Shabari

The brothers then left the jungle of grass and reached the river Pampa. They walked along the banks of the river. They saw animals and birds playing with their mates. Seeing this saddened Rama.
They had a bath in the waters of the river and continued their journey towards Rishyamukha. They approached the ashrama of the sage Matanga where they met Shabari. Seeing Rama, Shabari was delighted. She said Matanga Rishi was no more. Before he died, he had asked Shabari to be there in the ashrama and wait for Rama, who would come one day.
Shabari said her life's achievement was over now that she had seen Rama. She got a pile of firewood, lit a fire and entered the pyre taking the name of Rama.
Shabari was liberated.

With this ends Aranya Kanda.

PS. The story of Shabari offering fruits to Rama is not there in the Krritivasi Ramayana.

Kabandha

When the night fell, Rama and Lakshmana returned back to their empty hut. Rama said he did not want to reside there without Sita and would drown himself in the waters of Godavari. He hugged Lakshmana and the whole night, the two brothers kept crying, missing Sita.

When dawn broke, Rama and Lakshmana started their journey southwards. They entered a forest full of Kusha grass. They sat below a tree in the forest. Lakshmana said it was not safe to be in this place, as anything could be hiding in the grass. It was best to leave this place at the earliest.

When they got up and were about to leave when they came face to face with a rakshasha called Kabandha. This being had eyes nose and mouth in his stomach. He was huge in size.

Kabandha grabbed Rama and Lakshmana in his two hands. He said he would eat them up now but before making a meal out of them, he wanted to know who they were.

Lakshmana said instead of an introduction, it was time to teach him a lesson. Drawing out a sword, Lakshmana cut off the hand holding him. Rama similarly cut off the other hand.

Kabandha fell on the ground and then wanted to know they really were. Lakshmana then told him who they were. This reminded Kabandha of an earlier incident. He said he was a robber who was proud of his beauty. Vain, he had insulted the sages who had cursed him to become what he was now. He was also told when Vishnu, in his human form, cut off his hands; he would be liberated.

Knowing that he was going to die and go to the heaven he said he would help Rama. He asked Rama and Lakshmana to burn his body. Once free, he would tell them what to do next.

Lakshmana prepared a pyre and burned Kabandha. A handsome man came out of the pyre. He asked Rama and Lakshmana to go in search of Sugriva in Rishyamukha. He would be able to help them get Sita. Saying this, Kabandha vanished.

Jatayu dies

Rama could not recognize Jatayu. He said I think you are a demon who has eaten up my Sita. I will kill you at this instant.
Jatayu, vomiting blood, slowly spoke. He said - I know you are looking for Sita, but you will not find her here. I am dying because I tried to help Sita. When you two brothers were not at home, the king of Lanka carried away Sita. I have saved my breath so that I can meet you and tell you. Ravana cut off my wings. Think of way in which Ravana can be killed, O Rama.
Rama said O Jatayu, you are like a father to me. Tell why Ravana carried away Sita, when I have no problem with him. Who is this Ravana?
With great difficulty, Jatayu said - You killed Khara and Dushana and Lakshmana cut off the nose and ears of Surpanakha. To take revenge, Ravana has carried away your wife. Ravana is the son of Vishwashrava. He is pround because of boons that he received from Brahma.
Jatayu passed away in the company of Rama and Lakshmana. A chariot came from the heaven and carried the soul of Jatayu away.

Rama asked Lakshmana to light a fire. Lakshmana gathered wood and created a funeral pyre. They placed the body of the dead Jatayu on the wood pile. They lit the fire.

They then immersed the ashes of the bird in the river Godavari. 

Rama and Lakshmana start searching for Sita

With his bow and arrow in his hand, Rama was coming back. On the way he saw many ill omens. He saw a snake on his left and a fox on his right. He was not sure what this meant.
Maricha had imitated his voice, so probably Lakshmana had left an empty house and come to look for him. Then again, Lakshmana should not be fooled with this. He should not be leaving Sita alone. He appealed to the Gods to ensure that Sita was safe, when he saw Lakshmana coming towards him.
He asked Lakshmana why he had left Sita alone and come away. He said It seems today the Rakshasas will have carried away Sita. I told you to take care of Sita. Why did you leave her alone? Dandaka forest is full of rakshasas and other ferocious creatures. I do not blame you, it is my destiny. The magical deer took me to the forest. As you said earlier, it was Maricha. If you go deep, you will see him lying dead.

