Sage Vishwamitra came to Ayodhya and asked for Rama and Lakshmana to fight asuras who were disturbing his Yajnas. Dasaratha was heartbroken and was afraid of sending Rama and Lakshmana at such a young age. He sought advice from Vasishta. Vasishta was unperturbed. He assured the king that Rama is Brahman personified. He also recollected Dasaratha’s previous birth as Kashyapa and the boon he got to have Narayana himself born as his son in the next birth. He also predicted the marriage of Maya Devi (Sita) with Rama. Picture Credit: J Martin and Manoj Publications

Rama and Lakshmana set forth on the journey along with Vishwamitra. While traveling, Vishwamitra blessed them and taught two special mantras as boons – Bala and Atibala- that would save them from hunger and exhaustion throughout the expedition. Valmiki Ramayana mentions that there will be no exhaustion and no destruction of form; and protection even when asleep or distracted. There will be freedom from hunger and thirst. Additional Source: Adhyatma Ramayana, Lala Baij Nath Picture Credit: J Martin and Manoj Publications

Rama and Lakshmana killed Tadaka and Subahu and subjugated Maricha. After the Yajna of Vishwamitra was successful, the Rishi took them to the ashrama of Gautama. It was devoid of living creatures. Vishwamitra revealed the curse of Rishi Gautama. Indra had impersonated Rishi Gautama and deceived Ahalya, Gautama’s wife. The Rishi cursed Indra. He also cursed Ahalya that she would become a rock and will be freed when Rama places his foot on the rock. In the Valmiki Ramayana Ahalya is only cursed to become invisible, feed on air and starve for food. There is no mention of her turning into a stone. Kalidasa, in Raghu-vamsa first describes her as having turned to stone. This in fact suggests that she remained introspective and unaffected by the world. Additional Source: Adhyatma Ramayana, Lala Baij Nath Picture Credit: J Martin and Manoj Publications

In Valmiki, Rama and Lakshmana enter the hermitage and touch Ahalya’s feet. In Adhyatma Ramayana, Rama touches the stone with his feet. Ahalya, thus freed from her curse, recognised Rama as Vishnu. She thereafter sang Ahalya Stuti. She mentions that Rama is the supreme-self, eternal and all pervading. She remarks that he is the One Being who takes the names of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva and reflects himself in the three qualities of Rajas, Sattva and Tamas. She tells Rama that he is the eternal, immaculate, and undecaying being, who can only be described as Pure Existence (Sat) and Pure Consciousness (Chit). Additional Source: Adhyatma Ramayana, Lala Baij Nath

Trymbakam is the Shiv Danush. After burning Tripura, it was thrown by Shiva into the house of Janaka's grandfather. Unlike the popular narrative, there is no Sita Swayamvara. Vishwamitra requests Janaka to show the Trymbakam to Rama and Lakshmana. Janaka mentioned his promise to wed Sita to anyone who can string the bow. Even in Valmiki Ramayana, there is no Swayamvaram and different kings at different points of time had tried to string the bow. Picture is Dhanush Dham near Janakpur in Nepal, where the two fragments of the Shiv Danush are believed to have fallen. The fossil rocks are worshipped as Shiv Danush. Picture Credit: S. R. Ramanujam

After the marriage ceremonies were over, Janaka recounted his awareness of Rama’s identity to Vashishta and Vishwamitra. Janaka divulged the fact that Sita is not his biological daughter. He also mentions that Narada had revealed to him that Vishnu has taken the avatar of Rama in order to kill Ravana. Narada also told Janaka that Sita is Yoga Maya and that he should not give her to anyone else but Rama. Janaka wanted a task that would be insurmountable for mere mortals but tough enough for Rama. Janaka then decided to pose the challenge of Shiv Danush to make sure that other suitors would fail. Janaka recognises Rama as divine. He says that Yogins have crossed the ocean of pain and sorry by repeating Narayana’s name and thus he too takes refuge in Rama. Additional Source: Adhyatma Ramayana, Lala Baij Nath Picture Credit: Janakpur Sita Mata temple in Nepal, S. R RamanujamAfter the marriage ceremonies were over, Janaka recounted his awareness of Rama’s identity to Vashishta and Vishwamitra. Janaka divulged the fact that Sita is not his biological daughter. He also mentions that Narada had revealed to him that Vishnu has taken the avatar of Rama in order to kill Ravana. Narada also told Janaka that Sita is Yoga Maya and that he should not give her to anyone else but Rama. Janaka wanted a task that would be insurmountable for mere mortals but tough enough for Rama. Janaka then decided to pose the challenge of Shiv Danush to make sure that other suitors would fail. Janaka recognises Rama as divine. He says that Yogins have crossed the ocean of pain and sorry by repeating Narayana’s name and thus he too takes refuge in Rama. Additional Source: Adhyatma Ramayana, Lala Baij Nath Picture Credit: Janakpur Sita Mata temple in Nepal, S. R Ramanujam

As the entourage of chariots moved closer to Ayodhya, there were some bad omens in the sky. Vashitha assured that everything will be okay in the end. Suddenly there appeared the fierce form of Lord Parasurama, who was known as Lord Siva’s favourite disciple. He was in a rage after hearing the news that someone had broken the divine bow of his Guru. Picture Credit: J Marin and Manoj Publications

Parasurama challenged the newly wed Rama. “Is there a Rama in the three worlds, other than me?” He yelled. He challenged Rama to fight with him. In case Rama did not want to fight, Parasurama challenged him to break the bow of Vishnu which is equally strong as Trymbakam. Rama respectfully told Parasurama that he is only a young prince and no match for Parasurama who is a mighty sage and warrior. Rama said he is not capable of a big fight but would lift the Vishnu Danush. He lifted the bow and held it like a warrior. Parasurama was calmed. Picture Credit: J Martin and Manoj Publications.