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The complete Ramayana TV Serial on 20 DVDs. Hindi Language with English subtitles.
Created by Ramanand Sagar.
Ramayan DVD Vol. 1
Curtain Raiser: The legendary TV serial Ramayan of approximately 45 hours is condensed into two curtain raisers of 30 minutes each. The best clips of Ramayan, strung together like pearls of wisdom, summarize India's ancient heritage and traditions:
- The significance and reasons of Shri Ram's birth
- The importance of Gurukul education
- The ideals of a King
- The Dharma of a Son, a Husband and a Brother
- The destruction of evil forces
- The sanctity of the purity of a Sati.
This condensed mini capsule of Sampoorna Ramayan in Curtain Raiser 1 and 2 can be viewed time and again for its wealth of Eastern wisdom and ideals that are timeless.
Episode 1 - Introduction: The saga of Ramayan Gods' Prayers to Lord Vishnu King Dashrath's yagna invoking blessings for a son Birth and childhood of Shri Ram
Episode 2: Childhood of Shri Ram. Thread Ceremony of Shri Ram. Fundamental education imparted to Shri Ram in Gurukul.
Episode 3: Continuation of Ram's education in Gurukul. Vedanta Invocating praises to Lord Shiv. Culmination of education in Gurukul.
Ramayan DVD Vol. 2
Episode 4: Return To Ayodhya. Vishwamitra requests King Dashrath for his son Ram to accompany him. Ram slays Tadka. Vishwamitra bestows divine weapons upon Ram. Warfare of Ram and Lakshman with Subahu and Mareech.
Episode 5: Shri Ram and Lakshman proceed to Mithila. Story of the origin of the Ganga. Redempion of Ahilya. Shri Ram and Lakshman walk through the streets of Mithila.
Episode 6: Lord Shri Ram meets Mother Sita. Janak welcomes Vishwamitra, Ram and Lakshman. Shri Ram and Lakshman serve Vishwamitra. Shri Ram and Sita behold one another in the royal garden.
Episode 7: Sita Swayamvar. Kings' efforts to lift the Shiv Dhanush Guru. Vishwamitra orders Shri Ram to go forth.
Episode 8: Shri Ram breaks the Shiv Dhanush. Sita garlands Ram. Parshuram arrives and admits defeat.
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Episode 9: Janak's message to King Dashrath. Marriage procession welcomed in Janakpuri. The four brothers are married to the daughters of Janak and his brother.
Episode 10: The event of the marriage of Shri Ram with Sita.
Episode 11: Janak's paternal affection for Sita Sita's departure from Mithila. The four daughters-in-law are welcomed in Ayodhya.
Episode 12: Departure of Guru Vishwamitra from Ayodhya. King Dashrath decides to appoint Shri Ram as his heir. Proclamation of this decision in town Manthra's opposition to the proclamation.
Episode 13: Celebrations mark the proclamation of Shri Ram as heir to the throne. Manthra provokes Kaikayee. Kaikayee gets into a rage.
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Episode 14: King Dashrath also gets into an angry state of mind. Kaikayee requests for two wishes. King Dasharath relents to his promise. Bharath is hailed as future king & Shri Ram is sent to forest in exile.
Episode 15: Journey to the forest. Sita & Lakshman also resolve to go to forest.
Episode 16: Journey to the forest. King Dasharath gets pertrubed and denounces Kaikayee as his wife. The Grief stricken people accompany Shri Ram's chariot. While the people are asleep, on the banks of Tamshe, Shri Ram leaves.
Episode 17: Shri Ram welcomed by Nishadraj. Shri Ram & Lakshman don the sages robes. A boat is arranged for crossing the Ganga.
Episode 18: After fulfilling the condition of Khibet, they cross the Ganga. They arrive at rishi Bhardwaj's ashram. They take leave of Nishadraj & proceed to Chitrakoot.
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Episode 19: Shri Ram & Lakshman in Valmiki's ashram. They build their hut in Chitrakoot. Their stay in Chitrakoot.
Episode 20: Sumant returns to Ayodhya alone. King Dasharath mourns the separation with his son. He remembers Shravan Kumar's father's curse. King Dasharath breathes his last.
