The decision of Dasharatha to send Rama and Lakshmana, on the advise of Vashista, could be likened to a finishing school. They gain experience, are taught mantras which will keep them from getting tired. Neither hunger nor thirst will bother them.
They have many adventures begining with the killing of demoness Tataka.. at the orders of sage Vishvamitra. This is a crucial test put to Rama by Vishvamitra in ascertaining whether Rama is the follower of dharma through elder men's orders or not. Rama eradicates Tataka basing on his own self-confidence. Rama then receives from his mentor many astras, learns how to invoke, to despatch and withdraw it.
Rama and Lakshmana also visit Siddha aashrama, used by Vishnu in his Vaamna incarnation. Vishvamitra narrates about how Vaamna, a dwarfish ascetic boy eradicated evil on earth. They then stand guard at the ritual grounds.... Rama and Lakshmana while safeguarding the ritual of Sage Vishvamitra for six days and nights, on the last night demons named Maareecha and Subaahu come to hinder the ritual. Rama acts deftly and hits out Maareecha to a long distance, but kills the other, namely Subaahu. Rama thus makes the ritual of sage Vishvamitra a success.
Later, as they travel with the sage, the brothers get to hear many stories. The ways of gods and the earlier kings of Ikshavaku. They learn about Bhageeratha's effort to bring river Ganga to earth. Also about Shiva and Uma and her curse.The birth of Kaarthikeya. The power of Vishvamitra in creating a new heaven for Trishanku. Also about the conflict between sage Vashishta and Vishvamitra while he was a king. How he coveted Kamadenu, the do-all divine sacred cow belonging to the sage and stole it. The story of the transformation of the powerful kimg Vishvamitra to a great sage, a bhramha-rishi, is also narrated. And how Rama redeems Ahalya from a curse when he steps into the ashrama of Gautama.
They all are fascinating stories. I remember the stories of Bhageeratha and Trishanku. Also the confrontation of Vashista and Vishwamitra. I now understand why some of them were skipped! For instance the curse of Uma!
Thai Ramayana covers Sita's marriage very briefly:
The king Janaka returned to his metropolis along with the girl. Considering her ready for marriage arranged for her swayamvara. Kings from all quarters assembled with a desire to marry the king's daughter. They had heard about her irreproachable beauty.
The king placed the bow of Shiva on the floor and made it a condition that whoever strings the bow would marry his daughter. What to speak of stringing the bow, none of the warrior class could even lift the bow!
Then the charming and youthful Rama entered the swayamvara with Lakshamana under the direction of Vishwamitra with a desire to marry the damsel. The brave Rama lifted the heavy bow very sportingly. In the course of lifting it got broken and he was chosen by Sita.
Rama having married the gold complexioned slim daughter of Videha in the manner prescribed by scriptures returned to the city happily, being greeted by the multitudes of people.
The king placed the bow of Shiva on the floor and made it a condition that whoever strings the bow would marry his daughter. What to speak of stringing the bow, none of the warrior class could even lift the bow!
Then the charming and youthful Rama entered the swayamvara with Lakshamana under the direction of Vishwamitra with a desire to marry the damsel. The brave Rama lifted the heavy bow very sportingly. In the course of lifting it got broken and he was chosen by Sita.
Rama having married the gold complexioned slim daughter of Videha in the manner prescribed by scriptures returned to the city happily, being greeted by the multitudes of people.
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