The two kings Janaka and Dasaratha congratulate each other on the victory of Ramachandra.  Parasurama is now as humble as he was before arrogant:  he calls upon the earth to hide his shame.  Whilst Rama regrets Bhargava’s departure, Surpanakha, disguised as Manthara, the favourite of Kaikeyi, Dasaratha’s second wife, arrives with a letter to Rama, requesting him to use his influence with his father to secure Kaikeyi the two boons which Dasaratha was pledged to grant her; specifying one to be her son Bharata’s inauguration, and the other, assent to Rama’s voluntary exile.  In the meantime, Dasaratha, who has determined to raise Rama to the participation of regal dignity, communicates his intention to his son.  Rama replies by informing him of Kaikeyi’s message, and is earnest with his father to accede to her request.

Bharata and his maternal uncle Yuddhajit arrive, and ask Dasaratha to crown Rama and all are full of wonder and concern:  however, as there is no help for it, Dasaratha consents and orders preparations for the ceremony.

Lakshmana and Sita are alone to accompany Rama, on which her father Janaka exclaims, “My child, what happiness it will be to wait upon thy husband in the hour of trouble, permitted to partake and cheer his wanderings!” Bharata requests permission to go with them, but Rama refuses his assent; on which his brother begs his golden shoes of him, promising to instal them in the kingdom, and rule thereafter as their representative.  The seniors are led out in deep despondency, and Rama with his brother and wife set off to the woods.

A dialogue opens between the two birds, Jatayu and Sampati, the vulture-descendants of Kasyapa, who have seen successive creations.  They relate Rama’s progress towards the south; and Sampati, the elder leaves his brother Jatayu, with strict injunctions to assist Rama, if needed.  He then goes to the ocean to perform daily duties and Jatayu to Malaya.  Jatayu perches on the mountain and marks the hero Rama in pursuit of the swift deer.  Lakshmana directs his remote course thither.  A holy seer approaches the bower and the dame gives him meet welcome.  His form expands.

It is he, the felon Ravana—­his train crowd from the groves; he seizes upon Sita—­he mounts the car.  Jatayu cries shame on his birth and threatens to rend his limbs and revel in his gore.  Jatayu is, however, killed in the conflict.  Rama raves with indignation.  The brothers set off in pursuit of the ravisher, when Sramana, a female devotee sent by Vibhishana to Rama, calls for succour being seized by Kabandha, a headless fiend.  Rama sends Lakshmana to her rescue; he goes off to kill the demon and returns with the dame.  She gives Rama a note from Vibhishana praying for his refuge.  Rama asks Lakshmana what reply to be sent to (his) “dear friend—­lord of Lanka” and Lakshman replies that those words are sufficient.

(Two promises are implied—­first contraction of friendship and secondly bestowal of the Kingdom of Lanka.)