The cry is heard that Taraka is abroad.  Rama, after some hesitation about killing a female, slays her.

Viswamitra now proposes that they should visit Mithila.  The two princes are introduced to Janaka, the king of Mithila, who is urged by the sage to let Rama try to bend the bow of Siva.  Sanshkala, the messenger of Ravana, the king of Lanka, now arrives to demand Sita in marriage for his master, refusing, at the same time, on his part, to submit to the test of bending the bow.  The demand is refused.  Rama tries his fortune, bends the bow and wins the lady.  The family connection is extended by the promise of Urmila, Mandavi, and Srutakirti, to Rama’s brothers.  Sanshkala is highly indignant and carries the information to his master’s minister Malyavan, who is disappointed on Ravana’s account.  Malyavan anticipates that Ravana will carry Sita off; and to render the attempt less perilous, projects inveighing Rama into the forests alone, for which he sends Surpanakha, the sister of Ravana, in the disguise of Manthara, the attendant of Kaukeyi.

Parasurama then appears and boasts of his destruction of the Kshatriya race.  Rama replies:—­“This flag of your fame is now worn to tatters, let us see if you can mount a new one.”  Rama then calls for his bow, and Parasurama presents him with his axe.  They go forth to fight.  In the end, the two Ramas turn very excellent friends.  Parasurama departs.

Dasaratha now declares his purpose of relinquishing the kingdom entirely to his son Rama, Lakshmana announces the arrival of Manthara, and presents a letter from Kaikeyi, the purpose of which is to urge Dasaratha’s fulfilment of his promise, and grant her as the two boons, the Coronation of Bharata, and banishment of Rama.  The old king faints.  Rama recommending his father to Janaka, departs for the forests, accompanied by Lakshmana and Sita.  On their arrival in the forests, they are cordially received by Sugriva, the brother of Bali the king of the monkeys.  Lakshmana carries on a dialogue with Ravana, disguised as a juggler.

Jatayu, the king of birds, beholds Sita carried off by Ravana.  He follows the ravisher.  Rama and Lakshmana both express their grief.

Lakshmana observes:—­

“The worse the ill that Fate inflicts on noble souls, the more their firmness; and they arm their spirits with adamant to meet the blow.”

Rama replies:—­

“The firmness I was born with or was reared to, and rage, that fills my heart, restrain my sorrows; but hard is the task to fit my soul to bear unmurmuringly a husband’s shame.”