Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c10.s3.t7.5

v2.c10.s3.t7.5

*Ramayana* deals chronologically with major events in the life of Rama and Sita and narrates struggles. Rama, one of the protagonists, is the incarnation of Vishnu, was born to Dasharatha, the king of Ayodhya, and receives education from Vishvamitra. At a *swayamvara* held for his daughter Sita by Janaka, the king of Mithila, Rama gets married to Sita since he could wield the bow that once belonged to the god Shiva. Due to the tricks of Kaikeyi, one of Dasharatha’s wives, the old Dasharatha was forced to crown his second son Bharata as king and send Rama into wilderness for 14 years exile. Rama was a devoted son and decided to accept his father’s decree. He was joined by Sita and his younger brother Lakshmana. Soon after, King Dasharatha who was heartbroken, passes away. Bharata visits Rama in the forest and requests him to return to Ayodhya and be the king, but Rama refuses. Bharata had to rule as a regent while waiting for the return of Rama.