Sita Undergoes Ordeal by Fire to Prove her Chastity

We had seen the immediate aftermath of Ravana’s demise and the great war coming to a close in the book of Yuddha Kanda. As the name suggests, this book got its name from the final war between Vanaras led by Rama and Rakshasas headed by Ravana. All the warring Rakshasas who opposed the virtuous path followed by Rama and sided with their wrong leader are decimated completely, as seen in this book. The exception is his brother Vibhishana and handful of others who disagreed with erring Ravana and came to the side of Rama. We had seen Vibhishana lamenting profusely upon the fall of Ravana on the battleground but after recovering his senses refused to perform the final rites. After persuasion from Rama, he did the obsequies and was immediately put as successor to Ravana on the throne of Lanka. Thus, the historical wrongs of Lanka have been undone by Rama and the people of Lanka has been put on the correct path. Now, it is up to finding and recovering Sita from the captivity after the fall of its mighty ruler. In the following chapters, we see how Sita and Rama react to the successful finding of one another again and a harsh test that comes the way for Sita. 

In chapter 116, Hanuman carries Sita’s Message to Rama 

Rama addressed the valiant Hanuman, who resembled a mountain, as he stood before him with bowed head and joined palms, saying: 

“With the approval of the great King Vibhishana, O My Friend, do you re-enter Lanka and enquire for Sita. Say to Vaidehi that I am well, as also Sugriva and Lakshmana. O Most Eloquent of Speakers, tell her of the death of Ravana on the field of battle. Impart these agreeable tidings to Sita, O Prince of the Monkeys, and having received her commands, return!” 

Back in Lanka, Hanuman found Sita ungroomed and full of despair. Recognizing him, her joy knew no bounds when she saw him, "I seem not to find words to express my happiness and my gratitude. Praising you is even more difficult and trying to reward you impossible. Nothing in the three worlds seems adequate. To Sita's exuberance, Hanuman's humble reply was that her words alone were the greatest gift. He told her that his one wish was to batter and kill her demon guard who had been so merciless, but Sita disagreed, "Hanuman, when someone deserves death, whether he be a sinner or saint, he should be shown compassion. That the rakshasas transgress in various ways for their pleasure is their nature and I dislike condemning them for it. As for my suffering, I blame it on myself for as you sow so you reap. It is perhaps the result of my past deeds. The rakshasas did only what they were told to do. When monarchs bid, they must be obeyed. The virtuous never repay evil with evil. Compassion is their ornament." Amazed with Sita's reasons, Hanuman said that only she, worthy wife of Rama, could speak so. Taking worshipful leave of her, he flew back to Rama. Hanuman came back to tell Rama of how Sita craved to see him and Lakshmana. Rama's eyes filled with tears and he said, the world may frown at my getting Sita back from the house of Ravana where she has been for a long time, but if I abandon her who is innocent, it will only bring me blame." Sighing deeply, he asked Vibhishana to bring Sita to him. 

In chapter 117, Rama sends Vibhishana to bring Sita to his presence. Vibhishana brings Sita to Rama's presence. Sita casts her looks on the moon-like face of Rama, her beloved husband. 

When Rama beheld the palanquin, the joy of seeing Sita, the sorrow of her condition and the anger for her having lived in a rakshasa's house shook him. Even as he was battling with his emotions, he saw Vibhishana trying to drive away the milling hordes of wood dwellers trying to get a glimpse of Sita. Displeased, he said, "Vibhishana, for a woman her good conduct alone is her protection. Her home, robes or royal rules are her shield. It is not forbidden to be seen during times of grief, like death of kin, on the battlefield, during swayamvaras, yagnas and weddings. Since this is a battlefield and I too am here, it is all right for Sita to be here. Sita, who looked upon her husband as the very God, was ecstatic with joy. 

In chapter 118, Rama informs Sita that the dishonor meted out to him and the wrong done to her by Ravana have been wiped off, by his victory over the enemy with the assistance of Hanuma, Sugreeva and Vibhishana. However, regarding with suspicion the character of Sita, Rama disowns her and asks her to seek shelter elsewhere. 

Rama looked at Sita who stood demurely by his side and once again a spark of anger flashed through him and he said, "Avenging your abduction and killing the enemy, I won you back. Hanuman's effort of crossing the sea, setting Lanka on fire, Sugriva's support and Vibhishana's diligence helped achieve this today. Rama's precise announcement devoid of all affection made Sita's eyes rain tears of sorrow. His next words were, "Sita, know that this war won by the support of my friends was not fought for your sake, but to save the honor of my race and avenge the disgrace it was subjected to. 

