Delay in posts

Going through a rough patch and will not be in a position to post anything for a month

The Elephant and the Tortoise

Rama asked the sage - Why did Garuda fight with Pavana?
The sage said There was once a brahmin who had accumulated a lot of wealth. When he passed away his two sons wanted the wealth. They constantly fought with each other. The younger son wanted the wealth to be equally divided which the elder son refused.
The younger son then went to Vashistha and asked the sage to intervene. The sage asked him to talk to talk to his brother and get a small share of the wealth.
The elder brother got angry. He said Why did you involve an outsider. I have told you I will not give you any share. You have become greedy. Become an elephant and roam in the forests.
The younger brother then cursed the elder one to become a tortoise and live in the sea.
Having become an elephant, the younger brother put all the wealth in the forest, but as he could not do anything, it wasted away.
One day the elephant went to the same sea where his brother was living. The tortoise seeing his brother, pulled him by his trunk to pull him and drown him. The elephant tried to drag the tortoise onto the land. This continued for years with no one winning.
Garuda was flying in the sky when he saw this. He heard the elephant cry out to Vishnu to help him end his life. Garuda picked up both the elephant and the tortoise and looked out for a place where he could sit and quietly make a meal out of them. He saw a huge banyan tree and sat on that.
The tree was not able to withstand his weight and began falling down. On the tree were sages meditating. Trying to ensure that nothing happened, Garuda held the tree in his beak and the elephant and tortoise in his hands. Safely keeping the sages on land, Garuda threw the tree away. The tree landed in the land of the chandalas causing the death of many, who then went to heaven dying in the hands of Garuda,
Garuda then went to Brahma and asked where he should sit and eat. Brahma asked him to sit at the peak of the Sumeru mountain.
Garuda went there. When he was about to start, Pavana came there and wanted to know why Garuda had come there. He asked Garuda to leave. When Garuda refused, Pavana said he would break the mountain peak on which Garuda was sitting. Garuda then covered the mountain peak with his wings. Pavana angry started a huge storm. It was like the entire creation would end. Brahma went to Pavana with the other Gods and asked him the reason for this. Pavana refused to stop and Brahma then asked Garuda to remove his wings, which he did. The peak of the mountain fell in the sea and stood still, with a big portion above the sea level.
This is the peak on which Vishwakarma built Lanka and where Malyavan ruled.
Malyavan was always fighting and tormenting the devas. The Gods went to Shiva and asked him to intervene. Shiva said he wouldnot be able to do anything, but the rakshasa would die soon, because of his deeds. Shiva asked the Gods to go to Vishnu and ask for help. 

Fruits from fourteen years and birth of Rakshasas

Starting his tale, he asked Rama - Before I tell you about the rakshasas, please tell me how you fought the rakshasas. Who killed whom?

Rama said Of the principal rakshasas, I killed Kumbhakarna and Ravana, and Atikaya and Indrajit were killed by Lakshmana.

The sage said Indrajit was a great warrior. He had bound Indra and taken him captive. Brahma had to come and beg for his release. He had knowledge of nearly all weapons. As Lakshmana was able to defeat him, he must be the greatest of warriors.

Rama said Kumbhakarna andRavana were great warriors. The Gods were not able to defeat them. Why then do you talk about Indrajit leaving them?

The sage said No ordinary person could have killed Indrajit. Only that person who had not slept for fourteen years, not seen the face of a woman for fourteen years or eaten for fourteen years could have killed Indrajit.

Rama said I myself gave food to Lakshmana. We lived in the forest with Sita. How then did Lakshmana not see her face. Lakshmana would retire for the night in his hut. How then did he not sleep?

The sage said, Call Lakshmana and ask him these questions.

Rama asked Sumantra to get Lakshmana.

Lakshmana was sitting with Sumitra when Sumantra went there. Lakshmana wondering what Rama wanted to know, went with Sumantra.

Rama said to Lakshmana - I will ask you a few questions. Please answer them in front of all. For fourteen years we lived together. How then did you not see the face of Sita? You used to collect fruits for all and that was then divided among us, then how did you live without food. Also, you used to live in a separate hut, so when you used to go there in the night, did you not sleep?

