The Jain Ramayana of Acharya Ravishena

All 123 Chapters

Acharya Ravishena tells the life of Padma, that is Rama, in 123 parvas. Each one is summarised here with its key moments, the people who appear in it and the places where it unfolds.

Chapters: 123
Story arcs: 12
Key moments: 1,181

Arc 1 Parvas 1 to 5

Origins: The World and Its Dynasties

King Shrenika asks Gautama Ganadhara to tell the true story of Rama. The answer begins with the shape of the universe, the patriarchs and Rishabhadeva, and the birth of the four great dynasties: Ikshvaku, Soma, Vidyadhara and Hari.

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Parva 1
The Prelude: Invocation and Outline of the Story
Opening with salutations to the Jinas, the book frames the story of Rama, the eighth Baladeva, as Gautama’s answer to King Shrenika.
14 points
Parva 2
The Great Section on the State of the World
Mahavira’s assembly arrives on Mount Vipulachala, and after hearing his sermon King Shrenika resolves to learn the true story of Rama.
14 points
Parva 3
Description of the Vidyadhara World
Gautama describes the cosmos and the ages; Rishabhadeva founds the age of work and renounces; Nami and Vinami receive the Vidyadhara realm.
17 points
Parva 4
Lord Rishabhadeva’s Wanderings in Search of Alms
After more than a year without food, Rishabhadeva receives his first alms, sugarcane juice, from King Shreyamsa of Hastinapura.
11 points
Parva 5
The Great Section on the Origin of the Clans
Gautama traces the four great clans, and in Ajitanatha’s assembly the Rakshasa gods give Meghavahana Rakshasa island and Lanka, founding Ravana’s line.
22 points

Arc 2 Parvas 6 to 14

Rakshasas, Vanaras and the Rise of Ravana

The Vidyadhara houses of Lanka and Kishkindha take shape, Ravana is born to Ratnashrava and Kekasi, masters a thousand vidyas and conquers the Vidyadhara world, while the sage Bali humbles him at Kailasa.

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Parva 6
The Origin of the Vanara Dynasty
Vidyadhara prince Shrikantha settles on Vanaradvipa and founds Kishkupura, and his descendants adopt the monkey emblem, becoming the Vanara dynasty.
22 points
Parva 7
The Birth of Ravana and His Mastery of the Vidyas
Ravana is born to Ratnashrava and Kekasi and, unshaken by a Yaksha's terrors, masters thousands of vidyas in the Bhima forest.
20 points
Parva 8
Dashanana's Family and a Glimpse of His Glory
Ravana marries Mandodari, defeats Vaishravana to win the Pushpaka vimana, frees the Vanara kings from Yama's mock hell and enters Lanka.
22 points
Parva 9
The Account of Bali Muni
Refusing to bow to anyone but the Jina, Bali becomes a muni, pins Ravana beneath Kailash with one toe, and attains moksha.
15 points
Parva 10
The Tale of King Sugriva and Queen Sutara
Sutara weds Sugriva, while Ravana captures Sahasrarashmi of Mahishmati, who on release renounces the world, as does his friend Anaranya.
11 points
Parva 11
The Destruction of King Marutta's Sacrifice and Ravana's Conquest of the Directions
Ravana rescues Narada and breaks up King Marutta's animal sacrifice, a violent rite that began with King Vasu's lie.
17 points
Parva 12
The Defeat of the Vidyadhara Indra
Ravana takes Nalakubara's city by a ruse, gains the Sudarshana chakra and captures Indra, the Vidyadhara king, in a great battle.
18 points
Parva 13
The Nirvana of the Vidyadhara Indra
Released at his father Sahasrara's plea, the humiliated Indra learns his past lives from a charana muni, takes diksha and attains nirvana.
8 points
Parva 14
The Dharma Sermon of Anantavirya Kevali
Returning from Mount Sumeru, Ravana hears Anantavirya Kevali preach and vows never to force himself upon another's unwilling woman.
22 points

Arc 3 Parvas 15 to 19

Anjana and the Birth of Hanuman

Princess Anjana is married to Pavananjaya and then neglected for twenty-two years. Cast out while pregnant, she gives birth in a mountain cave to Hanuman, who grows into a peerless warrior and a Kamadeva.

