Week 5 Reading Diary A: Rama in the Forest

Today’s episode is setting the stage for Sita’s kidnapping. In here, I learned that Kaikeyi was one of Dasharatha’s wives, specifically Bharata’s mother. I was unaware of that when reading the Ramayana from last week. Bharata goes to convince Rama to come back, but of course he is reluctant to return to Ayodhya. Again it is mentioned in Buck's version that Bharata set Rama's shoes on his throne while he was gone. This version of the Ramayana gives  bit more detail of the life of Rama in the forest. It talks about the fourteenth summer so I am wondering how long his exile is supposed to last. I also like that his version of the Ramayana gives more detail into why Ravana kidnapped Sita. It tells the same story but I think the details are much easier to understand.  The readings from part A this week were not very long! Beginning with part B will be the beginning of the abduction of Sita.

Photo found online of Bharata asking Rama for his footwear