Exploring the Aranyaka Kanda in the Ramayana
Aranyaka Kanda is the third part of the Ramayana epic, which narrates the journey of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana during their exile in the Dandaka forest. In this section, they face various trials and challenges, including encounters with sages (rishis), demons (asuras), and giants (rakshasas) who inhabit the forest.
After finishing studying at a hermitage, Rama, Sita and Laksamana returned to the forest. They are used to life in the forest. Their lives were no different from the lives of priests, there was not the slightest sign that they were the sons and daughters of the king. One day they walked out of the forest. They saw many priests from various hermitages whose lives were very simple.Seeing the priests, Rama was amazed. They continued their samba journey and chatted briefly with the Admiral about the priests. It didn't feel like their journey had arrived at Dandaka's hermitage. Their arrival was warmly welcomed by the residents of Mount Dandaka. People wanted to see and hail the sons and daughters of the king of Ayodya who had killed the giant Wirada. They were hailed as heroes because they had killed the Giant Wirada. The people there live in harmony and peace and diligently meditate.
An Ilustration of the Life of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana in the Forest
(Source: Personal Collection)
One day in the Dandaka forest a giant princess arrived with a big, tall body, her eyes were burning, her mouth was open with big teeth and fangs. Her clothes were sparkling, which indicated that she was not just any giant, but a giant princess. She was Sarpakenaka, the daughter of Alengka, Prabu Ravana's sister. Surpanaka is very powerful. At that time Surpakenaka was carrying out the task of his older brother Prabu Rahwana to carry out border surveillance
At that time Sarpakenaka was carrying out the task of his older brother Prabu Ravana to carry out border monitoring. He flew over the mountains, rice fields and finally arrived at Dandaka. At that time Sarpakenaka was resting sitting on a fallen tree in the middle of a hidden forest. Suddenly he was surprised to hear the voices of a man and a woman joking. Sarpakenaka got up. Sarpakenaka's heart pounded when he saw the two people holding hands intimately. Not far from there Sarpakenaka saw another knight standing alone. He had a very beautiful face, like Batara Asmara. It turned out that the knight was Laksmana. Sarpakenaka immediately fell in love with Laksmana, whom he had just seen.
An Illustration of Surpanakha Heartbroken After Being Rejected by Rama.
(Source: Personal Collection)
Laksmana, who was originally lost in thought, was shocked by the arrival of the fake daughter. Because Laksmana, like a traditional priest, is not married. Laksmana advised the fake princess to approach Ramawijaya, her older brother, who was not far from her. The fake daughter who was incarnated by Sarpakenaka immediately approached Rama, she teased Rama like she teased Laksmana.
Laksmana, without hesitation, twisted the fake princess's nose until it broke off. Sarpakenaka immediately changed back to his original form. He screamed in pain and flew into the air and growled like a lion and shouted defiantly. Sarpakenaka cried in the air. After she was satisfied with crying, she immediately landed in Alengka and met her two husbands, namely Karadusana and Trimurda. Sarpakanaka lied to her husband. He said that he wanted to be raped by Rama and Laksmana. What a cunning Sarpakenaka. Hearing the story from Sarpakenaka, her husband was angry. Karadursana and Trimurda's hands hit the ground so that dust and sand flew up.
An llustration of Surpanakha Transforming Into her True Form.
(Source: Personal Collection)
They immediately prepared and brought a giant laksa to Dandaka. The giants flew out fully armed and dressed in glittering clothes. When they arrived above the Dandaka area, they flew around the mountain looking for Rama and Laksmana.
Supranaka, who was suffering physically and mentally in the palace, received a report from the battle scout giant in Dandaka regarding the death of her two husbands and all her flying troops. Sarpakenaka immediately flew to the palace of his older brother, the king of Alengka, Prabu Ravana. King Ravana was very powerful and had the pancasona magic which made him immortal. He has conquered many kings.
Suparnaka told about 2 Ayodya knights who killed her husband and his troops. One more thing, he also told about the beauty of Rama's wife, namely Princess Mantili. After Sarpakenaka told a long story, he asked Prabu Ravana for help. At first, King Ravana was not interested in his younger brother's report. However, when Sarpakenaka told about Rama's wife, he said that no one could match her beauty.
An Ilustration of Sita and Lakshmana Chasing Marica
(Source: Personal Collection)
After Ravana spoke he immediately flew to the border where Marica lived. Arriving at the border, Marica welcomed Ravana and performed the sungkem prayer. Ravana invited Marica to Dandaka, finally Marica went to Dandaka by changing herself into a golden deer with golden feathers to attract Sita's attention. At that time Dewi Sinta was in the Dandaka forest with Rama and Laksamana. Dewi Sinta was the first to see the golden deer. She was amazed because this was the first time he had seen a deer with golden fur. Sinta asked Rama to catch the deer. Rama happily obeyed his wife's wishes.
Rama also chased the deer which was running very fast. Rama is increasingly separated from his wife Sita. The deer looked like it was asking to be caught. But when Rama approached, the deer ran away. However, when Rama was far behind, the deer waited as if he wanted Rama to catch him. Finally, how patient Rama is, but he can get angry too. Rama shot his arrow at the deer. The deer floundered, its body was covered in fresh blood and it changed its original form into the giant Marica. Marica made a groaning sound like Rama's voice. Sita, who heard this, ordered Laksmana to approach Rama, but Laksmana refused. Sita continued to insist and finally Laksmana agreed and left Sita
Seeing that Admiral was far from Dewi Sita, Ravana immediately emerged from his hiding place by changing himself into a grandfather, an elderly priest. Ravana kidnapped Sita and Sita cried while calling her husband's name. Not long after, Jatayu saw him and Jatayu wanted to help Sita but Ravana immediately launched himself into the air to attack Jatayu. Jatayupun fell because his wing was broken. Sita, who was already in the golden carriage, was accompanied by soldiers from the Alengka Pura work.
An llustration of Sita being Abducted, while Jatayu tries to help rescue her.
(Source: Personal Collection)
Not long after, Jatayu saw him and Jatayu wanted to help Sita but Ravana immediately launched himself into the air to attack Jatayu. Jatayupun fell because his wing was broken. Sita, who was already in the golden carriage, was accompanied by soldiers from the Alengka Pura work.