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Parva 15
The Marriage of Anjanasundari and Prince Pavananjaya
Overhearing a maid praise a rival suitor, Pavananjaya turns against Anjana and marries her only to abandon her.
11 points
Parva 16
The Reunion of Anjana and Prince Pavananjaya
Moved by a grieving chakavi bird on the way to war, Pavananjaya secretly returns to Anjana after twenty-two years of neglect.
11 points
Parva 17
Anjana's Pregnancy Revealed and Her Banishment by Her Mother-in-Law
Cast out by her mother-in-law and father, Anjana bears Hanuman in a forest cave and is rescued by her uncle Pratisurya.
20 points
Parva 18
Pavananjaya Returns from War and Searches for Anjana
Back victorious from war, Pavananjaya finds Anjana banished, vows to die without her, and is reunited with her and their son Hanuman.
8 points
Parva 19
Hanuman Goes to War, Wins Victory and Marries Many Maidens
Young Hanuman binds Varuna's hundred sons, helping Ravana capture Varuna, then wins a kingdom and a thousand royal brides.
9 points

Arc 4 Parvas 20 to 29

The House of Raghu: Births and Marriages

The sixty-three great beings are listed, the Ikshvaku line descends to Dasharatha, Kaikeyi wins her boon, and Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna are born. In Mithila, Sita and her twin Bhamandala are born, and Rama wins Sita at her svayamvara.

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Parva 20
The Previous Births of the Sixty-Three Shalaka Purushas
Gautama recounts the sixty-three Shalaka Purushas of this age, naming Rama, Lakshmana and Ravana as the eighth Baladeva, Narayana and Prati-narayana.
16 points
Parva 21
The Lineage of Shri Ramachandra
Gautama traces the Harivamsha from Hari through Munisuvrata to Janaka, and the Ikshvaku line through Vajrabahu and Kirtidhara to infant Sukaushala.
11 points
Parva 22
Sukaushala Takes Diksha and Attains the Goal Through a Terrible Ordeal
Sukaushala becomes a monk under his father Kirtidhara and, torn apart by a lioness who was once his mother, attains liberation.
13 points
Parva 23
Ravana's Fear of Death Through Dasharatha's Son and Janaka's Daughter, and Its Resolution
Warned by Narada that Vibhishana plans to kill them, Dasharatha and Janaka flee in disguise, and Vibhishana has lifelike effigies beheaded instead.
6 points
Parva 24
The Marriage of Dasharatha and Kaikeyi
Chosen by Kaikeyi at her svayamvara, the wandering Dasharatha routs the rival kings with her as charioteer and grants her a boon.
6 points
Parva 25
The Birth and Education of Rama, Lakshmana and Their Brothers
Queen Aparajita bears Rama, Sumitra bears Lakshmana, Kaikeyi bears Bharata and Suprabha bears Shatrughna, and the four princes master arms and learning.
7 points
Parva 26
The Birth of Bhamandala and Sita to King Janaka
A vengeful god steals Queen Videha's newborn son, twin of Sita, and the Vidyadhara Chandragati raises him in Rathanupura as Bhamandala.
13 points
Parva 27
Rama and Lakshmana Defeat the Mleccha King
When the Mleccha king Atarangatama ravages Janaka's land, young Rama and Lakshmana rout his horde, and Janaka resolves to give Sita to Rama.
6 points
Parva 28
Sita's Svayamvara and Her Marriage to Rama
At the svayamvara Rama strings the god-guarded bow Vajravarta and wins Sita, Lakshmana strings Sagaravarta, and Bharata marries Kanaka's daughter Lokasundari.
15 points
Parva 29
King Dasharatha Hears the Dharma
An aged chamberlain's account of his decrepitude turns King Dasharatha's mind toward renunciation, and he hears the doctrine from the sage Sarvabhutahita.
7 points

Arc 5 Parvas 30 to 43

Exile in the Forests

Dasharatha renounces the world, Bharata is crowned at Kaikeyi's request, and Rama, Sita and Lakshmana leave Ayodhya. On their journey they protect the faithful, win allies and brides for Lakshmana, meet the bird Jatayu and settle in the Dandaka forest.

