Towards the End: Sita's Departure; Rama's Grief, Anger and Brahma's Appease

We looked at the sad episode of Sita descending into Earth and concluding her life as the companion of Rama. Rama conducts a test of purity yet again to settle the issue once and for all and reunite with Sita after looking at the eloquent singing of Ramayana from Lava, Kusa infront of him. The mesmerizing performance brings back the memories of Sita and he would like to reunite with the divine mother who is as pure as fire. Since he abandoned Sita on the pretext of bad public opinion forming after living in the captivity of Ravana, Rama can only live again with Sita as a king after the subjects of the kingdom believe in her chastity. The inner urge to reunite with her and the role as a noble ruler who puts his people before personal life influenced him to put her to test once again infront of the world before accepting her into his life. Rama might be an ideal ruler who lived for the world and for the people of his kingdom but the treatment meted out to Sita can be termed as sad, avoidable and unfortunate. He put the pure woman to test not once but twice and the second one had the mother leave him permanently. If a woman who wavers in faith is put to test, she can take it but when a woman who is unwavering in devotion to Rama is subjected to harsh tests by the very Rama, the principled woman deserted Rama himself and left the world. This is a poignant episode of the epic as the woman who is taken for granted by Rama decides to leave him and the mortal world, leaving Rama and the whole world in awe and stunned. Nothing is more shocking than mother Sita leaving Rama when he longs for her and wishes most to live with her. This is one of the heart wrenching episodes along with abandoning Sita in forest when pregnant, imbibed in the story of Rama as Ramayana. In short, life of Sita is most painful in the life of Rama for mother Sita went through the most arduous tenure as a wife of Rama. This pain and difficulty of Sita is Ramayana for you, as is the case with every noble woman in this world who has to undergo ultimate tests every day to make a living and to bring a Rama to the world. 

Sita was born from the Earth; her return signifies the completion of her earthly journey. Her act is a silent protest against societal norms that demanded repeated proof of a woman’s virtue. The Earth’s embrace confirms her purity beyond doubt—no mortal judgment can surpass divine validation. Let us look at the two painful episodes of test of purity yet again to understand why Sita decided to leave the mortal world. After Lord Rama defeated Ravana in Lanka and rescued Sita, he faced a dilemma — not of love, but of dharma. As king and upholder of righteousness, he was bound to address what people might say about Sita’s chastity after months in captivity in another man’s palace.When Sita was brought before him, Rama, though inwardly torn, spoke in front of the assembly of warriors and gods: “I have rescued you to fulfill my duty as a husband and a warrior. But as a king, I cannot take you back without proof of your purity.” It was a moment that shocked even the gods. But Sita, deeply hurt yet resolute, responded with divine dignity. Sita prayed to Agni Deva (the Fire God): “If I have been pure in thought and deed, let this fire protect me.” She entered the blazing fire — Agni Pariksha — in front of all assembled. To everyone’s astonishment, Agni himself emerged carrying Sita unharmed, radiant and divine. Agni declared:“O Rama, Sita is spotless and pure. Her heart has never strayed from you.” Rama then accepted her, explaining that the ordeal was necessary to silence public doubt and establish her honor beyond question. Years later, even as Rama ruled Ayodhya justly, rumors began circulating among his subjects. Some questioned whether Sita, having lived in Ravana’s palace, was truly fit to be queen. Though Rama had already accepted her purity, he placed his kingly duty (raja dharma) above his personal feelings. To uphold the sanctity of the throne and public trust, he made the painful decision to banish Sita to the forest, even though she was pregnant. This act was not out of doubt in her chastity, but out of fear that public mistrust might taint the kingdom’s moral fabric. Years later, during a royal Ashvamedha Yagna (horse sacrifice), the twins recited the epic in Rama’s court. Only then did Rama realize they were his sons. Moved by their purity and the words of the sage, Rama longed for reconciliation with Sita. In the grand assembly, Sage Valmiki attested to Sita’s lifelong virtue. Rama agreed and asked Sita to return to him. But Sita, having endured enough trials, chose a different path. She said: “If I have never thought of any man other than Rama, may the Earth, my mother, receive me.” At once, the Earth Goddess (Bhumi Devi) rose from the ground, embraced Sita, and took her into her bosom — a final, divine affirmation of her purity and righteousness. 

