Kausalya, Rama's mother, has just discovered that her husband is dead. The shock from losing his son caused King Dasaratha to give up on life. He blamed what happened on the fact that he killed a boy when he was out hunting during his youth. When the king is found dead, messengers are sent out to Bharata, the son of Kaikeyi. He returns from his grandfather's palace to find his family in ruins.
Bharata goes out to try to convince Rama to return and take the throne. He is refused, as Rama intends to follow through on his promise to remain in exile for 14 years, along with Sita and Lakshmana. Bharata returns to rule in Rama's stead, taking his sandals with him as a reminder.
Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana continue to travel through the exile, meeting people including Asti. He tells them stories and his wife gives gifts of jewelry and clothing to Sita.
They continue traveling and end up meeting Agastya during their last year of exile. He was a warrior who defeated the demon brothers Vatapi and Ilwala. He also lowered the height of the Vindhya hills.
The tiny Valakhilyas seek Rama's aid in wiping out the demons, including Ravana. Sita tries to stop him from giving aid. Rama responds by telling her what the Valakhilyas have done. As he is telling her the story, she is kidnapped by the demon Viradha. The demon turns out to have been a deity that had been cursed.
Surpanakha shows up and decides that Rama needs to leave Sita for her. She believes that Sita is seducing Rama. She tries to have him marry her, but Rama refuses. She attacks Sita and is mutilated. Surpanakha then flees to Ravana and makes him seek revenge for her, as well as making him fall in love with the idea that she has built of Sita.
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