Thus talking the two brothers, walking swiftly, reached the hut. They started calling out to Sita. Rama said I will die if I do not see see Sita. Seeing the house empty, someone has carried her away.

They started looking everywhere. They looked around everywhere, searching the banks of river Godavari, looking on the mountains, looking inside caves. Sita was no where to be found. Rama had tears in his eyes. He asked all if anyone knew where Sita was. Rama said Maybe she has gone somewhere with a wife of one of the sages, or she is playing hide and seek. I may have lost my kingdom but I had my queen with me. Today that is also gone. It is like the sun sinks in the sea at the end of the day, my light has gone away from my life.O creatures of the forest, have you seen Sita?

Going a bit into the forest, Rama saw a broken chariot wheel and some jewels. Rama said Maybe Sita is somewhere close by. These jewels seem to be Sita's. Seeing a mountain close by, Rama said maybe the mountain had swallowed Sita. He said he would cut off the mountain.

Lakshmana said it was not correct to cut off the mountain. Why would the mountain take Sita away?

Rama said he would then destroy this world. Lakshmana said this was not correct.

They looked everywhere, near the lakes , trees to see if Sita was anywhere. Whoever they saw, they would ask if they had seen Sita.

Searching around, they saw Jatayu covered with blood.

Sita in Ashoka Grove

Sita sat in the grove, below a tree crying for Rama. She refused to touch any food or drink.
In the heaven Brahma was disturbed. If Sita dies of hunger, that would make things difficult. He gave a bowl of kheer to Indra, and asked him to give it to Sita.

Indra went to Sita. He said when Rama and Lakshmana went to catch a deer for you, Ravana brought you over here. Do not worry. Rama will cross the ocean with this army and will destroy all here.

Sita took the bowl from Indra and ate that. With that, her thirst and hunger vanished.

--------

While Sita was grieving thus, Rama started his journey homewards.

Ravana and Jatayu

From a distance, Jatayu, son of Garuda, heard Sita's cries. He got up, flew up in the sky to see what was happening. He saw Ravana carrying away Sita. Jatayu was aware of all the big warriors on the planet, and he could recognize Ravana. He flew towards Ravana and covered the chariot with his wing span. He started hitting Ravana with his wings.
He said Ravana, why do you carry away Rama's wife? Rama never had any intention of taking over anything of yours. Surpanakha had gone to Rama to have him for her self. She got herself mutilated because of her own fault. I am old now and my beak is not as sharp as it used to be, else I would have torn you to shreds.
Jatayu kept attacking Ravana with his wings, beak and claws. Going up in the sky, hew saw Rama in a distance. With renewed energy, he broke Ravana;s chariot. He attacked Ravana and clawed off flesh from his back. With his beak, he killed the charioteer.
Ravana wanted to do something. He kept Sita on the ground and then attacked the bird. Sita wanted to run away but she did not know what direction to go in. She was in the midst of a thick forest. Not knowing what to do, she started crying, which saddened the Gods.
Jatayu was tired. He would sit for sometime on a branch, take some rest, breathe and then attack Ravana again.
Seeing the bird tired, Ravana with his magic, made the chariot whole again. He swooped Sita back into the chariot and started off, on his way to Lanka.
Jatayu, gathering some strength, attacked again.
Ravana said Why do you want to give up your life for someone who is not yours.
This did not stop Jatayu, and both kept shouting at each other and the attacks continued.
Jatayu attacked Ravana and dashed his gems-adorned crown on the ground. Having had a boon from the Gods, Ravana did not die, The bird started clawing at the other heads of Ravana and started tearing at his hair.
Having Sita clasped in one hand, Ravana was not able to use his weapons. He quickly put Sita down on the ground. Raising his bow, he started shooting arrows at the bird.
The bird, with arrows striking it, still fought on.
Ravana seeing the bird would not give up, cut off the wings of the bird with a crescent shaped arrow.
The bird fell on the ground.
Sita came to the bird and bowed down before him. She said because of me, you are dying. Know that, I am born to destroy Ravana and because of me, he will die. You will live till you see my lord. Tell him Ravana has taken me away. Tell him that Ravana is taking me across the ocean to his Lanka.
Jatayu said I fought as much as I could. Do not worry. Rama will rescue you.
Ravana laughed hearing this. He grabbed Sita and put her back in the chariot. He wanted to escape before Rama turned up.
The chariot started with Ravana and Sita.
Sita started tearing off her ornaments and started throwing them around, in the hope Rama is able to trace his way.
They passed over the mountain called Rishyamukha. Sita hurled some ornaments there. Sugriva was sitting there with Nala, Nila, Jambuvana and Hanumana. Sita called out them and told them to tell Rama, if they saw him, that Ravana was carrying away his Sita.
Hanuman said this time to teach Ravana a lesson. Hearing this, Ravana increased his speed.

