In Conversation, Sita Speaks the Plain Truth and Rejects Ravana Soaked in Delusions

It was seen in last post that Hanuman could finally locate Sita in Ashoka grove which is a starting point for all the future occurrences. He immediately identified her to be Sita looking at the lonely state, strictly guarded by demonesses and relating to her ornaments hanging from a nearby tree. It was a moment of victory on one hand for finding Sita and sadness on the other hand looking at her helpless condition waiting desperately for help. The most beautiful consort of Rama lay here pain-stricken, fear-stricken and fiercely opposing Ravana for any of his advances towards her. The strength of her purity gives her the strength to endure and live along looking for Rama and his men to reach her. The mesmerizing messenger, Hanuman, the devout devotee of Rama has arrived and stationed right above her overlooking the happenings beneath. Meanwhile, Ravana comes to the place of Sita and boasts of his prowess while awaiting her nod in acceptance patiently. He speaks gently and persuades her to become the queen of Lanka, giving up her sad state for matchless riches. We can see the stern reply from Sita, further conversation and the demons descending upon her in spirit and action in the following chapters.

In chapter 21, Sita replies to Ravana saying that he should seek friendship with Rama and return Her back to Rama.

 

Pale with fear and grieved at Ravana's words, Sita placed a blade of grass between them, deeming it unfit to talk to Ravana directly. "Forget me Ravana", She said, "go back to your wives. Desiring me is like a sinner desiring heaven. It shall never happen. Born of a noble race and married into another noble one, famed for my purity will I ever defile myself with shameful deeds, that the world will condemn? Turning away and sitting with her back to him, Sita continued to chastise Ravana, "Be noble Ravana, never depart from it. Follow the path of the virtuous. Why do you, who wish your wives to be chaste not think alike about the wives of other men? Give up your lawless love Rakshasa. Think how you would react if other men consorted with your wives and realize that they too would react in the same way. The wealth and life of him who is discontent with his wife and betrayed by his senses seeks the company of other's wives will soon perish. Are there no wise men in Lanka to give you good advice? Or do you in your arrogance pretend to humbly listen to them with no intention of ever heeding them? Perhaps as prelude to the destruction of the entire rakshasa race you turn a deaf ear to their counsel. Ruled by a wicked, and unwise king, the most prosperous of kingdoms can fall to ruin and so will Lanka for the blame of you. Your lack of foresight will lead to your destruction and the people of the earth will rejoice in your downfall. Neither power nor wealth tempts me. Just as light cannot be separated from the Sun, I too cannot be separated from Rama. How can I, having embraced Rama, lord of the universe even think of you who are nobody?.”  

"Ravana, unite me with Rama if you wish to live. Cease this enmity with him for he is noble. Renowned as the knower of every virtue, ever compassionate to all those who seek refuge in him, Rama will forgive you and set you free. I too shall plead for you. Your arrogance may delude you into believing that Indra's Vajra may spare you and Yama's noose may wait forever to claim you, but never will Rama let the wicked like you live. The arrows of Rama and Lakshmana will soon fill Lanka and in that fiery deluge Lanka will perish. Unable to retaliate the carnage at Janasthana you resorted to stealth and abducted me. If only you had even a whiff of Rama's presence you would have fled like a dog, fleeing from tigers. Just as the blazing rays of the sun vaporize a puddle, so shall Rama wipe you off from the face of the earth. Your time is running out and it bodes you ill. You would not otherwise be tormenting me so. Just as a tree cannot escape the lightning about to strike it, you too cannot escape Rama's inexorable arrows.” 

In chapter 22, Ravana gives Sita two months to marry him. He orders ogres to frighten Sita and bring Her to his control. Ravana then goes back to his own house with his consorts. 

Displeased with Sita's angry words, Ravana plunged head long into a harsh tirade "The more a man cajoles a woman, the more he falls into her clutches and courts her disdain. I am trying to control my fury against you just as a master charioteer tries to rein in his wayward horses racing off track. Bound by passion, man unable to go against the wishes of his beloved even condones her acts that ought to be condemned. Death is what you deserve Sita. But my love for you prevent me from killing you, who defy me, thinking of Rama that hypocrite who pretends ascetism. In two months, ends the time I had given you to yield to my wishes and then shall you share my bed. If you still refuse to accept me as your husband, you will be cooked and served as my first meal of that day.  

