The story discusses the existence of Rama's elder sister, Shanta, as mentioned in Valmiki’s Ramayana and later regional folk adaptations. Shanta is adopted by King Rompada of Anga and marries Rishyashringa, who performs a yajna that blesses Dashratha with four sons. Many popular tales associated with the Ramayana today, such as those of Lakshman's wife Urmila and the famous Lakshman Rekha, were developed in more recent folk traditions rather than the ancient texts. The narrative also contrasts various versions of the Ramayana, including a sixth-century text discovered in Kolkata that concludes with Rama's coronation, omitting the abandonment of Sita. Additionally, the Dasharatha Jataka presents a Buddhist perspective where Rama, Lakkhan, and Sita are sent into the forest by their father and later return to rule, with Rama demonstrating wisdom and adherence to his promises. The text raises questions about the influences between these different tellings of the Ramayana across cultures, including Jain interpretations that portray Kaikeyi as benevolent.

by Devdutt Pattanaik in English Mythological Stories

Writen by Devdutt Pattanaik

Category Mythological Stories