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Parva 30
The Reunion with Bhamandala
Recalling his past life, Bhamandala learns that Sita is his twin sister; Chandragati takes diksha, and Bhamandala is reunited with Janaka and Videha.
15 points
Parva 31
King Dasharatha Hears of His Past Lives and Turns Away from the World
Hearing his past lives from Muni Sarvabhutahita, Dasharatha resolves to renounce; Kaikeyi wins the throne for Bharata, and Rama leaves home.
18 points
Parva 32
Rama and Lakshmana Go to the Forest, and Bharata Is Crowned
Rama, Lakshmana and Sita slip away at midnight; Dasharatha becomes a monk, and Rama himself crowns Bharata in the forest.
13 points
Parva 33
The Story of Vajrakarna's Vow
Lakshmana single-handedly defeats King Simhodara and saves Vajrakarna, who had vowed to bow to none but the Jina, his monks and scripture.
17 points
Parva 34
The Story of Balikhilya
Kalyanamala, ruling Nalakuvara disguised as a prince, reveals herself, and Rama and Lakshmana free her father Balikhilya from the mleccha chief Raudrabhuta.
7 points
Parva 35
The Story of Kapila the Brahmin
The Brahmin Kapila drives the exiles from his hut, later finds them in a yaksha-built city, turns Jain and becomes a monk.
9 points
Parva 36
Lakshmana Wins Vanamala
Lakshmana saves Princess Vanamala of Vijayapura from hanging herself for love of him, and her father Prithvidhara joyfully welcomes the exiles.
6 points
Parva 37
Ativirya Marches against Bharata, Is Humbled by Rama and Lakshmana, and Takes Diksha
Disguised as dancers, Rama and Lakshmana capture Ativirya, who was marching on Bharata; humbled, he renounces his throne and becomes a monk.
8 points
Parva 38
Lakshmana Wins Jitapadma
At Kshemanjali, Lakshmana catches all five shaktis hurled by King Shatrudamana and wins the hand of the proud princess Jitapadma.
8 points
Parva 39
The Story of the Monks Deshabhushana and Kulabhushana
On Vamshagiri, Rama and Lakshmana drive off the asura Agniprabha tormenting the monks Deshabhushana and Kulabhushana, who at once attain omniscience.
14 points
Parva 40
Rama Arrives on Ramagiri
Rama adorns Vamshagiri with thousands of Jina temples, so the mountain becomes famed as Ramagiri, before he sets out for the Dandaka forest.
5 points
Parva 41
The Account of the Bird Jatayu
A vulture who was once the monk-killing King Dandaka is transformed at the feet of two sky-faring monks and becomes the devout Jatayu.
11 points
Parva 42
Rama Dwells in the Dandaka Forest
Roaming the Dandaka forest in an elephant-drawn chariot, Rama resolves to found a city there but spends the rainy season in the forest.
5 points
Parva 43
Ravana's Nephew Shambuka Seeks the Suryahasa Sword and Dies by Lakshmana's Hand
Lakshmana seizes the Suryahasa sword that Ravana's nephew Shambuka had invoked over twelve years, and, testing its edge, unknowingly slays him.
6 points

Arc 6 Parvas 44 to 53

Sita's Abduction and Hanuman's Mission

Ravana carries Sita away to Lanka. Rama allies with Sugriva after slaying the false Sugriva, Lakshmana lifts the Kotishila stone, and Hanuman crosses to Lanka, finds Sita and shakes the island.