Beholding Sita being threatened and bullied by Ravana, the celestial ladies who had accompanied him wept while some made signs of sympathy with their eyes and lips. Consoled by their gesture, brushing aside her grief, and with a courage born out of her purity, Sita voiced her anger and agony, "There seem to be none here, concerned enough in your welfare to tell you that, 'Such a thing is not done'" None in the three worlds would covet me, who am the consort of Rama, as his wife, except you. To which world do you think you can run to escape this transgression of yours? You will die the moment Rama sees you. How dare you Ravana, look at me with such lust? Why do your fearful flaming eyes not fall out of your head, why does not your tongue that utters the unmentionable fall to the ground? Though you deserve to be reduced to ashes, I desist from it for I do not have Rama's approval, and also it will mitigate the merits of my penance. If I were with Rama, you could never have touched me. For your death alone destiny has decreed you to steal me. When you boast so much of your might, why did you lure Rama away and abduct me?"  

Ravana who was dark as a rain cloud, large as a mountain and strong as a lion, was furious. His red eyes spewed fire, his breath came out like the hiss of a serpent, and his crown wobbled with the tremors of his rage. "Thinking of Rama, that pauper who treads the path of evil, do you Sita, spurn me? I shall destroy you this instant like the Sun destroys the dark of pre-dawn," swore Ravana. He then commanded the hideous monsters guarding Sita to make her think of him with love. "Cajole her or threaten her if need be" he insisted. It was then that Ravana's first wife Dhyanamalini embraced him saying, "Desiring her who has no love for you will only bring you sorrow my lord. Choose me, for I love you and can make you happy. It is not her fault that Sita refuses to take you as her husband, for Brahma himself has deemed her unfit to share your immense wealth and your incomparable splendor. Why do you crave this strange hued mortal woman. Come revel with me." Leaving behind the noble princess quaking with fear, Ravana's feet pounded the earth as he strode into the brilliance of his palace, dazzling like the midday sun. 

In chapter 23, the ogre women speak to Sita about her marrying Ravana. 

Having delivered his ultimatum to Sita, Ravana left and the coarse ruthless, creatures to whom, she was handed over milled around her dainty form. Unwilling to believe that she had turned down their master, the ten headed crown jewel of the Paulastya dynasty and son of Visravas whose glory equalled that of Brahma, shocked and angry at her audacity, their raucous voices berated Sita's foolishness. The rakshasa women Ekajata, Vikata and Durmukhi sang praise of Ravana and goaded Sita to yield to him, for whom the sun shone subdued, and the winds blew gently. Durmukhi's final warning was, "Say yes to Ravana as he is not only the king of rakshasas, but the king of kings. How can you even think of not accepting him, for your refusal will only bring you death." 

In chapter 24, Sita cites the examples of Sachi, Arundhati, Rohini etc. on their devotion towards their husbands. Ogre women threaten to kill Sita and eat her. 

In that beautiful grove in Lanka where Sita was held captive, the dreaded rakshasa forces of Ravana spewed evil and venom as they tried to threaten her into submission. Milling around her dainty form they demanded "What makes you refuse living in the palace, a luxury that no one would deny? Because you are mortal you consider that being the wife of another mortal Rama to be the ultimate. Forget Rama. Never again will you be with him or be his wife. Being a woman, you still crave Rama who has neither kingdom nor the means to satisfy any wish of his." 

The jarring pitiless banter went on and Sita said, "You utter such unpardonable words, so against the norms of the world, do you not think it a transgression to do so? Rama may be a homeless wanderer, but he is my lord and my very life." From his shelter in the boughs, Hanuman watched the torment of Sita and the mounting fury of the fiends.  

