Ramayana — The Journey Home
Painting: Ayodhya palace courtyard beside the Sarayu, dawn

Chapter 1 · Ayodhya’s princes

Valmiki Ramayana · Bala Kanda · 3 stages

  1. Painting: Ayodhya palace courtyard beside the Sarayu, dawn

    1A · A request at court

    A prince’s ordinary morning becomes the beginning of a journey.

    Valmiki Ramayana, Bala Kanda, sargas 18–22

  2. Painting: The road from Ayodhya into the dark forest beyond the Sarayu, day

    1B · Beyond the city

    Follow Vishwamitra beyond the safety of Ayodhya.

    Valmiki Ramayana, Bala Kanda, sargas 22–28

  3. Painting: Siddhashrama hermitage under the trees, night

    1C · Guarding the rite

    Protect the sacrifice, then travel towards Mithila.

    Valmiki Ramayana, Bala Kanda, sargas 29–31, 48–49

Begin the journey