stumbled upon the giant bird, Gentayu, while following a foul-smelling stream of water. The bird was near death, and it revealed its prior battle with Ravana before passing away.

What did Gentayu give to Sri Rama before dying?

Before dying, Gentayu gave Sri Rama a ring belonging to Sita. This ring was a vital clue that helped Sri Rama in his search for his wife.

Why could Sri Rama and Lakshmana not find a place to burn Gentayu's body?

Sri Rama and Lakshmana could not find an uninhabited place to burn Gentayu's body, which led to them burning it where they stood, despite the challenges in finding a suitable location.

What happened when Sri Rama set Gentayu's body on fire?

When Sri Rama set Gentayu's body on fire, a powerful flame erupted. However, due to Rama’s divine power, neither he nor Lakshmana were harmed by the fire, despite its immense heat.

What did Sri Rama ask Sita to do when they were reunited?

When Sri Rama and Sita were reunited, Sri Rama, still doubting her purity, asked Sita to undergo an ordeal by fire to prove her chastity and loyalty after her long separation from him.

What miracle occurred during Sita's trial by fire?

During Sita's trial by fire, instead of being harmed by the flames, she transformed into a golden lotus flower, which miraculously confirmed her purity and faithfulness to Sri Rama.

How did the gods confirm Sita's innocence to Sri Rama?

The gods, including Brahma and Shiva, appeared to Sri Rama to confirm Sita’s innocence and chastity, assuring him that his wife was still pure and faithful despite the trials she had undergone.