Licking their ugly pendulous lips and brandishing their axes, the raucous lot declared Sita to be unfit as Ravana's wife. The rakshasa woman Vinata, her eyes flashing with anger said, "As a human and a woman, you have displayed your love for Rama, your profound purity and chastity. I am pleased. But anything practiced with such rigid intensity is harmful. It only leads to grief and not joy. For your welfare I counsel you to be Ravana's queen? Give up Rama, who because of his enmity with Ravana, has not long to live. None can cross the seas over which you were brought, none can enter the unassailable palace of Ravana, and none can escape our guard, youth is transient, Sita, accept Ravana and revel with him before that youth deserts you. Seven thousand apasara like women will serve you and the king of all the rakshasas will be your lord. Heed me Sita or be devoured." Soon as Vinata pronounced her final threat, another like her, Chandodari spoke of more impending terror if Sita chose to remain stubborn. She said, "ever since I saw this woman from across the seas who looks like a startled deer, I have had a great urge to devour her flesh and feast on her heart." Another demon Praghasa, unleashed her displeasure saying, "let us kill this woman and tell Ravana that the mortal woman Sita is dead, and he will surely say, "Devour her." Ajamukhi, part of the grisly tribe advised that Sita's body be divided into equal parts so that there would be no cause for squabbles." Surpanakha then asked for wine to be brought, to go with the food upon which they were soon going to feast. Sita, the exquisitely beautiful consort of Rama robbed of all courage wept. 

In chapter 25, Sita calls out Rama and others and bursts into a wail not being able to endure the threats of ogre women. 

Frightened at the jarring banter of the demon guard, choking with grief, Sita vented her anguish, "A mortal woman can never be the wife of a rakshasa. Devour me if you want, for I shall not yield to your threats." Calling upon Rama, Lakshmana, Kausalya and Sumitra, she lamented, "Separated from Rama, and unable to die, I still live. As the learned say, without the will of Iswara death claims no man or woman before their time, perhaps? Like a lone ship at sea, battered by the tempestuous winds sinks, so will I perish like an orphan? Only the fortunate and not I, who am unfortunate, will ever again see Rama, the compassionate lord of the universe. What transgressions of mine warrant this torment that haunts me? Death alone will probably relieve me of this great sorrow, but it does not come when wished for. I can never escape these rakshasa women, nor can I end my life for I do not have Rama's consent to do so. There is no worse curse than being born human and being dependent on others. "Blinded by lust, Ravana abducted me, commanded by him his demon squad guard me and persecute me. I can no longer endure this life. Separated from Rama how can I live among these fiends? Devour me you monsters, I shall not touch Ravana even with my left foot, let alone love him. Never." 

This concludes chapters 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25 of Sundara Kanda where we had seen the harsh words flew between Sita and Ravana. Never acceding to his insinuations, Sita reprimands him in no mean terms and asks him to return her to Rama immediately for the time elapsed cannot be taken back and the impending destruction of Ravana cannot be stopped. Enraged by the truth and the boldness of a mere mortal woman, Ravana gives her two months to change her mind and marry him. Else he would devour her the next moment. Never backing down, Sita asks him to seek wise counsel and criticizes him in all terms for resorting to the meanest act of abducting her and asks him to end the dangerous lust. Ravana hissed like a serpent, swears to end her that instant and after getting back senses ask the demon guards to cajole or threaten to make her think of him with love. From that time, the ogre women guards resort to all means of persuading her into marrying Ravana and threaten to devour her like a pack of hungry wolves surrounding a delicate prey. Sita cannot resist this and bursts into a wail unable to endure the threats of demon women. How she was further broken to give up life, goes through the time limit and also experience some good omens to shed some forthcoming light can be seen in subsequent chapters. 

