Reading Notes: Narayan's Ramayana, Section B

Hello World!!

As I continue to read the "Ramayana," it begins to get a little difficult to keep track of everything. It seems that the story is beginning to slow down. It's becoming a bit boring, but since I am still interested in figuring out what happens I am chugging through! One of the best parts so far for me personally, has been where Shurpanakha attempts to marry Lakshmana. I feel like that is something I would do my sibling just out of curiosity. "Well, I am taken, but she's single!" I would be interested in seeing what happened next. I would love to find out what would happen next. Also, I would probably try to get the whole thing on video, since it would serve a lifelong memory!

I do wonder, however, what would've happened if Lakshmana had ended up marrying her? Would he have liked her at all? I am sure that at this point she surely would have done a decent amount of damage to the entire family if not just Lakshmana and Rama. I wonder if she would have still tried  killing Sita? I feel as though she would have at least tried because Rama seemed to be the one she was smitten for. I am sure that the "Ramayana" story would have been pretty different had this occurred. I think this small detail could have changed not just the pace, but the entire concept of the story. If Ravana's sister had been married to Lakshmana would Ravana still have even tried to have kidnapped Sita? There is so much contrast provided by this one story. It seems as though this event is very important to the entire story. It's incredible how one simple change can bring about an entirely different angle to an old classic!

The Cutting of Surpanakha's Nose, Source: hindutva.info

All information has come from Narayan's Ramayana, (link to Reading Guide A).