Lakshmana said - Listen O lotus eyed one. When Ravana captured Sita, we roamed the forests looking for her. On the mountain we met Sugriva who gave us some ornaments of Sita. When you asked me to identify her jewels, I was not able to identify her necklace or earrings but I recognized her anklet. I had seen only Sita's feet.
Listen about my sleep. When you and Sita used to stay in your hut, I used to stay outside and guard with my weapons. When the goddess of sleep had come to me I had asked her to excuse me for fourteen years. I had told her to come to me when Rama had become king. When I held the umbrella over your head, sleep caught up with me then.
When I got fruits from the forest, you used to divide them into three and give me a portion of that. You used to tell me to take the fruit but never asked me to eat them. Without your word, how could I do so. The fruits are kept in our huts.

Rama asked Hanumana to go and fetch the fruits. Hanumana went to the place where the fruits were kept. He looked at them and said this quantity of fruit could have been brought by anyone. Why did Rama choose me?
As soon as he became proud, the weight of the fruits became heavy. Hanumana was unable to lift the fruits. He came back tired and frustrated and told that he was unable to get them. Rama then asked Lakshmana to fetch them. Lakshmana then went and got them easily.
Rama asked Lakshmana to count the fruits. There were fruits of seven days missing. Rama wanted to know what happened on those seven days.

Lakshmana said On day one, we had got the news of the demise of our father and we did not get any fruit. The day Sita was captured, we did not eat. The day we were bound by the snakes, we did not eat. The day Indrajit cut off the magical Sita, we did not eat. The when we were bound by Mahiravana, we did not eat. The day I fell hurt from the weapon of Ravana, I could not get any fruit. For the seventh day, that was the day when Ravana was killed. We were so happy, we forgot about food.
If you remember, when we were with Vishwamitra, we had the boon of controlling hunger. You may have forgotten the mantra, but I remember that.

Rama hugged Lakshmana.
To Agastya, Rama said You are great, You know what is in the minds of people. Please tell me about the rakshasas. I have heard that Ravana was a son of a brahmin. How then did he become a rakshasa.

Agastya said he would gladly tell.

When Brahma started his creation, the creatures created asked their creator their purpose.
Brahma said I would be creating more living beings on this earth. You would be their guardians. A few of them wanted to control all and were cursed by Brahma to become rakshasa.
A rakshasa named Heti wed a daughter of Brahma. They had a son. They left that child on a mountain and kept enjoying the company of each other.
The child began crying, and the cries were heard by Shiva. Taking pity on the child, Shiva asked the child to grow up as a handsome lad learned in all scriptures. The child transformed into a young handsome man. Parvati blessed this person and he became known as the father of rakshasas.
He got married and had three sons - Mali, Sumali and Malyavan.

Praying to Brahma they asked for control over there worlds. Brahma said they would have control till they would get defeated by Vishnu.
They got married and soon children were born to them. One of them was the rakshashi Kaikesi, who later became the mother of Ravana.

They then began attacking the heavens and captured Vishwakarma. They asked him to build a city for them. Vishwakarma was worried.
He then remembered the fight between Garuda and Pawana. A chunk of the Chitrakoota mountain had broken off and fallen into the ocean. It was huge and even the wind and Gods did not dare go there. This was Lanka. Vishwakarma converted this into a brilliant city surrounded by the ocean on all sides,

This city was handed over to the rakshasas who happily setup their kingdom there. This was later ruled by Ravana.

Uttar Kanda - Beginning

The dusky lord is clad in yellow. On his neck he has a garland of flowers. On his head he has a shining gem. On his ears he wears fish shaped earrings. The body with long shoulders is anointed with sandal paste. With Angada, Jambuvana, Bharata and Shuatrughna, Narada is singing praises of the lord. He is surrounded by Hanumana, Vibhishana and Sugriva.
The glory of the lord is great.
This is Narayana in the form of Rama who is worshiped by all Gods. The lord who is born on earth to kill Ravana.

Rama got up from his throne and greeted the sages and asked how things were. The sages said all was well and they hoped that all was well with Rama, Lakshmana and Sita. They said they had heard of Rama's adventures in the forests.

They said there was the sage Agastya who was sitting on the right. He knew all about the rakshasas and would gladly tell about their history.

Rama said he would be very to hear about that. 

