According to Valmiki’s Ramayana, there once lived rakshasa brothers, Vatapi and Ilvala. All their life they killed holy men by tricking them. Vatapi had the boon of transforming into any life form at will. While Ilvala had the power to bring back the dead.
In order to kill the sages, both would take another form. Ilvala would assume the form of a holy man and Vatapi would transform himself into a goat. Every time sages passed through the forest, Ilvala would invite them for a feast. Ilvala would cook the goat, which was Vatapi, and serve it to the holy men. After they were done feasting, Ilvala would shout,
“ O Vatapi! Come out.”
Vatapi would emerge tearing the stomach of the sages. The rakshasa brothers killed thousands of holy men using this trick.
One fine day, Ilvala saw Sage Agastya passing by. As usual, he invited the sage for a feast. Sage Agastya, through his divine powers, understood that he was being tricked by the rakshasa brothers. However, he decided to play along. As expected, Ilvala cooked Vatapi in his goat form and served it. Sage Agastya ate the meal, rubbed his right hand over his belly and said,
“Vatapi get digested.”
Illustration: Arijit Dutta Chowdhury
Thus, when Ilvala tried recalling Vatapi, he didn’t come back. Agastya said,
“You wicked Ilvala, you and your brother thought you could kill me but Vatapi can’t come back now. He has already been digested and his soul has departed his body.”
Ilvala got furious. Seeking revenge, Ilvala pulled out his weapon to attack Agastya. But Agastya, through his powers obtained through penance, let out fire from his eyes burning the rakshasa to ashes.
Legends say that Agastya vanquished the two rakshasas at Konnur, in the southernmost state of India, Tamil Nadu. The place is presently known as Villivakkam, in Chennai. Sage Agastya built a Shiva temple here and performed severe penance. Years later, Shiva appeared before him and blessed the sage. That’s how the sage was set free from his sins. The temple is believed to be one of the oldest Shiva temples.
Read more stories from the Ramayana in our six-volume box set ‘Valmiki’s Ramayana’. Now available on the ACK Comics app, Kindle, Amazon, Flipkart, and other major e-tailers.
According to Valmiki’s Ramayana, Sita’s departure into the earth had filled Rama with grief and anger. He threatened to destroy the whole earth if Sita was not returned to him. Brahma pacified him, saying,
“Do not grieve. Remember that you are an incarnation. You will be reunited with the pure and noble Sita in heaven.”
Illustration: Arijit Dutta Chowdhury
The next morning, Kusha and Lava sang the Uttara Kanda, the last book of the Ramayana, dealing with future events. After the sacrifice was over and all the guests had left, the sorrowful Rama returned to Ayodhya, treasuring Sita in his heart. He did not marry again; a golden image of Sita served as the queen in every sacrifice. Rama performed thousands of Ashwamedha, Vaajapeya, and other sacrifices, giving generous donations. He ruled over his kingdom righteously. The clouds poured forth rain in time, the harvest was good, and the cities were full of happy, well-fed and long-lived people. After a long time, Kausalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi went to heaven and were happily reunited with Dasharatha. One day, Yuddhajeet, the king of Kekeya, asked Rama’s help in conquering the beautiful territory of the Gandharvas, along the river Sindhu. Rama sent Bharata with his two brave sons Taksha and Pushkala. After conquering the territory, Taksha was established as king of Takshasheela, and Pushkala as king of Pushkalaavati. Similarly, Rama carved out two kingdoms in the Kaarupatha region for Lakshmana’s sons, Angada and Chandraketu.
Ten thousand years passed, with the four brothers always striving to serve the citizens righteously. One day, Death appeared at the palace, in the form of a rishi. He told Rama that he wanted to speak to him in private. If anyone heard or saw their conversation, Rama would have to kill him. Rama agreed, and sent Lakshmana outside. Then the rishi said,
“I am your son, Kaala (time), the destroyer of all. I bring you this message from Brahma: O Vishnu, lord of the universe, you were born on earth in human form to slay Dashagreeva. Your scheduled stay of eleven thousand years in the mortal world is coming to an end. If you wish to return to heaven, the Devas will be happy.”
As Rama smilingly agreed, Rishi Durvasa appeared at the royal gate. He threatened to curse the kingdom and the whole family of Raghu if he was not allowed to see Rama immediately. Hearing those dreadful words, Lakshmana thought,
“If I go to Rama now, only I will be killed; all the others will be saved.”
