Storytelling for Week 7: The golden Sita

Once the last person of Ayodhya  was left, he began to wonder about what would happen to Rama's beloved golden statue of Sita. The person began to try to place it somewhere safe so that it would withstand the storms and changes of earth without it's people protecting it. However, finding the perfect location was the hardest part.

The person searched high and low and finally found a good place in the palace to store her. He placed the statue there and felt at peace about leaving this earth. And so the final person of Ayodhya died in peace and Rama's kingdom was no longer.

Moreover, the statue of Sita swooshed around and transformed into a brand new animal that Brahma had created. It was a mixture between a squirrel, a monkey, and a bear to symbolize the creatures that assisted in saving Sita from her captured state.

The animal traveled to the kingdom of Surgriva as to be with people of his own kind, but he was shunned because he wasn't completely similar to him. Next, it traveled to the squirrels village, but he was entirely too large to fit in with the squirrels. The squirrels were afraid that this creature would stomp and smash them all to death on accident. Finally, the sad creature traveled to Jambavan's kingdom in desperations hope that he could find a home to live. Although, Jambavan was reluctant to accept him. He began to see the resemblance in Sita. Jambavan had an epiphany and knew this was what was made of Rama's golden statue of Sita. With this knowledge Jambavan created the perfect place for this creature to fit into their kingdom. 

Jambavan called to Surgirva once he had heard that he had denied this creature into his kingdom. However, Hanuman traveled to Jambavan as his messenger to pay Surgriva's respect to this creature of Sita's statue and to apologize for their naive response of him. The squirrels traveled to the kingdom as well, but Jambavan was more understanding to their case of not accepting the creature as he was far too large to fit into their tribe. Once all was aware of the importance of this creature, they all were drawn together for eternity in remembrance of the great Rama and Sita . And so once all was calmed down, all the creature of the forest lived happily ever after while Sita and Rama's legend lived on forever.  

(Image Source: Rama and Sita by Ayan Gupta)

Author's Note: I wrote this story as an explanation of what happened to the golden statue of Sita. I wanted it to be something that would allow the other creatures of the story to know that Sita and Rama's legend would live on forever. Also, it needed to commemorate all the creatures that assisted her during her lifetime. I liked how the creature was so different it was hard for them to accept it into their kingdom at first. I chose this image because I couldn't find one that was the golden statue of Sita. But, it still shows the legend of Rama and Sita lives on forever!

Bibliography:  Buck, William (1973). Mahabharata.  

Reading Diary B: Rama returns to Ayodhya

I like how this version actually tells of Rama's life after he returns home to Ayodhya.

In the other version the entire book the reader is hoping he will return home and when he finally does that is where the story ends. It leaves the reader dying for what happened next. I enjoyed this version better.

I can't believe after the journey Rama took to save Sita he allows a little gossip of peasants to get in the way of his relationship with his beloved Sita. It is astonishing that he abandons her. As a woman, of course I love that fact that someone rescues her and returns the precious princess to her father to take of her. She deserves to live as royalty as she is so pure and priceless after all. 

I also find it funny that Rama thinks he should have a festival and has the audacity to go to Janka to invite Sita's family. I am glad he saw her there.

Although Narayan leaves his book after Rama returns home to Ayodhya, I can understand why. In his version, I was left absolutely loving Rama, but in Buck's version the end makes me feel differently about Rama. I spent the entire book routing for him, and then he abandons Sita. It shows even the best of us let the opinions of others into our heads. It is surprising how influential a couple of little words can have on all of us. This speaks volumes to the situations going on in my life right now.

(Image Source: Rama returns to Ayodhya)

Reading Diary A: Ravana and Rama fight

I like how much more detail is provided in Buck's version of The Ramayana.

I feel like I can really visualize the battle at a deeper level.

It was different how the demons fought at night in this version

I liked how Indra sends Rama his chariot because even though he hasn't been the nicest character he wants Ravana dead. Especially since his son had defeated him, and Lakshmana has already taken him out.

It is interesting in the middle of battle Rama hears Sita, and it gives him enhanced strength to fight on.

Rama and Ravana exchanged thousands of arrows when finally Ravana charged at Rama with mace. It took out his chariot.

Monetheless the fight went on and as sunrise came, Rama had killed Ravana by sending an arrow right through his heart.

It is unbelievable that Rama beat Ravana without his chariot.

(Image Source: Rama in battle by Monro W. D.)