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Parva 44
Ravana Abducts Sita, and Rama Laments
Luring Rama away with a false lion-roar while Lakshmana fights Kharadushana, Ravana abducts Sita and strikes down Jatayu, and Rama searches in despair.
8 points
Parva 45
Rama's Grief at Separation from Sita
With Viradhita's help Lakshmana slays Kharadushana, and the grieving Rama, unable to find Sita, moves to Patala Lanka.
6 points
Parva 46
The Illusory Rampart of Lanka
Sita spurns Ravana, Mandodari and his terrifying illusions in Lanka, while Vibhishana's council rings the city with an illusory rampart.
12 points
Parva 47
The Slaying of Sahasagati
Rama befriends the grieving Sugriva and, when the false Sugriva's magic falls away at his sight, slays the impostor Sahasagati in battle.
7 points
Parva 48
Lakshmana Lifts the Kotishila, Proving Himself the Narayana
Sugriva's search brings news of Sita through Ratnajati, and Lakshmana lifts the Kotishila, the sign foretold of Ravana's slayer.
13 points
Parva 49
Hanuman Sets Out for Lanka
Hanuman, won over by Rama's kindness to Sugriva, meets Rama at Kishkindhapura and sets out for Lanka bearing his ring.
6 points
Parva 50
Hanuman's Battle and Reunion with His Grandfather, King Mahendra
Hanuman defeats his grandfather Mahendra, who once spurned Anjana, then reconciles with him and sends him to serve Rama.
5 points
Parva 51
Rama Receives the Daughters of King Gandharva
Hanuman quenches a forest fire around two meditating monks, saving King Gandharva's three daughters, who are then married to Rama.
5 points
Parva 52
Hanuman Wins Lankasundari
Hanuman smashes Lanka's magic wall and kills its guardian Vajramukha, whose daughter Lankasundari fights him, falls in love and marries him.
6 points
Parva 53
Hanuman Meets Sita in Lanka and Lays the City Waste
Hanuman gives Rama's ring to Sita, persuades her to eat, receives her crest-jewel, then breaks Ravana's chains and wrecks Lanka.
13 points

Arc 7 Parvas 54 to 76

The War of Lanka

Vibhishana joins Rama, the armies meet, Lakshmana falls to Ravana's Shakti and is revived by Vishalya, Ravana gains the Bahurupini vidya, and at last his own chakra passes into Lakshmana's hand and ends the war.

