At Panchavati, after his sister Shurpanakha was humiliated, Ravana decided to take revenge. Maricha took the form of a golden deer. At Sita's request Shri Rama went after the deer, and then Lakshmana followed too. Left alone, Sita was carried off by Ravana, who had come disguised as a holy man.
On the way, the aged vulture king Jatayu fought Ravana to save Sita and gave his life. Shri Rama performed the last rites for Jatayu, whom he honoured like a father, with his own hands. Later he made friends with Hanuman and Sugriva, and Hanuman found Sita in Lanka.
Led by Nala and Nila, the monkey army built a bridge across the ocean from stones inscribed with "Shri Ram"; it is known as the Ram Setu. Ravana's brother Vibhishana took the side of dharma and came to Shri Rama for refuge.
In a fierce war, great warriors such as Kumbhakarna and Meghnad were slain. At last, on the tenth day of the bright fortnight of Aso, Shri Rama slew Ravana with the Brahmastra. This day of the victory of good over evil is celebrated as Dussehra, also called Vijayadashami.