The Jain Ramayana of Acharya Ravishena
The Story
In the Jain telling, Rama is Padma, the eighth Baladeva, and his life is told by Gautama Ganadhara in answer to King Shrenika's questions. Follow it here in twelve movements, from the first dynasties and the rise of Ravana to the war of Lanka, Sita's ordeal of fire and Rama's liberation.
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.
Main points
- Parva 1: The Prelude: Invocation and Outline of the Story
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.
- Parva 2: The Great Section on the State of the World
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.
- Parva 3: Description of the Vidyadhara World
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.
- Parva 4: Lord Rishabhadeva’s Wanderings in Search of Alms
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.
- Parva 5: The Great Section on the Origin of the Clans
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.
Chapters in this part
- Parva 1 The Prelude: Invocation and Outline of the Story
- Parva 2 The Great Section on the State of the World
- Parva 3 Description of the Vidyadhara World
- Parva 4 Lord Rishabhadeva’s Wanderings in Search of Alms
- Parva 5 The Great Section on the Origin of the Clans
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.
Main points
- Parva 6: The Origin of the Vanara Dynasty
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.
- Parva 7: The Birth of Ravana and His Mastery of the Vidyas
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.
- Parva 8: Dashanana's Family and a Glimpse of His Glory
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.
- Parva 9: The Account of Bali Muni
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.
- Parva 10: The Tale of King Sugriva and Queen Sutara
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.
- Parva 11: The Destruction of King Marutta's Sacrifice and Ravana's Conquest of the Directions
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.
- Parva 12: The Defeat of the Vidyadhara Indra
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.
- Parva 13: The Nirvana of the Vidyadhara Indra
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.
- Parva 14: The Dharma Sermon of Anantavirya Kevali
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.
Chapters in this part
- Parva 6 The Origin of the Vanara Dynasty
- Parva 7 The Birth of Ravana and His Mastery of the Vidyas
- Parva 8 Dashanana's Family and a Glimpse of His Glory
- Parva 9 The Account of Bali Muni
- Parva 10 The Tale of King Sugriva and Queen Sutara
- Parva 11 The Destruction of King Marutta's Sacrifice and Ravana's Conquest of the Directions
- Parva 12 The Defeat of the Vidyadhara Indra
- Parva 13 The Nirvana of the Vidyadhara Indra
- Parva 14 The Dharma Sermon of Anantavirya Kevali
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.
Main points
- Parva 15: The Marriage of Anjanasundari and Prince Pavananjaya
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.
- Parva 16: The Reunion of Anjana and Prince Pavananjaya
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.
- Parva 17: Anjana's Pregnancy Revealed and Her Banishment by Her Mother-in-Law
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.
- Parva 18: Pavananjaya Returns from War and Searches for Anjana
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.
- Parva 19: Hanuman Goes to War, Wins Victory and Marries Many Maidens
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.
Chapters in this part
- Parva 15 The Marriage of Anjanasundari and Prince Pavananjaya
- Parva 16 The Reunion of Anjana and Prince Pavananjaya
- Parva 17 Anjana's Pregnancy Revealed and Her Banishment by Her Mother-in-Law
- Parva 18 Pavananjaya Returns from War and Searches for Anjana
- Parva 19 Hanuman Goes to War, Wins Victory and Marries Many Maidens
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.
Main points
- Parva 20: The Previous Births of the Sixty-Three Shalaka Purushas
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.
- Parva 21: The Lineage of Shri Ramachandra
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.
- Parva 22: Sukaushala Takes Diksha and Attains the Goal Through a Terrible Ordeal
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.
- Parva 23: Ravana's Fear of Death Through Dasharatha's Son and Janaka's Daughter, and Its Resolution
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.
- Parva 24: The Marriage of Dasharatha and Kaikeyi
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.
- Parva 25: The Birth and Education of Rama, Lakshmana and Their Brothers
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.
- Parva 26: The Birth of Bhamandala and Sita to King Janaka
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.
- Parva 27: Rama and Lakshmana Defeat the Mleccha King
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.
- Parva 28: Sita's Svayamvara and Her Marriage to Rama
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.