Ravana went southwards. There Ravana came face to face with Suparshva, son of Sampati. Sampati was the brother of Jatayu. He was huge in size, and his wing span covered the entire ocean. He did not know that Ravana had mortally wounded Jatayu, else Ravana would have died that day.

Sita started crying out, taking the name of Rama which was heard by Suprashva.

Ravana said I live in Lanka and I have no enemity with you. Why do you want to attack me?

The bird left Ravana alone. Ravana then crossed the ocean and landed in Lanka. Ravana started thinking where to keep Sita. Some rakshasas came and told Ravana that Rama and killed many rakshasas in the forest. Ravana said you should be ashamed that you fear a mere human being.

Pointing out to Sita, Ravana said Please see the city of Lanka. There is no other city like this. All this will be yours, including me. Just tell me what you want.

Sita said she could not think of anyone other than Rama. Rama was her life.

Angry Ravana took her to a grove of Ashoka trees and kept her there. He asked a few rakshasa women to guard Sita and convince her to accept him. Surpanakha came there. She wanted to kill Sita but fearing her brother, she just abused her.

Ravana kidnaps Sita

With a cloth bag over his shoulder, Ravana was clad in saffron clothes. He was Sita and instantly attracted towards her. He asked her who she was and what she was doing in the forest. Sita, knowing this to be a wandering beggar told him who she was. She told him to wait and said Lakshmana would be coming back soon and then she would give away some alms. She said No one ever went away from Rama's hut, empty handed. She then asked the beggar who he was.
He said his name was Ravana and he was the younger brother of Kubera. He was living in the forest, spending his time, meditating. He said he was hungry and asked for some food.Rama and Lakshmana could get late and he needed to have a bath and start his meditation.
Sita said she had a few fruits in the house and she would give that to him, if he came inside.
Ravana said he was under an oath and he would not enter anyone's house. He said if she would come out and give something then he would accept it, else he would go away.
Sita thought it would not be good to displease a guest. Sita stepped out with the fruits.
The moment Sita had crossed the circle drawn by Lakshmana, Ravana caught Sita's hand. Sita shouted at him to leave her hand. She said if he did not leave her, his entire dynasty would be destroyed.
Ravana then said listen to me. I am Ravana, king of Lanka. I came here in the guise of a beggar. Enticed by you, I want to take you along with me. The other wives of mine, will become your maids. Rama has not given you anything but sorrow. Come with me, and you will live like a queen. Humans like Rama are like insects in front of me.You are beautiful and your beauty will light up Lanka.

Sita started abusing Ravana. You are evil. You do not know what is correct. In from of lion like Rama, you are a mere fox. Would you have been able to touch me if either Rama or Lakshmana were here. You have deceived me, seeing I am alone.
Sita was shaking in anger.
Ravana took his own self.
He said Rama who wears bark and leaves is nothing in front of me., You will see how I take care of you.
Sita said Because of me you will die. I am the daughter of great Janaka and the daughter in law of Dashratha. It is surprising that a Rakshasa captures me and takes me away.
Sita started shouting out for help. Rama, if you can hear me, save me. O brother Lakshmana, help me.

Ravana pulled Sita into his chariot. Fearing that Rama might come soon, Ravana started the chariot.

Sita called out to the Gods. She said tell Rama that Sita has been kidnapped by Ravana. She said to the trees and creepers, tell Rama that Ravana is taking me away.

Ravana tried to console her, and Sita said if I knew a rakshasa was coming, I would have never stepped outside the hut. If only I had listened to Lakshmana and not told him to go.

Ravana said Stop worrying. Gems and Riches await you.

Sita said Do not say this. You will die soon.

Sita rebukes Lakshmana

Sita heard the voice of Rama calling for help. She asked Lakshmana to go and help Rama. He is calling out and seems to be in pain. Go fast and help your brother.
Lakshmana said Rama would soon be back. Do not fear for Rama.This is not Rama but someone lese. Do not fear for Rama, Mother, as there is no one who can hurt or harm Rama. Even if Rama is hurt, he will not shout for help. Also it is not safe to leave you alone in the hut.

