Sita’s abduction, the killing of Ravana, the redemption and recovery of Sita, the suspicions against Sita who was irreproachable, her rejection by Sri Rama – all provide by far the greatest lessons in enlightenment for man and clues to permanent and impermanent values in human life. The undercurrent of thought is the Leela of the... Continue Reading →
The philosophical significance
The purpose of writing great epic of Ramayana, according to the author Valmiki himself, as is obvious from the 4th Sarga of Balakanda, is mainly to convey the philosophy of the Vedas to the public at large and for the dissemination of the Vedic tattva among all: “Vedopabrihmanaarthaaya thaavagraahayataha prabhuhu” The essence of... Continue Reading →
Vagaries of public suspicion
As the day dawned, Lakshmana and Sumantra left their camp on the banks of Gomathi river and proceeded towards Ayodhya. By afternoon their chariot reached the captivating city of Ayodhya. As they were approaching Sri Rama’s palace, Lakshmana was overcome by a new wave of sorrow. “What should I submit at the lotus feet of... Continue Reading →
Divine Will
Lakshmana sought to know from Sumantra what transpired in the past. Sumantra proceeded to recount what Durvasa had told Dasharata: “Lakshmana!” said he, “Once in the past, Durvasa, son of Atri Maharshi, chose to spend four months of austerities in a rainy season in Vashishta Maharshi’s ashram. At that time, your reputed father... Continue Reading →
Banishment cruel, says Lakshmana
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 expect than... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 came... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 words... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 adornments,... Continue Reading →
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