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.
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