Sita feeds Hanumana

Rama said to Vibhishana - You are like my brother. We were four brothers, today we are five. We will help each other in time of need.
A grand feast was organized with Sita in charge of the food preparation. She then came served everyone. All were satisfied except Hanumana. She kept serving Hanumana and kept finishing whatever was there and wanted more. Sita started thinking. She thought - The world calls me the mother of all. Why is it that I am not able to satisfy the hunger of Hanumana.
She closed her eyes and saw that this was Shiva in the form of Hanumana.
Sita then got some food and uttering the mantra of Shiva 'Om Namah Shivaya', she served Hanumana. Hanumana said he was satisfied.

After the feast the vanaras and rakshasas who had come for the coronation stared taking their leave.

Going to the chariot Pushpaka, Rama bowed down and asked it to return to Kubera, from whom Ravana had forcibly got it.
When the chariot went to Kubera, he asked the chariot to return back to Rama and stay with him till he remained on this earth.

In peace and harmony, Rama began ruling the kingdom of Ayodhya. 

Hanumana shows the name of Rama in his body

All the Gods and their consorts came to see the coronation of Rama. Rama was given many gifts by all. Rama also gave gifts to all who had come to attend the coronation. Rama gave jewels to all. Hanumana was missed. He sat quietly wondering what he had done to deserve this. Sita noticed this. Taking a necklace from her body, she wanted to give it to Hanumana. She looked at Rama. Rama said Give it whom you wish to give.
Sita gave the necklace to Hanumana who wore it and bowed down to Sita. Sita said You will be devoid of sickness and old age. You will be immortal. Till the date the name of Rama is taken, you will live on this earth.
Hanumana took the necklace, looked at it and broke it into pieces. Lakshmana said to Rama, Hanumana does not appreciate the value of the necklace and has destroyed it. Rama said Ask Hanumana the reason for the same.
Hanumana said I accepted this as it something very precious. I do not see the name of Rama anywhere in this, so I have discarded it.
Lakshmana said In that case, you do not have the name of Rama on your body, so why do you keep your body.
Hanumana then with his nails, tore apart his chest. There, in each and every bone of his, the name of Rama was written.
Ashamed, Lakshmana said there is no devotee of Rama greater than you, Hanumana. 

Rama's coronation

Rama stood in the courtyard watching his army. There were millions of them lined up. There were all trying to seat themselves. Rama called Bharata and started pointing out the main people. He said - There you see Sugriva's ward, Angada. He is the son of Vali who Sugriva treats as his own son and has given control over everything. In a corner are the vanaras Gaya, Gabaksha and Gandhamadan. Mahendra and Devendra are in a corner. They are the sons of Gabaksha. Nala Nila are here and so are Susehna and Jambuvana, the wise. This is Hanumana whose strength and valor is beyond comparision. He is the one who went in search of Sita and got the news. He is like my elder brother. Along with him is Vibhishana, brother of Ravana. Listening to his advise, I was able to kill Ravana.

Bharata addressing all said Please be witness. Today I bow down to Rama and request him to take over his kingdom. For years I have looked over the kingdom as a servant of Rama. I am not able to control this huge kingdom. A lion's task cannot be performed by a jackal.

Rama hugged Bharata. He said Your name will be spoken off, for centuries to come. Please arrange for an appropriate time when I can cut off my matted locks.

At the correct time, the barber came and cut off the matted hair of the four brothers. They then had a bath with scented waters. Discarding the bark and old clothes, they put on new clothes.
Sita was bathed and decked by the queen mothers.
All sat down for a meal and Sita came to serve them food.

After food, people came flocking to see Rama.
Sumantra then arranged for a chariot. The four brothers climbed up on the chariot. Bharata took the reins of the horses in his hand. Lakshmana fanned Rama and Shatrughna held an umbrella on Rama's head.

Rama asked for huts to be constructed for the soldiers and generals of the army which was done. Bharata went to Sugriva and told him that Rama would be crowned king the next day. For the coronation, water was needed from the oceans and rivers. Sugriva instructed the vanaras to go and fetch what was needed.

The priests started the procedure. Narada came and started reciting the vedas, along with Vashistha. Rama and Sita went there. They had been fasting. The vanaras fetched water and got that.
Sugriva and Vibhishana bathed Rama and Sita with the waters and Rama was crowned king.