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Parva 54
Rama and Lakshmana March on Lanka
Hearing Hanuman's report and receiving Sita's crest-jewel, Rama and Lakshmana march with the Vidyadhara armies toward Lanka and camp at Hamsadvipa.
6 points
Parva 55
Vibhishana Joins Rama and Lakshmana
Rebuffed and threatened by Ravana for urging Sita's return, Vibhishana leaves Lanka with thirty akshauhinis and takes refuge with Rama.
7 points
Parva 56
The Strength of the Armies of Rama and Ravana
Gautama explains the measure of an akshauhini, while both camps debate the strength of Ravana's four thousand and Rama's two thousand akshauhinis.
5 points
Parva 57
Ravana Marches to War with All His Forces
Bidding farewell to their wives, Lanka's warriors pour out to battle behind Hasta and Prahasta, with Ravana in Pushpaka despite dire omens.
5 points
Parva 58
The Deaths of Hasta and Prahasta in Battle
In the first great clash, the Vanara heroes Nala and Nila slay Ravana's commanders Hasta and Prahasta, and the Rakshasa army falters.
5 points
Parva 59
The Past Lives of Hasta and Prahasta and of Nala and Nila
Gautama reveals that Nala and Nila killed Hasta and Prahasta because those two had murdered them in a former birth.
5 points
Parva 60
Rama and Lakshmana Gain Many Vidyas
When Indrajit and Meghavahana bind Sugriva and Bhamandala in serpent nooses, Rama invokes Garudendra's boon, and both brothers receive divine vidyas and weapons.
8 points
Parva 61
Sugriva and Bhamandala Freed from the Serpent Noose
As Rama and Lakshmana ride out on their lion and Garuda vehicles, the serpent noose binding Sugriva and Bhamandala melts away.
5 points
Parva 62
Lakshmana Struck by Ravana's Shakti Falls Senseless to the Earth
Ravana hurls the never-failing shakti given by the serpent lord, and Lakshmana, struck in the chest, falls senseless on the battlefield.
8 points
Parva 63
Rama's Lament over the Senseless Lakshmana
Seeing Lakshmana senseless, Rama faints and laments, resolving to enter the fire with his brother, until the wise Jambunada restrains him.
6 points
Parva 64
The Remedy for the Shakti and Vishalya's Past Lives
The Vidyadhara Chandrapratima reveals that only the bath water of Princess Vishalya, purified by austerities in a past life, can remove the shakti.
9 points
Parva 65
Vishalya Comes to Rama's Camp and Lakshmana Is Freed of the Shakti
Brought from Ayodhya in a single night, Vishalya merely enters the camp and the shakti flees Lakshmana, who rises and marries her.
7 points
Parva 66
Ravana Sends an Envoy to Rama
Ravana's envoy offers Rama half of Lanka and the whole earth in exchange for Sita and the captives, but Rama will not give up Sita.
7 points
Parva 67
Ravana Arranges Worship in the Shantinatha Temple to Master the Bahurupini Vidya
Torn between his captive kin and his warrior pride, Ravana resolves to master the Bahurupini vidya and orders worship in the Shantinatha temple.
5 points
Parva 68
The Siddhachakra Vow Observed in Lanka during the Ashtahnika Festival
During the eight-day Ashtahnika festival the warriors lay down arms, and Lanka keeps the Siddhachakra vow with grand worship of the Jina.
5 points
Parva 69
Ravana Commands the People to Keep Vows during the Ashtahnika Festival
Before beginning his sadhana in the Shantinatha temple, Ravana has Mandodari proclaim that all Lanka must keep vows, worship and shun all strife.
5 points
Parva 70
Ravana's Vidya Sadhana and the Havoc Wrought in Lanka by the Vanara Princes
While Ravana meditates for the Bahurupini vidya, the Vanara princes ravage Lanka until the Yaksha lords Purnabhadra and Manibhadra drive them out.
8 points
Parva 71
Ravana Masters the Bahurupini Vidya
Angada humiliates Ravana's queens before his eyes, but Ravana stays unmoved in meditation and the Bahurupini vidya appears before him, accomplished.
8 points
Parva 72
Ravana's Renewed Resolve for War
Moved by Sita's devotion, Ravana briefly repents, but pride prevails and he resolves to take Rama and Lakshmana alive and crush their allies.
8 points
Parva 73
Mandodari Pleads Against the War and Ravana Will Not Yield
Mandodari begs Ravana to give up Sita, warning that he is the Prati-narayana destined to fall, but he refuses and marches to war.
10 points
Parva 74
Ravana's Battle with Rama and Lakshmana
Ravana rides out in a chariot drawn by a thousand elephants, and after fierce fighting Lakshmana meets him in a duel of divine arrows.
7 points
Parva 75
Ravana Hurls the Chakra at Lakshmana, and It Circles Him and Comes to His Hand
Ravana hurls his chakra-ratna at Lakshmana, but it circles him three times and rests in his hand, revealing him as the Narayana.
7 points
Parva 76
The Great Battle of Rama and Lakshmana with Ravana, and Ravana's Death
Spurning Lakshmana's last offer of peace, Ravana is split through the chest by the chakra Lakshmana hurls, and falls dead.
7 points

Arc 8 Parvas 77 to 88

Victory and the Return to Ayodhya

Ravana's family mourns and many take diksha, Rama and Sita are reunited, and the brothers return to Ayodhya in triumph. Bharata and Kaikeyi renounce the world, and Rama and Lakshmana are crowned.

