Chapter 4 · Forest and separation

Valmiki Ramayana · Aranya Kanda · 6 stages

1. 

   4A · What it means to protect

   The sages welcome the exiles, Viradha seizes the brothers, and Sita asks what the bow is for.

   Valmiki Ramayana, Aranya Kanda, sargas 1–14

2. 

   4B · A home beneath the trees

   Jatayu leads the exiles to Panchavati, where the brothers build a dwelling by the Godavari.

   Valmiki Ramayana, Aranya Kanda, sargas 14–16

3. 

   4C · The peace breaks

   Khara’s army comes against Ram, who faces it alone while Lakshman takes Sita to safety.

   Valmiki Ramayana, Aranya Kanda, sargas 17–41

4. 

   4D · The cry in the forest

   Maricha, as a golden deer, draws Ram far from the dwelling; Ravan takes Sita and Jatayu falls.

   Valmiki Ramayana, Aranya Kanda, sargas 42–56

5. 

   4E · The empty doorway

   Search the familiar places and listen to Jatayu.

   Valmiki Ramayana, Aranya Kanda, sargas 57–68

6. 

   4F · A direction, not an answer

   Kabandha’s guidance leads to Shabari and Pampa.

   Valmiki Ramayana, Aranya Kanda, sargas 69–75

Begin the journey