Sita refused to listen. She started hitting her head. She said : A step brother is never one's own. It seems you have intentions towards me. Bharata took the throne, now you are here to take the wife. You may have made a truce with Bharata. Liten then, if ever I feel my mind is swaying towards someone other than Rama, I will kill myself at that instant.

With no ill will, Lakshmana said Let all be witness. I have no evil intentions.

Sita would not listen and said I will kill myself and you will be responsible for that.

Lakshmana then went outside the hut and drew a circle around the hut. He then said : Do not say anything harsh anymore. Also, do not step outside this circle.

Sita was in tears. Lakshmana then left in search of Rama.

Ravana seeing this as an opportunity, He took the guise of a beggar and went towards Sita's hut.

The Golden Deer

They came down from the flying chariot and landed in a clearing. Ravana then asked Maricha to take the form of a deer. Maricha transformed himself into a deer. The deer was golden in color and had a very soft skin. Its hooves were white in color. Its horns looked radiant. It glowed as if it was the Sun itself.

Ravana hid in the forest watching. Maricha went towards the hut of Rama. On the way, seeing his own reflection he was amazed. He saw Rama and Sita sitting and went and stood close by. It was as if the Gods had created this deer to test Sita and destroy Ravana.

Sita said to Rama, If you do not mind, I want to ask for something. Please get me this deer. I want to use its skin as a mat to sit on.

Rama hearing this called Lakshmana. He said You see that wonderful deer. It is unlike any animal I have ever seen. Sita wants the skin of this deer. What do you think of this?

Lakshmana seeing the deer said, I heard of rakshasa who are capable of taking any shape. I think this is one of those, who will entice you to follow it, take you deep in the forest and then kill and eat you. I have heard of Maricha. He knows this skill. It could be him.

Rama said Do not fear. Even if it is Maricha, I will kill him. If it is a deer, I will get it for Sita, who will keep it as a pet. If I am not able to capture it, I will kill and get the skin for Sita. I will now go behind the deer. Guard Sita while I am away.

Ravana, hiding, heard all this. He started makes plans to kidnap Sita.

Rama got ready. Taking his bow and arrows, he started following the deer.

Maricha thought, If I run away, Ravana will kill me. If I stay here, Rama will kill me. He started running around, with Rama slowly following it. When Rama would get close, it would run.

Rama realized that this was not a deer but a demon. He got a sharp arrow and shot that. It hit Maricha in his chest. Taking his own floor, he started rolling on the forest floor. Thinking of doing a good task for Ravana, he started shouting for help, in Rama's voice. Calling to Lakshmana in Rama's voice, he said The demons are all around. I need you to help me. Please come fast.

Rama realized he had come deep in the forest and some trouble was brewing. He took out the arrow, and hurried back towards his hut.

Maricha tries to convince Ravana again

Medicines will have no effect on one who is gravely sick. Maricha's words had no effect on Ravana. Ravana became angry and said : It is you, who has lost his mind. You are praising a human in front of me. If I kill you now, who will save you? All in this world fear me. I have come to you. Instead of being happy, you are saying unpleasant things to me. Even if my beloved God, Shiva,  tells me not to bring Sita, I will still bring her over. Entice Rama and take him far. I will then seize Sita and bring her over. You have nothing to fear with me around.

Maricha said , By kidnapping Sita you will be inviting destruction. You have forcibly kidnapped may women. You have not learnt anything from that. This is the time for you to now let go of all attachments. Even if I go and entice Rama with my magic, Sita will not be alone, she will have Lakshmana at home. I again ask you to go back and not think of Sita. Tell people that you went to get Sita but were not successful. Think of my words. 

Ravana did not listen. He ordered Maricha to follow him. Climbing in his chariot, Ravana and Maricha went Northwards.

Ravana goes to Maricha

Next day Ravana stepped out of the palace. His charioteer got the Pushpaka chariot for him. Pushpaka was a chariot like no other, which was pulled by the wind. There were eight flying horses tied to the chariot. The chariot was studded with gems and could travel at lightning speeds.

Ravana climbed on, and in no time the chariot crossed many lands, rivers, the ocean and came to a forest full of large banyan trees. In that forest, Maricha was meditating. Maricha, knowing Ravana had come to him, got scared like a snake gets when it sees a large eagle.