Illustration: Arijit Dutta Chowdhury
He fetched Rama, who came hurrying out to see Durvasa. The rishi said he had just completed one thousand years of his tapas and he wanted cooked food. Rama immediately served him food and Durvasa, after eating well, went away praising Rama. Only then did Rama remember the words of Kaala. He was filled with sorrow. Lakshmana spoke to him sweetly,
“This is but the law of time. Keep your promise and do not grieve for me. For the sake of dharma and out of affection for me, punish me without hesitation.”
After consulting his councillors and priests, Rama renounced his brother, saying that renunciation was the same as destroying a person. Lakshmana went to the bank of the river, stood with joined palms, and stopped breathing. Raining flowers on that heroic scion of Raghu, the devas came and took him to heaven.
The grief-stricken Rama decided to place Bharata on the throne and follow Lakshmana at once. But Bharata and all the citizens pleaded with him to take them along. Seeing their devotion, Rama agreed. He lovingly installed his sons Kusha and Lava as the kings of Kosala and Uttara Kosala respectively. Then he sent a messenger to Shatrughna. Shocked at the news, Shatrughna installed his sons, Subahu and Shatrughati, on the thrones of Madhura and Vidisha respectively, and came straight to Ayodhya. The vanaras, bears and rakshasas also arrived in great numbers, eager to follow Rama. Rama asked Vibhishana, Hanuman, Jambavan, Mainda and Dwivida to stay on earth until the end of Kali Yuga. All the other vanaras and bears were to go with him.
Illustration: Arijit Dutta Chowdhury
The next morning, Vasishta performed all the rites of the final departure. Then, preceded by the priests with the brilliant umbrellas of Agnihotra and Vajpeya, the lustrous, lotus-eyed Rama walked to the Sarayu, praising the Supreme Brahma. He was followed by all the weapons of destruction, and accompanied by Shri, Mahi, the four Vedas, Gayatri, Omkara and Vashatkara, and all his devotees – Bharata and Shatrughna and their wives, noble rishis and rakshasas, and all the citizens of Ayodhya, young and old, even down to the tiniest animals and birds. As they approached the river ford at Goprataara, Brahma and the devas came in their shining chariots to receive Rama and his followers. Flowers rained on them all as they ascended to the heavens and were united with their ancestors. To the delight of the Devas, Rama and his brothers merged into Lord Vishnu.
Read Amar Chitra Katha’s six-volume set of ‘Valmiki’s Ramayana’ on the ACK Comics app or Kindle. Now, also available on Amazon, Flipkart, and other major e-tailers.
Step into the cosmos of Indian mythology – an entire encyclopedia of epic stories of gods and mortals, heroes and villains, love, and war with the Mythology Collection.
Amar Chitra Katha’s Mythological Collection is your gateway to the ancient realm of Indian mythology.
Mythology collection
Immerse yourself into the complete Mythology Collection from Amar Chitra Katha, a treasure chest of Indian Mythological Stories that, once opened, will transport you through the stunning world of Mythical Adventure.
With this collection, you’re not just reading stories – you’re living mythical adventures and discovering the ageless stories of Indian mythology.
From the mischievous pranks of little Krishna to the mindblowing battles of the Mahabharata, each page takes you to a world where you discover a new mythological story.
Let’s explore what is so special about the Mythology collection of Amar Chitra Katha.
About Mythology Collection
The Mythology collection isn’t just about gods and epic battles. It also depicts the epic tales of great devotees like Prahlada, the wickedness of Ravana, and the integrity of Yudhishthira. These characters are born of myth but reflect profoundly upon human behavior. It teaches values that help humans learn the difference between good and evil.
And let’s not forget the women who contributed immensely to these stories too. Draupadi’s fire, Savitri’s determination, and Durga’s ferocity – women have consistently been pivotal in portraying the inspiring tales of Indian mythology, serving as a great source of inspiration.
Mythology Stories
As you flip through the pages, you’ll experience a blend of emotions. One moment you’re engrossed in Narada’s clever schemes, the next you are stunned by the way Abhimanyu faces the Chakravyuha alone.
This collection by Amar Chitra Katha includes 71 volumes of Mythological stories each offering tales from Indian mythology and ancient stories such as The Bhagavad Gita, The Ramayana, The Mahabharata, and the Puranas. The stories cover a range of stories including the wisdom of sages, warriors, gods, and goddesses.
