Aranya Kanda — Part 2 of 3. This chapter is an original prose retelling of the traditional Ramayana narrative; it is not a verse-by-verse translation.
An encounter with Shurpanakha leads to hostility with powerful relatives. Maricha appears in the form of a captivating golden deer, drawing Rama away from the cottage. Ravana exploits the separation and abducts Sita despite her resistance. The aged bird Jatayu courageously fights Ravana and is gravely wounded. Rama returns to find Sita missing and begins a desperate search.
The episode invites readers to consider duty, compassion and the consequences of choices. Continue through the kand in order to follow the story from its beginning to its conclusion.