From the moment she entered Rama’s life, Sita endured suffering that no other queen or woman in epics had to face: Abduction by Ravana and long separation from her husband. The humiliation of being asked to prove her purity in the Agni Pariksha. Years of exile in the forest — while pregnant — after being abandoned because of public gossip. Raising her children alone, far from the husband and kingdom she loved. She bore all these silently, with unflinching devotion to Rama and unbreakable adherence to dharma. But when she was once again asked to prove her purity — after years of sacrifice, after a sage’s testimony, and after even the gods had vindicated her once before — she saw that there was nothing left for her to prove. At that moment, she chose to end the cycle of human doubt forever and ended herself as a companion unworthy of insults and tests. No one, even Rama can understand her and treat her fairly. This is the moment she shocked Rama and rose above the petty human nature and transcended into highest level, a woman can ever be. The anguish, grief coming out of this episode can be looked at in the following chapters. 

In chapter 98, Brahma appeases Rama’s anger and grief. 

After Sita, the noble Vaidehi, descended into the Earth, the assembled sages and Vanaras cried out in awe and reverence, exclaiming “Excellent! Excellent!” Their voices expressed wonder at her divine departure, yet their admiration contrasted sharply with Rama’s overwhelming grief. Standing amidst the gathering, Rama was overcome by sorrow. Leaning on the staff he had used during the sacrificial rites, his eyes filled with tears, his head bowed, and his heart shattered. His sighs came deep and frequent, and his anguish was mingled with wrath and helplessness. 

Rama’s pain was immeasurable — to see Sita, the embodiment of Shri (divine prosperity and grace), vanish before his eyes was a suffering greater than any he had known before. He cried out that though he had crossed the mighty ocean and conquered Lanka to bring her back once, now he would retrieve her even from the bosom of the Earth itself. In that moment of heartbroken rage, he invoked the Earth Goddess, Vasudha — his mother-in-law, for Sita had been born from her when King Janaka discovered her while ploughing the field. Addressing the Earth, he declared: 

“O Mother Earth, return Sita to me! You hold her in your depths — give her back to me, or you shall see my wrath! If you do not return her, open yourself so that I may join her in the netherworld or in the realm of the Nagas! But if you refuse to yield her, I will tear you apart with your mountains and forests until nothing remains but water!” 

Thus spoke Rama, of the Kakutstha line, his soul torn by grief and love. His words, filled with pain and divine fury, shook heaven and earth. 

At this moment, Brahma — the Creator, accompanied by the hosts of gods — descended to calm Rama’s anguish. Addressing him with reverence and affection, Brahma said: 

“O Rama, O most virtuous of men, do not be incensed. Remember your divine origin and true nature. You are none other than Vishnu, the Supreme Lord, the protector of the worlds. No being is superior to you. Recall your divinity, O hero among kings.” 

Brahma then revealed the truth of Sita’s destiny: “The chaste and faithful Sita, ever devoted to you, has now reached the celestial realm of the Nagas through the merit of her austerities. Do not grieve, for you shall soon be reunited with her in the divine abode.” 

Brahma continued, saying that the great sage Valmiki had composed a sacred poem — the Ramayana — narrating Rama’s life from birth to the present and even foretelling future events. It contained the story of his virtues, victories, sorrows, and his ultimate destiny. 

He declared that this epic was not merely a poem but divine scripture, capable of removing ignorance and granting wisdom. “O Rama,” Brahma said, “Valmiki, the great sage, is wholly devoted to you. His work, filled with truth and beauty, will be sung forever. I, along with the gods, have already heard it and can affirm its sacredness. Now, O Rama, listen with the assembled Rishis to its conclusion — the Uttara Kanda, which reveals what is yet to come in your life.” 

Having thus comforted Rama and revealed the divine nature of both Sita’s fate and the Ramayana itself, Brahma and the celestial hosts ascended back to their heavenly abodes. 