Rama meets Kaikeyi

Kaikeyi was not sure how to react. She had decided that if Rama did not address her, she would kill her self. She created a sweet full of poison and kept it beside her. If Rama did not come to her, she would consume that.
Rama went to see Kaikeyi. She was sitting on the ground. Rama bowed down to her. He said I had to face many hardships, Mother, but with your blessings I was able to overcome them all successfully.
Kaikeyi said You went to the forest as part of your destiny, and the wold blames me for this.
Rama spoke to Kaikeyi and tried to console her. It is not your fault , mother - he said - this was destiny. I was able to kill many rakshasas. I realized the love that Lakshmana has for me. I realized that Sita is pure in heart and soul. It all because of you. I have all learnt how to rule a king.
Kaikeyi was quiet. Rama stayed with Kaikeyi, talking to her. 

Rama meets Kaushalya and Sumitra

Rama went and bowed down at the feet of Vashishtha.
The queens were jubilant. Rama was returning. Kaushalya had been reduced to a skeleton, worrying about Rama. Rama and Sita went to greet the queens. Rama bowed down to Sumitra and Kaushalya and all had tears in their eyes. To Sumitra, Rama said - Please take your dear Lakshmana. It is because of him that I was able to live in the forests. Sumitra said Rama I have a question. Why do I see a scar on Lakshmana's chest?
Rama said - A war had happened in Lanka. Lakshmana killed Indrajit, the son of Ravana. Angered, Ravana had then hit Lakshmana with a spear. When I was not sure what to do and kept crying with Lakshmana's head on my lap, Hanumana went and fetched medicine.
Bharata then asked Rama to wear his slippers. 

Rama stays at Bharadwaj's ashram

Rama said to Sita - I wish to perform the worship of Shiva before reaching Ayodhya.
The chariot came down. A Shiva Linga was constructed with sand. Hanumana fetched flowers and sandalwood  and Rama and Sita performed the worship of Shiva. The spot where Rama performed this worship is known as Rameshwaram.

Showing spots to Sita, Rama said this was where we lived before we crossed the ocean. THat was the spot where we met Vibhishana. There is Kishkindhya where I met Sugriva.

Sita said she recognized the Rishyamukha mountain where she had dropped parts of her clothes and jewels. When I tried to escape, Ravana pulled me by my hair.

Rama said Do not think of that. It is all past. By touching you, Ravana is dead. There you see the ashrama of the sage Matanga. Yonder is a place where we met Kabandha. There is a place where Jatayu died saving you.  There is the hut where we used to live and close by is the place we fought with Khara and Dushana. There is a spot where Surpanakha came and approached us. Nearby is the hut of the sage Sarbhange whose bow and arrows were helpful. There is the river Kunti where I performed the last rites of my father. There is the place where Bharata came to meet me. There close by is the place where my friend Guhaka lives. And close that is Nandigram where Bharata lives. Close to that is the ashrama of sage Bharadwaja.

Rama wanted to visit the sage and the chariot came down.

Bowing down to the sage, Rama said he wanted to meet the sage before proceeding further. He wanted to know how his mothers and brothers were doing, before he entered the city.

The sage said all were well. Bharata was an example to set for all. Having everything, he slept on the ground and wore bark and leaves. On the throne were Rama's slippers which were worshiped.  Bharata would take permission from the slippers before he retired for the night.

The sage then requested Rama to stay with him for a night. He also arranged food for all, by his yogic powers.

When Rama agreed, the sage invoked Vishwakarma, the celestial architect. A palace was created overnight for Rama and the others to stay.
All enjoyed their stay there. Rama then asked Hanumana to inform Bharata and Guhaka about his stay in the ashrama of the sage.

Hanumana leapt upwards. On the way he thought, if met Guhaka in his form, Guhaka may attack him. He decided to appear before Guhaka in a human form.

Hanumana met Guhaka and asked him to go to the ashrama of the sage and meet Rama. Elated, Guhaka started with a troupe of musicians. Guhaka met Rama and was overjoyed to see him. They talked about what Rama had been through.

Hanumana then taking his own form, met to meet Bharata.

Nandigram was a small city well planned and maintained. Everyone was happy there. Bharata ruled from there, praying to Rama's salippers.

