Lakshmana saw from a distance Sita migrating to Valmiki’s ashram. The helpless one found the whole episode agonizing and he could not bear Sita’s predicament. Sumantra, the minister and the charioteer was engaged in conversation with Lakshmana. “Sarathi!” said Lakshmana, “Imagine Rama’s plight in getting estranged from Sita. What more sorrow can he... Continue Reading →
Chapter 25 – Valmiki : Sita Above Reproach
Valmiki Maharshi came to know directly from the ashramites that a great virtuous woman looking like the veritable Lakshmi was crying and that she needed protection and shelter. He was able to know from his inner vision the identity of the dame in distress. He left the ashram immediately to meet her on the banks... Continue Reading →
Chapter 24 – Sita’s distress
Lakshmanasya vachaha srutwaa daarunam Janakaatmajaa, Param Vishaadam-aagamya Vydehee nipapaataha (U. Kan. Sar: 48 Sl; 1) Sita’s reaction to what Lakshmana said is obvious from the above sloka. It was so distressing to swallow them that she lost her balance and fell down. A little later, she recovered from the shock she sustained and said to... Continue Reading →
Chapter 23 – Sita banished to the forest
Swastwam prabhaate Soumitre Sumantra-adhishtittam ratham, Aaruhya Seetaam-aaropya vishayaante samut-srija (U. Kan. Sar 45; Sl. 16) At the height of sorrow, Sri Rama said: “Lakshmana! As the day dawns tomorrow, take Sita in the chariot driven by Sumantra and leave her outside the border of our kingdom. On the other side of the river Ganga, there... Continue Reading →
Chapter 22 – Discussion on suspicion
Seated among the brothers with down-cast eyes was Sri Rama sporting only a place face. He said to Lakshmana and others: “Sarve srunuta bhadram vo maa kurudhwam mano-anyathaa, Pouraanaam mama Sitaayaam yaadrishee vartate kathaa.” (U. Ka 45 – 2) “Brothers!” he said, “God bless you! Without diverting your mind and attention on other matters, know... Continue Reading →
Chapter 21 – The agony
After he came to know about unpleasant and uncharitable words about Sita from Bhadra and others, Sri Rama thought over what he would do and what steps he should take to silence the critics. He sent for his brothers. Clad in white dress, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna arrived immediately. As they entered Sri Rama’s... Continue Reading →
Chapter 20 – Cobra of suspicion raises its hood
In the Central Hall of the palace, Rama sat surrounded by several friends known for their humour and talks in lighter vein. Prominent among them were Vijaya, Madhumatta, Kashyapa, Mangala, Kula, Suraaji, Kaaliya, Dantavakra, Sumaadha and Bhadra. They were all delighted with the turn of events leading to Rama adorning the Ayodhya throne and winning... Continue Reading →
Chapter 19 – Sita’s pregnant desire
Valmiki describes in Uttara Ramayana that one day Sita, adorned with all the jewels and a palatial dress, went to Sri Rama just as Shachi Devi would go to meet her consort Indra. As she was approaching him, Rama noted noticeable features of pregnancy in Sita. He was immensely delighted. “Devi!” said Rama to... Continue Reading →
Chapter 18 – Dasharatha extols Sita’s purity
Rama did exactly as he was told; with Lakshmana he offered prostration to Dasharata seated in the Vimaana. “Raghava!” said Dasharata warmly embracing Rama, “Let me tell you the truth. Neither the heavenly happiness nor the honor conferred by the devatas can make up the distressing gap of separation from you. You have conquered... Continue Reading →
Chapter 17 – Maheshwara praises Rama
“Etat-srutwaa shubham vaakyam Raaghavenaanubhaashitam, Tataha shubhataram vaakyam vyaajahaara Mahesawaraha (Sar. 119; Sl: 1) Valmiki records that Maheswara, pleased by what Sri Rama said on the suspicious occasion, spelt out words of divine blessing: “Pushkaraaksha! Mahaabaahu! Vishaalavaksha! Paramtapa! Great among dharmaatmas!” said Maheswara, “you have achieved the unique task of inflicting death to Ravana... Continue Reading →
Chapter 16 – Sri Rama accepts Sita
After Sita emerged more effulgent then ever before from the raging fire along with Agni, in accordance with the wishes of all including Brahma and Agni, Sri Rama accepted Sita and won the encomium of all those who had assembled there as it was a very courageous move on his part to allow Sita to... Continue Reading →
Chapter 15 – Sita above suspicion
Etat-srutwaa Shubham vaakyam Pitaamahasameeritam Ankenaadaaya Vydeheem utpaata vibhaavasuhu (Sar. 118; Sl: 1) Brahma’s words were receptive to all; They were auspicious. The lord of fire, Agnideva was so much pleased that he came out of the fire with Sita on his laps. He pushed some of the pieces of wood and emerging with Sita... Continue Reading →
