Aranya Kand Part 1 | The Forest of Trials

Tulsidas wrote the forests welcomed Ram like a king returning home.
For me, it felt like life pushing you from peace into the real tests meant to shape you.

The Crow and the First Wound

One peaceful morning in Chitrakoot,
Ram sat quietly making a flower garland for Sita.
The forest air was calm and everything felt like normal.

Suddenly, a wild crow attacked Sita and wounded her feet.
Blood dripped from her toe.

Without thinking much, Ram took his bow,
shot an arrow,
and the crow fell wounded and basically surviving with only one eye left.

People watching this miracle trembled.
Ram realized that fame was spreading,
and if more crowds gathered, peace would die.

So quietly, without celebrations or farewell,
Ram, Sita, and Lakshman left Chitrakoot.

✨ Reflection

Sometimes God removes us from comfort
not because we are weak,
but because growth needs living alone and hidden.

The Ashram of Atri Muni

The trio reached the ashram of Atri Muni and Mata Anusuya.
Atri welcomed them with sacred water,
and Mata Anusuya embraced Sita with love.

She gifted Sita divine ornaments and teachings
that would later become her strength.

After blessings, Ram respectfully asked permission to leave.

They walked ahead into deeper forests...

Ram leading, Sita following and Lakshman protecting from behind.

The Killing of Viradh

Clouds covered the sky.
Inside the dark forest, a creature named Viradh attacked.
Ram defeated and killed him and as usual protecting Sita.

Then they visited Sharbhajangi Muni,
who was in his final moments.
His last wish was fulfilled to see Ram.

He bowed towards Ram
and left his body peacefully.

Skeletons in the Forest

Further ahead, Ram saw bones and skeletons scattered everywhere.
Whole forest was so silent.

Ram asked a sage what had happened.

Devils killed the saints who lived here.
No one is left to protect us.

Hearing this, Ram speak loudly:

I promise I will destroy every devil
troubling holy people on this earth.

From that moment
the forest shook with war.
Ram hunted demons one by one.

Meeting the Old Servant

In a nearby hermitage,
Ram met an old sevak from Agastya Muni’s ashram
who danced with joy upon seeing Ram after so long.

He took them to the ashram and offered prayers.

Ram said,

Now we must move ahead to Agastya Muni.

The sevak guided them.

The Blessing of Agastya Muni

Agastya Muni welcomed them with deep respect.
All saints gathered around Ram.

Ram said:

I promised to end the devils who torture the saints.
Give me the strength and mantra to do it.

Agastya replied:

You both brothers are powerful,
but demons hold dark powers.
For winning this war, go to Panchvati in Dandak Forest
and make your home there.

And once again story shifted direction.

The Arrival of Jatayu

On their way to Panchvati,
they met Jatayu, the king of eagles
who promised protection and friendship.

Near the Godavari river,
they built their home and began life in the deep forest.

For the first time since exile,
the saints of Dandak forest slept safely.

✨ Reflection

Tulsidas says this was where Ram became the protector of the world.
For me, it is the moment life changes from peace to purpose
when destiny no longer lets you hide from who you’re meant to become.

The journey ahead is darker, heavier and unforgettable.
Because the real storm is about to begin.

Next part: The arrival of Surpanakha and the beginning of war.

Thank You for Reading.