Whenever I think of good conduct, your presence is revolting to me, as light to the diseased eye. I now give you permission to live in any place of your choice. I no longer need you! Which man born noble will welcome back a wife who has lived in another man's house? How can I receive you who have returned from Ravana, whose eyes must have rested upon you in lust? 

To get rid of the disgrace of your abduction, I fought and I won, but I no longer want you. You may let Lakshmana, Bharatha, Sugriva or Vibhishana look after you. I find it hard to believe that the fickle-minded rakshasa beholding you every day could have resisted your divine beauty for so long! 

Ever used to being loved, Sita stood stunned. She who was weary of weeping and dreaming of the day she would be united with Rama shuddered uncontrollably, shedding tears of anguish. 

In chapter 119, Sita gives a taunting reply to Rama, saying that why she was not abandoned by the latter, even at the time when Hanuma came to see her in Lanka. Then, Sita requests Lakshmana to prepare a pile of fire for her to enter. When Lakshmana prepares a pyre, Sita prays the fire-god and enters into it, in order to prove her conjugal fidelity. Sita undergoes the Ordeal by Fire. 

Sharp as arrows flew Rama's words to pierce and hurt, while Sita's head already bent drooped even more. Wiping her tears and choking with grief, she gently said, "Rama, you speak like him who has no knowledge of what he is talking about. It neither befits you to say so nor me to hear it. If only you were more aware of my nature, you would not have these doubts. You accuse me of touching another man? Perhaps I was at his mercy with none around to help me. His carrying me away was divine will. Beyond reach of all is my mind and that has ever been with you. If after all these years of associations, you still doubt me, it is my misfortune. 

Why did you send Hanuman to look for me? If only you had made know your doubts, I would have given up my life in his very presence. It would have prevented this wasteful war and spared your friends their effort. Deeming all women to be the same, unmindful of character and my torment, you accuse me. Prey to the dictates of your anger, you do not speak like a man of your worth. That Janaka is my father and that I am born of mother earth, pure and chaste, is the truth. 

Weeping and woebegone, Sita pleaded with Lakshmana, "Lakshmana, the only remedy for this is to enter the fire. Accused unjustly, denounced openly, and my chastity questioned mercilessly, what other refuge do I have?" Pacing slowly around Rama, Sita stood in front of the fire as she said, "If Surya, Chandra, Vayu and all the gods believe in my chastity, may Agni protect me!" 

With these words, Vaidehi circumambulated the pyre and with a fearless heart entered the flames. 

And a great multitude were assembled there, amongst which were many children and aged people 'who witnessed Sita entering the fire. And, resembling gold that has been melted in the crucible, she threw herself into the blazing flames in the presence of all. That large-eyed lady, entering the fire, who is the Bearer of Sacrificial Offerings, appeared to those who watched her to resemble a golden altar. That fortunate princess entering the fire, which is nourished by oblations, seemed, in the eyes of the Rishis, Devas and Gandharvas, to resemble a sacrificial offering. 

Then all the women cried out: ‘Alas!’ on seeing her, like a stream of butter hallowed by the recitation of mantras, fall into the flames, and she appeared to the Three Worlds, the Gods, the Gandharvas and the Danavas like a goddess smitten by a curse and cast down from heaven into hell. Then, as she entered the flames, a great and terrible cry rose from the titans and the monkeys. 

In chapter 120, Gods reach Lanka in aerial cars and approach Rama. They ask Rama why he ignores Sita, when she is entering into the fire. Rama appeals them to describe in reality who he is. Brahma (the creator) proclaims his divinity and eulogizes him with hymns. 

Into Rama's presence, who stood grieving, came Indra, Kubera, Varuna, Ishwara and Brahma in their dazzling airborne chariots to ask, "How could you, the best among men and protector of the earth, watch as Sita fell into the fire." Rama said, "I believe myself to be the son of Dasaratha, but I really am not sure why and for what purpose I was born. 

Brahma said, "Listen to me and I shall tell you. You are Narayana, the self-effulgent, eternal creator, sustainer and destroyer, who alone are seen before its creation and after its destruction. 