After their departure, the great sages from Brahmaloka — radiant and high-souled beings — remained behind, eager to hear the narration of the Uttara Kanda and to witness how Rama’s divine story would conclude. 

Then Rama, moved by Brahma’s words but still weighed down by sorrow, turned to the sage Valmiki and said, “O Blessed One, the Rishis of Brahmaloka wish to hear the Uttara Kanda — the tale of what shall happen to me. Let it be recited tomorrow in their presence.” 

Thus resolved, Rama sought out his sons, Kusha and Lava, and dismissed the gathered assembly. Together, they returned to Valmiki’s hermitage — the humble leaf-thatched abode where Sita had once lived in exile. 

That night, Rama, the scion of Raghu, remained there, his heart aching with remembrance and loss. Though the divine had assured him of reunion beyond the mortal world, as a man and a husband, he could not escape the sorrow of separation. He spent the night lamenting for Sita — the beloved queen, the virtuous wife, and the divine consort — whose departure marked both the end of his earthly happiness and the beginning of his eternal reunion to come. 

This concludes chapter 99 of Uttara Kanda where we had seen Rama’s grief and anger over Sita’s exit and Brahma appeasing him. Rama threatens Mother Earth to return Sita or allow him into it or face the consequences. At this moment, Brahma appears and tries to calm Rama by saying he would reunite with Sita in the divine abode. Brahma unfolds the truth that Sita reached her destiny of celestial realm of Nagas through the merit of her austerities and Rama would soon meet her. This is the complete story of Uttara Kanda which the great sage Valmiki had foreseen and written even before Rama has ended his being as mortal human. Living in the memories of Sita, Rama spends the night in the Valmiki ashram. Rama is eager to know the remaining life of himself and the story which happens from henceforth before it unfolds. This will be beautifully delivered by Lava and Kusa. We can look at further happenings following the departure of Sita in subsequent chapters.

A Brief on Lava, Kusa and Sita Descends into Earth - A Tearful Conclusion

We have looked at the great episode of Rama listening to Lava and Kusa sing Ramayana, unaware of them being his sons. There is an old telugu movie with the name ‘Lava Kusa’ which I watched long back. It taught me first about the two sons of Rama vivdly through good narration which helped me in writing the last post. There is this knack from telugu filmmakers of yesteryear in creating many good mythological movies. Watching those is like walking in a good library in itself. The hidden treasures of the ancient India which we hardly knew in the modern world are all carefully formatted in video form, acted in by great actors and there for the audience to entertain and learn at the same time. This filmmaking of ancient scriptures has been undertaken as a mission by those legendary Telugu actors and filmmakers. For example, the iconic NTR acted in over 50 mythological films throughout his career. They taught about the great epic literature of India more than anything else. Here I am giving a brief summary of the ‘Lava Kusa’ film, in which NTR acted as Rama. 

Lava Kusa is a revered Telugu mythological drama based on the Uttara Kanda of the epic Ramayana. The film narrates the story of Lava and Kusa, the twin sons of Lord Rama and Sita, born and raised in sage Valmiki’s hermitage after Sita is exiled from Ayodhya. Unaware of their royal lineage, the boys grow up learning scriptures, warfare, and devotion. As Rama prepares for the Ashwamedha Yagna, his ceremonial horse enters Valmiki’s ashram. Lava and Kusa capture it, leading to a confrontation with Rama’s army. Their valor and skill astonish everyone, culminating in a dramatic battle with Rama himself. Eventually, Valmiki reveals their true identity, and Sita reunites with Rama only to return to Mother Earth, fulfilling her destiny. The film is celebrated for its emotional depth, powerful performances—especially by NTR as Rama—and its timeless music composed by Ghantasala. It was the first full-length color film in Telugu cinema and remains a cultural milestone, revered for its devotion, moral values, and cinematic grandeur. 

