The Ramayana: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1972

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Summary

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 2

Chapters 3-5

Chapters 6-8

Chapter 9-Epilogue

Key Figures

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

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Discussion Questions

Chapters 6-8Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 6 Summary: “Vali”

At the start of this chapter, Narayan introduces the idea of Rama as an imperfect being, one who shoots at and destroys an innocent. In this chapter, which is one of the most “controversial” in the entire epic, Narayan explains that four characters interact in the region of Kiskinda, which is a monkey kingdom. These four characters are Vali, Sugreeva, Hanuman, and Rama.

In search of Sita, Rama and Lakshmana enter the monkey kingdom of Kiskinda. Hanuman is the giant monkey who helps Sugreeva, and he observes Rama and Lakshmana cross into Kiskinda. Hanuman takes the form of a young scholar to watch them more closely. Hanuman approaches Rama and Lakshmana, admiring their noble appearance despite the tree bark clothing, and he welcomes them on behalf of Sugreeva. Lakshmana introduces them as the sons of Dasaratha of Ayodhya, and when Hanuman hears their story, he throws himself at the feet of Rama and returns to his original form. Hanuman goes to find Sugreeva, and when Rama meets the monkey, he is overcome with sympathy for Sugreeva, who, like Rama, has also been exiled and has lost his wife. Hanuman tells Sugreeva’s story.

Sugreeva has an elder brother named Vali, whose strength is “unlimited.” Vali worships Shiva, who has blessed Vali with his incredible speed, strength, and resilience. Vali is the king of Kiskinda, and the kingdom was happy under his leadership until a demon named Mayavi challenged Vali to a fight. Vali left to pursue Mayavi down a cavern when Mayavi fled Vali’s power, and before he followed Mayavi, Vali left his brother Sugreeva responsible for the kingdom. After 28 months, the elders and sages of Kiskinda presumed that Vali had died, and Sugreeva became the ruler of Kiskinda. The elders decided to block the entrance to the cavern to ensure that Mayavi could not attack Sugreeva.

When Vali finally returns to Kiskinda, having destroyed Mayavi, he is enraged that a blockade interfered with his progress home. Sugreeva tries to explain to Vali why the cavern was blocked, but Vali believes that they tried to “entomb” him, and he attempts to kill Sugreeva. Sugreeva escapes to Mount Matanga, where he is safe, but he cannot leave the mountain because Vali has promised to destroy him. As Sugreeva lives in exile, Vali rules Kiskinda, having taken Sugreeva’s wife as his own.

After hearing Sugreeva’s story, Rama promises to help him. Sugreeva consults Hanuman, who believes that Rama is the incarnation of Vishnu and that Rama is truly capable of helping them. Sugreeva asks Rama for proof of his archery skills, and Rama’s prowess is so impressive, Sugreeva feels he is “in the presence of a savior” (95). Rama notices a pile of bones and asks Sugreeva about them. Sugreeva tells him the story of the bones.

The bones belong to a demonic monster named Dundubi, who had the shape of a buffalo and the desire to engage in war at all times. He sought out Vishnu and Shiva and was advised to see Vali, “the only one who can fulfill your ambition” (95). Dundubi followed this advice, and Vali gored the demon buffalo to death with his own head. This pile of bones is where Dundubi’s carcass landed after Vali flung him into the air.

Lakshmana moved the bones as Sugreeva tells Rama that, “long ago,” he saw Ravana flying in the sky with Sita. He gives Rama a bundle of Sita’s jewelry that she flung to the ground as she was flying over. Rama weeps at the sight of the jewels, which remind him of his inability to protect his wife. Hanuman advises Rama that the first step toward finding Sita involves killing Vali, and Rama agrees. Sugreeva challenges Vali to battle, amusing Vali. Vali’s wife, Tara, warns Vali that Sugreeva must have some force on his side to make such a challenge, but Vali reminds her that he has all the strength and power he needs to overwhelm his brother. Tara tells Vali that Rama has joined with Sugreeva, but Vali refuses to worry, and he doubles in size in preparation for violence.