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Parva 77
Vibhishana and the Queens Mourn Ravana
Vibhishana and Ravana's eighteen thousand queens grieve over his body until Rama and Bhamandala console them with the tale of King Aridamana.
8 points
Parva 78
Indrajit, Meghanada and Mandodari Take Diksha
Rama cremates Ravana with honour, frees the captive princes, and when Anantavirya attains omniscience in Lanka, Ravana's family renounces the world.
10 points
Parva 79
Rama and Sita Reunited
Rama and Lakshmana enter Lanka in splendour, and in a garden on Mount Pushpaprakirnaka Rama is at last reunited with Sita as the gods praise her virtue.
8 points
Parva 80
Six Years in Lanka and the Tale of Muni Maya
Rama worships Shantinatha in Ravana's palace, Vibhishana feasts the victors, the brothers spend six happy years in Lanka, and Muni Maya's healing power reveals a tangle of past lives.
11 points
Parva 81
Kaushalya's Grief and Narada's Message
Narada finds Kaushalya pining for her sons, carries her grief to Lanka, and Rama and Lakshmana resolve to return while the Vidyadharas rebuild Ayodhya in sixteen days.
8 points
Parva 82
Rama and Lakshmana Return to Ayodhya
Flying home in the Pushpaka car past Mount Sumeru and the scenes of their exile, Rama and Lakshmana are met by Bharata and enter a jubilant Ayodhya to embrace their four mothers.
7 points
Parva 83
Rama's Splendour, Bharata's Detachment and the Elephant Trailokyamandana
Amid the boundless wealth of Rama's reign Bharata longs only to renounce, and when the maddened elephant Trailokyamandana charges him, the beast falls calm, remembering a past life.
9 points
Parva 84
The Elephant Trailokyamandana Falls Silent
Calmed by the sight of Bharata, Ravana's mighty state elephant is led into Ayodhya, then stands motionless for four days, refusing food, water and sleep.
4 points
Parva 85
The Past Lives of Bharata and the Elephant
The Kevalis Deshabhushana and Kulabhushana reveal that Bharata and the elephant have been bound together since the age of Rishabhadeva, through births as kings, brothers, beasts, father and son, and gods.
10 points
Parva 86
Bharata and Kaikeyi Take Diksha
Moved by the Kevali's account of his past lives, Bharata becomes a Digambara muni with more than a thousand kings, and Kaikeyi becomes an aryika with three hundred queens.
5 points
Parva 87
The Elephant Rises to Heaven and Bharata Attains Nirvana
Trailokyamandana keeps the lay vows with long fasts and dies in sallekhana to return to the sixth heaven, while the sage Bharata wanders, conquers every hardship and attains liberation.
5 points
Parva 88
The Coronation of Rama and Lakshmana
After mourning Bharata's departure, Rama and Lakshmana are consecrated together on one throne, Sita and Vishalya are crowned, and the allies receive their kingdoms.
5 points

Arc 9 Parvas 89 to 99

The Reign, Mathura and Sita's Exile

Shatrughna wins Mathura and the seven sages lift its calamity. Rama's court flourishes, but public slander about Sita leads Rama to send her into the forest, where King Vajrajangha takes her under his protection.

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Parva 89
Shatrughna Conquers Mathura and King Madhu Renounces
Shatrughna insists on Mathura, takes the city by night while King Madhu dallies in a garden without his trident, and after Lavanarnava falls Madhu becomes a muni at heart on his elephant's back.
9 points
Parva 90
Chamarendra Strikes the People of Mathura with Calamity
Enraged by the death of his friend Madhu, Chamarendra, lord of the Asurakumara gods, strikes Mathura with a deadly plague, and Shatrughna withdraws to Ayodhya though his heart stays in Mathura.
8 points
Parva 91
Shatrughna's Past Lives and His Love for Mathura
Gautama reveals that Shatrughna's love for Mathura comes from many past lives in that city, above all as Prince Achala, whose friend Apa, the man who once drew a thorn from his foot, is reborn as the general Kritantavaktra.
10 points
Parva 92
The Seven Sages Lift the Calamity of Mathura
Seven sky-faring sages spend the rains near Mathura and their austerity drives away Chamarendra's plague; a merchant who slighted them repents, and Shatrughna, taught by them, fills the city with images of the Jina.
12 points
Parva 93
Rama Wins Shridama and Lakshmana Wins Manorama
Driven out by Princess Manorama's proud brothers for proposing Lakshmana as her groom, Narada shows Lakshmana her portrait, and after a swift war at Ratnapura, Rama weds Shridama and Lakshmana weds Manorama.
8 points
Parva 94
The Splendour and Family of Rama and Lakshmana
With the Vidyadharas of the southern Vijayardha subdued, Lakshmana reigns as Narayana with his seven jewels beside Rama, and Gautama describes their queens and Lakshmana's two hundred and fifty sons.
7 points
Parva 95
Sita Conceives and Longs to Worship the Jina
Sita dreams that two ashtapadas enter her mouth and Rama foretells twin sons; when she longs to worship the Jina in every temple, Rama has the whole land celebrate and takes her to worship in the Mahendra garden.
8 points
Parva 96
Public Slander against Sita and Rama's Anguish
As Sita's right eye twitches with foreboding, the leading citizens tell Rama that his whole kingdom says he took back a queen who lived in Ravana's house, and Rama is torn between his love for Sita and his fear of infamy.
10 points
Parva 97
Sita Abandoned in the Forest for Fear of Slander
Overruling Lakshmana's pleas, Rama has the pregnant Sita taken on a pilgrimage and left alone in the forest beyond the Ganga, where she faints, sends Rama a selfless message and laments her past karma until King Vajrajangha's army hears her cries.
14 points
Parva 98
Vajrajangha Finds Sita in the Forest and Consoles Her
King Vajrajangha of Pundarikapura, returning from an elephant hunt, finds the weeping Sita, hears her story, consoles her with the teachings of the Jina and takes her as his sister in dharma.
10 points
Parva 99
Sita Goes to Pundarikapura and Rama Grieves for Her
Sita is escorted in honour to Pundarikapura, where she lives devoutly as Vajrajangha's sister, while in Ayodhya Kritantavaktra delivers her message and Rama, overcome with remorse, faints with grief until Lakshmana consoles him.
11 points

