Ramcharitmanas – Chapter 3: Aranyakand: Life in Exile

Aranyakanda: Life in Exile

After the royal loss of Ayodhyakanda, Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita enter Dandakaranya for their exile. Renouncing the comforts of the royal palace, they now began to live the life of ascetics. A hut made of leaves in the forest was their palace, and fruits and roots were their food. Even in this difficult life, Rama's patience and Sita's devotion remained unwavering.

The Humiliation of Shurpanakha

In the depths of Dandakaranya, near Panchavati, lived a fearsome demoness named Shurpanakha. She was Ravana's sister and boasted of her beauty. One day, she saw Rama and Lakshmana wandering in the forest. She was captivated by Rama's radiant form and Lakshmana's strong physique. Her lustful gaze crossed the boundaries of propriety.

Shurpanakha approached Rama and said, "O ascetic! Who are you and what are you doing in this forest? Marry me. I will give you all the pleasures you have never seen before." Rama smiled and said, "Devi, I am married. Go to my brother Lakshmana, he will surely accept you." Shurpanakha immediately went to Lakshmana, but Lakshmana also rejected her, saying that he was Rama's servant and not worthy of her. Burning with anger, Shurpanakha returned to Rama and ran to devour Sita. At that moment, Lakshmana cut off her nose and ears with his sword.

The Slaying of Khara and Dushana

Humiliated and enraged, Shurpanakha reached her brother Khara and Dushana and began to narrate the story of the insult by Rama and Lakshmana. She also described Sita's unparalleled beauty, which disturbed the minds of Khara and Dushana. Khara and Dushana ordered an attack on Rama with an army of fourteen thousand demons. A fierce battle ensued. Rama alone killed fourteen thousand demons.

Seeing Rama's valor, Khara and Dushana were terrified, but they continued the fight. Finally, Rama slew Khara, Dushana, and all their associates with his divine arrows. The entire forest echoed with the cheers of Rama. The gods showered flowers. Rama protected dharma and relieved the earth of its burden by destroying the demons. This event testifies to Rama's strength and his unwavering devotion to dharma.

The Abduction of Sita

When the news of Khara and Dushana's slaying reached Ravana, he was filled with rage. He sought help from his uncle Maricha to abduct Sita and take revenge on Rama. Maricha initially tried to dissuade Ravana, but his efforts were futile against Ravana's anger. Maricha assumed the form of a golden deer and enchanted Sita. Sita urged Rama to capture the deer. Rama, respecting Sita's wish, went after the deer. Lakshmana remained outside the hut to protect Sita. Hearing Rama's piteous cry, Sita became distressed and asked Lakshmana to go to Rama's aid. Lakshmana reluctantly drew a line outside the hut, ordered Sita to protect herself within it, and followed Rama. Ravana, disguised as a hermit, approached the hut and asked Sita for alms. As Sita stepped out of the hut to offer alms, Ravana forcibly put her in his chariot and flew towards Lanka.