Ep 17. Episode 17

Ramayan is a popular Indian television series that depicts the life of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, and his journey from being the prince of Ayodhya to becoming the king of the entire universe. The show is based on the Hindu epic, Ramayan, originally written by Valmiki.

In episode 17 of Ramayan season 1, we see the continuation of the great epic tale. The episode begins with the coronation of Lord Rama's brother, Bharata, as the king of Ayodhya. Bharata had refused to take the throne after Lord Rama was wrongly banished to the forest for 14 years by their stepmother, Kaikeyi. Instead, he had placed Lord Rama's sandals on the throne and had ruled the kingdom in Lord Rama's absence. However, Lord Rama's exile period ends, and he returns to Ayodhya only to find out that his brother has been ruling the kingdom.

In this episode, we see Lord Rama's reunion with his family after 14 long years. He is reunited with his wife, Sita, and his brothers, Bharata, Lakshman, and Shatrughna. The entire kingdom is overjoyed with Lord Rama's return, and the streets are lined with people welcoming him back. The episode highlights the importance of family bonds and how they can withstand even the toughest challenges.

In the midst of all this happiness, Lord Rama is approached by his guru, Vashistha, who informs him that the gods have asked him to perform a yajna (sacrifice). Lord Rama agrees, and preparations for the yajna begin. However, Lord Rama's happiness is short-lived as he is soon faced with another challenge.

As part of the yajna, a horse is released, and the kingdom through which the horse travels would be considered under Lord Rama's rule. However, the horse is captured by Lava and Kusha, the twin sons of Lord Rama and Sita. They are unaware of their royal lineage and are living in a forest with their mother. When the soldiers of Ayodhya try to retrieve the horse, Lava and Kusha defeat them in battle. Lord Rama is informed of this and is enraged that his own sons are fighting against his kingdom.

The episode shows the dilemma Lord Rama faces as he has to make a choice between his duty towards his kingdom and his love for his sons. He sends his brother, Lakshman, to retrieve the horse, but once again, Lava and Kusha defeat him. Lord Rama then decides to go himself and talk to his sons. This decision highlights the compassion and empathy that Lord Rama possesses.

The episode also has a musical interlude, showcasing Lord Rama's devotion towards Lord Shiva. Lord Rama sings a hymn in praise of Lord Shiva, and we see him meditating in front of a Shiva linga. The song highlights the spiritual aspect of Lord Rama's character and his devotion towards God.

Overall, episode 17 of Ramayan season 1 is significant as it marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. We see Lord Rama's reunion with his family, his dilemma over the capture of the horse by his own sons, and his devotion towards Lord Shiva. The episode reinforces the themes of duty, family bonds, and devotion that are central to the Hindu epic, Ramayan.