Summaries

Synopsis

The Legend of Prince Rama

Introduction

The world is run by demons who terrorise sages. They attack holy statues and break the peace. A powerful sage Vishwamitra who has been blessed with divine weapons, cannot defeat them alone. He prays and sees a vision, he is instructed to seek the noble Prince Rama. A rightful, peaceful man with long black hair, fair skin and courage.He travels to Ayodhya and requests King Darsharath for his son to help him. The King rejects as he fears his son's life. Rama however steps up and gracefully accepts the requests. Rama's devoted brother Lakshman joins in support

Rama sees the damage caused by demons and learns the fierce demon king Ravan is behind it all. Rama asks why can't he reason with Ravan to seek a peaceful option. The sage responds and informs Rama that the power of Ravan is feared by many and no one can defeat him which is why he asks to control demons at specific locations. Rama notes this. Rama and the sage begin to recite prayers which attracts a huge demoness called Tadakha. The sages run away but Rama stays to fight with his brother. Rama and Lakshman fire arrows which do not wound the demoness. Tadakha laughs and throws a tree at them. Lakshman moves and so does Rama. Rama sustains a small injury and grasps his arm. Lakshman distracts the demoness whilst Rama aims again, this time praying and aiming perfectly to kill the demoness. A bright light shines on Rama as he shields his eyes.

The next day, Rama continues to train but is attacked by demons, one of them being Tadakha's son, Marich. The demons fly and push Rama to the ground. One demon breathes fire and Rama is retreated back with an old shield. Lakshman fires and arrow to kill one whilst Rama throws his sword to kill another. Marich flies away but vows revenge on Rama. Vishwamitra awards Rama with a chakra and says he will need to use it one day. Rama is then brought to a prayer room and is met with a group of noble sages who bow down to Rama. Vishwamitra announces Rama as a peaceful warrior, Rama takes in the respect and vows to be a warrior of peace.

Soon after, Rama hears about a competition to marry the beautiful Princess Sita. Kings and Queens flock to see Sita and her beauty mesmerises everyone. One greedy king tries to jump over the barrier to hold Sita, but is stopped by Rama. Sita sees this strong, beautiful man and instantly falls in love. Rama peacefully explains to treat women with pureness and looks back. He falls in love with her. The competition begins and the object is to lift a divine bow that only a man of justice, peace and loyalty can do. One by one, great kings fail. Then Rama steps up and prays to the bow, he begins to lift but he too struggles, Sita prays and Rama eventually lifts the bow, ties it and a huge lightning strike occurs. Petals and a gust of wind flow, Rama and Sita look at each other in love as the wedding commences.

Rama and Sita live a loving life for years and eventually Rama is announced to be the new king, which he accepts. Behind the scenes, a maid called Mantra convinces Dasharath's 2nd wife Kaikeyi to use her two boons and destroy Rama's dreams. Kaikeyi listens and commands Dasharath to make her son, Bharath, king and for Rama to be banished for 14 years. Rama hears this and willingly accepts. The kingdom are distraught and protest this decision. Rama however commits to the wishes and takes off his royalty clothes. Lakshman intervenes and shouts at Rama. Rama calmly explains that he must obey the commands. Sita then says she'll join him, Rama disagrees but Sita doesn't take no for an answer. Lakshman then understands and also joins him. Rama thanks them both and changes to a forest dweller attire. He ties his long hair into a half bun, wears saffron cloth, puts on old bands, drapes a wooden necklace and goes barefoot. Sita and Lakshman take a more relaxed attire.

Rama says his goodbyes to his family and his father. Kaikeyi acts stuck up and ensures that Rama will live a poor life which shocks everyone. Rama then bows down infront of Kaikeyi who looks at him in jealously. Sita sees her husband reduced to an inferior level but Rama keeps calm and they leave the palace. Rama address the citizens to stay calm and await his return. He prays and they leave the kingdom. They take a boat and sail to a remote forest many miles away. Sita cries and so does Rama. Sita consoles Rama and they start their exile together.

