41 - Forest Life

Summary

In this episode of 'Stories from India,' host Narad Moneii continues the epic tale of Ramayana, recounting Ram's exile and his journey into the forest with Sita and Lakshman. They meet King Guha, who helps them cross the Ganges, and settle in Chitra Kut. The unexpected arrival of Bharat with an army leads to a heartfelt discussion about Ram's rightful rule. Bharat offers to rule in Ram's name, symbolized by placing Ram's shoes on the throne, setting the stage for future adventures in Panchali.

Takeaways

• 🎙️ The podcast 'Stories from India' narrates Indian myths, legends, and folk tales, hosted by Narad Mone, a character with eternal life and knowledge of past, present, and future.
• 👑 The story revisits the Ramayana, focusing on Ram's exile due to his father King Dhatar's promise to Queen Kaikeyi, who wanted her son Bharat to rule instead.
• 🏹 Ram, his wife Sita, and brother Lakshman willingly leave Ayodhya for 14 years, showing Ram's adherence to his father's promise despite the circumstances.
• 🌳 The trio initially settles in the forest of Chitrakoot, living a simple life by the banks of the river Mandakini, far from their home kingdom.
• 👦 Bharat, upon learning of his father's death and Ram's exile, decides to renounce the throne and offers to take Ram's place in exile, symbolizing his respect and loyalty.
• 👣 Ram refuses Bharat's offer, citing the promise he made to his father and Kaikeyi, and the clear terms of the agreement that cannot be altered.
• 👟 Bharat takes Ram's shoes as a symbol of Ram's rule and places them on the throne, showing his commitment to rule in Ram's name during his absence.
• 🛶 King Guha assists Ram, Sita, and Lakshman in crossing the river Ganges, highlighting the support they receive during their exile.
• 🏞 The peaceful life in Chitrakoot is disrupted by the news of King Dhatar's death, prompting Ram to leave the area in search of a new place to settle.
• 👣 Ram, Sita, and Lakshman plan to move to Panchavati, where they will encounter new adventures and challenges, including the central event of Sita's kidnapping.
• 🎵 The podcast features music from Purple Planet and encourages listeners to follow on social media and subscribe for updates on future episodes.

Q & A

What is the podcast 'Stories from India' about?

The podcast 'Stories from India' is about myths, legends, and folk tales from India, hosted by Narad Monei, a mythological character with the gift of eternal life and knowledge of the past, present, and future.

Who is the main character in the story from the podcast episode?

The main character in the story is Ram, the oldest son of King Dhatar, who was sent into exile for 14 years due to the machinations of Queen Kaikeyi.

What is the significance of the number '14' in the story?

The number '14' signifies the duration of Ram's exile, as per the agreement made between King Dhatar and Queen Kaikeyi.

Why was Ram sent into exile?

Ram was sent into exile because Queen Kaikeyi wanted her own son, Bharat, to rule instead of Ram, and she used conditional promises to manipulate King Dhatar into sending Ram away.

Who are the characters that accompany Ram into exile?

Ram's wife, Sita, and his brother, Lakshman, accompany him into exile.

What is the role of the character Vishwamitra in the story?

Vishwamitra is mentioned as a friend of the world who also has the power to destroy it. He had previously accompanied Ram and Lakshman in the forest, providing them with protection.

What is the significance of the river Ganga in the story?

The river Ganga is a geographical feature that Ram, Sita, and Lakshman encounter during their exile. They cross it with the help of King Guha, who commissions a boat for them.

What is the name of the hill where Ram, Sita, and Lakshman set up their camp?

The hill is called Chitracut, a place with fruit trees, wildflowers, streams, and waterfalls, making it a pleasant place to live during their exile.

Why does Bharat come to Ram with an army?

Bharat comes to Ram with an army because their father, King Dhatar, has died, and he wants Ram to return and take the throne. However, he arrives wearing rags to show his solidarity with Ram's exile.

What is the agreement reached between Ram and Bharat regarding the throne?

The agreement is that Bharat will rule in Ram's name, administering the kingdom on his behalf, and at the end of 14 years, Ram will return to take the throne.

What does the symbol of Ram's shoes represent?

Ram's shoes symbolize the rightful ownership of the kingdom. Bharat takes them to place on the throne as a sign that the kingdom belongs to Ram, even in his absence.

What is the significance of the place Panchavati?

Panchavati is the next place where Ram, Sita, and Lakshman plan to go for their adventures, which will include encounters with a lady who wants to be Ram's friend and the central event of the Ramayan, the kidnapping.

