Reading Notes: Nine Ideal Women Part A

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The story begins with the King of Vadeha, Janaka, finding Sita in the furrows while he was working as a farmer. King Ravan ordered a messenger to bury a gharrah in a deserted place, this gharrah that Sita was found in. Sita had three sisters, Urmila, Mandavi, and Srutakirty. Sita was regarded as the Princess Royal of Videha and was looked upon for good fortune. When Sita was fourteen, her father had a competition for whoever could break an ancient bow could marry Sita. King Dasaratha had four sons, Ramchandra (Rama), Bharata, Lakshmana, and Satrugna. Ramchandra and Lakshmana were in Vadeha when Rama first saw Sita and it was love at first sight. Many competitors attempted to break the bow, but they were all unsuccessful. Sita was thrilled when Rama approached the bow and prayed that he would be able to break the bow. Rama won the competition and was marrying Sita, his other 3 brothers married Sita's three sisters. As Sita left, the Janaka was worried she wouldn't be happy. When the original owner of the bow, Parashurama, hears that his bow has been broke and Sita is married Rama, he became angry. He makes Rama prove himself by using Parashurama's bow. To Parashurama's surprise, Rama is able to easily string the bow. Once Sita and Rama arrive to Ajodhya Sita begins to cry. She fears the people of Ajodhya will not like her, but Rama reassures her that he will never leave her. Keykaya demands Rama should be banished to the forest and Bharata should be crowned King on the day of Rama's coronation. The King follows because years ago Keykaya saved his life and he owes her two favors. Dasaratha and Rama's mother were devastated as Rama, Sita, and Lakshama left for exile. The King dies and Bharata begs Rama to return to the city, but Rama refuses. Sita gets kidnapped by Ravana and Rama goes to find her. While captured, Sita becomes friends with Sarama, the wife of Bibhisan. When Rama refuses to take Sita back after he saves her, she proves herself by standing in a fire. When Rama heard rumors of Sita and her virtue, he banished her. Lakshmana was upset with Rama for making him be the one to leave Sita in the jungle and inform her about her exile. Years later when Sita sees Rama again, she asks the Earth to put an end to her suffering. Rama blamed himself for Sita's death. 

This book followed the Ramayana we previously read, but it places the focus on Sita and her emotions during the epic. This reading didn't go into great detail about Rama's battles unless they involved Sita. The majority of this story is about Sita's birth and when she first met Rama. I enjoyed this reading because I was curious Sita's feelings while I was reading the Ramayana. 
Rama breaking the bow to win Sita
(Source: Wikipedia)

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