Sage Valmiki Takes Custody of the Forsaken Sita

We had reached past the first anniversary of the grand Ram mandir in Ayodhya. The anniversary as per traditional Hindu calendar was celebrated on 11th January rather than on 22nd of this month. This year, the Kurma Dwadashi, also known as Paush Shukla Dwadashi, falls on January 11, 2025. Last year, it occurred on January 22, 2024. Lord Ram is considered the seventh avatar of Vishnu, and celebrating the anniversary on this day invokes divine blessings and aligns with the spiritual essence of Lord Ram's worship. The day falls during Shukla Paksha, the waxing phase of the moon, which symbolises growth, prosperity, and positive energy. This lunar phase is considered highly auspicious for new beginnings and important ceremonies in Hindu tradition. According to Hindu tradition, King Dasharatha performed rituals on Dwadashi to seek blessings for a son, who was ultimately Lord Ram. This historical connection adds to the significance of observing events related to Lord Ram on this lunar day. Paush Shukla Dwadashi is also known as Kurma Dwadashi, commemorating Lord Vishnu's Kurma (tortoise) avatar during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean). Dwadashi is traditionally associated with Lord Vishnu, the preserver in the Hindu Trinity. After observing this on Jan 11, we had travelled past the completion of 1 year since the consecration ceremony and the temple coming to life blessing millions. Coincidentally, we are learning the Ram katha or His story since the last 2.8 years highlighting his ideals and echoing the spirit of Rama’s worship in the air. Let us rededicate to take this movement ahead to take a dip in the invaluable ancient spiritual ocean drinking the nectar which fulfills our lives.  

We are really living amidst the Rama Bhakti movement coming to life in the world. Earlier, this Rama bhakti movement gained prominence in India during the medieval period, particularly between the 15th and 17th centuries. Saints like Tulsidas, who wrote the epic poem "Ramcharitmanas," and ‘Hanuman chalisa’ played a crucial role in popularizing the worship of Lord Rama. For instance, the Hanuman Chalisa, a devotional hymn consisting of 40 verses that praise the strength, devotion, and virtues of Lord Hanuman is still an irrefutable bridge to gain the mercy of Hanuman and Rama. The Rama Bhakti movement has had a profound impact on Indian culture and spirituality. It has inspired countless devotees, poets, and artists, and continues to be a significant aspect of Hindu worship today. This has emerged once, reemerged many a times and has taken shape in this world in the present times. The movement's emphasis on the ideals of Rama, personal devotion, inclusivity, and social reform has left a lasting legacy on Indian society and this movement can be a big tool to redefine the Indian landscape in a good way for the present and future time periods. Let us become the proliferators of this golden movement which has emerged after a period of 500 years, just like the temple that took shape after so long in His birth place. 

Coming back to the story, we are looking at the episode where Sita was being disowned by Rama. After Rama's triumphant return to Ayodhya and his coronation as king, rumors began to circulate among the citizens about Sita's purity, given her time spent in captivity under Ravana. Despite Sita's unwavering loyalty and the successful trial by fire (Agni Pariksha) that she underwent to prove her chastity, doubts persisted among the people. To uphold his duty as a king and maintain the trust of his subjects, Rama made the heart-wrenching decision to disown Sita. He sent her to the forest, where she found refuge in the ashram of sage Valmiki. This decision was driven by Rama's commitment to his role as a ruler and his desire to protect the honor of his kingdom, even at the cost of personal happiness. This is a great lesson in putting across the importance given to people rather than personal family including dear spouse. Can we see anyone like this who giveaway kingdom to fulfill father’s promise and giveaway Sita to clear baseless rumors from public. His life and ideals are great lessons for any time in history. As Lakshmana carried away Sita to the place of Valmiki, we can look at further happenings in the following chapters. 

In chapter 48, Lakshmana leaves Sita on the banks of river Ganges. 