Episode 21: In Nanihal, Bharath's premonition saddens him. Bharath & Shatrughan return to Ayodhya. On hearing about their fathers death, they are deeply shocked. Bharath develops deep hatred towards his mother Kaikayee and disowns her.
Episode 22: Bharath performs King Dasharath's last rites. Bharath rejects his coronation. Bharath decideds to crown Shri Ram in the forest and return with him.
Episode 23: Bharath & Shatrughan are accompanied by the gurus, the queens & the people of the forest. They reach the outskirts of the territory of Nishadraj. After meeting Muni Bharadwaj, they proceed to Chitrakoot.
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Episode 24: Lakshman gets angry on receiving the news of Bharaths arrival in the forest. Reunion of Shri Ram & Bharath. On hearing the sad news, Shri Ram mourns the death of his father. A meeting is held to persuade Shri Ram to return to Ayodhya.
Episode 25: In Chitrakoot, King Janak conducts a meeting to plead with Shri ram to return to Ayodhya. Bharath returns to Ayodhya with Shri Rams 'Paduka'.
Episode 26: Bharath also dons the sages robe & rules Ayodhya as Shri Rams representative. In Nandigram, Shri Rams Paduka is installed on the throne of Ayodhya.
Episode 27: Sita meets Atri & mother Anusuiya. Shri Ram, Lakshman & Sita arrive at Sage Sharbhang's ashram. Sage Sharbhang attains 'Moksha' (union woth God) after seeing Shri Ram.
Episode 28: In Dandakaranya, seeing the bones of the sages, Shri Ram vows to take revenge on the demons. Shri Ram meets Sage Sutikshna. Shri Ram meets Maharshi Agastya & receives divine weapons from him.
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Episode 29: First meeting with Jatayu. Shri Ram, Lakshman & Sita decide to stay in Panchavati. Shurpanaka's attempt to charm Shri Ram Lakshman cuts off Shurpanaka's nose.
Episode 30: Shurpanaka provokes her brothers, demons Khar & Dooshan. Single handed Shri Ram kills Khar & Dooshan & destroys their army. Shurpanaka laments in Ravans court.
Episode 31: Ravan decides to kidnap Sita. Mareech reluctantly becomes golden deer. Shri Ram, at Sitas behest, goes after the deer.
Episode 32: Mareech mimics Shri Rams voice & calls Lakshman. Sita compels Lakshman to go. Ravan kidnaps Sita. Shri Ram & Lakshman are upset.
Episode 33: Shri Ram & Lakshman meet wounded Jatayu. In Lanka, Ravan sends Sita to Ashoka Vatika.
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Episode 34: In forest Shri Ram kills Khabanda. Shri Ram & lakshman reach Shabaris ashram. Shabari is overwhelmed as she meets her Lord.
Episode 35: Sugriv notices two strangers & sends Hanuman. Hanuman recognizes Shri Ram and happily carries the two brothers to the top of the hill to Sugriv.
Episode 36: Freindship between Shri Ram & Sugriv. Shri Ram sees Sitas jewels & becomes emotional. He promises Vali for persecuting Sugriv.
Episode 37: Sugriv tells Shri Ram the cause of the misunderstanding.
Episode 38: Shri Ram convinces Sugriv of his strength & removes his doubts. Fight between Sugriv & Bali. Bali is killed by Shri Ram.
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Episode 39: Sugriv is repentant and in tears. Bali consoles him and tells him that his first and formost duty is to help Shri Ram find his consort. Tara, Bali's wife and Angad arrive. Tara falls on the ground and clasping Bali, sets up a wall of woe. Bali appeals to Shri Ram to protect Angad. Shri Ram consoles Tara and tells Sugriv and Hanuman to perform the last rites of Bali in a befitting manner. After the cremation, Shri Ram tells Lakshman to crown Sugrive. He then turns to Sugrive and says: "Go and take up the reins of the kingdom and crown Angad as the Yuvaraj."
Episode 40: After the coronation Sugriv and Angad come to Shri Ram for his blessings. Shri Ram suggests that the search for Sita should start after the monsoon. During the rains, Shri Ram broods over Sita's predicament and waits impatiently for the rain to stop. Meanwhile, in Kishkindha, Sugriv and his household indulge in merry-making. After the rains are over, Shri Ram asks Lakshman to go and remind Sugriv of his promise.
