Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists Reading Notes
The Scheming of Kaikeyi We learn the real person behind Rama's banishment is Manthara, who is Kaikeyi's servant When Kaikeyi heard that Rama would be crowned king she was happy for him, believed he would be fit, and thought her son Bharata would bask in the glory as well Manthara convinced Kaikeyi with jewels and gifts that if she came up with a plan to have Dasharatha make Bharata be king and Rama to be banished Manthara reminded Kaikeyi of the three boons Dasharatha gifted to her, and persuaded her to use one of them Kaikeyi goes to talk to Dasharatha Sita Stolen Ravana sees Sita waiting alone for Rama's return He goes to her and Sita, thinking he is a Brahman, and gives him food and water Ravana orders her to be his wife and Sita becomes very angry and scolds him Rama seizes her, but Jatayu, a great vulture catches Ravana doing this As he leaves to let Rama and Lakshman know, Ravana starts attacking the bird Although unsuccessful at first, he kills Jata...