Exile of Rama

6 months into their exile, Dasharath dies. For these months, Bharath and another brother Shatrughan are away, unknown to these events. Bharath returns to see his father dead and his brother forced into exile which angers him. He travels to Rama to break the news, Rama collapses and cries. Bharath pleads Rama to return but Rama rejects this and stays put in the forest. For 10 years, Rama and Sita live in peace in the forest, loving each other, playing with each other and supporting each other. Word has gone out to the kingdom of Lanka where the most fierce warrior demon, Ravan, lives. Ravan laughs at Rama and how he got kicked out of his own kingdom. Ravan's sister begins to grow curious and decides to meet Rama.

Rama collects water from the river and Surpanakha, Ravan's sister, meets him whilst disguised as a beautiful lady. Instead of wanting to kill him, she lies and says she's the queen of the forest. Rama respects her and introduces his wife. Surpanakha grows angry and begins to attack her. She pushes Rama and grabs Sita around her throat and squeezes it, Rama desperately intervenes and sustains injuries to shield Sita. Lakshman hears the commotion and throws a knife to wound Surpanakha, while Sita coughs holding her wounded throat. She runs away in pain whilst Rama and Sita hold each other. Ravan is outraged and vows to kill Rama. Instead, Surpanakha tells him about Sita and how he can break Rama by abducting her and killing Rama on the battlefield

The abduction of Sita

Ravan and Marich hatch a plan. Marich begins to cause scary noises which attracts Sita's attention, Sita sees this and gets worried. Rama then sets out to investigate for Sita's safety. He sees shadows of a demon but can't pinpoint where it is. He fires an arrow which goes through the shadow. Suddenly, Marich appears and pins Rama to the ground. Marich makes sure Rama remembers him and strangles him. Rama quickly draws and arrow to stab Marich. Rama escapes from the grasp and gets up, but Marich imitates Rama's voice to call for help. Sita and Lakshman hear this and Sita begs him to help her husband. Lakshman is hesitant but puts a barrier around the hut and sets out to save his brother. At that point Ravan appears, hypnotises Sita and abducts her. Rama meets Lakshman and asks why he's here. Lakshman explains Rama's cry for help and Rama explains back that it was a demon imitating him. Rama fears the worst and runs back. Sita is constraint in a chariot and flown away, she begs for help but Rama cannot hear her.

Rama returns to the hut and sees Sita's flower necklace broken. He collapses and cries. Lakshman calms him down and says he must not waste time. Rama agrees and vows to rescue Sita, fighting anyone that stands in his way. They run and set out to find her. Meanwhile Sita is imprisoned in Lanka's palace gardens.

The search for Sita

3+ years of searching makes Rama tired but he carries on. During his search he climbs a small hill which moves, it was a demon in disguise. Rama slips and is met by a demon with branches for arms. Lakshman and Rama fire arrows which fail, the demon hits the ground and Rama is hit across. Rama loses his bow but uses his arrows to latch onto the arm which gets stuck and he is drawn closer to the demon's mouth. Lakshman sees the danger and shoots the eye, Rama then kills the demon by destroying the eye. The demon collapses along with Rama. A bright light omits whilst Rama gets up. The light explains he was cursed to be a demon and only a peaceful man can kill him. The light offers advice, look for Sugriv. Not knowing who Sugriv is, Rama ventures further

A few weeks later, he sees an army camp. He goes to investigate and is surrounded by an army of monkeys. Rama and Lakshman grow into attention. A general called Hanuman towers over them but recognises Rama. He bows down and orders the army to stand down. Rama is shocked to learn his name is revered in the wilderness. Hanuman announces he is the messenger of King Sugriv, Rama requests to see him and he eventually meets him. Sugriv introduces himself and says he heard Rama's name cried out. Rama confirms it was Sita. Sugriv then holds a headscarf and Rama immediately recognises it. He cries in it and cries for Sita. After encouragement, he stops crying and swears to rescue her. Sugriv says the voice went South and he says Rama's father Dasharath was an old ally of his army, and how he was indebted to him. Sugriv volunteers to help Rama search for Sita and Rama is pleased.