But what makes this collection truly special is its power to bridge generations. Introduce your kids to mythical storiess and timeless wisdom. Our collection is a great way to introduce your kids to cultural identity, moral lessons, and philosophical inquiries, which are all in one package.
These 73 mythological tales aren’t just for children. Adults can also explore the depths of these stories and uncover their hidden meanings
Amar Chitra Katha is renowned for delivering mythological stories in the most interactive way for generations. The Complete Mythology Collection isn’t just a set of books – it’s a treasure chest of imagination and a journey through ancient India. Whether you’re revisiting beloved childhood tales or discovering these stories for the first time, each story promises a mythical adventure.
Amar Chitra Katha’s Mythology collection has stood out in delivering mythological stories in the most compelling way for ages. The collection has earned a special place in the world of Mythology storytelling by delivering the best of its stories to its readers.
Witness the legendary story of Ramayana brought to you by Amar Chitra Katha’s fantastic set of Valmiki Ramayan.
Ramayana
Ramayana has been retold in many ways to date. Amar Chitra Katha stands out in narrating the tales of Ramayan most appealingly.
Amar Chitra Katha’s Ramayan collection promises to recount the epic journey of the Ramayana in a way that stands as one of the most legendary in the world of storytelling.
This collection not only caters to kids but also narrates the story of Ramayana to adults in a new way. The Ramayana Collection of Amar Chitra Katha is one of a kind in all the versions of Ramayana you have seen till now.
Let’s have a look at why Amar Chitra Katha’s Valmiki Ramayana is special
Overview of Valmiki’s Ramayana
Amar Chitra Katha’s Valmiki Ramayana has been divided into 6 fine stories of Lord Rama’s journey. These 6 titles offer deep insights into the journey of Ramayan.
Ramayana
Here is a breakdown of what each title offers.
Bala Kand
This story unfolds by introducing you to the divine birth of Rama, his mischievous childhood, and his first steps into the legendary destiny. Each panel is a window into a world where each visual tells a story.
Ayodhya Kand
In the second volume of Valmiki’s Ramayana, you’re immersed in the Ayodhya Kand. You can see Queen Kaikeyi as she sets in motion events that will change the entire ancient history. You can witness Sita’s devotion, and Bharata’s anguish introducing these legendary characters and their contribution to Lord Rama’s journey.
Aranya Kand
As you continue reading further Aranya Kand and Kishkindha Kand narrate Lord Rama and loyal followers’ journey in the lush forests of ancient India. Monkeys chatter in the treetops, demons lurk in shadowy caves, and the bond between Rama and his faithful companions grows stronger as they pass through these wild jungles. These lost forests of ancient India spring into life through their visually stunning presentation in this creation.
Sundara Kand
The Sundara Kand explodes with action and daring. Hanuman’s leap across the ocean is rendered so legendary that you find yourself at the edge of your seat as you immerse in his journey.
Yuddha Kanda
When you reach the Yuddha Kanda, prepare for a visual feast of epic stories. The battle scenes are stunningly portrayed through visuals and narratives. You can hear each clash of weapons and see the legend’s outbursts of their divine power
This collection is more than just the Ramayana story that you have read over the years. It’s a story that interconnects the world of Indian mythology. Rama’s Ring weaves together both the Ramayana and Mahabharata, showing how these great epics are the foundation of 2 sides of the coin of Hindu
What makes this collection truly special is its ability to bridge worlds. For devoted mythology followers, it’s a chance to see familiar stories from a fresh perspective, to discover new details and interpretations in every reading. For new readers, it’s the most inviting introduction imaginable to the rich tapestry of Indian myth and legend.
Parents can use this collection to retell the stories to their children. Moreover, your children can learn about Lord Rama’s incredible journey and see it come to life before their eyes.
They would also know the true meaning of devotion by witnessing Hanuman’s devotion for the first time. These aren’t just stories they’re lessons in courage, loyalty, and the eternal struggle between good and evil, combined in the most captivating way possible.
As you close the final volume, you might find yourself changed. You’ve not just read a story, you would have immersed yourself in a tradition with morals.
This Ayodhya special edition isn’t just a collection of books. The last volume in the Ramayana collection celebrates Lord Rama’s inspiring journey.
To walk in the footsteps of gods and heroes? To lose yourself in a world where every page turn is an adventure, every character discerns a profound value and every story is a key to understanding the tradition in a great way. The Ramayana Treasury awaits, a gateway to wonder that spans ages.
