Aranya Kanda (Book of Forest)

Araṇya Kāṇḍa narrates Rāma, Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa’s life in the forests of India, depicting a blend of tranquility, spiritual encounters, and looming danger. The trio visit holy hermitages, offer protection to sages, and uphold dharma amidst wilderness challenges. Demons such as Khara, Dūṣaṇa, and their armies are slain by Rāma when they threaten the peace of the hermitages. Central to this kāṇḍa is the tragic turning point of the epic: the golden deer that enchants Sītā, the deceptive plot of Mārīca, Śūrpaṇakhā’s insult and vengeance, and ultimately Rāvaṇa’s abduction of Sītā through deceit. Jatāyu, the noble vulture king, attempts to rescue Sītā and sacrifices his life. This section ends with Rāma’s immense sorrow upon discovering Sītā’s absence and his determination to search for her.