Ravana said to Maricha : You have the strength of a thousand elephants. The Gods and other celestial beings are afraid of you. I have come to you for help. Rama, in the Dandaka forest, has killed the rakshasas living there. Brothers like Khara and Dushana are also dead. It is a shame that even though you are alive, such a thing could happen. Surpanakha has had her ears and nose cut. I can go with Meghnad and fight Rama, but before that I have come to you for help. I have heard Rama has a very beautiful wife. I have come to you to help me kidnap that wife of Rama.

Hearing this, Maricha said : Alas Ravana, you are surrounded by people who are giving you wrong advise. If you kidnap Sita, Rama's wife, your city of Lanka will be destroyed. Kumbhakarna and Vibhishana will be dead. Your sons will die. Lanka is a beautiful city, why do you want to destroy it. I beg of you, save Lanka and its inhabitants. Lakshmi stays with one who had good advisers. Sita knows only Rama and she will never accept you. Let your sons live long. Sita has not harmed you, so why do you want to harm her?

Ravana said, this is my order. Take the shape of a deer and go to Rama. Entice Rama away and I will kidnap Sita.

Maricha said he will go as a deer and will invite death. First it would be his death and then it would be Ravana's death.
He said, Before you take a decision, I request you to talk to Vibhishana. He will tell you what you should be doing.  If asks you to bring Sita, then bring her. Rama is Narayana. Do not grieve for Surpanakha's condition or for the death of Khara and Dushana. Think of yourself. I know you, O King and I see differences between you and Rama. You are proud. Rama is humble. I have come to forest here, leaving my family, because of Rama. Listen to me, and let go the thought of Sita. 

Surpanakha goes to Ravana

Surpanakha saw Khara and Dushana fall. Not knowing what to do next, then thought of Ravana. She left for Lanka.
Looking uglier with her nose and ears cut off, she was looking horrible.
She entered the court of Ravana. Ravana was in a discussion with his ministers when Surpanakha entered. She said O King, You are enjoying yourself here, and in the forest Rama is there, who has sworn to kill your clan. He and his wife are there, no one else around them. He has single handed, killed many rakshashas.
Ravana wanted to know about Rama and what he was doing in the forest.

Surpanakha said this was the son of Dashratha, who was in the forest to fulfill a promise. He was in the guise of a sage, but was not really one. He had a beautiful wife along with him. She was more beautiful than Lakshmi herself. Rama had a equally strong brother along him.
Sita's beauty was not comparable with any one in the universe.

Surpanakha said a great king like Ravana deserved a beautiful wife like Sita, and not a wandering exiled prince. She asked her brother to kill Rama and Lakshmana and bring Sita to Lanka.

Ravana wondered what he could do to get Sita over. He did not think if his sister's advice was good. He could not hear Surpanakha announcing his death. 

Khara and Dushana killed

Surpanakha saw the fourteen warriors being killed and reported the same back to her brothers.
Khara asked her not to worry. He said he would end up destroying those who had hurt her.

Khara got his chariot prepaed. He selected fourteen thousand warriors to accompany him. Taking the choicest weapons, he set forth for battle. Dushana went along.

Seeing Khara come, Rama asked Lakshmana to take Sita off to a safe spot and be with her. Lakshmana did the same instantly, and finding a cave, kept her inside that.

The Gods and other celestial beings came out to see this fight, of Rama alone with the fourteen thousand rakshashas.

Dushana called out to Rama and said You are a mere mortal and you dare fight with me.

The rakshashas surrounded Rama and it looked a pack of jackals had surrounded a lion.

Khara, on his chariot driven by eight horses, drove where Rama was. He picked a weapon and hurled it at Rama, who cut it off.
Each started shooting arrows at the other, Rama on the ground and Khara on his chariot. The arrows made both wounded and both were bleeding but still fighting away.

Taking a bunch of arrows, Rama shot them towards the rakshashas. A thousand rakshashas fell. Rama then invoked the Gandharva astra and shot that. Each rakshasha found himself fighting with a replica of himself and soon all the rakshashas were dead. All except Khara and Dushana.

Dushana picked up a deadly spear. Rama seeing that, shot an arrow. The arrow struck the spear and fell. Dushana had a boon that no one would be able to cut off the spear.

Wondering what to do, Rama finally cut off Dushana's hands and along with that, the spear also fell. Burining in pain, Dushana fainted and eventually died.

Khara was shocked and angry to see his brother die. A fight started among Khara and Rama.