Sita, the noble daughter of King Janaka, was devastated upon hearing Lakshmana’s harsh words conveying her abandonment by Rama. Overwhelmed by despair, she collapsed to the ground, but eventually regained consciousness. Her tearful eyes and trembling voice reflected her profound sorrow as she addressed Lakshmana in broken tones. 

She lamented her misfortune, believing her life to be cursed and questioning what sin she might have committed in the past to deserve such suffering. Reflecting on her unwavering devotion and chastity, Sita was anguished by Rama’s decision to cast her off despite her virtuous nature. She recalled her earlier hardships in the forest, which she had endured willingly for Rama’s sake. Now, abandoned and alone, she felt utterly lost and bereft of solace. 

In her despair, Sita expressed her doubts about survival in the solitude of the forest, away from the companionship of Rama and the protection of her family. She questioned how she could explain her plight to the ascetics she might encounter and grieved over the perceived injustice of Rama’s actions, which she believed were driven by fear of public reproach rather than any fault of her own. Despite her sorrow, she refrained from ending her life, aware that doing so would tarnish the royal lineage. 

Resigned to her fate, Sita urged Lakshmana to fulfill his duty by obeying Rama’s command and leaving her in the forest. Yet, before his departure, she made an impassioned plea. She asked Lakshmana to convey a message to Rama, affirming her purity and unwavering love for him. Sita implored him to remind Rama of the sacred duty of a king to act justly toward his subjects, as he would toward his brothers. She emphasized that maintaining his honor was paramount, even above her suffering. 

In her message, Sita expressed no resentment toward Rama, instead reiterating her belief that a husband is a god-like figure to his wife, deserving of unwavering devotion and obedience. She concluded by asking Lakshmana to bear witness to her advanced pregnancy before departing. 

Lakshmana, deeply sorrowful and conflicted, was unable to respond to Sita’s poignant words. He bowed in reverence, circumambulated her, and expressed his own grief, emphasizing that he had always treated her with the utmost respect, never raising his eyes to her face out of deference. 

Heartbroken, Lakshmana boarded a boat to cross the Ganges. As the ferryman steered the skiff to the other shore, Lakshmana’s sorrow was palpable. Upon reaching the bank, he departed swiftly in his chariot, frequently turning back to look at Sita, who stood desolate and abandoned. 

Sita, left alone on the forested riverbank, watched the departing chariot until it disappeared from view. Overcome with grief, she wandered aimlessly, her cries of despair echoing in the forest. The sounds of the peacocks seemed to mock her solitude. Bereft of her protector and crushed by the weight of her suffering, Sita, the virtuous and noble princess, wept inconsolably, mourning the cruel twist of fate that had left her forsaken. 

In chapter 49, Valmiki offers Sita his protection. 

As Sita wept in sorrow near the hermitage, the sons of the Rishis, hearing her cries, hurried to inform the great sage Valmiki. Approaching the illustrious ascetic, they bowed at his feet and described the distressed woman they had seen. They told Valmiki of her extraordinary beauty and noble demeanor, likening her to a goddess fallen from heaven. They explained that she appeared to be the consort of a great man but was overcome with grief and without a protector. The children of the sages urged Valmiki to take her under his care, as she had sought refuge near the hermitage. 

Valmiki, with his profound spiritual insight and ascetic power, immediately understood the truth of their words. Aware of the identity and plight of the woman, he swiftly made his way to the riverbank where she sat weeping. His disciples followed him as he carried the traditional offering of arghya in his hands. On reaching the spot, Valmiki found Sita, the beloved consort of Rama, in deep despair, her face distorted with grief. 

The compassionate sage, moved by her sorrow, spoke to her gently. He addressed her as the daughter of King Janaka, the daughter-in-law of King Dasaratha, and the faithful wife of Rama. Valmiki assured Sita that he was fully aware of her purity and virtuous conduct, having perceived the truth through his spiritual vision. He acknowledged her undeserved suffering and pledged his protection, urging her to find solace in his hermitage. Valmiki promised Sita that she would be cared for by the female ascetics residing there, who would treat her as their own daughter. He then offered her the arghya, asking her to trust him and let go of her anxieties. 