Episode 41: Lakshman enters Kishikindha in a fury. Angad goes and informs Hanuman who requests Tara to go and allay Lakshman's wrath. Tara is able to take away the edge of Lakshman's anger and Hanuman tells Lakshman that Sugriv has already issued orders for mobilising the warriors. Sugriv apologizes and accompanies Lakshman to pay his respects to Shri Ram. Even as Shri Ram is talking to Sugriv, great multitudes of vanaras arrive. Sugriv issues orders to send divisions of the army to the four corners of the earth. He sends Hanuman under the leadership of Angad to the south. As Hanuman touches the feet of Shri Ram, he gives him his ring and says: "I am ful of hope that you will discover Sita. This ring will tell her that you are my messenger.
Episode 42: Passing through a desert, fainting with hunger and thirst, Angad and others notice a cave from which birds come out with their wings wet. They conclude that there is water inside the cave. They enter the dark cave and reach a lovely grove with water and trees laden with fruits. They find Tapasvani Swamprabha, who tells them to have their fill as they have come on a noble mission. She even transports them to the sea-side by her tapes. There they meet Sampati, the older brother of Jatayu. Sampati, though old and weak, can see things very far off and tells them that Sita is in Lanka, a hundred yojan away across the sea. "But how to cross the sea?" The vanaras are worried and then Jamubant reminds Hanuman of his forgotten strength.
Episode 43: Jambubant reminds Hanuman of his dormant strength. Hanuman's figure begins to enlarge. From Mahendra Parbat he leaps and flies over the sea. On the way, he politely refuses Mainak's offer to rest and outwits Surasa. Suddenly he feels a mighty force dragging him down. It is Singhika who opens her mouth, thereby, drawing him in. Hanuman kills her and reaches Lanka. At the main gate he confronts Lankini, the guardian Goddess of Lanka. He defeats her, enters the city and searches high and low. Finally he learns that Sita is in Ashok Vatika.
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Episode 44: In Ashok Vatika, Hanuman hides in the branches of the tree under which Sita is seated. Ravan arrives and tries his best to coax Sita to accept him. Insulted by her refusal, Ravan draws his sword 'Chandrika' when Queen Mandodari stops him. Ravan gives Sita two months to make up her mind. As ordered by Ravan, the guards try to persuade Sita and even threaten her. Trijata, a female demon, who treated Sita as her own daughter, saves her from the other guards. As Hanuman finds Sita alone, he sings 'Ram Katha' from his hiding place. Sita looks around and Hanuman drops Shri Ram's ring in front of her. Hanuman comes down and assures Sita that since he has found out where she is, Shri Ram will come to her rescue without delay.
Episode 45: With Sita's permission, Hanuman eats the fruits of Ashok Vatika and ravages the garden. He fights the guards and kills Jambumati. Akshoykumar, one of Ravan's sons, is killed by Hanuman. The news reaches Ravan and he sends Indrajit. Indrajit hurls the 'Brahmastra' and Hanuman showing respect to the weapon of Brahma receives it with folded hands and accepts the bondage. Indrajit orders his men to tie him up with strong ropes.
Episode 46: Hanuman is brought to Ravan's court in bondage, He tells Ravan that he is a messenger of Shri Ram and advises Ravan to seek refuge at Shri Ram's feet. Ravan, enraged by his words, orders that he should be killed forthwith. But since Bibhishan and others point out that it is unethical to kill a messenger, Ravan issues orders to set fire to Hanuman's tail. The guards wrap cloth on Hanuman's tail and set it on fire. Hanuman shrinks, breaks out of bondage and sets fire to Lanka.
Episode 47: The courtiers discuss the situation in the court and Ravan tells Indrajit to order Vishwakarma to repair the damage done by Hanuman immediately. Hanuman takes leave of Sita and goes back with her blessings. He meets Shri Ram and others, shows Sita's 'churamani' as a token, narrates his experience in Lanka and says that if Shri Ram wants to find Sita alive, he should immediately attack Lanka and rescue her.