Khara started shouting at Rama and shot arrows at him. Seeing Rama evade those, he asked Rama to prove his might. Rama said he had a celestial bow and a quiver which was inexhaustible. He would use these to end Khara.

Rama cut off Khara's bow. Khara picked up another bow and started shooting arrows at Rama. The sky was covered with arrows flying around. Khara managed to cut off the bow of Rama. Rama then remembered the bow given to him by Agastya.

Rama cut off Khara's bow. He then cut off the flag staff on his chariot. Soon the charioteer was also dead. With an arow Rama then killed the horses driving the chariot.

Khara picked up a flaming mace and hurled that at Rama. The fire from the mace was so strong that when it passed close to a tree, the entire tree burnt down.Rama shot an arrow but nothing happened to the mace. Rama then invoked the fire weapon and hurled that. The mace was broken.

When Khara was wondering what to do next, Rama shot a few arrows and wounded Khara. Khara then seeing nothing in hand, rushed at Rama to eat him up. Rama then released an arrow which struck Khara. Khara fell.

The Gods then appeared before Rama and said they were impressed by Rama's feat.

Rama then went where Lakshmana and Sita were. Seeing Rama wounded, Sita started crying and started cursing Kaikeyi for being the cause of all this. 

Fourteen warriors of Khara and Dushana killed

Khara and Dushana were shocked to see their sister in that state and wanted to know who was responsible for her condition.
Surpanakha said in the forest were two men who responsible for this. Dressed like sages, they were not sages. They had a beautiful woman along with them. She said she went to eat human flesh and for that they had cut off her ears and nose.

Khara Dushana chose fourteen strong warriors and asked them to go and kill Rama and Lakshmana and bring back their bodies, such that all could have the pleasure of seeing them being eaten by foxes and crows.

The fourteen warriors went with their weapons. They went where Rama and Lakshmana were.

Rama said they were not disturbing anyone, so why was there a need for a battle?

The warriors said they had problems with someone living like a sage and live peacefully. The sin that they committed was mutilating the face of their commander's sister.

They started showering weapons on Rama. Rama with a single arrow cut off all their weapons. He then shot fourteen arrows together and fourteen of them were killed. 

Surpanakha gets her nose and ears cut off

One day, Surpanakha, sister of Ravana happened to be in that part of the forest. One look at Rama, and she was instantly attracted towards him.
Ugly in nature and form, she changed her looks to resemble a beautiful woman, to entice Rama.
She approached Rama and asked him who he was. She said You look royal, but are dressed like a hermit. Why are you in this forest which is infested by demons. They are not far from here, so it is not a safe place to be in. I see a beautiful woman, with you. Who is she? I see another man here, who looks like you? Who is he?
Rama nicely said he was Rama,  son of Dashratha, king of Ayodhya and the woman was his wife, Sita. The other man was Lakshmana, his brother. I am hear to fulfill a promise. Who are you? You are as beautiful as the apsaras. Are you an apsara?
Surpanakha said she was sister of Ravana, king of Lanka. She was alone having lost her husband, and roamed around the world. Seeing Rama, she had given her heart to him, and wanted him to be hers. She said her brother, Ravana, ruled in Lanka. She had a brother, Kumbhakarna, who slept for six months. There was a brother, Vibhishana, who was a religious person. They all stayed in Lanka. There were two other brothers, Khara and Dushana, who were with her in the forest. Being the youngest, I have been spoiled. I desire you, please become mine. We will roam around together, and I will take you to places which no human has visited before. Sita will not be able to do this for you. If your wife and brother try to stop us, I will eat them up. Look at me, I am much more beautiful than Sita. Leave her aside, and come with me.
Seeing Sita feeling insecure, Rama asked her not to worry and he said he will have fun at the expense of this woman. He said to Surpanakha, I am already married and if I take you, you will have to share me with Sita. You see my brother, Lakshmana. He is alone. Go to him. Lakshmana is like me in looks, and he is also fair.
Surpanakha went to Lakshmana and said she wanted him. Lakshmana said he was nothing but a servant of Rama. Why have fun with a servant. Go back to the master.
Not realizing that Rama and Lakshmana were having fun, Surpanakha went back to Rama.
She said she had come back to him. It seems Sita was cause for rejection. She would kill and eat Sita and Rama would be free.
Changing to her original shape, Surpanakha rushed to eat Sita. Sita started running and Surpanakha chased her.
Rama said to Lakshmana, the joke had gone too far.
Lakshmana released an arrow and Surpanakha lost her ears and nose.
The ugly rakshashi was looking uglier with a nose cut and blood all over her.
She rushed to where Khara and Dushana were.