- Parva 29: King Dasharatha Hears the Dharma
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.
Chapters in this part
- Parva 20 The Previous Births of the Sixty-Three Shalaka Purushas
- Parva 21 The Lineage of Shri Ramachandra
- Parva 22 Sukaushala Takes Diksha and Attains the Goal Through a Terrible Ordeal
- Parva 23 Ravana's Fear of Death Through Dasharatha's Son and Janaka's Daughter, and Its Resolution
- Parva 24 The Marriage of Dasharatha and Kaikeyi
- Parva 25 The Birth and Education of Rama, Lakshmana and Their Brothers
- Parva 26 The Birth of Bhamandala and Sita to King Janaka
- Parva 27 Rama and Lakshmana Defeat the Mleccha King
- Parva 28 Sita's Svayamvara and Her Marriage to Rama
- Parva 29 King Dasharatha Hears the Dharma
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.
Main points
- Parva 30: The Reunion with Bhamandala
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.
- Parva 31: King Dasharatha Hears of His Past Lives and Turns Away from the World
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.
- Parva 32: Rama and Lakshmana Go to the Forest, and Bharata Is Crowned
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.
- Parva 33: The Story of Vajrakarna's Vow
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.
- Parva 34: The Story of Balikhilya
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.
- Parva 35: The Story of Kapila the Brahmin
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.
- Parva 36: Lakshmana Wins Vanamala
Lakshmana Wins Vanamala
Lakshmana saves Princess Vanamala of Vijayapura from hanging herself for love of him, and her father Prithvidhara joyfully welcomes the exiles.
- Parva 37: Ativirya Marches against Bharata, Is Humbled by Rama and Lakshmana, and Takes Diksha
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.
- Parva 38: Lakshmana Wins Jitapadma
Lakshmana Wins Jitapadma
At Kshemanjali, Lakshmana catches all five shaktis hurled by King Shatrudamana and wins the hand of the proud princess Jitapadma.
- Parva 39: The Story of the Monks Deshabhushana and Kulabhushana
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.
- Parva 40: Rama Arrives on Ramagiri
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.
- Parva 41: The Account of the Bird Jatayu
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.
- Parva 42: Rama Dwells in the Dandaka Forest
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.
- Parva 43: Ravana's Nephew Shambuka Seeks the Suryahasa Sword and Dies by Lakshmana's Hand
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.
Chapters in this part
- Parva 30 The Reunion with Bhamandala
- Parva 31 King Dasharatha Hears of His Past Lives and Turns Away from the World
- Parva 32 Rama and Lakshmana Go to the Forest, and Bharata Is Crowned
- Parva 33 The Story of Vajrakarna's Vow
- Parva 34 The Story of Balikhilya
- Parva 35 The Story of Kapila the Brahmin
- Parva 36 Lakshmana Wins Vanamala
- Parva 37 Ativirya Marches against Bharata, Is Humbled by Rama and Lakshmana, and Takes Diksha
- Parva 38 Lakshmana Wins Jitapadma
- Parva 39 The Story of the Monks Deshabhushana and Kulabhushana
- Parva 40 Rama Arrives on Ramagiri
- Parva 41 The Account of the Bird Jatayu
- Parva 42 Rama Dwells in the Dandaka Forest
- Parva 43 Ravana's Nephew Shambuka Seeks the Suryahasa Sword and Dies by Lakshmana's Hand
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.
Main points
- Parva 44: Ravana Abducts Sita, and Rama Laments
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.
- Parva 45: Rama's Grief at Separation from Sita
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.
- Parva 46: The Illusory Rampart of Lanka
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.
- Parva 47: The Slaying of Sahasagati
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.
- Parva 48: Lakshmana Lifts the Kotishila, Proving Himself the Narayana
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.
- Parva 49: Hanuman Sets Out for Lanka
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.
- Parva 50: Hanuman's Battle and Reunion with His Grandfather, King Mahendra
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.
- Parva 51: Rama Receives the Daughters of King Gandharva
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.
- Parva 52: Hanuman Wins Lankasundari
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.
- Parva 53: Hanuman Meets Sita in Lanka and Lays the City Waste
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.