Rama and Lakshmana discuss the impending fight between the monkey brothers, and as Rama advises Lakshmana that they keep an open mind, Vali and Sugreeva begin to fight. As Sugreeva weakens, Rama asks him to wear a garland of flowers around his neck so that Rama will not mistake him for his brother when he intervenes; Rama successfully shoots an arrow into Vali’s heart, and Vali resists death with such fervor that even Yama, the god of death, is impressed. Vali pulls the arrow out from his chest and sees Rama’s name on it, marveling at his lessening strength. Vali chastises Rama for the attack, calling into question Rama’s virtue and motivation in killing him; Vali says to Rama that had Rama only asked, he would have “plucked Ravana from his citadel and flung him at your feet” (101). Rama defends himself calmly, listing Vali’s dishonorable behaviors and hypocrisy, explaining that Rama’s duty is to protect anyone who needs his assistance. Vali tries to defend his theft of Sugreeva’s wife by saying it is “legitimate” to do so in monkey society, but Rama points out that Vali is “begotten by the chief of the gods” and not actually an animal (103). Lakshmana steps in to take his brother’s side in the argument, supporting Rama’s decision to shoot Vali “unseen,” and Vali finally accepts that Rama has not been “unrighteous” in his behavior. In fact, Vali believes that Rama has treated Vali as a more elevated being, rather than a mere monkey, and he begs Rama to treat his brother Sugreeva with kindness. As Vali dies, he tells Rama that Hanuman will obey Rama in all matters. As well, in his last moments, Vali credits Sugreeva with enabling him to access “salvation” and gives advice to Sugreeva regarding his role as the ruler of Kiskinda. Though Tara mourns the death of her husband, Vali’s spirit finds a place in heaven as Sugreeva is crowned king of Kiskinda.

Chapter 7 Summary: “When the Rains Cease”

After Sugreeva’s coronation, the king finds Rama to tell him of his willingness to serve him. Rama gives Sugreeva advice, reminding him to be gentle with his words and to be careful about “surrender[ing] one’s own judgment to another—especially out of love” (106), before turning down the offer to come to Sugreeva’s palace as a guest. Sugreeva is disappointed, but Rama is firm, recognizing that he is unable to enjoy luxury while he is in exile. Rama tells Hanuman to help Sugreeva first and to come to Rama, with an army, four months after the rains have stopped.

Lakshmana builds an ashram for Rama, and they live in the structure together while the rains fall. Rama’s mood suffers during the rainy season; he feels isolated and heartsick, and he scolds the god of love, Manmatha, for the acts of “torture” that cause him such melancholy. Lakshmana tries to soothe his brother and offer encouragement, and thanks to him, Rama endures the second set of rains.

When the rains stop and “nature’s traffic resume[s]” (109), Rama is quick to act. When, after four months, Sugreeva has failed to deliver on his promise, Rama feels forgotten and orders Lakshmana to find Sugreeva and to tell him that he must help them find Sita or else “we will not hesitate to destroy every monkey in this world, so that that tribe will become unknown to future generations” (110). Lakshmana leaves on his mission, determined and serious. When he arrives at Sugreeva’s sumptuous palace, messengers report to Vali’s son, Angada, that Sugreeva is unable to meet Lakshmana; he is in a “daze of ecstasy” (111), drunk on wine and surrounded by “beauties.” Angada tries to speak to his uncle, but he is unsuccessful, so he finds Hanuman and his mother, Tara, who is angered by Sugreeva’s failure to help Rama. The residents of Kiskinda lock themselves away from Lakshmana, but he kicks the gates down and pauses outside; Tara greets him kindly, reminding Lakshmana of his mother and stepmother. Tara tells Lakshmana that Sugreeva has not forgotten Rama and that an army is being mobilized at this moment. Lakshmana addresses Hanuman, whose humble grace is so sincere, it defuses Lakshmana’s impatience.

Finally, Angada is able to talk with his uncle Sugreeva, who admits his drunkenness and the consequences of overindulging. Sugreeva promises never to drink “any intoxicant” ever again and makes festive plans in celebration Lakshmana’s arrival. Lakshmana refuses all special treatment, explaining that Rama must subsist on very little while in exile, and so must he.

Finally, Lakshmana and Sugreeva leave for Rama’s ashram, and there, Rama greets Sugreeva happily while the monkey king seeks forgiveness. Together, the three leaders devise a plan to rescue Sita. Before Hanuman and Angada depart for the south, Rama tells Hanuman that he will recognize Sita by her beautiful feet and ruby-red toenails and to earn her trust by reminding her of the first time she saw Rama and by giving her Rama’s own ring.

Hanuman and Angada travel into the mouth of a cavern, and they encounter a woman sitting in meditation. She is a goddess who has made a mistake and must live underground alone, “precisely until this moment” (118). Hanuman helps her to escape her prison before they continue their journey. At the southernmost point, there is still no sign of Sita; they see the ocean and feel they have failed Rama. Hanuman reminds Angada and the elders in their party that they have not yet battled for Sita and that Jatayu died fighting Ravana, so there is more to be done before they give up. At this moment, Sampathi, the elder brother of Jatayu flies to them, asking what happened to Jatayu. Hanuman tells him the story, and Sampathi explains that Ravana has taken Sita across the sea, farther south into Lanka. Hanuman takes the form of a giant and contemplates the right moment to step across the sea onto the land of Lanka.

