Ravana Kidnaps Sita 

In this fourth part of the Dashavatar series, Lord Rama’s exile takes a dramatic turn. Shoorpanakha’s humiliation leads to Ravana’s evil plan, the kidnapping of Sita, Jatayu’s heroic sacrifice, and Rama’s alliance with Sugreeva and Hanuman. This retelling from the Ramayana is ideal for children, families, and anyone interested in Itihasas and Puranas.

Shoorpanakha Seeks Revenge

One fine day, a young lady approached Lakshmana and asked for his hand in marriage. This woman was Shoorpanakha, Ravana’s younger half-sister. Lakshmana respectfully and firmly declined the proposal saying that he was already married and had dedicated his life to Rama. He then jokingly asked Shoorpanakha to propose to Rama who also smilingly declined.

In a fit of rage, Shoorpanakha ran towards Sita and tried to attack her. Lakshmana quickly picked up his knife and chopped Shoorpanakha’s nose off. Shoorpanakha screamed in pain and cried: “You will regret this. My brother Ravana will avenge me for this insult” and fled to Lanka to narrate to Ravana the events that passed in the forest.

Ravana Plots to Kidnap Sita

Meanwhile in Lanka, Ravana was sitting in his court and watching his court dancers dance and drinking wine. Suddenly, the door slammed open and a bleeding Shoorpanakha ran inside, breathing heavily and seething with rage. Her eyes were blood-red from crying.

Ravana was aghast. Seeing his half-sister in a wretched state, he demanded: “What happened, dear sister? Who did this to you?”

Knowing that her brother would think she would have done some mischief, Shoorpanakha wailed: “Dear brother, I was simply roaming around in a forest, when suddenly I saw a beautiful woman with eyes like lotuses, hair as dark as midnight, and lips as red as roses. She is more beautiful than Queen Mandodari. All I wanted was to find a wife for you. Instead, I got humiliated by that Lakshmana, Rama’s younger brother.”

“Don’t worry Shoorpanakha, if the woman is as beautiful as you have described, I shall certainly bring her to Lanka and make her my queen. You shall have your revenge,” replied Ravana with a sinister smile.

Ravana planned to kidnap Sita. He ordered his uncle Maricha to disguise himself as a deer and distract Lord Rama. Maricha was spotted by Sita who asked Rama to hunt the deer. Rama did according to Sita’s bidding.

The Abduction of Sita

Ravana approached Sita while both brothers were away, disguised as a hermit.

“Good lady, please give me some food,” he pleaded.

As Sita brought out a tray of fruits, Ravana snatched Sita by her wrist, transformed himself, and whisked her away.

Sita desperately cried, “Ram, Lakshman! Help!”

One by one, she dropped her jewellery, hoping Rama would find where she was.

Jatayu, the vulture, heard Sita’s cries and rushed to her rescue. He fiercely fought Ravana, but alas, Ravana chopped his wings and Jatayu fell to the ground with a crash.

Rama Searches for Sita

Meanwhile, Rama and Lakshmana came back to find the hut empty. Rama cried out to Sita, but there was no response. Both searched every corner of the forest, but without avail.

Rama asked every tree, every plant, bird, deer, and animal for a sign of Sita. They all sunk their heads in sadness.

On his search, Rama came across Jatayu, who narrated the whole incident. Jatayu suggested that Rama find Sugreeva, the Vanar king, and seek his help before breathing his last.

Rama Meets Sugreeva and Hanuman

Filled with resolve, the duo made their way to the Rishyasringa mountains, where they found Sugreeva and met Hanuman.

Rama told Sugreeva about Sita and the things that had happened to her.

Sugreeva told Rama why he was hiding in the mountains. He had been chased away by his brother Vali, who had captured his kingdom and taken his wife.

Touched by this, Rama promised to help Sugreeva get his kingdom back.

Sugreeva vowed he would not rest until Sita was found.

To be continued….