Chapters in this part
- Parva 44 Ravana Abducts Sita, and Rama Laments
- Parva 45 Rama's Grief at Separation from Sita
- Parva 46 The Illusory Rampart of Lanka
- Parva 47 The Slaying of Sahasagati
- Parva 48 Lakshmana Lifts the Kotishila, Proving Himself the Narayana
- Parva 49 Hanuman Sets Out for Lanka
- Parva 50 Hanuman's Battle and Reunion with His Grandfather, King Mahendra
- Parva 51 Rama Receives the Daughters of King Gandharva
- Parva 52 Hanuman Wins Lankasundari
- Parva 53 Hanuman Meets Sita in Lanka and Lays the City Waste
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.
Main points
- Parva 54: Rama and Lakshmana March on Lanka
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.
- Parva 55: Vibhishana Joins Rama and Lakshmana
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.
- Parva 56: The Strength of the Armies of Rama and Ravana
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.
- Parva 57: Ravana Marches to War with All His Forces
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.
- Parva 58: The Deaths of Hasta and Prahasta in Battle
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.
- Parva 59: The Past Lives of Hasta and Prahasta and of Nala and Nila
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.
- Parva 60: Rama and Lakshmana Gain Many Vidyas
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.
- Parva 61: Sugriva and Bhamandala Freed from the Serpent Noose
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.
- Parva 62: Lakshmana Struck by Ravana's Shakti Falls Senseless to the Earth
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.
- Parva 63: Rama's Lament over the Senseless Lakshmana
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.
- Parva 64: The Remedy for the Shakti and Vishalya's Past Lives
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.
- Parva 65: Vishalya Comes to Rama's Camp and Lakshmana Is Freed of the Shakti
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.
- Parva 66: Ravana Sends an Envoy to Rama
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.
- Parva 67: Ravana Arranges Worship in the Shantinatha Temple to Master the Bahurupini Vidya
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.
- Parva 68: The Siddhachakra Vow Observed in Lanka during the Ashtahnika Festival
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.
- Parva 69: Ravana Commands the People to Keep Vows during the Ashtahnika Festival
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.
- Parva 70: Ravana's Vidya Sadhana and the Havoc Wrought in Lanka by the Vanara Princes
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.
- Parva 71: Ravana Masters the Bahurupini Vidya
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.
- Parva 72: Ravana's Renewed Resolve for War
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.
- Parva 73: Mandodari Pleads Against the War and Ravana Will Not Yield
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.
- Parva 74: Ravana's Battle with Rama and Lakshmana
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.
- Parva 75: Ravana Hurls the Chakra at Lakshmana, and It Circles Him and Comes to His Hand
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.
- Parva 76: The Great Battle of Rama and Lakshmana with Ravana, and Ravana's Death
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.
Chapters in this part
- Parva 54 Rama and Lakshmana March on Lanka
- Parva 55 Vibhishana Joins Rama and Lakshmana
- Parva 56 The Strength of the Armies of Rama and Ravana
- Parva 57 Ravana Marches to War with All His Forces
- Parva 58 The Deaths of Hasta and Prahasta in Battle
- Parva 59 The Past Lives of Hasta and Prahasta and of Nala and Nila
- Parva 60 Rama and Lakshmana Gain Many Vidyas
- Parva 61 Sugriva and Bhamandala Freed from the Serpent Noose
- Parva 62 Lakshmana Struck by Ravana's Shakti Falls Senseless to the Earth
- Parva 63 Rama's Lament over the Senseless Lakshmana
- Parva 64 The Remedy for the Shakti and Vishalya's Past Lives
- Parva 65 Vishalya Comes to Rama's Camp and Lakshmana Is Freed of the Shakti
- Parva 66 Ravana Sends an Envoy to Rama
- Parva 67 Ravana Arranges Worship in the Shantinatha Temple to Master the Bahurupini Vidya
- Parva 68 The Siddhachakra Vow Observed in Lanka during the Ashtahnika Festival
- Parva 69 Ravana Commands the People to Keep Vows during the Ashtahnika Festival
- Parva 70 Ravana's Vidya Sadhana and the Havoc Wrought in Lanka by the Vanara Princes
- Parva 71 Ravana Masters the Bahurupini Vidya
- Parva 72 Ravana's Renewed Resolve for War
- Parva 73 Mandodari Pleads Against the War and Ravana Will Not Yield
- Parva 74 Ravana's Battle with Rama and Lakshmana
- Parva 75 Ravana Hurls the Chakra at Lakshmana, and It Circles Him and Comes to His Hand
- Parva 76 The Great Battle of Rama and Lakshmana with Ravana, and Ravana's Death
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.
