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.
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