Arc 10 Parvas 100 to 108

Lavana, Ankusha and the Ordeal of Fire

Sita's twin sons grow into conquerors and face their own father and uncle in battle before they are recognised. Sita walks into fire, which turns into a lotus lake by the power of her virtue, and the past lives of all are revealed.

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Parva 100
The Birth and Boyhood of Lavana and Ankusha
In Pundarikapura Sita gives birth to twin sons, Anangalavana and Madanankusha, who are taught every art and weapon by the kshullaka Siddhartha and grow into peerless princes.
7 points
Parva 101
The World Conquest of Lavana and Ankusha
Scorned by King Prithu as princes of unknown lineage, the twins rout his army, win Kanakamala for Ankusha and go on to subdue the kings of countless lands.
8 points
Parva 102
Lavana and Ankusha March on Ayodhya
Learning from Narada and their mother who their father is and why Sita was abandoned, the twins march on Ayodhya and meet Rama and Lakshmana in battle.
9 points
Parva 103
Lavana and Ankusha Meet Rama and Lakshmana
When even Lakshmana's chakra returns powerless from Ankusha, Siddhartha reveals that the young warriors are Sita's sons, and father and sons are joyfully united.
11 points
Parva 104
The Fire Ordeal Decreed and the Gods Come to Sakalabhushana Kevali
Brought back before the people of every land, Sita offers to take any oath and Rama orders her into a blazing fire pit, while that same night the sage Sakalabhushana attains Kevala Jnana and the gods descend on Ayodhya.
12 points
Parva 105
The Fire Becomes a Lake and Rama Hears the Dharma from the Kevali
By the power of Sita's chastity the blazing pit turns into a lotus lake; she then takes diksha as an aryika, and Rama hears the dharma from Sakalabhushana Kevali.
12 points
Parva 106
The Past Lives of Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, Ravana and Their Allies
At Vibhishana's request Sakalabhushana Kevali recounts the many births that bound Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, Ravana and their allies together, revealing the roots of the abduction, the war and the slander.
12 points
Parva 107
Kritantavaktra Renounces the World
Moved by the Kevali's sermon, Rama's general Kritantavaktra takes diksha, and Rama, after gazing in sorrow at the aryika Sita, returns to Ayodhya with his sons.
8 points
Parva 108
The Past Lives of Lavana and Ankusha
Gautama tells Shrenika how Lavana and Ankusha were once the princes Priyankara and Hitankara of Kakandi, and how their mother in that life was reborn as their teacher Siddhartha.
7 points

Arc 11 Parvas 109 to 118

The Great Renunciations

Sita becomes an aryika and rises to heaven, Lakshmana's sons and Hanuman renounce the world, and when two gods test the brothers' love, Lakshmana dies of grief. Rama wanders with his brother's body until the gods awaken him.