Episode 48: Shri Ram meets Sugriv and his vanar Sena. Hanuman gives an account of Ravan's army and the security of Lanka. Shri Ram, with the permission of Sugriv, organizes the army. They march under the star of triumph 'Uttar Phalguni' towards the southern sea. They reach the seashore. Shri Ram says that the army should camp on the seashore and rest. Ravan's spies inform him that Shri Ram, along with Lakshman, Sugriv and a huge army has reached the seashore. Mandodari warns Ravan, but he does not pay any heed to her. Sita is happy as the news reaches her through Trijata.
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Episode 49: Ravan summons his council. The members of the assembly in one voice, praise the prowess of Ravan and declare that Shri Ram is no match for them. Only Bibhishan pleads with him to send Sita back to Shri Ram. He finally falls at the feet of Ravan and begs him to listen to his advice. Ravan kicks him and orders him to leave Lanka at once. Worried about the welfare of the people of Lanka, Bibhishan discusses the problem with his ministers. They advise him to take refuge at Shri Ram's feet. Bibhishan asks his mother for advice and she too approves of his plan. Bibhishan then goes to Ravan and pleads again, but all in vain.
Episode 50: Bibhishan flies with his four ministers and arrives at the camp of Shri Ram. He says to the Vanar chiefs: "I'm Bibhishan, the brother of Ravan, I have come to take refuge at Shri Ram's feet." Sugriv reports this to Shri Ram and says that he suspects Bibhishan's intentions, Angad and others also support him. Only Hanuman says that he sees no cause for suspicion. Bibhishan has come as he knows that Ravan is fated to lose. Shri Ram says: "When one comes to me for refuge, I cannot reject him." He accepts Bibhishan as a friend and assures him the throne of Lanka.
Episode 51: Ravan discusses the matter with his courtiers and sends Sukh to seduce Sugriv from his loyalty to Shri Ram. Sukh meets Sugriv and says: "You are a king and Ravan is another. Earn his friendship instead of risking your life for helping a disinherited prince." Sugriv sends him back, saying that Ravan is his enemy as he is the enemy of Shri Ram. In the morning, Shri Ram begins to worship the Sea-God Varun, as suggested by Bibhishan.
Episode 52: Prior to the construction of the bridge as suggested by the Sea-God Varun, Shri Ram worships Lord Shiva and seeks his blessings. Shri Ram then orders Nal and Neel to construct the bridge. The monkeys, under the supervision of Nal and Neel, start working with gusto. They break rocks, uproot trees and then drag them to the shore. The noise created drowns the roar of the sea.
Episode 53: The construction of the bridge is completed and Shri Ram crosses the bridge with his army. He reaches the shore of the sea and says. "Let the army camp here since there are groves and fruit trees in abundance." When Ravan hears that Shri Ram has crossed the sea with his army, he calls Vidytjibha and orders him: "Prepare a head just like Ram with your maya." Ravan goes to Ashok Vatika and tells Sita that her husband has been beheaded and shows the head of Shri Ram smeared with blood. Sita's grief knows no bounds.
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Episode 54: Queen Mandodari begs Ravan not to fight with Shri Ram. She advises him to surrender and return Sita to Ram. But Ravan, proud as he is says: "Is there any warrior in the world my equal?" He then sends two spies, Suka and Sarana, to Shri Ram's camp. The spies assume the form of monkeys and enter the camp of Shri Ram. Bibhishan spots them and takes them to Shri Ram. Shri Ram forgives them and says: "If you have completed your task, you are welcome to go back armed with your information."
Episode 55: Shri Ram surveys Lanka and admires its beauty. Suddenly, Sugriv leaps up as he notices Ravan on the tower of Lanka. He knocks off Ravan's crown. The two wrestle. Sugrive returns to Shri Ram as Ravan resorts to magic. Shri Ram, happy on seeing Sugrive safe, tells him that it is not advisable for a king like him to take such risks. Ravan arranges his army, while the Vanar Sena surrounds Lanka in the formation laid down by Shri Ram.
Episode 56: Sugrive tells Shri Ram that the army has completely surrounded Lanka. Shri Ram says that Ravan should be given one last chance. He, therefore, sends Angad as an ambassador to Ravan's court, with a message, "Tell Ravan, if he loves his life, he should humbly restore Sita and beg for forgiveness." Angad goes to Ravan's court and delivers the message. Ravan's derogatory remarks about Shri Ram enrage Angad, but he manages to control himself. Ravan has a cunning plan in mind. He tells Angad that he would restore his rightful throne, left by his father to him. He further adds, that as he has earned Ram's confidence, he should take advantage of it, kill Ram and avenge his father's death.