Main points
- Parva 77: Vibhishana and the Queens Mourn Ravana
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.
- Parva 78: Indrajit, Meghanada and Mandodari Take Diksha
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.
- Parva 79: Rama and Sita Reunited
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.
- Parva 80: Six Years in Lanka and the Tale of Muni Maya
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.
- Parva 81: Kaushalya's Grief and Narada's Message
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.
- Parva 82: Rama and Lakshmana Return to Ayodhya
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.
- Parva 83: Rama's Splendour, Bharata's Detachment and the Elephant Trailokyamandana
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.
- Parva 84: The Elephant Trailokyamandana Falls Silent
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.
- Parva 85: The Past Lives of Bharata and the Elephant
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.
- Parva 86: Bharata and Kaikeyi Take Diksha
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.
- Parva 87: The Elephant Rises to Heaven and Bharata Attains Nirvana
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.
- Parva 88: The Coronation of Rama and Lakshmana
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.
Chapters in this part
- Parva 77 Vibhishana and the Queens Mourn Ravana
- Parva 78 Indrajit, Meghanada and Mandodari Take Diksha
- Parva 79 Rama and Sita Reunited
- Parva 80 Six Years in Lanka and the Tale of Muni Maya
- Parva 81 Kaushalya's Grief and Narada's Message
- Parva 82 Rama and Lakshmana Return to Ayodhya
- Parva 83 Rama's Splendour, Bharata's Detachment and the Elephant Trailokyamandana
- Parva 84 The Elephant Trailokyamandana Falls Silent
- Parva 85 The Past Lives of Bharata and the Elephant
- Parva 86 Bharata and Kaikeyi Take Diksha
- Parva 87 The Elephant Rises to Heaven and Bharata Attains Nirvana
- Parva 88 The Coronation of Rama and Lakshmana
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.
Main points
- Parva 89: Shatrughna Conquers Mathura and King Madhu Renounces
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.
- Parva 90: Chamarendra Strikes the People of Mathura with Calamity
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.
- Parva 91: Shatrughna's Past Lives and His Love for Mathura
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.
- Parva 92: The Seven Sages Lift the Calamity of Mathura
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.
- Parva 93: Rama Wins Shridama and Lakshmana Wins Manorama
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.
- Parva 94: The Splendour and Family of Rama and Lakshmana
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.
- Parva 95: Sita Conceives and Longs to Worship the Jina
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.
- Parva 96: Public Slander against Sita and Rama's Anguish
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.
- Parva 97: Sita Abandoned in the Forest for Fear of Slander
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.
- Parva 98: Vajrajangha Finds Sita in the Forest and Consoles Her
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.
- Parva 99: Sita Goes to Pundarikapura and Rama Grieves for Her
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.
Chapters in this part
- Parva 89 Shatrughna Conquers Mathura and King Madhu Renounces
- Parva 90 Chamarendra Strikes the People of Mathura with Calamity
- Parva 91 Shatrughna's Past Lives and His Love for Mathura
- Parva 92 The Seven Sages Lift the Calamity of Mathura
- Parva 93 Rama Wins Shridama and Lakshmana Wins Manorama
- Parva 94 The Splendour and Family of Rama and Lakshmana
- Parva 95 Sita Conceives and Longs to Worship the Jina
- Parva 96 Public Slander against Sita and Rama's Anguish
- Parva 97 Sita Abandoned in the Forest for Fear of Slander
- Parva 98 Vajrajangha Finds Sita in the Forest and Consoles Her
- Parva 99 Sita Goes to Pundarikapura and Rama Grieves for Her
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.