I don’t intend to bring films into the epic narration but the holy undertakings by these filmmakers will equally or far better educate the audience about the great sons of Rama. We appreciate and internalize the characters better, and we understand the epic much better through this medium. Let us unify ourselves with these characters and cherish our ancient scriptures to lead an ethical, enriched life based out of these timeless principles. Watching this movie and then reading about this in Uttara Kanda, as I did, will give a clear view into the bond between Rama and Lava, Kusa. The sons of Rama are depicted in just 5 chapters in Uttara Kanda but it leaves a lasting impression on the beautiful descendants and successors of Rama. 

Coming back to the brief of the last post, Lava and Kusha, disciples of Valmiki, began chanting the Ramayana in melodious verses, enchanting sages, kings, and citizens gathered for Rama’s Ashvamedha sacrifice. Their singing, accompanied by instruments, left even Rama astonished, for the story—his own life—was new to him. The assembly, filled with scholars, priests, and courtiers, marveled at the boys’ voices and likeness to Rama himself. When offered gold by Lakshmana, the boys declined, saying fruits and grains sufficed for ascetics. Curious, Rama asked about the poem, and they revealed it was composed by Valmiki, recounting his entire life in 24,000 verses. As the recitations continued over several days, Rama gradually realized that the boys were his own sons, born to Sita. This recognition brought forth the unresolved question of Sita’s purity. Determined to settle it publicly, Rama sent messengers to Valmiki’s hermitage, asking that Sita come forth to testify her innocence before the great assembly. Valmiki consented, and Rama announced that Sita would appear at dawn, setting the stage for a solemn and decisive moment in the epic. 

In chapter 96, Valmiki leads Sita before Rama. 

When the night ended, Rama, scion of the Raghu line, gathered at the sacrificial ground where he had summoned the foremost sages of the age. The assembly was immense and illustrious: Vasishtha, Vamadeva, Javali, Kashyapa, Vishvamitra, Dirghatmas, Durvasa, Paulastya, Shakti, Bhargava, Vamana, Markandeya, Dhirghayus, Maudgalya, Garga, Cyavana, Shatananda, Bharadvaja, Agniputra, Narada, Parvata, Gautama, and countless other ascetics renowned for their austerities. Alongside these rishis came kings, warriors, merchants, valiant monkeys, intrepid titans, and thousands of common folk from all castes and regions. Brahmins of rigid penance arrived from far and wide, filling the sacrificial grounds. The entire multitude stood still, as if frozen, united in anticipation of Sita’s testimony. 

Amidst this solemn atmosphere, Sage Valmiki appeared, leading Sita toward the gathering. Her head was bowed, her hands folded, her body shaken by sobs, and her mind fixed on Rama. The sight of Sita, walking behind Valmiki like the sacred Shruti following Brahma, moved the assembly profoundly. Cries erupted on every side—some lamenting her misfortune, others hailing Rama, still others extolling Sita, while many praised both. The sorrow of the people was mingled with reverence and expectation as the princess entered the gathering. 

Approaching Rama, Valmiki addressed him with clarity and authority. He introduced Sita as the virtuous lady wrongfully abandoned near his hermitage. He reminded Rama that this exile had not been due to her fault but arose from public calumny and the king’s fear of censure. Valmiki declared firmly that Sita was innocent and would prove it before all. He then revealed a truth that Rama had only begun to suspect: Lava and Kusha, the two heroic boys singing the Ramayana, were in fact Sita’s sons—and Rama’s as well. 

To affirm his testimony, Valmiki invoked his own lifelong commitment to truth. As the tenth son of Pracetas, he reminded the assembly that he had never spoken a lie. He proclaimed that he had practiced severe austerities for countless years, and called upon those very austerities as witness: if Sita were guilty, may all his tapasya bear no fruit. He further testified that in the stillness of meditation, with his senses withdrawn and his mind illuminated, he had received divine insight confirming Sita’s absolute purity. 

Valmiki emphasized that Sita was a woman of irreproachable conduct, wholly devoted to her husband, regarding him as her very god. He acknowledged Rama’s fear of public condemnation, which had driven him to abandon her despite knowing her innocence. Yet, with the authority of divine vision and moral certainty, Valmiki proclaimed before all gathered kings, sages, and citizens that Sita was chaste and without blame. 

