Reading Diary B: Rama's Return

Rama's return tot he throne is where we left off in the first part of the reading this week and it is where the second part of the reading picks up. Rama must make sure the Bharata knows he is coming so that he does not follow through with his plans to kill himself. In order to do so, Rama sends always trustworthy Hanuman ahead of him to announce his return to Bharata. Bharat is so excited that he starts crying tears of joy and greets Rama with his sandals upon his return. Rama eventually sends home everyone who had accompanied him on his journey. He and Sita rewarded all of this who had played an important role in their safety.

Although everything seemed to be running smoothly after the return of Rama and Sita, many years later things began to change. Rama started listening to the rumbling of the common people that he should not have taken Sita back after she lived with Ravana and now that she was preagnant. Rama then sends her with Lakshmana to the Ganges. Lakshmana does not agree but he knows he must follow through with Rama's command. Lakshmana leaves Sita upon the shores of the Ganges. Sita while there gives birth to Kusha and Lava.

Rama plans a great festival and invites Sita's father, Janaka. Rama eventually realizes the two boys are really his sons during the festival. The entire time he had just placed a gold statue of Sita next to him in his place. When Sita is finally allowed to plead for her innocence from Rama, Rama makes it to where if she is innocent she will go with Bhumi into the ground. After the disappearance, Rama continues to rule. Kala then goes as a hermit and requests a meeting with Rama, however if anyone interrupts they will die. Lakshmana interrupts the meeting so he must go to the river to die. Rama then begins his journey out of Ayodhya. Along the way Hanuman opens his flesh to reveal that his bones carry the name of Rama on them. Rama gives him his ring which bears the name Rama. Rama then jumps into the Sarayu river followed closely by his loyal friends and followers. The souls of all of the dead then ascend upward to heaven where they are greeted by Chitraratha.

Rama and his followers at the Sarayu River

Source: Wikipedia