When you close your eyes it is dark and when you open them it is day. Your breath is the sum total of the Vedas without you there is nothing. Your anger is fire and your grace prosperity. You are Vishnu born on this earth as man for the dead of Ravana. The purpose of your incarnation has been fulfilled and you can now return to Vaikunta. Just by beholding you and worshipping you, men will be absolved of all their sins. Those who recite this eternal story shall never suffer humiliations." 

This concludes chapters 116, 117, 118, 119 and 120 where we had seen Hanuman carrying the message of Sita to Rama, Vibhishana asked to bring her into Rama’s presence, Sita ecstatic with joy by looking at him which was short-lived, Rama grew suspicious over her fidelity as she has been in Ravana house for very long, Sita gives a stern reply and prepares to take the ordeal of fire by praying to Agni, god of fire, looking at it for long, all the Gods approach in aerial cars and informs Rama of his incarnation, praising him and puzzled at allowing Sita into a pyre of fire. This sheds more light on the test underwent by the divine mother to prove her chastity after staying for so long in the captivity of Ravana. Sita, unwavering in her devotion and innocence, instructed Lakshmana to light a fire. She then walked into the flames, declaring that if she had been faithful to Rama, the fire would not harm her. This is the heights of validation administered by Rama for her beloved Janaki as the world is watching over. Unable to take it any more after witnessing the grueling war and this ordeal by fire, the Gods appear before Rama, appraising him of his true self and praising profusely for slaying Ravana. This story will be known and recited as long as man lives on this land. In subsequent chapters, we can see how Sita comes out of the fire unharmed to prove her purity and unwavering devotion towards Rama.

Upon Demise of Ravana, Vibhishana Become New King of Lanka

We had seen Rama finally kills Ravana with an unrivaled Brahmastra which pierces the heart of the Lord of the titans, rendering him lifeless. This moment has fulfilled the mission of Rama to find and get back Sita, his very incarnation on the land in human form to eradicate evil and the significant reason behind his journey detailed as Ramayana in several kandas or books. Leaving any other detail or fable in his virtuous life, Rama’s rivalry with Ravana is matchless across ages and stands out for its completeness. As mentioned, the rivalry and the slaying of demon king fulfills his very life and that of every other compatriot warring from his side in the epic war with most powerful Rakshasas of the time. The ten headed Rakshasa who is the very symbol of wicked pride, ego and cruelty is killed by Rama and with that the earth is cleansed, purified from its very ugly roots. With this death the immoral, adharma and the torturing acts died a thousand deaths. Every honest man was protected by the heroism from Rama through his slaying of man-eating Rakshasas and laid the foundation for a belief that Rama is there to protect you against anything evil, forever. This one death after a series of battles signifies triumph of good over evil; restoration of dharma; redemption, realization and defeat of wicked ways; importance of human values and their strict adherence. These themes make the Ramayana a timeless epic, rich with moral and spiritual lessons. The victory certainly brought a new dawn on the earth back then and for ages to come. The aftermath of this humongous evil uprooting is one enliven with peace, sanity and order. We can look at everything in this new world and the immediate repercussions in the following chapters. 

In chapter 111, the rakshasas who had lived to see the death of their king fled in terror. The vanaras rejoiced. The drums of heaven boomed and the world was purified of the evil that was Ravana. 

In the ranks of the monkeys, there arose cries of joy and shouts of triumph proclaiming Raghava’s victory and Ravana’s defeat, and the skies re-echoed to the music of the drums beaten by the Gods. A rain of flowers fell from heaven on to the earth, covering Raghava’s chariot with a ravishing and marvellous shower of blossom. The cry of ‘Well done! Well done!’ came from the firmament and the celestial voices of the magnanimous Gods were raised in Rama’s praise. On the death of that source of terror to all the worlds a great joy filled the Celestial Host as also the Caranas. 

In chapter 112, Vibhishana laments a lot, after seeing Ravana lying dead on the battle-field. Rama comforts him, saying that a warrior killed in battle, need not be mourned. Vibhishana describes the personality of Ravana and his qualities to Rama and seeks permission of Rama to perform funeral rites of Ravana. Rama directs Vibhishana to perform the obsequies to Ravana, his deceased brother. 

