Ramayana Eskript

RAMAYANA I. Narrator: In the ancient kingdom of Kosala, located in present day Uttar Pradesh and with Ayodhya as its capital, there once lived a king named Dasaratha. He was a great king, well-loved and respected by his subjects and people. But he was very sad because he didn’t have any children. During the same time, Rakshasa was the king in the island of Ceylon. He was called Ravana. He was a cruel ruler and was feared by many. Going back to Dasaratha, he sought help about his problem from Vashishta, the family priest. Dasaratha: Vashishta, what must I do to have children? Please help me. Vashishta: Here’s an advice, my de ar king. Perform a fire sacrifice to seek the b lessings of God for children. Narrator: During the ceremony, a figure rose from the sac rificial fire and handed Dasaratha a bowl of rice pudding. Figure: God is pleased with you to distribute this rice pudding or payasa to your wives – they will soon bear your children. Narrator: The king received the gift and gave the payasa to his three queens: Kausalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitha. Kausalya, the eldest queen, bore Rama. His birthday is celebrated as Ramavani. Kaikeyi gave birth to Bharata and Sumitra to the twins Lakshmana and Shatrughna. The four princes grew up to be wonderful men. Of the four brothers, the Rama was closest to Lakshmana and Bharata to Shatrughna. One day, Viswamitra came to the kingdom. Dasaratha: Viswamitra! Welcome to Ayodhya. I’m very pleased to have you here. Narrator: Viswamitra blessed Dasaratha and asked of his son Rama a very heavy task. Viswamitra: Dasaratha, send your son Rama to ki ll the Rakshasas. Dasaratha: What? But Rama is only fifteen! He’s too young for the job, Viswamitra. Give the task to me instead. Viswamitra: No, no, my dear king. It must be Rama. I assure you he will be safe in my hands.

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Ramayana Eskript