Srimati Sita Devi
Srimati Sita Devi is the daughter of the Earth goddess, Bhumi Devi, and
central figure of the Ramayana. In Maharishi Valmiki's own words, Ramayana is
known as the noble story of Sita "Sita-ayah Charitam Mahat".
Her glories are sun by the poet-saint Thyagaraja in his "Sri Janakatayane"
Oh daughter of Janaka, the blessed souls of refugees! Oh Consort of Sri Raghu
Rama, bedecked with shining gem-ornaments! Pray, protect me always! You are the
wind that destroys the clouds of demons like the hundres-headed Ravana; You are
the indweller in the hearts of the devotees; Your Feet shine with the lustre of
gems set in the crown of Indra.
King Janaka was the wise and benevolent King of Janakpuri and although a great
saintly king he was childless. 'Rajarshi - a king who lives like a sage: that
was how king Janaka of Videha dynasty was renowned. He ruled over the kingdom of
Mithila. He looked upon his people with love and affection.
The Finding of Sita Devi in a casket in the Earth:
Janaka maharaj was ploughing a piece of land and then to prepare it for
conducting a Yajna (spiritual sacrifice). He unearthed a golden casket in which
he found a beautiful girl and was overjoyed. A land ploughed by the yoke is
called 'Sita', and so he named the baby as Sita. With the arrival of the baby,
the king's good luck appeared to soar up. His queen also gave birth to a
daughter who was named Urmila. The royal couple brought up the children with
great affection. They gave them a good education. The two beautiful girls, by
their noble qualities, good behavior and intelligence, endeared themselves to
one and all and grew to become ideal princesses.
Sita grew up and played in the palace of Janakaraj. She became well known for
her beauty as well as her devotion. She could often be seen absorbed in the
Deity of the Lord of the Surya-vamsa. She would when on her own, sometimes
lovingly enact the pastimes of the various forms of the Lord and relish His
pastimes. In this way she revealed to those close to her that she was no
ordinary young girl.
Her fame like her beauty became well known, and soon it was time for her to be
betrothed and then married. As with kshatriya kings of those days Janakaraj
organised that all the worthy kings and princes would come, there would be a
challenge for her hand, and the victor would become her husband.
The story goes that one day, revered sage Parashurama came to visit king Janaka.
He carried a bow with him. He left it at the doorstep of the royal hall and went
inside. Sita saw the bow, ran to it and began playing with it as if it was a
play-horse. Only those with great physical strength and daring could lift and
handle the 'Vaishnava' bow. When Parashurama came out, the bow was missing.
Ordinary persons could not lift it with ease and he, curiously looking around,
spotted Sita playing with it as if it was a play-horse. The sage and the king
were astonished.
The great Sage Parashurama, who is a partial incarnation (shaktyavesha avatara)
of Vishnu then blessed Sita and said to king Janaka: "My dear king, only a
great, and strong person can wed this girl of such capacity. Arrange a 'Swayamvara'
(where the brides choose their spouses for their prowess) for her and let the
most suitable person in the three worlds the marry her."
In course of time, Sita and Urmila attained maturity.
King Janaka possessed a bow said to have been blessed by Lord Shiva. It was a
great bow and the king decided to marry off his daughter to one who could lift
it and charge its arrow. He prepared for a Swayamvara.
The challenge is sent out, "The Man Who Conquers the 'Shiva, Bow' Weds Sita",
and so all manner of qualified princes and "wannabe's" came from all over the
world. But how to find such a heroic young man to wed such a girl?
Many noble princes from several kingdoms came aspiring for the hand of the
beautiful damsel Sita. But they were awed by the mighty bow and, saluting it
turned away.
Sage Vishwamitra, accompanied by his disciples Rama and Lakshmana, arrived at
Mithila. The princes, sons of renowned king Dasharatha, had conquered many
demons ('rakshasas'). King Janaka felt glad at their arrival.
Vishwamitra told Rama:"Dear Ramachandra, pray to Lord Shiva and take to the
bow." Sri Rama bowed to Vishwamitra and offered his respects. He then prayed for
the grace of Lord Shiva, went and raised the bow with ease and thrust an arrow.
As he bent the bow, it broke. Sitadevi came and garlanded him and accepted him
as her husband. The news reached king Dasharatha who rushed to Mithila with his
entourage. The marriage of Rama and Sita Devi was solemnized in a grand manner.
After this event, Dasharatha spent many happy years ruling the kingdom. Old age
gradually crept on, and he decided to retire. He naturally thought of handing
over the reigns of the kingdom to his eldest son Rama. He wanted to spend the
rest of his life in meditation, away from the worries of physical life. He
consulted his elderly priests and decided on the day of Sri Rama's installation
on the royal throne.
The king was very joyful on the auspicious day. His senior consort Kausalya Devi
was engaged in worship and serving the elders and priests. People in the kingdom
were rejoicing and eagerly looked forward to the coming coronation.
King Dasharatha's third consort was Kaikeyi. She too was very affectionate
towards Rama. But carried away by the advice of her maid Manthara, she claimed
that her son Bharata should Succeed as the next king, and that Rama should go to
forest for fourteen years. Dasharatha was shocked to hear this. All his
pleadings with Kaikeyi to change her mind proved in vain.
A long time ago, the King had promised her that he would fulfil two wishes of
hers. Now, as a fulfillment, she demanded that the king install Bharata as the
Crown Prince and that Rama should go to forest for fourteen years.