Episode 57: Angad tells Ravan that his father Vali, had asked him to serve Shri Ram. He then asks Ravan to surrender himself. Ravan asks his men to capture Angad. Angad puts his foot down, challenging Ravan's men to lift it. All, including Indrajit try, but fail. Finally, Ravan comes and stoops down. Angad lifts his foot and tells Ravan that he should fall at Shri Ram's feet and not his. Ravan is advised by his family members to surrender. Queen Mandodari's father begs him not to antogonise Shri Ram. Malyavan, Ravan's maternal grandfather, also advises him to surrender. Even his mother, Kaikesi, wanrs him against Shri Ram. However, Ravan is too proud to listen.
Episode 58: Queen Mandodari appeals to Ravan to listen to the advice of his elders. She tells him that this is the last night to decide and begs him to accept the terms of peace. Ravan brags of his power. Mandodari reminds him that he did not dare cross the 'Lakshman Rekha' drawn by Shri Ram's brother. Angad returns. His peace mission has failed, but Shri Ram and Laksham praise him. A spy returns and announces that Ravan has spurned the advice of his well wishers.
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Episode 59: At the battlefield, Sugriv reports to Shri Ram that Hanuman has killed Durmukh. Hanuman comes and reports that Lakshman has killed Prahast. The news reaches Ravan's court. Indrajit seeks permission to fight. However Makaraksh, Khar's son says that he would like to fight Shri Ram. His mother had told him that he could not perform his father's tarpan (rituals) until he brought Shri Rams head. Ravan grants him permission. Makarakshasa dies a hero. Indrajit again seeks permission. Ravan, however, says that as it is his battle, he would go and put an end to it.
Episode 60: Ravan comes to the battlefield and fights with Sugriv and Lakshaman. Finally, Shri Ram confronts Ravan. It is a glorious fight to watch. Shri Ram completely disarms Ravan and tells him to go back as it is against the ethics of war to fight on who is disarmed. Ravan returns to the palace, a broken man. Shri Ram's chivalry in asking Ravan to rearm himself and come back the next day is too galling to his pride. Malayavan then suggest that they should awak Kumbhakarna, whose valor is proverbial.
Episode 61: Ravan sends his men to Kumbhakaran's palace to wake him up from his deep sleep. They take mountains of food for him and try to awaken him with their shouts, drums and trumpets. At last, Kumbhakaran gets up and has his meal. He is told about the war and the humiliation Ravan is suffering. Ravan goes to meet Kumbhakarna who tells him that it was unwise of Ravan to kidnap Sita. Ravan tells Kumbhakarna that it was too late for such talks. He now needed Kumbhakarna's prowess and not criticism. Kumbhakarna assures Ravan that he would go to the battlefield and destroy Ravan's enemies. Kumbhakarna leaves for the battlefield with a spear in his hand.
Episode 62: Kumbhakaran comes to the battlefield, furious. Bibhishan tells Shri Ram that Kumbhakarna is Ravan's brother and tells him about the boon of Brahma for which Kumbhakarna sleeps for six months, wakes up for a single day and then goes to sleep again. Bibhishan goes to Kumbhakaran and tries to convince him to follow the path of dharma. Kumbhakarn says that his dharma is to fight for his brother and to die if necessary. Kumbhakaran fights with Sugriv, Angad and others and finally with Shri Ram. With his arrows, Shri Ram cuts his arms and andhis head. Kumbhakarn falls on the ground like a huge mountain.
Episode 63: Ravan is visibly shaken, when the news of Kumbhakaran's death reaches him. Indrajit wants to go to the battlefield, but his brothers Atitkaya, Devantak, Narantak and Trishira insist that they will go first. Atikaya challenges Lakshman. A terrible fight follows. Hanuman and Angad kill Devantak, Narantak and Trishira. This news reaches Shri Ram who is anxious about fight between Lakshman and Atikaya.