Seeing his brother defeated, lying on the battlefield, Vibhishana, his heart torn with violent grief, began to lament, saying: 

“O Illustrious Warrior, you who were renowned for your skill, experience and outstanding courage, even among the valiant, O You accustomed to a luxurious couch, how is it that you are lying stiff and motionless, your long arms adorned with bracelets, stretched on the ground, having suffered your diadem, the lustre of which equals the sun, to fall on the earth? O Hero that which I predicted has come to pass. I Carried away by passion, in your presumption, disregarding my counsel, this fate has overtaken Prahasta, Indrajita, Kumbhakarna, Atiratha, Atikaya, Narantaka, and you thyself. Alas! The rampart of the virtuous has disappeared, the incarnation of duty has departed, the refuge of the strong and powerful is no more. The sun has fallen to earth, the moon is obscured by darkness; fire has lost its brilliance, energy is bereft of force, since that hero, the prince of warriors, lies stretched on the earth. What remains now that he is deprived of his might and that tiger among the titans lies as if asleep in the dust? That great tree, the Lord of the Titans, whose stability was the foliage, his valour the blossom, his asceticism the sap, his heroism the intertwining roots, has been overthrown on the battlefield by that tempest, Raghava. That elephant in mustha, Ravana, his strength the tusks, his lineage the backbone, his exuberance the trunk, his wrath the limbs, has been seized by the lion, Ikshvaku. That blazing fire, whose prowess and energy are spreading flames, his angry breathing the smoke, his martial ardour the heat, has been extinguished by that cloud, Rama. That bull among the titans with the Nairritas as his tail, hump and horns, his love of pleasure the eyes and ears, he the conquerer of his foes, equal to the wind in swiftness, that tiger of the lords of the earth is lying dead.” 

Hearing these words, full of good sense and virtue, uttered by Vibhishana who was torn with grief, Rama addressed him saying: 

“Nay, this hero has not succumbed on account of his lack of prowess. Endowed with burning courage in battle, having displayed the greatest energy, he fell without yielding. One should not mourn for those who, firm in their duty as warriors, for the sake of renown fall on the field of battle. It is not the time to weep for this brave warrior, the terror of the worlds and their leaders, now that he lies under the sway of death; no one is always victorious in war; sometimes the brave succumb to the blows of the enemy and at other times it is the foe who is overcome by them. This path followed by Ravana was taught to us by the Sages and the warrior class hold it in great honour. The warrior who is slain in battle, should not be mourned, this is the law. In this conviction, do your duty without further anxiety and consider what action should now be taken.” 

Then Vibhishana, who was overcome with grief, instantly replied to that noble prince who had spoken to him in his brother’s interest and said: 

“This valiant one who, in previous battles was never defeated even by the assembled Gods under Vasava’s command, assailed by you on the field, beheld his power shattered as the ocean when coming in contact with its shores. The bestower of gifts on those who desired them, he knew how to enjoy wealth and entertain those who served him. The distributor of treasure amongst his friends, he suffered his wrath to fall on his foes. Feeding the sacred fire, he practiced severe penances, was conversant with the Veda and fulfilled his duty as a real hero. Now, with thine approval, I desire to perform his obsequies.” 

Touched by these poignant words of Vibhishana’s, Rama commanded him to perform the funeral rites that lead the soul to heaven, and said: 

“Death has terminated our enmity that now has no reason for its existence. He is as dear to me as you; let us therefore perform the obsequies.” 

In chapter 113, all the consorts of Ravana lament, recollecting the valour of Ravana and with a stunning surprise of how he has been killed by an ordinary mortal. They feel sorry that, had Sita been restored by Ravana to Rama, this major disaster would not have befallen them. 

Hearing that Ravana had fallen under the blows of the highly powerful Raghava, the female titans, like unto cows which have lost their calves, overcome with grief, their hair dishevelled, rushed out of the inner apartments and, though restrained, rolled in the dust again and again. Issuing from the northern gateway with their attendants, they entered that dreadful battlefield searching for their dead lord and cried out, ‘O Our King, Our Support’, running hither and thither on the ground that was covered with headless trunks, mud and gore. Their eyes full of tears, overcome with grief, they emitted cries like unto female elephants who have lost the leader of the herd. 

Then they beheld that great and exceedingly powerful and illustrious Ravana, their lord, lying in the dust and they immediately all fell upon his body like creepers that have been torn down in the forest. In a transport of passion, one embraced him sobbing, one pressed his feet, one hung on his neck, whilst another, beating the air with her arms, rolled on the ground and yet another, gazing on her dead lord, swooned away, and one, laying her head in his lap, wept as she looked on him, her tears bathing his face, as rime covers a lotus flower. 