Sita, comforted by Valmiki’s words, paid her respects to the sage, bowing at his feet with joined palms. With his guidance, she accompanied him to the hermitage. As they approached, the female ascetics came out to greet Valmiki with great reverence and joy. They expressed their delight at his visit, bowing before him and asking for his commands. 

Valmiki introduced Sita to the female ascetics, explaining her identity as the consort of the virtuous Rama, the daughter-in-law of King Dasaratha, and the chaste daughter of Janaka. He revealed her tragic plight, emphasizing her innocence despite being renounced by her husband. The sage instructed the ascetics to honor and protect Sita, declaring her worthy of their love and care. Valmiki’s request carried the weight of his spiritual authority, and the ascetics readily agreed to fulfill his wishes. 

The ascetics welcomed Sita with kindness and devotion, taking her into their care. Valmiki, having entrusted Sita to the women of the hermitage, returned to his abode with his disciples. Sita, though still burdened by her grief, found herself in a sanctuary of compassion and support, surrounded by those who respected her virtue and nobility. 

In chapter 50, Sumantra seeks to console Lakshmana. 

After leaving Sita in Valmiki’s hermitage, Lakshmana was consumed by anguish and distress. The noble prince felt deeply tormented by the act of abandoning Sita, whom he knew to be pure and virtuous. Turning to Sumantra, the charioteer and trusted counselor, Lakshmana expressed his sorrow, saying that Rama’s misery over separating from Sita would be immeasurable. He lamented that the virtuous Raghava, capable of defeating gods, gandharvas, asuras, and rakshasas, was helpless against the force of destiny. 

Lakshmana reflected on the trials Rama had endured, including the fourteen years of exile in the harsh and desolate forest at their father’s command. Yet, he considered this exile of Sita, driven by the reproach of the citizens, to be an even greater sorrow. He questioned how such an act, seemingly cruel and destructive to Rama’s reputation, could align with the principles of dharma. Lakshmana voiced his anguish, declaring that Rama had been forced into this decision solely to satisfy the people, despite knowing Sita’s innocence. 

Hearing Lakshmana’s heartfelt words, Sumantra joined his hands in respect and sought to console him. The wise charioteer reminded Lakshmana not to grieve over Sita’s fate. He disclosed a prophecy made by the sage Durvasa in the presence of King Dasharatha, Vasishtha, and himself. Durvasa had foretold that Rama would endure lasting misery, have few close companions, and eventually separate from his brothers, Sita, and even Lakshmana. 

Sumantra explained that when the prophecy was revealed, Dasharatha had commanded him to keep it a secret from everyone. Despite the weight of the knowledge, Sumantra had abided by the king’s orders and refrained from sharing it with anyone. However, prompted by Lakshmana’s distress, Sumantra now felt compelled to reveal the truth. He acknowledged that destiny is unchangeable and that Rama’s trials were a result of its inescapable force. 

Lakshmana, moved by the revelation, urged Sumantra to speak truthfully and share everything he knew. Sumantra, respecting Lakshmana’s sincerity, prepared to recount the details of the prophecy. He emphasized that even the mightiest of men, like Rama, could not defy the will of fate. 

This concludes chapters 48, 49 and 50 of Uttara Kanda where we had seen Sita left on the banks of river Ganges by Lakshmana acting on the order of Rama. It is a moment of extreme anguish where a woman was ordered to be left in an ascetics place all alone because the public thought she is impure and needs to be disowned. Sita was heartbroken by Rama's decision but accepted her fate with grace and dignity as she sent back Lakshmana and was grief-stricken all alone. Valmiki saw the truth with spiritual insight and offered her protection where Sita will be living for the rest of her life. The charioteer Sumantra tells a distressed Lakshmana that Rama was acting under the weight of destiny and consoles him the misfortune of Rama’s separation with Sita. The successive episodes after this ill-fated destiny can be seen in subsequent chapters.