Hanumana went to Bharata and introduced himself. Bharata was very happy to see Hanumana. he gave Hanumana many gifts. Bharata wanted to know from Hanumana who were the vanaras with Rama and what was their role. Hanumana told Bharata all that happened till date.

After talking to Hanumana, Bharata sent for Shatrughna.  He said that their days of sorrow were over. Rama had returned. Taking Rama's slippers on his head, Bharata proceeded for the ashrama of sage Bharadwaj along with Shatrughna and Vashishtha.

On his way, Hanumana pointed to Bharata the chariot on which Rama had arrived.

Soon Bharata met Rama. All four brothers hugged each other. Bharata and Shatrughna bowed down at Sita's feet. The chariot then left with all for Ayodhya. 

Bridge submerged

From the chariot, Rama pointed out to Sita the spots where the battles had happened.
Pointing to a spot he said, this is where Kumbhakarna fell. Pointing to another place, he said This is where Indrajit was killed.
Showing a spot he said here I was bound with snakes and there you see, was where Lakshmana fell, struck by Ravana's spear. Hanumana then went and fetched medicine for him.
Showing another spot he said This is where Ravana fell and this was where Mandodari cried.
Pointing to the ocean, he said My ancestors were responsible for the ocean. I bridged the ocean to rescue you.

Sita said You bridged the ocean for a purpose but the ocean should not remain bridged.

The ocean heard this and appeared before Rama and Sita. He said Rama, you bridged me for a purpose. Now, please destroy the bridge.

Rama looked at Lakshmana. The chariot came down on the bridge. Lakshmana shot arrows and removed the rocks in three places. The ocean started flowing across and soon the bridge was submerged. Lakshmana climbed back on the chariot.

Rama decides to return to Ayodhya

In the morning, Vibhishana came to Rama. He said  - You have faced many hardships. Let the people serve you. I wish to have you anointed with oils and musk and dressed as a king. I will be sending servants who will be coming to help you.

Rama said I want to Bharata first. Only once I have met Bharata and embraced him, will I agree to your demands. if you want to help me, then do this for me. For fourteen years, I have lived the life of a hermit. I wish to return to Ayodhya. Please arrange for that.

Vibhishana said Kubera has a chariot called Pushpaka. That chariot will take you to Ayodhya in a day.

Rama then asked Vibhishana to help the vanaras to get ready. The oils and musk was given to the vanaras who enjoyed themselves bathing and the decking themselves. They then had choicest foods, which was served to them. The vanaras then went to sleep and served by beautiful women who had been captured by Ravana.

The vanaras in the morning went to Rama and said they wanted the women to leave with them, when they left Lanka. Rama asked Vibhishana to agree to their demands. After all it was because of the vanaras, that he had become king. Vibhishana gladly agreed and gave many gifts to the vanaras along with the women.

The Pushpaka was arranged. Swans were yoked to the chariot. It was huge in city and an entire city could easily fit in it. If needed, it could be extended further. Rama and Sita climbed up on the chariot. Sita covered her face with a cloth. Lakshmana climbed next with his weapons.

Vibhishana, Sugriva and Hanumana wanted to go to Ayodhya and see the coronation of Rama. Rama was overjoyed and said he would be very happy to have them. Rama said, All who wanted to come along should climb up on the chariot.

The vanaras and rakshasas the started climbing up on the chariot. When all were in, the chariot started.

Sita comes out of the fire

While all were crying, Brahma appeared before Rama. He said - Do not grieve. Sita will not be touched by fire. You will soon be united with her. You are Vishnu and Sita is Lakshmi. Please remember that.

Rama said I am born human, and I act like one.

Brahma said - Remember who you are. As the fish, you saved the vedas. As the tortoise you saved the world. As a the boar, you lifted the world on your tusks. As the half lion and half man, you killed Hiranyakashipu, who tormented the whole world. As the dwarf, you tricked Bali in giving away his land, and you became his door man. As Parashurama, you killed off the kshatiyas. Now you are born as Rama, born to kill the rakshasas.

Rama was not listening to this. He kept crying for Sita.

Brahma said - You are Vishnu and Sita is Lakshmi. Why do you keep Lakshmi in the fire?

Rama kept lamenting.