Main points
- Parva 100: The Birth and Boyhood of Lavana and Ankusha
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.
- Parva 101: The World Conquest of Lavana and Ankusha
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.
- Parva 102: Lavana and Ankusha March on Ayodhya
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.
- Parva 103: Lavana and Ankusha Meet Rama and Lakshmana
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.
- Parva 104: The Fire Ordeal Decreed and the Gods Come to Sakalabhushana Kevali
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.
- Parva 105: The Fire Becomes a Lake and Rama Hears the Dharma from the Kevali
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.
- Parva 106: The Past Lives of Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, Ravana and Their Allies
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.
- Parva 107: Kritantavaktra Renounces the World
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.
- Parva 108: The Past Lives of Lavana and Ankusha
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.
Chapters in this part
- Parva 100 The Birth and Boyhood of Lavana and Ankusha
- Parva 101 The World Conquest of Lavana and Ankusha
- Parva 102 Lavana and Ankusha March on Ayodhya
- Parva 103 Lavana and Ankusha Meet Rama and Lakshmana
- Parva 104 The Fire Ordeal Decreed and the Gods Come to Sakalabhushana Kevali
- Parva 105 The Fire Becomes a Lake and Rama Hears the Dharma from the Kevali
- Parva 106 The Past Lives of Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, Ravana and Their Allies
- Parva 107 Kritantavaktra Renounces the World
- Parva 108 The Past Lives of Lavana and Ankusha
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.
Main points
- Parva 109: Sita's Austerities and King Madhu's Renunciation
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.
- Parva 110: The Renunciation of Lakshmana's Eight Princes
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.
- Parva 111: Bhamandala Struck Dead by Lightning
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.
- Parva 112: Hanuman Turns Away from World, Body and Pleasures
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.
- Parva 113: Hanuman Takes Diksha and Attains Nirvana
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.
- Parva 114: Indra's Sermon to the Gods and the Talk of Rama's Love
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.
- Parva 115: Lakshmana's Death and the Renunciation of Lavana and Ankusha
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.
- Parva 116: Rama's Lament for Lakshmana
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.
- Parva 117: Vibhishana Counsels the Grieving Rama
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.
- Parva 118: Rama Awakened by the Gods and Lakshmana's Cremation
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.
Chapters in this part
- Parva 109 Sita's Austerities and King Madhu's Renunciation
- Parva 110 The Renunciation of Lakshmana's Eight Princes
- Parva 111 Bhamandala Struck Dead by Lightning
- Parva 112 Hanuman Turns Away from World, Body and Pleasures
- Parva 113 Hanuman Takes Diksha and Attains Nirvana
- Parva 114 Indra's Sermon to the Gods and the Talk of Rama's Love
- Parva 115 Lakshmana's Death and the Renunciation of Lavana and Ankusha
- Parva 116 Rama's Lament for Lakshmana
- Parva 117 Vibhishana Counsels the Grieving Rama
- Parva 118 Rama Awakened by the Gods and Lakshmana's Cremation
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.
Main points
- Parva 119: Rama Takes Diksha from the Sage Suvrata
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.
- Parva 120: Muni Rama's Alms Round and Return to the Forest
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.
- Parva 121: Muni Rama Receives Alms in the Forest
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.
- Parva 122: Sita's Soul Tests Rama, and Rama Attains Kevala Jnana
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.
- Parva 123: Sita's Soul Awakens Lakshmana and Ravana; Rama Attains Liberation
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.
Chapters in this part
- Parva 119 Rama Takes Diksha from the Sage Suvrata
- Parva 120 Muni Rama's Alms Round and Return to the Forest
- Parva 121 Muni Rama Receives Alms in the Forest
- Parva 122 Sita's Soul Tests Rama, and Rama Attains Kevala Jnana
- Parva 123 Sita's Soul Awakens Lakshmana and Ravana; Rama Attains Liberation
Go deeper into the Padma Purana
Read every parva point by point, with the people and places that fill it, or see how the houses of Rama, Ravana, Sugriva and Hanuman are bound together in the family tree.