Hanuman Finds Sita in Ashoka Grove and Watches Over the Proceedings

We are traversing through the beautiful book in the beautiful country. At least, it might be co-incidental that I am percolating the epic through this medium while in U.S. As I was said by someone, U.S. is a beautiful country which I saw myself too and the familiarity with ‘Sundara Kanda’ in the Ramayana while in U.S. should resonate well with the land. The search for Sita has gone south and entered Lanka through Hanuman. He searches in every house, enters Ravana’s mansion, glances at the women lying in their sleep but finds no trace of Sita. Hanuman scans in the vast spaces of exteriors as well but fails to find her anywhere. After the futile attempt for some time and seeing that his noble mission isn’t going anywhere, he gets troubled by the thought of finding Sita alive amid dreadful Rakshasas. He gets extremely dejected and depressed at the prospect of failure and relaying the same to everyone else including Rama who are all pinning hopes on Hanuman. These are the testing times before something auspicious is going to happen for which he is going to be instrumental in re-uniting Rama with Sita by defeating Ravana. A little nudge and a great impetus in that direction is going to happen in the following chapters where he is going to find Sita in Ashoka gardens and everything else follows in a matter of time. 

In chapter 15, Hanuman continues his search in the Ashoka garden for Sita. He sees an emaciated woman surrounded by demonesses. From Her radiance and manner of clothing etc, Hanuman recognizes Her to be Sita.

 

Hidden in the branches of the Simsapa, Hanuman feasted his eyes on the strikingly beautiful panorama. Bustling with every known bird, bush, tree and creeper there was no fruit or flower that was not seen in the glorious grove, irrespective of seasons. Scents that forever pervaded the air were heavenly, and the beauty of it all seemed to meander on and on, as far as the eye could see. Though his mind reveled in the beauty that lay before him, Hanuman's roving gaze never for a moment faltered in its search for Sita, suddenly it stilled and having stilled, refused to move. It rested on a mammoth temple-like structure supported by a thousand pillars and large as mount Kailas it soared towards the sky. With benches of gold, steps of coral and gems of every colour lending their dazzle to every pillar, post and dome, its brilliance was hard to behold.

 

Even as Hanuman stared in great wonder, there appeared in that glow a divine form and it was Sita's. It was she, the consort of Rama for whom he had crossed the ocean, for whom Rama pined and for whom Ravana had imperiled his very life. He recognized her for he had seen the wicked rakshasa abduct her. Unkempt and emaciated, her dark hair like a black serpent hung down her back in a single braid. Her woebegone face was tearstained, and her radiant beauty was veiled by sorrow just as a fire veiled by smoke. The harsh floor couched her slender body and startled eyes betrayed fear as Sita appeared like a timorous deer that had strayed into the midst of a pack of hungry wolves. With a strength born of her purity and chastity, Sita sat with her head bent and heart heavy. In spite of the turmoil that raged in her, the soft ethereal glow of her beauty buried under layers of mental and physical agony refused to desert her. Any vestige of doubt that Hanuman may have had of Sita's identity vanished when he recognized her jewels described by Rama. They were not on her person but tied to the branches of a nearby tree. "This certainly is Sita," said the thrill that ran through him, it is her whom Rama considers to be his better half, his love and his very life. 'Only her sublime beauty can match that of Rama's and though separated they still survive because they live in each other's hearts. Sita lives because she is a woman and has not the liberty to cast away her body, but Rama who has the freedom to do so, does not succumb to that temptation. How great must be his anguish and how intolerable the agony of having to continue living without his beloved consort. Rama who has done many difficult things has now achieved the impossible by surviving without Sita.'

 

In chapter 16, Hanuman is grief stricken seeing the plight of Sita, in that garden being surrounded by ogresses. He becomes firm in mind that She is indeed Sita, based on Her auspicious bodily marks. 

Hanuman's grieving heart lauded Rama and Sita for their limitless qualities of virtue and his eyes filled with tears as he beheld Sita. Cherished by Rama, worshipped by Lakshmana, bound by an inexorable fate, he saw her striving to endure the storm of her woes. The chaste daughter of Janaka, celestially beautiful and glowing like molten gold, she was like the very goddess Lakshmi. Meditating upon Rama who was far away she was confident that he would someday rescue her. Robbed of her bliss and prisoner of her demon guard, Sita avoided looking at them, with their evil eyes and wicked ways. 'How can Sita bear such sorrow' fumed Hanuman, 'If the blood of fourteen thousand rakshasas soaked the floor of Janasthana, if many evil forces like Viradha were slain, if Vali perished, all because of Rama they deserved it. He did so, for the sake of his lotus- eyed consort. Even if Rama were to devastate the very earth with its many worlds and oceans he would be justified. When I, who am only an intermediary can feel such pain at the plight of this beautiful lady, how much more will be Rama's?' Certain that it was Sita, whom he was beholding, Hanuman sat sorrowfully among the dense foliage of the Simsapa tree. 