Many places were suspected of having Sita so Rama appoints different factions to search. He and a few army members search in the mountains, battling fierce winds. Rama tries to push on despite the climate but he finds no luck. Other armies begin to find clues indicating Sita is imprisoned in Lanka. Rama learns about this and realises there is a strong chance he must fight the great demon King Ravan. Hanuman who can fly sets out to investigate. He sees a beautiful woman, crying under a tree. He sings to her and convinces her he is a friend of her husband, explaining how he cries for her everyday. He offers to return her but Sita rejects. Her reasoning is due to Ravan still being at large and understands Rama must fight Ravan in battle to free her. Hanuman understands and assures Sita that Rama will defeat Ravan and free her. Hanuman returns to Rama and explains the situation. Realising he must battle Ravan, Rama focuses himself onto fighting. He leads the walk to the coast of India.

The journey to Lanka

Upon reaching the coast, they encounter a problem. Rama ponders for days on how he can cross the ocean. Hanuman offers to carry Rama over there so he can battle Ravan. Rama then explains he needs an army to break through Ravan's defences. Rama decides to try and build a boat. They test it out but the boat collapses and Rama falls in the water. He gets out and nearly gives up. At that point, Vibhishan, Ravan's brother, who has been kicked out for trying to reason with him seeks Rama's friendship. Rama accepts and thanks him. Vibhishan advices Rama to pray to the Sea God which he does. For 7 days straight, Rama patiently prays. A giant wave of water splashes on him and he is taken to the water border. He sits in the water and the Sea God speaks to him, telling him to build a bridge of stones whilst inscribing Rama's name so they don't sink

They begin building the bridge. Rama lifts rocks and leads the build. Eventually, they set out a walkway which reaches Lanka. Rama steps foot onto the soil of his enemy and they set up a camp. Ravan laughs and decides to prepare for battle. Rama however wants a peaceful approach and says he will grant forgiveness to Ravan for the pain he caused him, provided Ravan safely returns his wife Sita to him. Angad, a messenger, takes Rama's message of peace but Ravan rejects it. Saying he vows to kill Rama on the battlefield. Rama understands and prepares to fight, his army will need to break the defences to prompt Ravan into battle so Rama can face him.

The battle

The battle begins the next day, Rama watches over his army and they fight. Casualties, fighting and bloodshed everywhere. The same night, Rama is sad to see many soldiers dead. He holds a funeral for both armies which angers Lakshman. Rama explains he is a messenger of peace and after a soothing monologue, he convinces his companions that despite Ravan's pain towards him and his wife, Rama will not forgo his peaceful values and despite him being a fighter, he will spread peace. His long hair majestically blows in the wind.

Days of fighting makes Rama's army gain the upper hand. Ravan grows desperate and his son, Indrajeet hatches a plan. Indrajeet flies over Rama's camp and calls him out. Sita is seen in a dangerous position which scares Rama. Indrajeet then grabs Sita and points a sword at her, Rama begs him to stop but before his eyes, Sita is slain which makes Rama cry. Indrajeet laughs and taunts him, saying he'll have time to mourn her before Rama himself is slain.

Rama grows into depression and gives up. Vibishan tells him to not destroy morale and explains about Indrajeet's magic tricks and how he must be stopped. Rama understands, wipes his tears, and sets out to kill Indrajeet. Whilst he prays, Rama confronts him. Indrajeet laughs and runs away whilst his army charge towards Rama. Rama defends himself whilst his companions defend him. Rama then runs out to chase Indrajeet who's on a flying chariot. Rama jumps on and tries to hold on. He descends and they engage in a sword fight in the midst of a storm. Indrajeet punches Rama and hits him on the back. Indrajeet kicks Rama and he drops his sword. Rama tries to hold on but Indrajeet is about to stab him. Rama then jumps onto another ledge and kicks Indrajeet down. He holds a bow and points it to him. Indrajeet laughs and says his father will kill Rama on the battlefield and lets himself go. Enraged by his son's death, Ravan vows to kill Sita to destroy Rama. He marches to kill her but is stopped by his father. Ravan then taunts Sita, saying he will bring Rama's corpse to her. Ravan sets out to war. Rama himself returns from his fight and is greeted by his companions. He announces that the battle is nearly over and he shall fight Ravan tomorrow to end it all. Rama wakes up the next day, looks at his ring, tidies his hair and sets out to fight