Outlines

00:00

🎵 Introduction to Stories from India Podcast 🎵

The script begins with a lively introduction to the 'Stories from India' podcast, hosted by Narad Mone, a mythological character with eternal life and omniscience. The podcast delves into Indian myths, legends, and folk tales. Narad Mone, also a traveling musician and storyteller, invites listeners to explore previous episodes of the Ramayan series. The summary provides a brief on the story of Ram, the eldest son of King Dhatar, who was exiled for 14 years due to the machinations of his stepmother Kaikeyi. Ram's journey into exile with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman is recounted, highlighting the emotional farewell to their kingdom and the challenges they anticipate in the forest.

05:01

🛶 Crossing the River Ganga and Settling in Chitrakut 🛶

In the second paragraph, the narrative focuses on the trio's encounter with King Guha, who helps them cross the River Ganga. They settle in Chitrakut, a picturesque location abundant with fruit trees and wildflowers. The peaceful existence is disrupted by the unexpected arrival of an army led by Bharat, Ram's brother. Bharat, dressed in rags as a sign of solidarity, reveals that their father, King Dhatar, has passed away, longing for Ram. The brothers discuss the implications of the king's death and the throne's rightful succession, with Bharat offering to rule in Ram's name until his return.

10:01

👑 The Dilemma of the Throne and the Symbolic Act 👑

The third paragraph explores the complex dynamics of succession and the brothers' agreement on how to handle the throne in Ram's absence. Bharat decides not to physically sit on the throne but to rule on Ram's behalf, reflecting a symbolic gesture of respect. To solidify this arrangement, Bharat takes Ram's shoes as a representation of Ram's rule and returns to Ayodhya with the intention of placing them on the throne. The paragraph also touches on the lighter side, with Sita's reminder to wash the shoes before placing them on the throne and Lakshman's awareness of Ram's physical attributes, such as the difference in the size of his feet.

15:05

🏞️ Departure from Chitrakut and Upcoming Adventures 🏞️

The final paragraph of the script hints at the characters' departure from Chitrakut and the beginning of their new journey in Panchavati. It sets the stage for future episodes that will cover various adventures, including an encounter with a lady who wishes to befriend Ram and the pivotal event of Sita's kidnapping, which is central to the Ramayan story. The script ends with a teaser for the next mini-episode, which will feature a demon who is also Vishnu's son, known for his debauchery and abduction of 16,000 women.

Keywords

💡Ramayana

The Ramayana is an ancient Indian epic that narrates the life of Rama, an avatar of the god Vishnu. It is central to the video's theme as the podcast discusses various episodes and characters from this epic. For example, the script mentions 'we have done about seven episodes of the Ramayana so far', indicating the podcast's focus on this narrative.

💡Narad Mone

Narad Mone is the host of the podcast and a mythological character in Hindu mythology, known for his eternal life and omniscience. In the script, he is introduced as 'your host narad monei', showing his role in guiding the listeners through the stories of Indian mythology.

💡Dharma

Dharma, in Hinduism, refers to the moral and ethical duties that an individual is expected to perform. In the context of the script, Dharma is represented by Rama's adherence to his father's word and going into exile, as mentioned in 'Ram was sent into exile for 14 years'.

💡Exile

Exile is a state of being banished or forced to leave one's home. In the video, Rama's exile is a pivotal event, as it is the result of his father's promise to Kaikeyi, 'Ram was sent into exile for 14 years', which sets the stage for the subsequent adventures.

💡Sita

Sita is Rama's wife and a central character in the Ramayana. She is known for her devotion and loyalty to Rama. The script refers to her as 'his wife saitta', emphasizing her role as a companion during Rama's exile.

💡Lakshman

Lakshman is Rama's brother and a key figure in the Ramayana, known for his protective role towards Rama and Sita. In the script, Lakshman's concern for their safety in the forest is highlighted when he asks, 'do you think there are users in the forest'.

💡Bharata

Bharata, also known as Baat, is another brother of Rama and a significant character in the Ramayana. He is portrayed as a just and righteous prince who refuses to usurp Rama's throne. The script illustrates this when Bharata says, 'I'm your substitute', showing his intention to rule on Rama's behalf during the exile.

💡Ayodhya

Ayodhya is the ancient capital of the kingdom of Rama and the place from which he is exiled. It is mentioned in the script as 'aoda', indicating the starting point of Rama's journey and the kingdom he is destined to rule.

💡Ganga

The Ganga, or Ganges, is a sacred river in India and holds significant religious importance in Hinduism. In the script, the river is a geographical feature that Rama, Lakshman, and Sita cross, symbolizing their journey into exile, 'they walked along the ganga and finally came upon a Hill Called chetra'.

💡Chitra

Chitra is a place where Rama, Sita, and Lakshman establish their dwelling during their exile. It is depicted as a beautiful and serene location in the script, 'there were lots of fruit trees here, and the landscape was full of wildflowers', illustrating the setting for their temporary home.