In chapter 17, Hanuman sees Sita surrounded by ogresses and looks at different forms watching over. 

Far above Lanka, like a swan dipping into dark waters, shimmering like a cluster of white lilies rode the moon casting its light on the earth below, as if to aid Hanuman in his search. In that soft glow, the Vanara messenger from Kishkindha saw the horrific forms that watched over Sita. Many were their shapes, different their hue and grotesque their bodies which evoked fear in their beholders. Hunch-backed and misshapen, with pendulous stomachs, protruding teeth and distorted faces, some among those masses had no ears, while some had pointed ears and the others had large enough ears to cover their heads. Noses were either large as elephant trunks or short snouts on top of their heads. Some had heads like those of elephant, horse, boar, dog or swine while some had feet like those of a donkey, camel, cow, elephant or horse. Knotty chins sported bristly hair, bald pates were bereft of any while coarse black hair completely covered some. Afflicted with every disfigurement, armed with clubs, maces and more roamed the grisly legions. Never satiated and ever hungry, gorging on piles of flesh and pots of wine, their nature was cruel and their flesh eating, blood drinking traits demonic.

 

Among that rabble sat Sita, a captive of Ravana, lord of the rakshasas. Haunted by fear, looking around like a startled deer, her hot sighs threatened to scorch the tender leaves of trees. Stripped of all her jewels, decked only in her love for Rama she wept in her lonely sorrow. Though her radiance had paled, clothes soiled and hair unkempt, there was about her an unshakeable conviction that Rama's might one day will free her. Hanuman beheld that embodiment of patience and beauty, who though bereft of all finery was still beautiful, because her slender golden limbs were more ornamental than any jewel. His eyes brimmed with tears of joy for having at last found Sita. Mentally prostrating to Rama in gratitude, he moved deeper into the shadows to keep away from prying eyes.

 

In chapter 18, Hanuman sees Ravana entering Ashoka garden with a retinue of his wives following him.

 

During the dark hours of predawn, from his shelter in the boughs Hanuman heard the chant of the Vedas by the Brahmins among the rakshasas. Soon one more day dawned on the island kingdom of Lanka and in the palace woke up its ruler to sounds of music. Even as Ravana came awake from his slumber, memories of Sita rose in him like ripples in water. And on the wings of those memories flew Ravana who could not control the impious passion that possessed his soul. His jewels, his garlands and his clothes were in disarray. His mind was still clouded from a night of intoxicating drinks, but the infatuation which was driving him, made him oblivious of all norms of decorum. A bevy of beautiful women followed their master, bearing fans, umbrellas, torches, water pitchers and scented lamps. The wives of Ravana who were in equal disarray traipsed behind him. Red eyed with sleep and languid in the aftermath of night- long revelry they came in Ravana's wake with unsteady gait. Loosened tresses shed flowers and beads of sweat glistened on their foreheads but Ravana unmindful of them all strode along relentlessly. Hanuman witnessed the arrival of Ravana whose power and might were inconceivable. He beheld the glowing bejeweled form enter with an arrogance in his stride and lust in his roving red eyes. His carelessly draped shawl white as the ocean's foam trailed behind him, a symbol of his haste and impatience. Bedazzled by the radiance and power that Ravana exuded, Hanuman clambered down to view his enemy better but quickly scurried back intimidated by Ravana's fierce glow. From his safe perch he watched Ravana walk towards Sita eager to behold the beauty from Ayodhya with her dark lotus eyes, soft lips, slender waist and full hips.

 

In chapter 19, Valmiki describes the plight of Sita in Ashoka garden in detail.