Brahma then said to Agni - Rise and give away Sita to Rama.

Agni came out with Sita in his lap. She was as she had entered the fire, Not one thread of her dress had burnt.
Agni said to Rama - I am witness to all the sins that people commit. Sita is pure.

Agni went away and and the fire went off.

To Rama, Brahma said - Take care of Sita. Do not trouble her. Go back to Ayodhya and rule the land along with your brothers. See, Dashratha has come to see you. Rama, Lakshmana and Sita bowed down to Dashratha.

Dashratha said - I was hurt by Kaikeyi's words. I died not seeing you, Rama. I have seen all that you have done till now. I have forsaken Bharata and Kaikeyi.

Rama said - Bharata is deeply sad and your anger should not be directed towards him.

To Sita, Dashratha said - You have been purified by fire. Please return back to Ayodhya with Rama.
Saying this Dashratha left.

Indra then said to Rama  - Ask for a boon. You have helped us by killing Ravana and many other rakshasas.

Rama said If you want to give me something, then let all the vanaras who died in the war, come back to life. They all left their families and came with me to the forest. I am united with my wife. Why should their wives be sad?

The dead vanaras were brought back to life. Cut limbs became whole again. The dead vanaras, thinking they were in the war, started shouting out for Kumbhakarna and Indrajit. The other vanaras then told them what had happened. The vanaras then went bowed down before Rama and Sita.

Rama said to Indra - I have a question. I saw you sprinkling amrita on the battlefield. There were dead rakshasas also. How is it, they even with the touch of the divine nectar, the rakshasas did not come to life and only the vanaras were revived?
Indra said - The rakshasas were always taking the name of Rama. When they died then too they had the name of Rama on their tongue. They have all reached Vaikuntha. The vanaras were taking the names of the rakshasas all the time.

Taking leave of Rama and Sita, the Gods left.

Vibhishana then erected a wonderful palace of gold with satin and velvet and precious gems studded in the palace. Flowers were strewn everywhere, and the palace smelt heavenly. Seats were made with flowers.
Vibhishana and the vanaras stood guard and Rama and Sita entered the palace.

Rama and Sita spent the night in the palace. 

Sita enters the fire

The vanaras rushed to have a glimpse of Sita. The palanquin of Sita stopped at a point and from then on, one needed to walk. The vanaras prepared umbrellas to protect Sita from the sun, while she walked towards Rama.
Soon Sita spotted Rama seated on a spot. On his right was Sugriva and on his left was Lakshmana.
Vibhishana tried to push aside the vanaras to make way for Sita, but Rama said this was not correct. Sita was mother of all, and all had the right to see her.
Hanumana then realized that Rama wanted to test Sita.
Sita bowed down to Rama's feet. Lakshmana bowed down at Sita's feet.
Rama was thinking of the people. Did they have any doubts about Sita's character? Would he have to leave Sita?
Rama then said - I have helped you leave Ravana's prison. I do not know what you did for ten months. Choose a place and go there. Choose any one here and go with that person. If I had not rescued you, I would have been blamed. You are now free. Free to go wherever you want.

With tears in her eyes, Sita slowly said - You know me well and still you have a doubt about my character. Not one person had touched me so far, other than the wicked Ravana. You sent Hanumana to me. Why did you not forsake me then? I would have consumed poison and entered the fire. I would not have been insulted. I am not a low caste woman that you give me away to anyone. Lakshmana, help me. Please prepare a pyre of wood. I will enter the fire.

Lakshmana looked at Rama and Rama asked him to do as Sita said.

Lakshmama prepared the wood and lit it. When the flames of the pyre touched the sky, Sita decided to enter the pyre. She went around Rama seven times. When went around the fire three times and then with folded hands, she said - If I am pure, then fire will protect me.
Site entered the pyre.

Pitchers of clarified butter were poured on the flames, the fire started burning fiercely.

Rama tried to search for Sita, but he could not see her. All was dark in front of his eyes. Rama said - What have I done. Sita, please come out of the fire. I killed Ravana to get you back and now with you in the fire, what use is my life? 

Mandodari curses Sita

Rama then asked Hanumana to give Sita the news of the death of Ravana and to fetch her.
Hanumana entered the city and the rakshasas wondered who was the unfortunate one, who would die in Hanumana's hands.