Rama Repudiates Sita Over Rumors in Kingdom

It nearly marks one year since Ram Mandir was inaugurated in Ayodhya on 22nd January 2024. We are at the doorstep of anniversary since Ram Lalla was brought to life a year ago and a majestic temple was opened to bless everyone. While we are learning about the story of Rama all along the year, the temple inaugurated in His birth place is attracting millions of pilgrims. When there is hardly one or two famed Rama temples in the pilgrimage circuit till now, the major gap has been fulfilled by the one inaugurated in Ayodhya as it is receiving lakhs of visitors, making and taking Rama and his ideals deeply into the cultural fabric of the nation. Traditionally, the small temples for Rama receive few visitors on a daily basis leaving festival days alone. But the one raised in Ram janmabhoomi, Ayodhya has attracted 135.5 million tourists from January to September 2024. Since its consecration on January 22, 2024, Ayodhya's Ram Mandir has set remarkable records. Within the first six months, it attracted approximately 110 million devotees, surpassing Varanasi and every other famous destination in U.P., including Taj Mahal in visitor numbers. Daily, the temple welcomes around 150,000 pilgrims. On January 1, 2025, Ayodhya experienced an extraordinary influx of visitors, with over 500,000 devotees attending for the darshan of Ram Lalla, equaling the record set on inauguration day. When the newly constructed temple in an old town has become the biggest pilgrim attraction in the devbhoomi of Uttar Pradesh, the state which has a host of other prominent traditional landmarks, then we are really staring at the days of bringing Rama and his life to the crores of followers in His footsteps. This is the renaissance the nation and the world needs when we are setting the ideals of Rama as benchmark for youngsters of today and tomorrow. We have taken Him to the mainstream which is also a motive behind this blog. Buoyed by the developments, on the eve of first anniversary, we can celebrate Him in more ways than ever to really become a follower of sanatan dharma and catch up the wave created by the realization of grand temple. 

Continuing with learning the story of Rama in the last Kanda, we are looking at the days of blissful union of Rama and Sita after a harsh 14 years of exile. There is no one who need these days more than this ideal couple after all they went through in the journey till now. Despite staying true to the time and enjoying the companionship for a brief period, rumours swirl in the kingdom about the chastity of Sita. After Sita's return from Lanka, despite her proving her purity through the trial by fire (Agni Pariksha), some citizens of Ayodhya still doubted her chastity due to her time spent in captivity. Bhadra conveys these concerns to Lord Ram, which deeply troubles him. Although Ram knows Sita's purity and innocence, he feels compelled to uphold his duty as a king and address the concerns of his subjects. We can look at the decision he takes in this regard after he summons his brothers in the following chapters. 

In chapter 45, Rama commands Lakshmana to take Sita to the hermitage. 

After gathering his loyal companions, the grief-stricken Rama addressed them with sorrow weighing heavily on his heart. With a tone of deep resolve, he urged them to listen carefully as he shared the cause of his turmoil. The people of Ayodhya, both in the city and the countryside, had begun to censure him, casting aspersions on Sita’s virtue despite her unwavering purity. Their criticism, he admitted, pierced his heart and burdened his spirit. 

Rama reminded his brother Lakshmana of the events that transpired in the forest. Ravana had abducted Sita, and Rama, after a fierce battle, had destroyed the demon king to rescue her. Despite this victory, doubts about bringing Sita back to Ayodhya haunted him. To affirm her purity, Sita had undergone the trial of fire, entering the flames before the assembly of gods, sages, and celestial beings. Agni, the god of fire, had proclaimed her innocence, while Vayu, the wind god, along with the sun and moon, bore witness to her chastity. Even the gods and Gandharvas, celestial musicians, attested to her pure conduct during her captivity in Lanka. 