They wailed, "If only you had heeded Vibhishana and returned Sita, the rakshasas, you and we would not all be dead. Rama would have been our friend and this dreadful sorrow would not have befallen Lanka. This destruction is also an act of destiny. No power on earth, neither wealth nor valor can avert its course. 

In chapter 114, Mandodari stares at the dead body of Ravana and laments, recollecting the strength and power of Ravana. But, she realizes that Rama, who killed Ravana, is none other than Vishnu the lord of the world. She further laments that Ravana has done a sinful deed in abducting Sita and that he has faced the consequence in the form of his death; in the hands of Rama. Meanwhile, Rama asks Vibhishana to perform obsequies to Ravana. Initially, Vibhishana refuses to perform the last rites, but when Rama convinces him, he begins to perform the funeral of Ravana. 

Mandodari says, ”Does it not shame you? This Rama is not a mere mortal, but the protector and sustainer of the world. He has neither birth nor death. Beyond the bounds of nature, he is lord Vishnu himself. Lord of the earth, he is here in human form for its protection along with the devas, who are in the form of vanaras.” 

When the time came to perform the funeral rites, Vibhishana refused to do so because Ravana was cruel, ruthless and stole the wives of others. "He is a barbarian and the world will not condemn me for not honoring him." Rama thought otherwise. He said, "Though unjust and wicked, you are also magnanimous and powerful. With death ends enmity. We have achieved our purpose, so let us perform the obsequies. 

Vibhishana kindled the pyre and when all the rites came to an end, Rama too laid down the divine armor, weapons and astras that Mahendra had given him. 

In chapter 115, Matali, Indra's charioteer leaves the battle-field and returns to his heaven. Then, Rama instructs Lakshmana to arrange for the installation of Vibhishana on the throne of Lanka. Lakshmana arranges to get sea-water from some monkey-chiefs and sprinkles it on Vibhishana, to install him as the King of Lanka, in the presence of the demons there. Then, Rama sends his message to Sita through Hanuman. 

The gods, devas and all others who had come to witness the great war went back happy and relieved at Ravana's death. Honored by Rama, Matali returned to heaven. Rama, grateful for Sugriva's help, embraced him and asked Lakshmana to coronate Vibhishana as king of Lanka.  

Then Lakshmana, at Rama’s command, lifting up an excellent jar, caused Vibhishana to take his place on a high seat and, following the injunctions laid down in the sacred texts, surrounded by a crowd of his friends, with that water installed him as King of Lanka amidst the titans. 

All the monkeys as well as the titans assisted at Vibhishana’s installation and, amidst unequalled transports of delight, they paid tribute to Rama. Vibhishana’s counsellors were exceedingly happy, as also the titans who were devoted to him and, being enthroned as King of Lanka, he, Raghava and Lakshmana, who accompanied him, experienced supreme satisfaction. Then the new monarch, having spoken graciously to his subjects, went to where Rama was to be found. 

Thereafter the people of the city offered him curds, parched rice, sweetmeats, roasted grain and flowers, which he placed at the disposal of Rama and Lakshmana, and Raghava, seeing Vibhishana’s work accomplished and his purpose attained, accepted all in deference to him. 

Rama then gave Hanuman permission to go to Lanka with Vibhishana's permission and tell Sita of the death of Ravana. 

This concludes chapters 111, 112, 113, 114 and 115 of Yuddha Kanda where we had seen Vibhishana immediately lamenting the death of Ravana as his dear brother fell on the battle ground, all the wives of Ravana lamenting in the same way as Mandodari, Vibhishana regaining senses and refusing to perform obsequies for Ravana’s abducting acts but advises against by Rama, then Vibhishana does it and was installed as the King of Lanka by Rama. Everyone among his own men and women accepts that Ravana is a great king, brother and husband but brought his downfall by treading a wrong path. It is indicative of the closeness Ravana stitched with his people by tricking them into his mischievous world and still loved by one and all. Rama is not just the liberator of good people but also redeemed a person like Ravana and all his people were also liberated by removing the dangerous, false veil of affection which Ravana established. The people now saw the true reality after liberating from cruel acts of their lord and got someone like Vibhishana as their new king. Thus, Lanka is set free and is on the path of healing after inflicting upon innumerable wounds. How Sita is found, reunited and treated by Rama after separation can be seen in subsequent chapters.