Today, I’m going to tell you a story. It’s an old Javanese rendering of the Sanskrit Ramayana (one of the two great epics of India) that I learned after watching the theatrical performance of Ramayana at Prambanan, Indonesia. This is how the story goes . . . .
Once upon a time, there’s a very beautiful princess named Dewi Shinta in Mithila (or Mantili) Kingdom. A competition was held in order to decide who is the right and capable person to marry her. Finally, the prince of Ayodya Kingdom called Rama Wijaya won the competition and brought her back to Ayodya.
(Dewi Shinta, the beautiful wife of Rama Wijaya)
As you know, happy days are usually short. Prabu Rahwana, the ruler of Alengkadiraja Kingdom was quietly planning something as he was eager to possess Shinta because he assumed that Shinta is the incarnation of Dewi Wodowati, whom he longed to marry. One day, while Rama and Shinta, along with Rama’s younger brother Leksmana were adventuring in Dandaka forest, something very bad happened.
(Obviously the villains — Rahwana’s followers)
(The evil Prabu Rahwana, the ruler of Alengkadiraja Kingdom)
Rama and Leksmana were lured away by Rahwana’s followers and Rahwana seized this perfect moment to kidnap Shinta. On the way back to Alengkadiraja, Rahwana encountered a giant bird named Jatayu which tried to escape Shinta but failed. Jatayu was seriously injured by Rahwana.
After learning that Shinta has disappeared, Rama and Leksmana were worried and frantically searched all over the forest. Later on, they met the wounded Jatayu and Jatayu told them about the abduction of Shinta by Rahwana. Jatayu died after that.
They headed to Alengkadiraja Kingdom immediately for the quest of defeating Rahwana and to rescue Shinta. Hanuman, the white monkey was sent by Sugriwa (the ruler of monkey kingdom Kishkindha) to assist Rama.
(Killing of Jatayu by Rahwana)
(Hanuman, the king of monkeys)
A war between Rama-Hanuman and Rahwana armies broke out. After a lengthy battle, Rahwana’s troops were finally defeated and Rahwana was killed by Rama’s arrow.
(Hanuman’s troops preparing to wreak havoc at the palace of Rahwana)
(One on one fight between the good and the evil)
(The fight turned intense and fiery)
Shinta was freed finally but Rama refused to accept her as he considered Shinta was not pure anymore after staying in the demon’s palace. In order to prove her purity, Shinta plunged into the fire . . . .
But with the help of Agni (the God of Fire), Shinta was magically raised above the fire unharmed, attesting to her purity. Rama accepted Shinta and they returned to Ayodya. They lived happily ever after. —- The End
By the way, there’s a special exhibition — Ramayana Revisited that is being held at the Peranakan Museum Singapore currently. Do check it out: http://www.peranakanmuseum.sg/home/home.asp.
MOMENT | Photography 