💡Panchavati

Panchavati is the location where many significant events of the Ramayana occur, including the kidnapping of Sita. The script mentions 'Adventures in, puncha', which is likely a phonetic representation of Panchavati, indicating the upcoming events in the narrative.

Highlights

Introduction to the podcast 'Stories from India' which discusses myths, legends, and folk tales from India.

The host, Narad Mone, is a mythological character with the gift of eternal life and knowledge of past, present, and future.

Summary of the Ramayana episodes covered in the podcast, highlighting the story of Ram, his exile, and the conflict with his stepmother Kaikeyi.

Ram's exile for 14 years due to Kaikeyi's manipulations and the emotional farewell to the kingdom of Ayodhya.

Encounter with King Guha, who helps Ram, Lakshman, and Sita cross the river Ganges.

The trio's life in the forest, their peaceful existence, and the establishment of a hut by the river Mandakini.

The unexpected arrival of an army led by Bharat, revealing the death of King Dasharatha.

Bharat's decision to not rule in Ram's stead and his offer to be in exile as a substitute.

Ram's refusal to accept Bharat's offer due to the promise he made to his father and stepmother.

Agreement that Bharat would rule in Ram's name, highlighting the concept of a representative government.

Bharat taking Ram's shoes as a symbol of his authority to rule on behalf of Ram.

The mention of Ram's diet of fruits and nuts, influenced by the availability in the forest.

Ram's decision to leave Chitra Kut and move to Panchavati due to emotional reasons and new adventures.

Teaser for the next mini-episode featuring a demon who was Vishnu's son and his notorious acts.

Invitation for listeners to engage with the podcast through comments, reviews, and social media.

Acknowledgment of the music source, Purple Planet, used in the podcast.

Transcripts

[Music]

[Applause]

[Music]

[Applause]