Chapter 14 – Devatas question Sri Rama
According to the lords and protectors of the Universe, Sri Rama appeared to neglect the dangerous and tragic step that Sita took in falling into fire. They felt such neglect and indifference were common traits of ordinary human beings. Naturally, they questioned him about the propriety of remaining silent to act of self-immolation by Sita... Continue Reading →
Chapter 13 – Heavenly reactions
Sita’s entry into fire shocked all and there was murmuring of many voices among the Vaanaras and rakshasas, coupled with shrieks of cries. When the virtuous Rama heard their words and sounds of agitation in reaction to Sita’s most tragic action, he also became very sad and tears welled up in his eyes. For a... Continue Reading →
Chapter 12 – Sita enters fire
The moment of the real climax in Ramayana had dawned. The climax in the popularity known to the majority is apparently the killing of the arch villain Ravana. If Sita had intended to do away with him following the sacrilege of her abduction, her fiery eyes could have easily consumed him and burnt him to... Continue Reading →
Chapter 11 – Sita reacts
Sri Rama’s words were as harsh as they were highly provocative: they were spelt out in an irritative mood. Vaidehi turned very sad. Her first reaction to her husband’s unimaginably fierce words was to bend her head to shame. It looked as though she was painfully pierced by a flurry of arrows of sharp... Continue Reading →
Chapter 10 – Sri Rama rejects Sita
“Thaam thu paarshve sthitaam prabhavam Raamah samprekshya Mythileem Hridayaantargatam bhaavam Vyaahartumupachakramae” describes Sage Valmiki, author of Ramayana, in the opening sloka of 115th Sarga of Yuddhakaanda: The daughter of the king of Mithila (Mythili), namely, Sita was standing by the side of Sri Rama exuding respect and humility. On seeing her in a state... Continue Reading →
Chapter 9 – Agony and the Ecstasy
In accordance with Sri Rama’s command, the righteous Vibheeshana began to make arrangements befitting a queen to bring Sita to Rama’s vicinity. The first direction he gave as to ask the people who had gathered there to keep themselves at a respectable distance. Soldiers in uniform wielding sticks went about pushing all including the Vanaras... Continue Reading →
Chapter 8 – Sri Rama’s dilemma
Vibheeshana went ahead to meet Sri Rama only to discover he was still in a state of despondency. He for one was very happy that he had brought Sita Devi to Sri Rama, the very purpose for which a huge battle was fought and won! He offered prostration to Sri Rama and announced the arrival... Continue Reading →
Chapter 7 – Vibheeshana meets Sita
The moment Vibheeshana saw Sita Devi in Ashoka Vana, he brought his hands together above his head to show his innate reverence to the great dame. “Daughter of the King of Videha!” he said to her with characteristic humility and submission. “Auspicious forebodings to you! Kindly have a bath and with all the royal... Continue Reading →
Chapter 6 – Sri Rama asks Vibheeshana to bring Sita
Hanuman, known for his great qualities of the head and knowledgeable in purposeful action, offered his prostration to Sri Rama who had excelled the prowess of expert archers. He said to Sri Rama: “Worshipful one! It would now be very fitting for you to meet Sita in distress as it was for her sake the... Continue Reading →
Chapter 5 – Legendary bear and tiger
Na parah paapamaadatte pareshaam paapakarmaanaam Samayo rakshiihavyastu santashchaaritrabhooshanaaha (Valmiki Ramayana: Yuddha Kaandam, Sarga 103, Sl.44) The sloka lays down a sensible observation that a wise one will not take serious note of sinful deed committed by one at the behest of others. The righteous one must therefore safeguard one’s resolutions, vows and righteous conduct at... Continue Reading →
Chapter 4 – Eight-fold qualities of intellect
Sita was so much pleased with Hanuman’s reply that she said he was the only one capable of intelligent and balanced conversation accompanied by the eight –fold qualities of the head, namely: Grahanam dhaaranam chaiva smaranam pratipaadanam Oohaapohaarthavijnaanam tattvajnaanam cha dheegunaaha meaning: Grahanam - absorption; Dhaaranam –installation of absorbed material; Smaranam – memory of installed... Continue Reading →
Chapter 3 – Hanuman meets Sita
As enjoined by Sri Rama, the great son of Vayu. entered the city of Lanka to the reception of the rakshasas. As per directions of Rama and Vibheeshana, he made his way to Ashoka Vana where Sita was staying. He sent a message to her of his arrival, in consonance with the usual practice. As... Continue Reading →
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