Hanumana went to the Ashoka garden and bowed down before Sita with folded hands. He said - The one who had tormented you, is dead. I have been sent by Rama to give you this news.

Sita was elated. She kept quiet.

Hanumana said - Mother, why do you not reply? Say something.

Sita said - The news that you have given me has given me such great amount of joy, that I am speechless. I have nothing to reward you with.

Hanumana said , Mother, if you really want to reward me, then please let me kill these female guards who were with you all the time, mentally torturing you.

The rakshasis fearing their lives, appealed to Sita to save them.

Sita said to Hanumana - You are a learned person. This kind of behavior does not befit you. You will get the sin of killing women. Also, till Ravana was alive, they did torment me, but now they serve me, Ravana is no more.

Hanumana went to Rama and told him about his meeting with Sita. He said Sita was very frail and had been reduced to skin and bones.

Rama then asked Vibhishana to fetch Sita.

Vibhishana went to Sita and with folded hands asked her to climb onto the golden palanquin that he had brought, to take her to Rama.

Sita said she wanted to go the way she was, but Vibhishana requested his wife to prepare Sita.

Sarama, Vibhishana's wife, came with ornaments and clothes. They bathed and decked up Sita. Sita then sat in the palanquin.

All the rakshasas came out to see Sita and her beauty.

Mandodari came towards Sita. She said It is because of you that I lost my husband and sons. You are lost in the thoughts of Rama. This joy is short lived. Rama will not look towards you. If I am pure at heart, this will come true. 

Vibhishana crowned

With the war over, Matali took leave of Rama. Rama thanked Indra and Matali for their help.
Rama then approached Sugriva and hugged him. He thanked Sugriva for all the support given, that resulted in the death of Ravana.

Rama then decided it was time to crown Vibhishana as the king of Lanka.

All items necessary for the coronation were arranged for. The vanaras and rakshasas all together worked to gather gems and jewels. Bards began singing.

Seeing the right moment, Rama declared Vibhishana the king. Lakshmana poured water on Vibhishana's head. Many instruments began playing.

Rama placed the crown on the head of Vibhishana and handed him the royal scepter. He asked him to take care of Mandodari. 

Mandodari's grief

Mandodari was heart broken. She cried - Please get up My Lord. Lanka is empty. One who slept on royal beds, now sleeps in dust. I have nothing to look forward to. All this happened because you got Sita over. You should not have listened to your sister, Surpanakha.

Vibhishana asked Mandodari to control herself. He said I had asked Ravana to return Sita but he did not listen.

Mandodari, holding Ravana's head in her lap said I want to see that person who killed my lord.

With her clothes flying around, hair unkempt, Mandodari went to have a glimpse of Rama.
She bowed down at the feet of Rama. Rama thinking Sita had come, blessed the queen.

Mandodari said Why do you bless me thus? I am the daughter of the demon Maya. I am Mandodari, who was wedded to Ravana. That Ravana, who had subdued all the Gods. I ma the mother of Indrajit, who had captured Indra. You are blessing me with long life, after my husband is no more. You are Narayana. How could you thus bless me?

Rama said Stop grieving. Ravana is in heaven. You will live long, in hearts of people.

Rama then asked Vibhishana to arrange for the last rites of Ravana.

Ravana was bathed in the waters of the river and sandal paste was applied to his body. He was clad in wonderful clothes. A pyre was placed on the banks of the ocean and Vibhishana had Ravana placed on the pyre.

With tears in his eyes, Vibhishana lit the pyre.

Vibhishana's grief

Gods were celebrating the fall of Ravana. The vanaras rushed to see the great Ravana from close. Sugriva and Vibhishana came to see Ravana. Rama was sad to see the great warrior lying in the dust.
Vibhishana hugged the body of Ravana. With tears in his eyes, he said - Your pride has been the cause of your fall. You did not recognize who Rama was. You got Sita forcibly into Lanka. I asked you to return Sita, but you did not listen. You died and the world will curse me.

Turning to Rama, Vibhishana said - Rama, you please help me. Ravana worshiped Shiva all through his life. When he was dying, Shiva did not look towards him.

Rama said Do not grieve. Ravana is at peace now. Killed by my arrow, Ravana is in heaven.