hello and welcome to stories from India

a podcast where we talk about myths

Legends and folk tales from

India I'm your host narad monei and I'm

a mythological character

myself I have the gift of eternal life

and knowledge of the past the present

and the

future by profession I'm a traveling

musician and a Storyteller so the way

I'm doing my job is by

podcast this week we are back into the

ramayan we have done about seven

episodes of the ramayan so far if you

haven't heard them before I do recommend

you check them

out if not here's a

summary Ram was the oldest son of dharat

the king of

aoda he was meant to succeed

him and everything was going according

to plan until K one of dhat's Queens

stepped in and changed

everything she wanted her own son parat

to rule

instead and so she cast in on a couple

of conditional promises that dharat had

given

her Ram was sent into exile for 14

years Ram his wife saitta and his

brother lakshman left

aoda all this while bat wasn't even

around he had no idea all this was

happening this was sort of like pulling

the goalkeeper off of the football field

when their substitute wasn't even at the

stadium The Spectators loudly booed the

decision quite rightly

so but that didn't have any effect on

K The Spectators wanted to walk off with

ram but Ram implored them to stay and

finish the game and cheer on his

brother he did promise to return in just

14

years that's where we pick up the story

today having said tearful goodbyes to

the people of aota the trio of RAM

lakshman and Sia headed south and a day

or two later officially exited the

kingdom passport control and immigration

checks were a lot easier than they are

these

days which is to say

they just did not

exist but there was an official from

court to record their

departure the three of them stood just

outside the borders of their home

looking at the Dark Forest that lay

ahead lakshman asked do you think there

are users in the

forest I'm sure there are said RAM and

roxus and peace

users cried

lakman rakas cried SAA and be so my

exclaimed the court official behind

them RAM and lakshman had been in a

forest

before see episode 16 16

Flags but they had less to fear then

because they had been accompanied by

vishwamitra the world's friend

who ironically also had the power to

destroy

it lakshman was understandably

nervous he had not particularly enjoyed

the last

trip what with the whole battle with the

invisible shape-shifting demon who threw

Boulders at

them he asked why don't we just pitch

Camp here right here outside the

Border Ram P out his copy of the

contract he had signed with K and

muttered H whereas party of the first

part burden of proof okay got it here it

is we have to be in a forest no less

than 100 miles from the aoda

border so the trio had to walk

on entering unfamiliar

territory this first forest was quite

uneventful

luy but on the other side They Came Upon

the river

ganga it was in full flow there was no

way they could swim

across as they looked around a chap came

along it isn't normal to run into a

random stranger and find out they are

the local King but this was exactly that

kind of a

situation it was guha a king or a chief

of his local

tribe when he found out who they were he

was more than happy to commission a boat

to get RAM lakshman and sitha safely

across and he did it for

free they walked along the ganga and

finally came upon a Hill Called chetra

cut there were lots of fruit trees here

and the landscape was full of wild

flowers there were little streams a few

waterfalls a very pleasant place to set

up

camp just the kind of place that might

have gotten the trio singing Hakuna

Matata they were far enough from aoya

that they built a Hut and lived by the

banks of the river

mandakini all was well for many days and

weeks until one day in the distance

there was

something seemed like a whole Army was

coming

there lakshman looked through a

telescope it's parat he screamed he's

here with an army Pat's going to attack

us but but wait something's not

right as the huge Army got closer and

parat and shatrugna stepped off of their

elephant

it became clear why bat was not wearing

battle armor or

fatigues he was wearing

Rags just like RAM lakshman and

sitha bhat and shatrugna did not look

happy bat quickly explained

why it was because

dharat had

died he had passed away crying out for

Ram just like Stan's parents had said he

would wait did you know about that asked

Ram no said parat

sorrowfully I've only just caught up now

to episode 24 of nared mone's

podcast if I had known before I could

have spoken to K about it and stopped

her k K don't you call her mommy anymore

asked

lakman I have disowned herat

replied satha chimed in but bat if you

and chhatna are here and father is no

more Queen Mother K is no longer a queen

and no longer a mother who's minding the

shop sumantra is for the

moment but don't worry he's not power

hungry besides I've set up a sunset

Clause I've been taught well he said

nodding towards

Ram it took a while to find you three

though luckily I ran into a king who

insisted on giving the entire Army a

ride across the river

ganga with just one boat though it's

taking a

while you mean it took a while asked

Ram no the 51st Battalion is being

transported across as we

speak they'll join us here unless we

make the substitution quick and the

others won't even have to

cross what substitution are you talking

about asked

Ram us of course replied parat didn't

you wonder why I'm wearing drags like

you I'm your

substitute the moment I found out

everything that had happened I knew I

couldn't rule

aota that job is yours

alone I'll be in exile for

you little brother I'm afraid the rules

are quite clear replied Ram you can't

substitute back in someone who's been

substituted

out but I'd be substituting you in Exile

you wouldn't be substituting me on the

throne no the contract and the laws are

very clear even more important is that I

made a promise to dharat and K I cannot

back out of

that they discussed this topic a lot

more

meanwhile the 52nd archers had just

finished Crossing the

ganga finally bhat and Rah reached an

agreement bhat would not sit on the

throne he would

rule but in rah's name

only kind of like how the British Civil

Service claims to execute orders on

behalf of her majesty the

queen parat would do that he'd

administer on rah's behalf

and at the end of 14 years Ram would

return and be given the throne that he

had occupied in

absentia to seal the deal bhat took away

Ram's one good pair of

shoes oh well lakshman could help make

another

pair if vat was keen on placing rah's

shoes on the throne he could have

offered an exchange rather than merely

taking away what Ram did

have a pretty sight it

was bhat with well Shard feet carrying

Ram's shoes on his head towards aoda

while a Barefoot Ram patiently waited

for lakman to Source appropriate raw

material and to shape it for his

feet hey brother lakshman said did you

know your left foot is 8 mm shorter than

the right one but is wider by 1.8 mm toe

joints bat would put the shoes on the

throne as a symbol of whom the kingdom

really belonged

to do please wash them first sitha had

reminded Ram can't sit on a dirty throne

even if that's 14 years

away the one thing Ram couldn't talk bat

out of was his

diet bat insisted on eating fruits and

nuts which is about all that was

available near Ram's Hut in chitra

good

reluctantly bat shatrugna and the entire

Army walked away back to

aoda after they had left Ram couldn't

bear to remain in

chitra the place always reminded him of

his emotions when he heard that dasar

died he had to escape from

that besides he had heard of another

place

punti he explained it to lakshman and

sitha who both agreed to try it

out that's all for

now RAM lakshman and sitha are going to

have lots of Adventures in

puncha including a lady who would really

we like to be Ram's

friend and of course the kidnapping that

is at the heart of the

ramayan a couple of notes on the show

chitra cut just like aoda is a real

place in India check out the pictures

I've

linked though the place does look a lot

different from rah's

time the previous seven Rama and

episodes are all Linked In the show

notes do check them out if you haven't

already that's all for this week if you

have comments or suggestions please

leave a comment or a review on the site

sfip podcast.com or tweet at SFI podcast

you can also find me on Instagram and

Facebook be sure to subscribe to the

show to get notified automatically of

new episodes and thanks to all your

listeners for your support and your

feedback the music is from purp

planet.com that's

purple-planet.com

in the next mini episode we'll meet a

demon he was actually vishnu's son

before he went

drogue besides doing regular conquering

stuff he kidnapped 16,000 women and

stole the earrings of a

goddess I'll see you

[Music]

later