Thus, in that vast assembly of men, monkeys, titans, kings, and rishis, Valmiki’s voice resounded like a thunderclap: he vouched for Sita’s purity, declared Lava and Kusha as Rama’s true sons, and called upon the strength of his own penances to seal his testimony. With this, the stage was set for Sita herself to take her vow and publicly prove her innocence once and for all. 

In chapter 97, Sita descends into the Earth. 

After Valmiki’s solemn declaration of Sita’s purity, Rama—moved and humbled—responded with folded hands before the entire assembly. He affirmed that he fully agreed with the sage’s testimony. He reminded the gathering that Sita had once already taken an oath before the gods, which had convinced him of her innocence and led him to restore her to his household. Yet, despite his trust in her, Rama explained that the harsh judgment of the people forced him to send her away. Addressing Valmiki, he pleaded forgiveness for this action, confessing that fear of public condemnation had overpowered his personal conviction. At last, Rama openly acknowledged Lava and Kusha as his true sons and expressed his desire to reconcile with Sita in the presence of all. 

At this critical moment, the foremost of the gods, led by Brahma, descended to witness the trial of Sita. The Adityas, Vasus, Rudras, Vishvadevas, Maruts, Nagas, Siddhas, and other celestial beings joined the sages and kings already assembled. Their presence gave divine sanction to the proceedings. Rama, strengthened by their company, again proclaimed that he was in full agreement with Valmiki’s words and wished to be reunited with his faithful wife. 

As anticipation mounted, Sita entered the assembly. She was clad in a yellow robe, her palms joined, her head bowed, and her eyes lowered. Her demeanor was humble yet resolute. All gazed at her in profound silence. With quiet dignity, she invoked her final vow: if her thoughts had never strayed from Rama, if she had always remained pure in heart and mind, then let the earth itself, personified as the goddess Madhavi (Dharani), receive her. 

As her words rang out, a miracle unfolded before the astonished assembly. The ground split open, and from within arose a resplendent celestial throne borne aloft by Nagas of immense power. Their jeweled bodies shimmered with divine radiance. Upon this throne stood the Earth Goddess herself, glowing with compassion and majesty. Embracing Sita tenderly, Dharani welcomed her daughter and seated her upon the shining throne. 

The heavens responded with wonder. A shower of celestial blossoms rained endlessly from the skies, while the gods resounded with acclamations of “Excellent! Excellent! O Sita, your virtue is supreme!” All creation joined in the chorus: sages, kings, warriors, monkeys, titans, humans, Nagas, and even beings from the underworld. Some cried aloud in joy, some wept in awe, while others were struck speechless, gazing alternately at Rama and the vision of Sita. 

In that sacred moment, Sita, the princess of Mithila and queen of Ayodhya, vanished into the bosom of the earth, carried away by the Earth Goddess in full view of all. The entire world trembled in response: sky, earth, and nether realms shook in unison, as if acknowledging the weight of her departure. The miracle confirmed what Valmiki and the gods had proclaimed—her absolute chastity and unbroken fidelity. 

Rama, the assembly, and the universe itself bore witness to this divine event. Sita’s final act of truth was not only her vindication but also her transcendence, as she returned to her eternal home, leaving behind a world still awestruck by her purity and sacrifice. 

This concludes chapters 96 and 97 of Uttara Kanda where we had seen Valmiki leading Sita before Rama, forcefully telling Sita is chaste as fire and the drive of public condemnation caused Rama to leave her. When the ultimate test of purity come yet again, Sita, the noble daughter of Goddess Earth, proclaimed - ‘if her thoughts had never strayed from Rama, if she had always remained pure in heart and mind, then let the earth itself, receive her’. Much to the awe and astonishment of everyone, the land splits wide open, emerges goddess Earth and takes Sita with her. This tearful episode concludes Sita’s life as soulmate of Rama on living Earth and takes her back to where she came from. Just as she had spoken her brief words, telling if she is pure, she goes back into Earth. Her purity has so much power and her words has so much power that Goddess Earth emerges at the very moment and takes Sita with her. We will look at this episode in further review and Rama’s anger, grief at losing the invaluable Sita to a test of purity yet again in subsequent chapters.