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Episode 64: Lakshman fights with Atikaya. Each sends an arrow which is nullified by the other. Atikaya goes up into the sky on his chariot. Hanuman takes Lakshman up on his shoulder. They continue their fight in the sky. Lakshman invokes Brahmastra and releases it. Atikaya falls to the ground. Ravan almost swoons when he learns of the death of his four brave sons. Dhayamalini, Atikaya's mother, accuses him of sacrificing his brave sons at the altar of his lust for Sita. Indrajit again seeks permission to go the battlefield,. Ravan hesitates, but ultimately agrees.
Episode 65: Bibishan talks about Indrajit's valor and his many 'sidhis'. Indrajit comes to the battlefield. Lakshman fights with him, with Shri Ram's blessings. Bibhishan begs Shri Ram to help Lakshman as Indrajit's strength will increase manifold after sunset. As Shri Ram comes to the battlefield, Indrajit makes himself invisible. He aims serpent darts at Shri Ram and Lakshman. Bound by the serpents, they cannot move and lie helpless on the battlefield.
Episode 66: Ravan congratulates Indrajit on his wonderful success. When Sita hears about the mishap, she is in deep sorrow and Trijata consoles. As sugriv and the others are worried about their Lord, the great bird Garuda comes into view, along with Hanuman. The serpents flee. Shri Ram and Lakshman arise, radiant as before. Shri Ram express his indebtedness to the great bird. Ravan and Indrajit are shocked to learn that Garuda freed Shri Ram and Lakshman from the serpent darts.
Episode 67: Indrajit swoops down on Shri Ram's army and challenges Lakshman, who comes with Shri Ram's blessings. Indrajit hurls his Shakti baan and Lakshman falls unconscious. Ravan and Malyavan congratulate Indrajit, who boasts that he will present his father with Ram's head on the following day. With Lakshman lying unconscious on hs lap, Shri Ram wonders how he will face his mother Sumitra, and Lakshman's wife, Urmila.
Episode 68: As suggested by Bibhishan, Hanuman flies to Lanka and carries Sushen Vaidya, the royal physician on his back. Sushen Vaidya examines Lakshman and says that his life can be saved, if someone can bring a herb called Sanjeevani before sunrise. Hanuman leaves in search of the herb. Ravan sends Kainemi, the master of sorcery, who with his magic power, builds an ashram and sings praises of Shri Ram. Hanuman goes ther. Kalnemi tells him that he knows who he is and why he has come. He tells Hanuman to take a dip in the lake, after which he would takehim to Dronagiri.
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Episode 69: As Hanuman gets into the lake he is attacked by a crocodile. Hanuman drags the crocodile out of the water, which becomes a Dvkanya. She had become a crocodile because of a curse. She thanks Hanuman and tells him that the Sanyasi is Kalnemi who is sent by Ravan to kill him. Hanuman kills Kalnemi, reaches Dronagiri, lifts the whole peak and flies back. Hit by Bharat's arrow, he falls down in Ayodhya. Everone is surprised as Hanuman arrves with the peak of Dronagiri. Sushen Vaidya saves lakshman with Sanjeevani her.
Episode 70: Raven is shocked to learn that Lakshman is saved. Indrajit goes to perform a tantrik yajna in the temple of Nikumbhila. Bibhishan tells Shri Ram that Indrajit will be invincible, if he can complete the yajna. He, therefore, goes with Lakshman and an army to disrupt the yajna. Indrajit comes out as the yajna is disrupted. He fights with Lakshman. The battle goes on. Indrajit hurls Narayan chakra, but Lakshman humbly does obeisance to the astra and it goes back after doing parikrama of Lakshman. Indrajit realises that Lakshman is not an ordinary human being and he becomes invisible.
Episode 71: Indrajit tells Ravan that his yajna has been disrupted. He takes leave of his parents and his wife, Sulochana. He goes to the battlefield and a fierce battle ensues. Lakshman takes out Indrastra, discharges the fatal arrow and Indrajit's head is severed. Ravan refuses to believe it. He rushes to the man who brought the news with his sword drawn. Malyavan stops him. When Mandodari comes and laments over her son's death, the truth dawns on Ravan. Shri Ram congratulates Lakshman and tells Hanuman to leave Indrajit's body body at the gate of Lanka with due respect.