Rama reaches Panchavati

One day Rama desired to meet the great sage Agastya. He asked permission from the neighboring sages, who said that would be good. The sages said near Agastya's ashrama was a forest of full of long pepper plants. That was a nice place to stay too.

Rama traveled towards that part of the forest and stayed there the night. The next day they went towards the ashrama of the sage. On the way, Rama said this was the place where Agastya had killed Rakshasas. Lakshmana wanted to know how a brahmana was able to do this. Rama then said he would tell the story of Ilvala and Vatapi.

Ilvala and Vatapi were two rakshasha brothers. They knew magic and would use that to entice their prey. Vatapi would take the form of a sheep and kill the brahmanas. The two brothers would invite the brahmanas for a feast. Ilvala would serve the brahmanas meat of the sheep, which was Vatapi. The brahmanas would have a feast and once they were done, Ilvala would call out to his brother. Vatapi would tear the stomachs of the brahmanas and come out, thus killing the brahmanas.

Agastya heard this and decided to get rid of the two brothers. He went to the place where rakshasa brothers stayed and got himself invited for a feast.

Delighted, Ilvala said he would serving sheep, to which Agastya gladly accepted the invite.
When Agastya started the meal, he invoked Ganga. The water of the river entered his water pot. Taking a few sips of the water, he then stared gulping down the cooked meat.

After sometime, Ilvala started calling out to Vatapi. Vatapi, who had been fully digested could not come out. When Ilvala went to attack the sage, Agastya produced a stream of fire, which burnt Ilvala to death.

Ending the tale, Rama said this is how Agastya had killed the two brothers.

They went near the ashrama and asked a disciple of Agastya to announce that they had come. Without permission, they did not dare enter.

Agastya asked to quickly bring Rama inside as none but the Lord had come there. He welcomed Rama, Lakshmana and Sita and prepared a grand feast in their honor. They stayed the night there.

In the morning, Rama spoke to Agastya and told him about he happened to be in the forest with his brother and wife. He then asked the sage, what would be an appropriate place for them to stay.

The sage said on the banks of River Godavari, was a place called Panchavati. That would be the ideal place for them. The sage also gave Rama, a bow designed by the great Vishwakarma.

Taking leave of the sage, the three went southwards. In forests, they met the great bird Jatayu., who came to greet them, and introduced himself as a friend of Dashratha. He took them to the place called Panchavati.

Lakshmana then asked Rama where they would stay. Pointing to the banks of the river Godavari, Rama said that would be the ideal place. Full of flowering trees and bees slying around, the place was very peaceful and beautiful.

Lakshmana quickly built a hut for them. Burning a fire at the entrance of the hut, they worshiped the fire god and entered their new hut.

Jatayu who was them all through, took leave.

Rama would get up early in the morning and go for a bath in the river. Lakshmana would then go to gather fruits from the forest.

Sita was happy spending her days. If she ever felt sad, one look at Rama and her sadness would vanish.

Thus their days passed in Panchavati.

Travels of Rama

Continuing their travels, Rama entered a place where many sages lived. All were fruit gathers and would live on the fruits they collected. For clothing they had animal skins, and their hair was matted.
The sages were living in fear of the rakshashas. Rama asked them not be afraid as long he was there.
Rama strung his bow string, and seeing this Sita was scared. She said, the rakshashas had not harmed them, so why was he wanting to kill them.
She said would tell him a story that she had heard from her father.
In the forests, there was sage called Daksha. Someone had kept a sword with him, for safe keeping. One day an old bird came there. It wasn't able to move much, because of its age. Evil thoughts came in the head of the sage, and he killed the bird with that sword. Weapons in hand, can bring evil thoughts in one's mind. Let us go away somewhere else,
Rama said to her : O beloved, lotus faced one, you have nothing to fear. With great sages living around, there is nothing that one needs to fear.

Travelling they saw a lake and could hear music coming from the lake. They asked the sages around, what was the mystery of the lake. They said there was a sage there who used to perform austere meditation. To break his meditation, Indra sent apsaras to distract him. Five apsaras went there, but afraid of being cursed they hid themselves. This is why the music was coming.

Rama wanted to meet this sage and went inside his ashrama, near the lake.

