Author: Kamban / R. K. Narayan
Year: 1972
- Viswamithra is very direct and to the point in his meeting with Dasaratha. He does not negotiate. He makes a request and when he believes it to be denied, he intends to leave. I am unsure if this is used as a tactic to not only get what he wants (Rama to journey with him), but also to show the urgency of the issue, or if it is simply a reflection of his personality. He is clearly highly regarded and appears to know this, although he doesn't like mention of his past.
- Vasishtha is Dasaratha's right hand man. He had the vision that brought Dasaratha's children (although he doesn't tell him the vision) and knows how to deal with Viswamithra when the king is unable to think. He also talks Dasaratha into letting Rama go on the journey.
- Viswamithra is able to read minds and transmit information to others mentally.
- In dealing with Thataka, her sons, and other asuras, Rama has dealt with little to no adversity. He and Lakshmana are very good with the bow and it appears to be their weapon of choice.
- Viswamithra explains the story of every place they visit. Reason: "We attain a full understanding only when we are aware of the divine and other associations of every piece of ground we tread on."
- Rama turns Ahalya back into a beautiful woman. Through the events that happen and the stories that Viswamithra tells him, he is learning of his purpose.
- Rama's first bout with adversity comes after laying eyes upon Sita. The irony is not lost on him.
- Rama is able to snap the bow, resulting in the marriage between him and Sita. This could make for a good twist. Perhaps Rama is in love with Ahalya, or maybe the woman that he saw in the window was someone other than Sita....maybe the man that Sita saw wasn't Rama, maybe it was Lakshmana.
- Kooni had persuaded Kaikeyi to change her feelings about Rama, leading to his banishment. Perhaps Kooni, or even Kaikeyi was/can be tranced by a sage or demon as this seemed to be out of character for both of them...or at least Kaikeyi. There isn't much said about Kooni to this point.
King Dasaratha Travels to Rama's Wedding (1680)
Image Author: Jammu Punjab
Image Source: Sampradaya Sun
I will also be using my reading notes to keep up with the geography of the epic.
Geography:
- Kosala (country)
- Ayodhya (capital of Kosala)
- Anga
- Sidhasrama
- Mithila City
- Sarayu River
- Ganges River
- Himalayas
- Mount Saila
- Amravati (fabulous city was Indra's or Alkapuri of Kubera?)
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