Rama confessed that he knew, from his innermost being, that Sita was blameless. Trusting these divine affirmations, he had brought her back to Ayodhya with honor. Yet, despite this, the persistent rumors and criticisms of the people had left him profoundly distressed. He explained that dishonor, even when undeserved, brings ruin to those it touches. The pursuit of honor was a guiding principle for noble souls, and he felt bound by his responsibility as a king and a scion of the illustrious Ikshvaku dynasty to preserve his reputation. Fearing the consequences of public disapproval, Rama resolved to separate from Sita, despite his deep love for her. 

Rama’s voice trembled with anguish as he shared his decision with Lakshmana. The grief of abandoning Sita was overwhelming, but he believed it necessary to uphold his duty. With urgency in his tone, Rama ordered Lakshmana to prepare a chariot and take Sita beyond the borders of the kingdom. He instructed him to escort her to the hermitage of the sage Valmiki, located in a tranquil setting by the Tamasa River, on the far side of the Ganges. Rama reminded Lakshmana that Sita had once expressed a desire to visit the sacred retreats along the riverbanks, and now her wish could be fulfilled. 

Rama emphasized the importance of obedience, warning Lakshmana against questioning his decision or showing resistance. His resolve was firm, and he swore by his life and honor that anyone opposing his command would be considered an enemy. He urged Lakshmana to act swiftly and without hesitation, carrying out the sorrowful task by dawn. 

With tears streaming down his face, Rama retreated to his chambers, his heart shattered by the burden of his decision. His brothers followed him silently, sharing in his sorrow but unable to console him. The virtuous king, consumed by the weight of duty and love, sighed deeply like an anguished elephant, his grief echoing through the halls. 

In chapter 46, Lakshmana takes Sita away. 

Lakshmana spent a restless and sorrowful night, burdened by the king’s command. The next morning, he turned to the charioteer Sumantra and instructed him to yoke the horses to the royal chariot, preparing it for Sita’s departure. Sumantra complied, equipping the chariot with fine spreads for Sita’s comfort. Once ready, he informed Lakshmana, who, though heavy-hearted, entered the royal residence to deliver the news. 

Approaching Sita, Lakshmana conveyed Rama’s orders, informing her that she was to journey to the hermitage of sages on the banks of the Ganges. Sita, unaware of the true reason for this journey, received the news with joy. She quickly prepared, gathering fine garments and precious ornaments with the intention of offering them to the wives of the sages. Lakshmana, adhering to Rama’s command, escorted Sita to the chariot and helped her mount. With Sumantra as the charioteer, they departed swiftly from Ayodhya. 

As they traveled, Sita began to observe ominous signs. Her body trembled, her eye twitched, and a sense of unease took hold of her heart. Addressing Lakshmana, she expressed her disquiet, noting that the earth seemed desolate to her and questioning whether all was well with Rama, her mothers-in-law, and the citizens of Ayodhya. Despite her concerns, she remained composed, joining her hands in prayer and seeking the gods’ blessings for everyone’s well-being. 

Lakshmana, torn by sorrow and guilt, reassured Sita that all was well, though his heart was heavy with the knowledge of the mission’s true nature. They reached a tranquil hermitage by the Gomati River and rested for the night. The next morning, Lakshmana urged Sumantra to prepare the chariot again. With the horses yoked, they resumed their journey. Sita, eager to reach the sacred hermitage, spoke to Lakshmana with curiosity and joy, though her demeanor also reflected her growing concern for Lakshmana’s visible distress. 

Eventually, the chariot reached the banks of the sacred Bhagirathi River. Seeing the river, Lakshmana could no longer contain his emotions and began to weep bitterly. Concerned by his tears, Sita questioned him. She reminded him of his steadfast devotion to Rama and expressed her hope that he was not overcome with grief simply from being away from his brother for a short while. Sita admitted her own profound love for Rama but urged Lakshmana to remain composed and dutiful. 

Sita’s excitement at reaching the Ganges grew as she expressed her desire to meet the ascetics and offer them the garments and jewels she had brought. She hoped to honor the sages as they deserved and believed they would return to the city after spending a night at the hermitage. Lakshmana, heartbroken but determined to fulfill his duty, wiped his tears and assisted Sita in crossing the sacred river using a boat. 