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Parva 109
Sita's Austerities and King Madhu's Renunciation
After sixty-two years of fierce penance the aryika Sita dies in samadhi and is reborn as Pratindra of the Achyuta heaven, whose Indra, Gautama reveals, was once King Madhu of Ayodhya.
12 points
Parva 110
The Renunciation of Lakshmana's Eight Princes
When two princesses choose Lavana and Ankusha at a svayamvara, Lakshmana's eight chief princes calm their angry brothers, turn away from the world and take diksha, finally reaching nirvana.
10 points
Parva 111
Bhamandala Struck Dead by Lightning
Forever putting off renunciation for a few more days of pleasure, Bhamandala is killed in his sleep by a bolt of lightning.
6 points
Parva 112
Hanuman Turns Away from World, Body and Pleasures
Returning from worship at the eternal temples of Mount Sumeru, Hanuman sees a star fall in the night sky and resolves to give up kingdom, queens and pleasures for the path of the Jinas.
10 points
Parva 113
Hanuman Takes Diksha and Attains Nirvana
Hanuman crowns his son, takes diksha from the sky-walking sage Dharmaratna along with seven hundred and fifty kings, and after fierce austerities attains nirvana on Tungigiri.
8 points
Parva 114
Indra's Sermon to the Gods and the Talk of Rama's Love
In the court of heaven, Saudharma Indra preaches devotion to the Jina and declares that Rama, wise as he is, cannot renounce the world because his love for Lakshmana is the strongest of all bonds.
9 points
Parva 115
Lakshmana's Death and the Renunciation of Lavana and Ankusha
Two gods test the brothers' love with a false report of Rama's death, Lakshmana dies of grief on the instant, and Lavana and Ankusha renounce the world.
8 points
Parva 116
Rama's Lament for Lakshmana
Refusing to believe Lakshmana is dead, Rama carries his brother's body day and night and pours out his grief, begging him to wake.
7 points
Parva 117
Vibhishana Counsels the Grieving Rama
The Vidyadhara kings gather in Ayodhya, and Vibhishana preaches on the certainty of death and urges Rama to give up Lakshmana's body, but Rama cannot let go.
7 points
Parva 118
Rama Awakened by the Gods and Lakshmana's Cremation
The souls of Kritantavaktra and Jatayu come down from heaven, rout Rama's enemies and shock him out of his delusion, and Rama at last cremates Lakshmana and resolves to renounce the world.
13 points

Arc 12 Parvas 119 to 123

Rama's Liberation

Rama takes diksha from the sage Suvrata, keeps fierce austerities, withstands the trial sent by Sita's soul from heaven, attains Kevala Jnana and finally moksha, while Sita's soul travels to hell to awaken Lakshmana and Ravana.

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Parva 119
Rama Takes Diksha from the Sage Suvrata
Rama crowns his grandson, takes diksha from the sage Suvrata together with more than sixteen thousand kings, and wanders alone as a monk, untouched by attachment.
9 points
Parva 120
Muni Rama's Alms Round and Return to the Forest
Muni Rama comes to Nandasthali for alms, but when the king's men claim him for the palace and turn the people away, he treats it as an obstacle and returns to the forest without food.
7 points
Parva 121
Muni Rama Receives Alms in the Forest
Keeping a vow to take alms only in the forest, Rama is fed by King Pratinandi and Queen Prabhava beside a forest lake, and the gods shower the five wonders.
6 points
Parva 122
Sita's Soul Tests Rama, and Rama Attains Kevala Jnana
Meditating on the Kotishila, Rama stays unmoved by the illusions of Sita's soul, come down from heaven to tempt him, and attains Kevala Jnana.
9 points
Parva 123
Sita's Soul Awakens Lakshmana and Ravana; Rama Attains Liberation
The god who was Sita descends to the third hell to awaken Lakshmana, Ravana and Shambuka, hears from the Kevali Rama the future of every soul, and Rama, at the end of his life, becomes a Siddha.
9 points