The battle for Sita

Rama enters the battlefield with a sword, facing Ravan who is in full armour. Rama speaks to the spectators and says he will end Lanka's evil and will end Ravan. Ravan laughs and summons a deadly sword. He vows to slay Rama and bring his dead body to Sita. He calls him out to fight and Rama arms his sword. Sita watches her husband from afar

They engage in a fierce sword fight, both aiming to end one another. Rama fights to save his wife, Ravan fights to kill Rama. Their swords repeatedly clash and Rama tries to break Ravan's defence. They end up entangled but Rama is pushed away, Ravan then traps Rama's sword, and expertly lifts Rama up to wound him on the ground. Rama slides down and falls backwards. He hits his head on Ravan's chariot. Ravan tries to stab Rama's face but Rama moves last second. Ravan and gets his sword stuck within Rama's hair and retracts it which grazes Rama's shoulder. Ravan then launches an offensive attack and Rama defends. The wind and strength go against Rama making him move out the way. Rama gets up quickly and tries to stab Ravan. Ravan easily sees the danger and blocks it. They entangle again but Ravan quickly grabs Rama's hair, knees him in the forehead and kicks him down. Rama's companions grow worried but Rama manages to defend himself, gets up and returns to the sword fight. Ravan viciously attacks Rama and Rama retreats back, Rama hits the chariot again and Ravan goes to slash Rama. Rama luckily stumbles but Ravan elbows Rama across the face. Rama looks up at Ravan who's about to kill him but he jumps and cuts Ravan's sword. He then beheads Ravan making Sita and Rama's companions relieved Rama survived the fight. Rama is exhausted but he sees Ravan's body still moves. A head begins to regrow so Rama cuts it off again. He retreats back, assured he killed Ravan and thinks about Sita

To Rama, Sita and the spectators shock, a small blast encircles Ravan which makes him grow in size. Rama steps back and sees Ravan grow into a giant demon with 10 heads an 6 arms. The area turns darker, wind blows in Rama's hair, Rama hand is trembling in fear and Sita is worried for Rama's safety. Ravan taunts Rama saying he's going to kill him. Ravan summons an explosive bow and arrow and fires it at Rama. Rama tries to run away but the arrow explodes directly next to him. Rama is brutally wounded and is sent flying across the battlefield. He lands on the ground in pain, dropping his sword. Ravan smirks and summons a fiery spear. Rama struggles to get up but he gets hit by the spear. A fire encircles Rama which burns his skin and hair. Rama prays and begs for help till he sees the chakra fly out of his hair. He picks it up and throws it to put the flame out, thanking the gods. He prays again but Ravan charges at him with the bow. Ravan hits Rama with the bow and Rama gets thrown across the ground whilst still holding the chakra. Rama then sees another attack and uses the chakra to defend himself. The bow breaks but hits Rama again, Rama tries to get up but he sees Ravan about to grab him. Rama tries to run but Ravan crushes Rama, making Rama drop his weapon. Ravan then forcibly throws Rama onto the kingdom wall. Rama hits the wall and then hits the ground and he appears to be dead. Ravan laughs whilst Sita cries. Rama struggles to open his eyes but realises Sita must be saved. With fractured bones, hair on his face, wounds covering him and immense pain, he crawls to the chakra painfully. He groans at every stage. He weakly touches the chakra and Sita prays. The chakra enlarges. With one final push, Rama throws the chakra and it quickly kills Ravan. Ravan's body breaks the wall and dust falls on Rama. The chakra escapes and clears the atmosphere

Rama and Sita reunited

The heavily wounded Rama sits on the battlefield in pain. He slowly gets up and the area becomes a vegetation paradise. Vibhishan pays his respect to Ravan whilst Rama is relieved his pain and fighting is over. Before getting healed, he addresses Lanka, telling them to give up fighting under Vibhishan's rule. Rama then gets his many wounds healed and meets Sita. They cry and hug after Rama's brutal battle. Sita understands how much Rama sacrificed but Rama consoles her. They depart back home and the love was never lost