Saumitra-II

For most part of Ramayana, Ram and Lakshmana, by most accounts, are believed to be exceptional kshatriya (warrior section of the society) princes but nothing more; they behave and feel like humans and are not known to speak explicitly of any supernatural elements they might have within them.For 12-13 years of their exile, they live quietly and slowly, unknowingly getting better and better; their bedrock of patience getting stronger;their knowledge and use of weapons, better.

Ageing has its effects on Ram and Saumitra who slowly begin to spend more of their time worshiping Shiva while still as a discipline, practicing and maintaining their weapons and tools in good shape. Saumitra is known to mirror Ram in his conduct during this period. It is only towards the end of this period, in dandakaranya , when Surpanakha abuses Sita beyond limit, an angry Saumitra cuts nose of Surpanakha. But this time, he is fully aware of his words and his actions.

After some time passes by, one day Sita manipulates Rama emotionally to chase a golden deer and bring it to her. When Sita hears Ram's cry from deep in the woods, she forces Saumitra to look for his brother. Saumitra senses some abnormal situation and does not believe that anyone could put Ram in trouble. He is not ready to leave Sita alone in the woods.When forced to leave the hut, Saumitra is known to draw a line around the hut; this is the line which Sita must not cross come what may, and any unauthorized entity crossing this line towards the hut would get destroyed. Saying this he leaves for the woods. Ravana, waiting for Laxman's departure realizes from his knowledge and senses that this was a line even he could not cross. In this flurried period of felicitous narration by Valmiki, the readers get , for the first time, an implicit indication of supernatural element in Saumitra.

On losing Sita, Ram immediately goes into shock and seems to be discombobulated. He loses self-control and self-esteem.In agitation he threatens to destroy this creation by his power. Seeing such uncharacteristic loss of self-control, Saumitra is known to have boldly and tactfully tell Rama, that destroying this creation was a very unfair view of the situation because this creation has no special interest in conspiring against Ram for his misfortunes. Ram becomes very weak and blames himself for every misfortunes and ills affecting his family. Saumitra displays level-headedness and suggests searching for Sita to be a better option.

The search for Sita and their journey further southward provide, although not definitive, evidence of the divinity of the brothers when Rama frees Devi Ahilya and some demons from their curse who are known to be waiting for ages for Ram for their salvation.

During the war in Lanka, Saumitra is known to take up initiative for killing many demons including Ankpan, and Indrajit. His encounters with Indrajit ( Meghnad) have been described vivdly in Ramayana. He has to use indrastra to beat Meghnad in the penultimate battle.

(concluded)