 

Beholding Ravana radiant in his youthful pride and dazzling in his finery approach her, Sita shook with fear. Drawing her knees to her chest which covered most of her body, resting her chin on them, she wept. A picture of abject misery, victim of Ravana's cruelty and cunningness, she appeared like an eclipsed moon robbed of its luminance. Her fear-filled eyes searched frantically for help and deliverance from the terror in which she was caught. Though wan, worn and flung on the floor like a lotus plucked rudely and discarded thoughtlessly, Sita failed to evoke the slightest of pity from the demon king. The amorous fiend, prey to his unbridled passions and impious desires, was totally blind to her grief. Sita's thoughts raced to Rama like swift footed horses as if to reach towards the intangible and unreachable beyond where lay safety and security. Afraid, emaciated and exhausted in body and mind, she prayed for the humiliation of Ravana at Rama's hands, even as Ravana embarked on winning her over with sweet words.

 

In chapter 20, Ravana entices Sita with wealth, gems, sovereignty over all his wives.

 

Even as Sita sat huddled and woebegone, Ravana kept declaring his undying love for her, pleading, "Why do you hide your body from me Sita? Beautiful are your eyes and beautiful your limbs. You, who are the joy of the world and the love of my life, have nothing to fear from me, nor from anyone else on this earth, be it man or rakshasa." "Rakshasas are permitted to carry away women by force and consort with the wives of other men. Though our race does not condemn, but condones such acts as meritorious, I, Ravana will not touch you against your will. But do save me from the ravages of my desire. It does not become you who are the jewel among woman to wear no jewels. Vigils and fasts are not your lot. The single braid, these soiled clothes and your sleeping on the floor do not become you. Anointed with priceless unguents, robed in finery, bejeweled with celestial ornaments, you should be reveling with me, eating the best of food and drinking the best of wine. Rama can never equal me either in penance or strength. Accept me and all things heavenly will be yours. I lay at your feet, not only my kingdom, my possessions and my wealth, but also myself whom even the gods cannot face. Many a time have I trampled on their royal standards in many fields. Think of my power, my glory and my strength. I will conquer the entire earth and bestow it upon Janaka for your sake. What do you see in Rama who wanders in the jungles? Bereft of wealth and victory he leads the life of an ascetic, wearing bark and sleeping on the harsh forest floor. I doubt if he is even alive. Thousands are my wives who are the best and most beautiful of the earth, and they will serve you. Come, be my love and my chosen queen." Ravana warned saying, Sita, you will never again see Rama, nor will he ever get you away from me. Youth is transient and like the flowing waters, is gone forever, never to return. There is none more beautiful than you on this earth. My eyes rivet and refuse to move away from any limb of your body that they behold. Exhausted after having created you to such impeccable perfection, Brahma creates no more perhaps. I cannot take my eyes off your mesmeric beauty, which even the creator would find irresistible. Rich as Kubera am I and many are the worlds that I have won, make me your lord and enjoy them all. Forget Rama who can never equal me in neither splendor penance nor might. Come be mine, Janaki, I will give you the earth and all its riches. Wine, dine and be merry. Let us revel on the golden shores of the sea and in gorgeous green groves."

This concludes chapters 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 of Sundara Kanda where we had seen Hanuman entering Ashoka Garden and finally locate Sita after exhaustive search by many a men for many a days. Igniting a ray of hope, Hanuman found Sita, a jewel among women, a model for every women, survived by her chastity and purity in the middle of dangerous surroundings. Her purity and chastity were her strength which repulsed and kept the demon head Ravana at bay for days. The chaste daughter of Janaka, celestially beautiful and glowing like molten gold, she was like the very goddess Lakshmi who possessed innumerable qualities and virtues. A look at Sita in her woeful state surrounding by disfigured demonesses anguished Hanuman. He also watched over Ravana entering Ashoka grove, approach Sita to please her and accept him. Many a persuasions and many a boasts are Ravana’s who feels matchless in the beauty of Sita and in the power, glory and strength of his own. He brazenly claims the abduction as meritorious and never implies to touch against her will. Playing with the fire, trying to impress, unable to predict his downfall and lost in his unbridled desires, he continues to reflect his glory in the lost delusions. How he was brought into reality by a reprimand and a gentle reply by Sita and how she was frightened by the ogresses and her lonely hopelessness can be seen in subsequent chapters.