Episode 72: Ravan decides to kill Sita. Angry like Rudra, he unsheaths his sword. Maydanav holds his hand and tells him that he should go to the battlefield instead. In Lanka Ravan tells his army that only those who are not afraid to die should acompany him. He enters the battlefield like a whirlwind and challenges Ram and Lakshman.
Episode 73: Ravan attacks Shri Ram with all his pent up fury. He notices Bibhishan and hurls a Shakti baan endowed with divine power, but Shri Ram takes the missile on himself and sways. Enraged Bibhishan, Sugriv and others attack Ravan, who becomes unconscious. His charioteer drives away from the battlefield. As Ravan regains consciousness, he reprimands his charioteer and orders him to drive back to the battlefield. The sun sets and with the blowing of conch shells the war ends for the day.
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Episode 74: Mandodari, while nursing Ravan's wounds, begs him to surrender to Shri Ram. In the morning while putting thetilak of victory on Ravan's forhead, the thali falls from Mandodari's hand. It is a bad omen, but Ravan does not care. He goes to the Shiva temple, makes his obeisance and says that the Lord is punishing him for his pride. But then, he has achievements to be proud of. He says that if alive, he would come and pay homage. Indra sends his chariot for Shri Ram. Shri Ram circumambulates the chariot and ascends it.
Episode 75: The grim battle begins. Shri Ram's arrows severe Ravan's head. His head is soon replaced and this goes on. Killing Ravan seems to be impossible. Bibhishan tells Shri Ram tha in Ravan's naval is enshrined the secret of his invincibility. Reminded by Malati, Shri Rm picks up the Brahmastra. The weapon goes and pierces Ravan's naval. Ravan falls dead. Bibhishan mourns his brother's death. Queen Mandodari and the other queens come to the battlefield and lament. Malyavan surrenders Lanka to Shri Ram. Shri Ram tells him that he has alreadydeclared Bibhishan to be crowned as King of Lanka.
Episode 76: After Ravan's last rites are performed, Bibishan is crowned in a magnificent ceremony. Shri Ram tells Hanuman to go to Lanka with the King's permission and tell Sita what has happened. Sita's joy is beyond words. She blesses Hanuman and tells him that she is eager to meet her Lord. Hanuman returns and delivers the message. Shri Ram requests Bibhishan to send Sita to the Camp. Sita arrives and undergoes agni-pariksha. She enters the fire, which assumes bodily form amd leads Sita to her husband. Shri Ram takes Sit in his arms and bow to Agnidev.
Episode 77: Brahma comes and makes obeisance to Shri Ram. Shri Ram says that he is a mere man-Ram, son of Dashrath. Dashrath appears and blesses them. Shri Ram appeals to him to forgive Mother Kaikayee and Bharat, to which Dashrath readily agrees. Bibhishan offers his Pushpak Viman and they leave for Ayodhaya. Shri Ram stops near the ashram of Rishi Bhardwaj and sends Hanuman to inform Bharat of his arrival. After paying homage to Bhardwaj, he goes to meet Guha, where Sita performs Ganga Puja. As the news of Shri Ram's arrival reaches Ayodhya, the peole are overjoyed.
Episode 78: Shri Ram reaches Ayodhya. People sing and dance in joy. He makes obeisance to Guru Vashishth, meets his mothers, and embraces Bharat. They proceed to the palace. On the way, Shri Ram expresses his desire to visit mother Kaikayees apartment. As Bharat does not enter the room, Shri Ram tells him to apologize to his mother. Even their father has forgiven her. Bharat touches his mother's feet and Kaikayee embraces him. The coronation of Shri Ram. Guru Vashishth crowns Shri Ram and Sita. The people sing praises of Shri Ram.
Indian epics
Religious epics are extremely popular in India. The two most famous are the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, the stories of which every Indian will be able to tell. They've heard the story when they were children, they saw the television series, movies and theatre enactments revolving around the stories.
The origin of the Ramayana
The Ramayana (lit. "Rama's way") describes the life of Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu. It was written by the poet/saint Valmiki in Sanskrit; possibly before that the story of Rama was sung by bards and so passed on to later generations. The date of origin is disputed, earlier it was thought to have been written in the 15th century BC, now many assume it to have been written around the 4th century BC. Over the centuries Valmiki's Ramayana was translated, rewritten, reinterpreted by many other poets and writers, resulting in a multitude of versions.
