To express God-like beauty of the royal family members, Rama’s and the Laksamana’s roles are performed by female artists. Rama, the legal heir to the throne of Ayodia, has been banished for 14 years, after his father, Dasarata, was urged by his youngest wife to crown her own son, Barata, as king of Ayodia. Rama, followed by his wife, the beautiful Sita, and his faithful younger brother, Laksamana, enter the Forest of Dandaka. There, Rahwana, the King of Alengka, plots to kidnap Sita, and orders his Minister, Marica, to transform himself into a golden deer, so as to lure Rama away. Rahwana succeeds in kidnapping Sita and takes her to his kingdom. On their way, they come across a huge eagle, Jatayu, a friend of Rama, who tries to rescue Sita. Unfortunately, Rahwana is too powerful for him, and Jatayu is left severely wounded.
After Rama and Laksmana find Jatayu and hear his explanation about the kidnapping of Sita, they set out to Alengka. On their way come across twin brother monkeys, the Kings Sugriwa and Subali, who are fighting each other. With Rama’s help, Sugriwa defeats his brother Subali. To show his gratitude, Sugriwa orders Hanoman to assist Rama in finding his wife. Hanoman sneaks into the park of Alengka, where Sita is kept a prisoner and meets her. Accompanied by an army of monkeys, Rama and Laksmana attack the Alengka kingdom. A harsh fight ensues between Rama and Rahwana, ending with Rama’s victory.
Sita and Rama are finally reunited. They all joyfully return to Ayodia, as in the meantime, Barata has refused to usurp his eldest brother’s throne.
ACT I. SITA – RAMA – LAKSAMANA – KIJANGMAS (GOLDEN DEER)
Sita and Rama, followed by Laksamana are frolicking amorously in the forest of Dandaka. A graceful golden deer appears which teasingly scampers about before their eyes. Rama and Sita try to catch it, but in vain. The deer vanishes into the forest, and Sita implores Rama to chase it, while Laksamana would look after her.
ACT II. SITA – LAKSMANA
Sita hears a cry for help which she thinks is Rama’s. She asks Laksamana to go and help her husband, but he refuses, as he believes Rama to be invincible. Sita bitterly accuses him of wishing Rama’s death, so that he can marry her. Laksamana then sadly goes away, leaving Sita alone without any protection.
ACT III. PRIEST – SITA
A priest appears who asks Sita for some water. But he turns out to be Rahwana disguised as a priest and he kidnaps Sita. Rama and Laksamana return. Rama angrily asks Laksamana where Sita is, and why he left her alone. Laksamana tells Rama about Sita’s accusation and pleads for his forgiveness. They both set out in search of Sita.
ACT IV. JATAYU – RAHWANA – SITA
On their way to Alengka, Rahwana and Sita come across a mighty eagle, Jatayu, who tries to free Sita. Unfortunately he is overpowered by Rahwana and seriously wounded. Rama and Laksamana find him nearly dying, but Rama heals his wounds, thanks to his magic powers.
ACT V. HANOMAN – RAMA- LAKSMANA
Hanoman, the commander of the monkeys appears. Rama sends him to the Alengka kingdom, and gives him his ring to be shown to Sita, so that she can trust Hanoman.
ACT VI. SITA – TRIJATA – DAYANG (LADIES) & HANOMAN
Sita is now in Rahwana’s palace bemoaning her misfortune. She is accompanied by Trijata, Rahwana’s niece. Rahwana demands Sita’s love but she spurns his advances. In his anger, Rahwana wants to kill Sita but is held back by Trijata. Rahwana retires enranged. Hanoman emerges and shows Sita the ring. Just before leaving Hanoman causes great havoc in the palace and sets in on fire. Then he is attacked by some monkey demons whose guard the palace of Rahwana.
ACT VII. RAMA – LAKSAMANA – RAHWANA
Rama fights Rahwana, and overpowers him.
ACT VIII. RAMA – SITA – LAKSAMANA – HANOMAN
Rama is reunited with Sita, his beloved wife, and they victoriously return to Ayodia.
