QUESTION AND ANSWER ON RAMAYANA

1.    Who was Vibishana ?

        The youngest brother of Ravana.  He was a pious rakshasa.  His daughter Thirijada was of a great help to Sita throughout her imprisonment.

2.    What did he advice his brother ?

        Vibishana advised Ravana to surrender Sita the wife of Rama to him instead of meeting the total destruction of Rakshasas.

3.    Why did Vibishana come out of the court of his brother ?

        Indirajit the most valiant of all the Rakshasas rediculed him by saying that he was a coward and a betrayer.  Ravana also supported him.  So Vibishana came out of the City.

4.    Why was Rama kind to Vibishana while all were against his entry there except Hanuman ?

        Rama was kind and magnanimous.  His heart was open to all high and low, men and best friend or foe.  He never cared for his own safety.  But he worried always of others' safety.

5.    What was the promise given to Vibishana ?

        He was assured of the kingship of Lanka though he wished to be the devotee of Rama.

6.    Who were Suka and Sarana ?

        They were the two spies of Ravana in disguise detected by Vibishana.  They were forgiven and sent away by Rama.

7.    How did they cross the ocean ?

    As per the advice given by Vibishana Rama requested the sea-God-Varuna to have a bridge across the ocean.

8.    Rama was a great saviour.  How ?

        Though Varuna was late and negligent Rama pardoned him and proved that he was a saviour.

9.    Who helped  him to build the bridge ?

        Nala and Vanaras.

10.    Who was Nala ?

         The son of Viswakarma.  He had the engineering skill of making stones float on the water.

11.    How long was it taken to finish the bridge ?

        Five days.

12.    Where did they stay at Lanka ?

        On the Suvala Mountains.

13.    Why did Ravana come to the upstairs ?

        In order to visit and value the forces of his enemies.

14.    What did Sugriva do then ?

        He sprang upon the Rakshasa-king and after a serious battle he returned to Rama with the crown of Ravana plucked off from his head.

15.    Who was Angatha ?

        Son of Vali and Tara.

16.    Why was he sent to Ravana ?

        To advice him to leave Sita and live safely.

17.    What was the reply of Ravana ?

        He asked him to face the battle.

18.    What happened to Ravana in the First day battle ?

        He had lost all his army and possessions.  He was left alone and also was asked to go and come back the next day.

19.    How did he threaten Sita ?

        He showed the false heads of Rama and Laxmana.  Seeing them she wept much.

20.    How did Kumbakarna show his valor in the battle ?

         He was gigantic monstrous Rakshas.  He argued much with his brother and advised him finally to return Sita to Rama in case be died in the battle.  Seeing Kumbakarna, the Vanara forces fled in fear and in despair.  But Sugriva, after a serious struggle bit off his monstrous nose.  He fought furiously though he had lost his legs and hand gradually.  At last be was killed by Rama.

21.    How was Indirajit won in the battle ?

        Indirajit was successful at first when he made the army bound with his Nagapasa.  But the whole army including Rama and Laxmana were released by the arrival of Garuda, the king of birds.  Then he used the Brahmastra.  Hanuman the herioc vanara brought the Sangeevi herbs and released the army from Brahmastra.

    Indirajit began to do a secret sacrifical fire at Nikumbal by which he wanted to revive the dead army.  With the help of Vibishana, Lakshmana went there fought and killed.  Thus Indirajt was won in the battle.

22.    What was the wonder about this battle ?

        Laxmana killed him only with the saying of the following vow.  "If Rama, my brother a righteous man left the arrow slay him".

23.    How was Ravana lost in the battle ?

        Laying the Brahmastra, Rama killed Ravana at last.  Lord of Lanka rolled on the dust.  Mandotari a faithful wife also fell on him and died.

24.    Who coronated Vibishana ?

        Laxmana.

25.    Why was Sita asked to plunge in to the fire ?

        To prove his chastity to the world.

26.    Rama had no enemity towards Kaikeyee.  How was it proved ?

        He requested his father Dasaratha (who had come from heaven to greet Rama) to accept Kaikayee his wife and Baratha his son.

27.    How do you know Sita - a merciful woman ?

        She did not permit Hanuman to punish the woman of Rakshasas who had threatened her throughout her imprisonment.

28.    How did they reach Ayodya quickly ?

        Through Puspaka Vimana (Aerial Car)

29.    Who had saved the life of Bharatha ?

        Hanuman from Baratwaja Ashram was sent by Rama with his ring.  Baratha who was about to fall in to the fire (as Rama had not arrived in the appointed time) was prevented by the message of Hanuman.

30.    What was the request of Baratha ?

        He requested Rama to assume charge of his crown and kingdom.

31.    Describe the 'Coronation' ?

        The assembly placed Rama on his father's ancient throne.  Holy water from each sea and sacred river was brought and poured on the royal couples.  Rama and Sita sat on the jewelled throne of Ayodya surrounded by Bharatha, Laxmana and Satrugna.  The scene was holy and rejoicing.

32.    What was the morals of the Kanda ?

        Never illegality wins over the righteousness.  Super human force is always there to help the innocent victims.  No fire can stand before the chastity.

 

 

Sri Ramajayam

 

 

 

 

 

 

Written by MADURANTHAGAM SHRI.S.RAGHUVEERAN.M.A.M.A.M.ED.