Placing a blade of grass between herself and Ravana in order to avoid direct contact with a man of evil intentions and expostulating with him by showing him the right path, Sita praises Sri Rama and, impressing on Ravana the consequences of the latter befriending or antagonising Sri Rama, advises Ravana to make friends with Sri Rama through self-surrender.Recitation: 00:00 - 05:58Translation: 06:04 - 14:25

Sundarakanda Sarga 22, "Ravana gives deadline", Book 5 canto 22

This podcast includes an authentic Sanskrit recitation and the reading of a genuine translation in English by Gita Press, Gorakhpur, India. This is not a western translation of the Valmiki Ramayana, nor a re-telling in any form. It is translated by Hindus from within the tradition, and it is thereby recommended as the most authentic recitation and English reading available.

The Ramayana recitation by Sriram-ghanapaathi HariSitaramamurti-ghanapathi is taken from archive.org. The reading is from the English version of Srimad Valmiki Ramayan translation by Gita Press, Gorakhpur, India.