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Reading Notes: PDE Ramayana Part A

I liked the vivid description of the the places in the plot: now the capital of Koshala was Ayodhya, which shone in splendour like to Indra's celestial city; it had wide streets with large dwellings, richly decorated temples, towering like mountains, and grand and noble palaces. It made me feel as if I'm in the place looking around the beautiful surroundings.


Additional description of the capital city Ayodhya relly attracted my attention: In the palace gardens there were numerous birds and flowers, shady groves of fruit trees, and lakes gemmed with bee-loved lotuses; the soft winds were wont to beat back the white water-blooms from the honey bees as coy maidens are withheld by the impulses of modesty from their eager lovers. Birds disported on the gleaming lakes, kingfishers were angered to behold themselves mirrored in the depths, thinking they gazed upon rivals, and ruffled the waters with their flapping wings.


It sounds as if this place is an epitome of Heaven. I also like the story plot of the Ramayana mythology.


Several demons were made on purpose; each demon has different role to play: Brahma rendered him invulnerable to gods and demons, with the result that the demon made Yama, god of death, his slave, and put Agni and Vayu, and the sun and moon, under subjection; indeed, he oppressed all the gods and obstructed sacrifices and despoiled the brahmins.




The best part of the plot that I have found the most fascinating was its the mission-driven purpose of Ramayana gods: "Be not afraid, for I shall deliver you all. Ravana entreated Brahma for protection against all beings save the apes and men. Go therefore towards the earth, ye gods, and assume the guise of apes, and lo! I will divide myself into four parts and be born as the four sons of Maharajah Dasharatha. When I shall battle against Ravana, you will hasten to mine aid.”


They seem to have different reasons for existence. Some gods exist to protect humans and animals. Other gods are fighters who defeat and deter away demons and enemies attempts to persuade and rule humans.


In addition, this story of PDE Ramayana certainly has a theme of luxury. This vivid description of look and aura of Vishvamitra was meant to bring awe and glorify the appearance of one of the most important Ramayana characters.

Vishvamitra led the way; the two brothers, carrying their bows and swords, wearing splendid jewels and gloves of lizard-skin upon their fingers, followed Vishvamitra like glorious flames, making him bright with the reflection of their own radiance. 












Hanuman, Rama, and Lakshmana fight Ravana. Source: Fighting of gods




Bibliography:

M. Dutt, R. Dutt, Gould, Griffith, Hodgson, Mackenzie, Nivedita, Oman, Richardson, and Ryder.
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