Thus time passed in the forests for Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. Someplace they would spend a month, somewhere three months and somewhere a year. Thus time passed, and ten years passed away.

Rama visits Sarbhanga

After killing Viradha, Rama decided to go near the banks of river Gomati. A sage called Sarbhanga lived there. Rama said they would visit the mendicant. They travelled that day, halting to sleep at night and the next day went to see the sage. Knowing that Rama was going to visit the sage, Indra came to the sage, riding a chariot made of pearls, accompanied by many other Gods.
Rama saw Indra entering the ashrama and asked Lakshmana to wait till the visitors left.
Indra went and met the sage. He told the sage that Vishnu in the form of Rama would be coming to meet him. Vishnu had taken birth in this form to kill many rakshashas, He would need help and for that Indra was keeping a bow and arrows for Rama. When Rama comes there, he was to given those. Saying this, Indra left.

After Indra left, Rama entered the ashrama. The sage was very happy to see Rama. He said he was alive to only have a glimpse of the Lord, and now his life's aim was achieved. He gave Rama the weapons that Indra had given. He then said, he would end his life. Saying this, he lit a pyre and taking the name of Rama, jumped into it.

The body of the sage burnt, and a handsome man came out of the fire. This being bowed to Rama and went heavenwards. 

Viradha

Rama, Lakshmana and Sita roamed around, exploring the forest. Suddenly a huge rakshasha appeared before them, He was huge in size, large like a mountain, and his eyes were bloodshot. His hair was matted and he had a huge protruding belly. He had been eating some meat and he was smelling of rotten meat.
Seeing Sita, he wanted to eat her and lifted her up. He said to Rama that he would put an end to them. He wanted to know who they were.
Rama said they were Kshatriyas. His name was Rama and he was accompanied by his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana. He then asked the rakshasha who he was.

The rakshasha said his identity was not importnat. What was important was that he was hungry and he would eat them. He told Rama his name was Viradha.

When the rakshasha tired to catch and eat Sita, Lakshmana shot a few arrows. Hurt, the rakshasha hurled a few arrows towards Lakshmana. Seeing this, Rama shot an arrow and cut off the tree.

The rakshasha then tried to fly off in the sky but Rama stopped his way.

Bleeding all over, he dropped Sita. Sita fell on the ground, unconscious.

The rakshasha said he was blessed to die after having seen Rama. He said he was living like a rakshasha because of a curse of Kubera.

In another life, his name was Kishore and he was an attendant of Kubera. Kubera was happy with his services.
One day Kubera went to the forests with many women to play around and have fun. Kishore unknowingly happened to end up where Kubera was. Seeing Kishore, the women were ashamed. Kuber then cursed him to be a rakshasha and also said he would be relieved when he was shot by  Rama. Saying this he died.

Lakshmana then arranged for firewood and burnt the body of the rakshasha.  From the fire appeared a divine being, who bowing to Rama, went off heavenwards. 

Rama, Lakshmana and Sita meet Rishi Atri

Rama was thinking if Bharata came once again to get him, he may not be able to refuse. With the other sages leaving, Rama, Lakshmana and Sita also left Chitrakoota and travelled southwards.
Travelling some distance they came across the ashrama of the sage Atri. The three of them entered the ashrama and bowed down in front of the sage. The sage, who was sitting, got up and welcomed them. Calling his wife, he asked her to take Sita inside and take care of her.
Sita, looking at the sage's wife, was amazed at her beauty. Anusuya, Atri's wife, was very beautiful, very fair, and dressed in white clothes, she looked like a source of energy. When she sat down in meditation, Anusuya looked like the Goddess Gayatri herself.
Sita bowed down before Anusuya, who blessed her and advised her to follow Rama, obey him and also told her how to lead the life of a happy householder. She then gifted Sita many wonderful jewels and sindoor for her hair.
They sat and spoke and Sita told Anusuya about her life; starting from her birth to marriage and finally how she ended up in the forests.
When Sita went to Rama, she was decked in silken clothes and wearing dazzling jewels,
They all stayed that night in the ashrama. The next day, they all had a bath and decided to take leave of the sage.
The sage blessing them, told them to travel to the Dandaka forest (Dankaranya) and live there.

Taking leave of the sage, they went to the Dandaka forest. They came across trees full of fragrant flowers. Peacocks were dancing away. There were many ponds there, and all around one could hear the melodious calls of birds.  Many sages also lived around. The three were very pleased with the place.