Unaware of the heartbreaking task awaiting her, Sita looked forward to the journey ahead, filled with anticipation for the visit to the hermitage. Lakshmana, carrying the weight of Rama’s command, silently endured his anguish, knowing he was about to leave Sita in the care of the sages as instructed. 

In chapter 47, Lakshmana tells Sita she has been repudiated. 

Lakshmana, accompanied by Sita, crossed the river Bhageerathee on a large boat prepared by the Nishadas. While Sita climbed aboard first, Lakshmana followed, instructing Sumantra to remain with the chariot. Grief-stricken, he urged the boatman to steer the vessel swiftly. Upon reaching the opposite bank, Lakshmana, overcome with emotion, joined his hands in salutation and addressed Sita, his voice choked with tears. He expressed the anguish inflicted upon him by Rama’s command, which he deemed unbearable and felt was a betrayal of his own sense of duty. Prostrating before Sita, he admitted his torment and asked for her understanding, though he could not fully articulate his pain. 

Sita, observing Lakshmana’s evident distress, grew anxious and implored him to reveal the truth. She questioned him about Rama’s well-being and insisted that he disclose the reason behind his sorrow. Despite his reluctance, Sita’s determination compelled Lakshmana to respond. With a heavy heart, he recounted how Rama, in the presence of courtiers, had been influenced by the harsh criticism voiced by the people of the city and countryside regarding Sita’s purity. Lakshmana emphasized that he personally believed in Sita’s innocence but acknowledged that Rama had been compelled to act due to the pressure of public opinion. 

Lakshmana revealed Rama’s heart-wrenching decision to cast Sita aside, driven by his desire to uphold the people’s expectations. Though deeply pained by the king’s command, Lakshmana had no choice but to comply. He informed Sita that he had been instructed to abandon her at the hermitage near the sacred grove inhabited by brahmana rishis. Despite Sita’s pregnancy, Rama’s commitment to his duties as a king outweighed his personal emotions, leaving no room for compromise. 

Lakshmana attempted to comfort Sita, assuring her that she would find solace and support in the hermitage of the revered sage Valmiki. He described Valmiki as a great friend of their late father, King Dasharatha, and urged Sita to seek refuge at the sage’s feet. Lakshmana advised her to remain devoted to Rama, keeping him in her heart, as that devotion would ultimately bring her great spiritual benefit. 

Throughout their journey, Lakshmana struggled with his emotions, his loyalty torn between obedience to Rama and his compassion for Sita. As they approached the hermitage, the weight of his task grew heavier, and his sorrow became more evident. Despite his internal conflict, Lakshmana carried out his duty, ensuring Sita’s safety and preparing her for the life ahead in the sage’s grove. 

Sita, though deeply wounded by Rama’s decision, maintained her dignity and composure. She listened to Lakshmana’s explanation and resolved to embrace her new circumstances with grace. With her unwavering faith in Rama and the support of the rishis in the hermitage, she prepared to face the challenges that lay ahead. 

This concludes chapters 45, 46 and 47 of Uttara Kanda where we had seen the good happy days of Rama and Sita in companionship have quickly evaporated. It all starts with the rumours in the kingdom which question the purity of Sita in abduction and the same are conveyed to Rama during his time of faithful re-union after the battle with Ravana. Rama himself deeply believes in his inner self that Sita is as pure as fire and she also passes the trial by fire which is administered already. But as a King he is bound by his subjects opinion. He gives much weightage to people’s view taking the heart-wrenching decision to abandon Sita in ascetic’s hermitage to subdue the rumours and upheld the honor, sanctity of his rule. He asks Lakshmana to carry on this task of taking away Sita from him. No one must have grieved more than Rama and Lakshmana as they abandon the revered Sita. Lakshmana make the arduous journey to leave Sita in sage Valmiki’s abode and it is painful to experience it first hand to both Sita and Lakshmana and to know about this story ever since for everyone. We can look at the continuation of this journey to disown Sita in subsequent chapters.