Chapter 8 Summary: “Memento from Rama”

As soon as Hanuman sets foot on Lanka, he shrinks down to become “unnoticeable.” He searches all over the city, and he observes women languishing in their homes, no longer the favorites of Ravana. In one palatial home, he sees a beautiful woman in luxurious surroundings. Hanuman thinks she must be Sita, and he grows emotional at the thought of Rama suffering in the forest while his wife lives in richness, “perhaps after yielding herself to Ravana” (121). Later, Hanuman believes he has made a mistake; the woman is beautiful, but he observes “coarseness” in her features and soon realizes that she is Mandodari, the wife of Ravana. Hanuman moves on from Ravana’s palace, seeking Sita elsewhere, and he finds her at Asoka Vana, Ravana’s beautiful park land retreat. Sita is surrounded by tormentors who try to break her spirit, but she is brave in her fear. Hanuman observers Ravana himself approaching Sita, intimidating her and persuading her to become his “prime mistress.” She refuses, impressing Hanuman with her courage and steadfastness. When Ravana leaves Sita, he is enraged.

Hanuman carefully approaches Sita and shows her Rama’s ring, explaining who he is and why he is there with her. She gives Hanuman a piece of jewelry to give to Rama. Hanuman destroys as much of Lanka’s natural landscape as possible so that his visit to Lanka will be “noticed,” and Ravana’s army captures Hanuman and brings him to Ravana. Hanuman tells Ravana about Rama and warns him about the inevitable destruction that will follow if he does not “change his ways” (123), but Ravana is unconvinced and orders Hanuman’s death. Ravana’s brother saves Hanuman’s life, expressing concern at the decision to destroy a “messenger,” and instead, Ravana lights Hanuman’s tail on fire. When Hanuman escapes, his tail causes the city to catch on fire, and Hanuman leaves Lanka to return to Rama only when the entire capital is burned.

Chapters 6-8 Analysis

These chapters concern the development of Rama’s relationship with Sugreeva and Hanuman, the leaders of the monkeys who are destined to assist Rama in the destruction of Ravana. As Narayan points out, the episode in which Rama kills Vali, with whom he has no personal problem, is controversial. From one angle, Rama has killed an innocent undeservedly as a result of trusting someone who may not be trustworthy. From another angle, Rama has simply followed through on his promise to fulfill his duty to anyone who seeks his help; Sugreeva, though shifty and complex, has sought Rama’s help, an act that positions him closer to Rama than Vali. The relationship between Sugreeva and Vali is complicated, as their history demonstrates, and Rama applies his wisdom about family relationships to his decision to support Sugreeva. As Rama explains to Lakshmana, whom Sugreeva makes uneasy, relationships between brothers are not always as smooth as their own. Rama’s acknowledgment of the potential for brothers to struggle with one another enhances the theme of filial ties by revealing what can happen when family relationships go wrong.

The characters of Angada, who is Vali’s son, and Hanuman prove to the reader that Rama made the right decision to trust Sugreeva. Angada proves to be a loyal leader to Rama, despite the fact that Rama killed his father; Angada’s ability to move past this injury allows the reader and the audience to do the same. Though Rama’s decision to kill Vali is controversial, his son’s forgiveness shows that Rama’s decision is forgivable and that Rama can continue to be understood as the perfectly imperfect human version of the god Vishnu.

The character of Hanuman continues to develop in these chapters, and with every tale involving Hanuman’s skill and strength, his magnificence becomes more apparent. Hanuman’s legendary leap from the mainland across the seas to Lanka and his clever use of his tail that has been lit on fire to destroy enemy territories reveal that he is a formidable force in his own right. Hanuman’s devotion to Rama proves that his prodigious talents are worthy only of an individual as good and virtuous as Rama.

In these chapters, tension mounts as the battle between good and evil approaches. Sita’s own battle with Ravana’s tormentors hints that good will triumph; she bravely resists the tormentors, no matter how intimidating they behave, and her purity of courage and heart prove her loyalty to Rama. Hanuman’s appearance as Rama’s messenger and her immediate trust in him predict Hanuman’s later role as Rama’s most loyal advisor at court once he is restored to the throne of Ayodhya.