Digital Ramayan, Aranya Kand Part I: Lakshmana cuts off Shurpanakha's nose

Aranya Kand is one of the important kands in Ramayan which portrayed how Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana went to serve 14 years in the forest. It involved the counter of the two brothers and Sita with Shurpanakha, the sister of Ravana, king of Lanka. 

Aranya Kand is famous for Lakshmana cutting Shurpanakha's nose when she attacked Sita. 

Read: Ramayana through illustrations: Aranya Kand Part I

When Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana reached the forest, they had to cross the River Ganga. It was boatmen Kevat who helped them in crossing the river.

Impressed by his dedication, Lord Rama blessed Kevat and granted him 'Mukti' from the material world. 

While roaming in the forest,  Shurpanakha was enamoured by Lord Rama and Lakshmana, but her advances were declined by both of them.

Feeling dejected, Shurpanakha attacked Sita. Lakshmana thwarted the attack by cutting off her nose.

Shurpanakha went crying to Lanka and narrated the entire accident to her brother Ravana. 

Ravana made a plan with an intention to kidnap Sita. He sent his ally Marischa to the forest where Rama and Sita were leaving.

Marischa disguised himself as a golden deer to attract Sita's attention.

Sita was mesmerized by the golden deer and asked Rama to catch it. Rama declined initially but eventually went to catch the deer for her wife's sake. 

In pics: Ramayana through illustrations: Ayodhya Kand