Victory of good over evil
The Ramayana is principally a story of "victory of good over evil". The basic storyline is: Rama (who is an incarnation of the God Vishnu) goes into exile into the forest with his brother Laxman and his wife Sita (an incarnation of the Goddess Laxmi). When Sita is abducted by the evil Ravana from Lanka (modern day Sri Lanka), Rama and his allies head out to rescue his wife and to destroy the ten-headed Ravana. See the next few pages for a more detailed summary.
The Ayodhya dispute
The epic contains a lot of references to desirable moral and behavioural codes of conduct. The basis of the story has long been the source for Hindu-Muslim friction, in recent years culminating in the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya in 1992 and resulting in communal violence across the country, and more recently the Godhra train massacres in Gujarat 2002. The problems stem from references in the Ramayana to Ayodhya - a town in the state of Uttar Pradesh - as Rama's birthplace. Unfortunately on the supposed spot stood a 16th century mosque, which militant Hindus demolished on the 6th December 1992, incited by politicians with ulterior motives. Many Muslims were outraged and communal riots and massacres followed leaving thousands dead. The Indian courts decided to have the site excavated by the ASI (Archeological Survey of India) in an attempt to prove the veracity of rival claims. The recently published results by the ASI claiming to show an ancient temple on that spot are disputed, and no clear proof of Rama's birthplace at that spot has come forward. Hardline Muslims and militant Hindus are digging their heels in and are headed on a collision course, while polls in the Hindustan Times newspaper have shown that many secular Indians suggest scrapping the whole idea of a place of worship, instead putting up a hospital, school or another secular building on the disputed spot. Anyway, historians are not sure whether the Ayodhya mentioned by Valmiki is actually the present day city of Ayodhya or whether it might have been located somewhere else. The claim by Thailand though, that Rama's birthplace Ayodhya was the former capital of Siam Ayutthea - about 100 km north of Bangkok - is very likely wrong.
Festivals in India
The Ramayana is also the origin of two of India's major festivals: Dussehra, which celebrates the slaying of Ravana; and Diwali which honours the home coming of Rama and Sita back to Ayodhya.
Mini Biography of Dr Ramanand Sagar
Dr. Ramanand Sagar was born as Chandramauli Chopra on December 29, 1917 at Asal Guru Ke, near the city of Lahore, Pakistan (then part of Hindustan).
During the British Rule itself, Ramanand began his film career with a silent movie called "Raiders of the Railroad" (1936). Subsequently, he went on to make, what is now known as a masterpiece, "Aur Insaan Mar Gaya".
Following freedom of India from the British, Ramanand launched his very own production company during the year 1950, calling it the Sagar Art Corporation, and began this by making a movie called "Mehmaan".
Sagar Art Corporation and Ramanand Sagar have to their credit over 50 Hindi movies, including blockbusters such as "Insaniyat", "Ghunghat", "Peghaam", "Aankhen" (1968) "Geet", "Bagavat", "Lalkar", "Kohinoor", "Zindagi", Aarzoo" are just to name a few.
Ramanand created history when he made the television serial "Ramayan", reportedly the longest running serial in India, which featured the life and times of Bhagwan Shri Ram, and his eventual conquest over Lord Ravan and his evil empire in Lanka.
He was presented India's highest Honor "Padamshree", and became known as Padamshree Dr. Ramanand Sagar.
He used to reside in his family home called "Sagar Villa" in Juhu, Bombay. Before that they lived in a flat behind National Hospital in Dadar (West), Bombay.
At the age of 87, Ramanand had not been keeping good health, and unexpectedly passed away on Monday December 11, 2005 in the evening.
His funeral procession consisted of several hundred family, close friends, and Bollywood's actors like Arun Govil, Deepika (who played Ram and Sita respectively in Ramayan), Poonam Dhillon, Bhagyashree, Ravindra Jain, etc.
The funeral pyre was lit and last rites performed by Ramanand's eldest son, Subhash, at the Juhu-Vile Parle Crematorium on the morning of December 12, 2005.
Ramanand is survived by his wife, a daughter, and four sons (Subhash, Moti, Prem, Anand).
