Yudhishthira Laments to Markandeya About Misfortunes

After rescuing Draupadi from Jayadratha's abduction, Yudhishthira sits among the sages and unburdens himself to Markandeya. He cannot understand how a woman who has always followed dharma could be touched by such dishonor — and he asks whether the sage has ever seen or heard of anyone more unfortunate than himself.

Chapter 554 · ~2 min

Markandeya Recounts the Genealogies of Rama and Ravana

Markandeya begins to answer Yudhishthira's request by tracing the lineage of Rama from the Ikshvaku king Aja through Dasharatha and his four sons. Then he turns to Ravana's birth, describing how the god Prajapati's line passed through Pulastya, and how a father's anger created the sage Vishrava — the father of the rakshasa king.

Chapter 555 · ~1 min

Gods Seek Brahma's Aid Against Dashagriva

Dashagriva, the ten-headed king of the rakshasas, is rampaging through the three worlds, protected by a boon that makes him invincible to gods and asuras. The gods, led by Agni, flee to Brahma for refuge — and learn that the solution has already been set in motion. Vishnu has already descended to earth, and the gods themselves must take birth among monkeys and bears to serve as his army.

Chapter 557 · ~2 min

Markandeya Narrates the Exile of Rama

Markandeya tells Yudhishthira the full story of Rama's exile: Dasharatha's plan to instate his eldest son, Kaikeyi's demand for Bharata's throne and Rama's banishment, Rama's departure, Dasharatha's death from grief, Bharata's refusal of the crown, and the events that led Ravana to set his sights on Sita.

Chapter 558 · ~3 min

Ravana Abducts Sita After Lakshmana Departs

With Lakshmana gone, Ravana appears at the hermitage disguised as a gentle ascetic. When Sita refuses his advances, he reveals his true form, grasps her by the hair, and rises into the sky — carrying her away as she cries out for Rama.

Chapter 559 · ~1 min