Reading Diary A: The Divine Archer By F. J. Gould

I read The Divine Archer by F. J. Gould.  One of my favorite stories in this reading was the story of Rama arriving in Videha.  I enjoyed how the story went into detail at what Rama and Lakshmana did in the city.  In comparison to Narayan’s version of the Ramayana, this version includes more about the events surrounding Rama’s wedding to Sita.  This version for instance includes the part about the hermit coming and wanting to kill whoever broke Siva’s bow but on seeing Rama string Vishnu’s bow by touching it, the hermit clasped his hands and said “Glory to the mighty Rama!”  In addition, it goes into detail at what happened when Siva’s bow broke talking about how the earth shook.  Then it talks about how heaven and earth both celebrated.  Another section that I liked was Sita and Rama married.  In Narayan’s version, it is just his wedding but in this version of the story, all four of the brother’s are married.  Also, the dowry that was given to them was massive.  I found it odd however, that Lakshmana was said to be married but later it said he was not.  When Raksha tries to woo Rama she is rejected by Rama, Rama tells her that he has a wife and that he does not like the food of Rakshas.  Then he tells her that Lakshmana does not have a wife.  The only things that I can think of is that Rama was lying, Lakshmana was fine with pologamy, or he was no longer married.  Nevertheless, whatever the reason it does not matter because he turned Raksha down and she transformed and he cut of her nose and ears. 

Rama breaking Siva's bow (Source: wikimedia)