Rama came to know about this, consoled his father and said he would go to the
forest to fulfil his pledge. Rama immediately discarded his royal robes and
ornaments and wearing sack-clothes, prepared to leave for the woods. Kausalya
was grief-stricken. Rama pacified her and obtained her permission to leave.
After meeting his mother, Rama went to his wife Sita. She was then bubbling with
joy at the impending coronation of her husband and was performing worship for
his good; she was giving away doles and offerings.
Looking at Sita's joy and celebration, Rama felt it painful to inform her that
he would not be crowned and that he would be leaving for the jungle. He knows
she would be shocked. Looking at his worried face, Sita asked: "You appear to be
worried at such a joyous moment. What is the matter? Did anything untoward
happen?" She gently wiped the sweat on his face with the edge of her saree.
Rama said: "Dear Janaki, do not feel grieved at what I am going to tell you. I
have to leave the capital for a distant place. You should see me off without
tears." He told her about the king's dilemma and said: I will go to the forest
for fourteen years and return. You should remain without anger or sorrow. Be
calm. The parents are old. Look after them. Be good and courteous towards
Bharata also. Permit me to leave."
Sita was saddened. She was not sorry either at the canceling of her husband's
coronation or at the demanded crowning of Bharata. But she felt angry that Rama
should leave her behind and go to the forest alone. She declared: "My Lord, I
can't stay for a moment in a place without you. In your absence, this Ayodhya
will be a jungle to me. The forest wherein you stay will be my kingdom. My life
runs under your shadow. It is not becoming of you to leave me behind."
Rama explained to her the rigours of life in the woods. "Sita, you do not know
about jungle-life. It is not a cosy, royal garden; cruel wild animals and evil
demons (rakshasas) infest it. You hear ferocious voices. You have to live on
roots and wild fruits. A tender lady like you cannot withstand these hazards.You
have to pass every day in fear of some impending danger. After all, fourteen
years is not a long period."
Sita would not listen to his pleadings. She insisted: "Whether it is jungle or
town, it is my. duty to be with you. I do not care for comforts here. I am not
afraid of the difficulties we may encounter in the forest. You are such a lion
of a man. Can't you protect me there?" Tears rolled down her eyes.
Rama eventually had to agree with her: "Sita if you are with me, any jungle is
heaven. Let it be, as you desire. Prepare to leave." Sita happily made
preparations for the sojourn.
Rama's younger brother Lakshmana also insisted that he would accompany them.
Rama had to acquiesce.
Deciding to stay at Chitrakoota Mountain, the three-some left and reached their
destination.
It was a picturesque area. Many sages had built their ashrams (hermitages)
there. They warmly welcomed Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. Rama and Lakshmana built a
hermitage for themselves.
After a time, Bharata, with his entourage, came to visit them. He wanted to
plead with Rama to return to Ayodhya and assume kingship. He mournfully informed
them about king Dasharatha's passing away. Rama, Sita and Lakshmana were
overcome with grief.
All the pleadings of Bharata to Rama were in vain. Rama did not change his mind.
At last, Bharata requested Rama to give him his sandals so that he could place
them on the throne and rule in the name of Rama. He also decided to reside in
the village Nandi as a hermit.
From Chitrakoota, the three went Dandakaranya forest.
The sages of Dandakaranya received them with regard and affection. They told
Rama that evil rakshasas and wild animals had
been harassing them and sought his help to relieve them of these troubles and
protect them. Rama, by nature, was compassionate; he promised them he would free
them from the menace of rakshasas.
Sitadevi was worried. At an appropriate time she told Rama: "Aryaputra, let me
submit to you a few of my thoughts. Please do not think I am more learned than
you. The sages narrated their problems and you promised them you would
annihilate the rakshasas and wild animals. You have now forsaken all the royal
paraphernalia and have come to the forest. Now you have to live like an ascetic
and should not carry weapons. You have a bow and arrows for self-protection. By
your promise to the sages, the rakshasas will become your enemies. I am worded
about this. We cannot say what danger might hit us at any time. And also, is it
just to kill wild animals and rakshasas who have not harmed us in any way?
Hatred without reason may result in danger. Please think it over."
Rama patiently listened to Sita's words and said: "Devi, listen. We are
Kshatriyas by birth and no time is objectionable for us to punish the evil
doers. Can the rakshasas attack innocent sages and devour them? Punishing them
and protecting theinnocent is our dharma (sacred duty). Your thoughts deserve
consideration. You have thought about this matter seriously. I will go about
this very carefully." Sita was relieved at his explanation.
As Rama, Sita and Lakshmana were approaching a spot called Panchavati, they came
across a huge banyan tree. Atop it sat a large-sized eagle. They thought it
might also be a rakshasas in disguise. But it said: "Raghurama, I am a friend of
your father Dasharatha. My name is Jatayu. When you and Lakshmana go out, I will
be here with Sita and keep guard. I will try to be of some help to you. "They
felt happy that they met a friendly soul in the jungle.
They built a hermitage and lived comfortably for sometime. Close by was the
Godavari river. The area was dotted with hills. The jungle trees and plants
provided fruits and flowers in abundance. With majestic trees, various plants,
chirping birds and attractive animals like the deer, the spot was a feast to the
eye.
A demoness, Shurpanakha,was wandering about in that area in search of food. She
scented some human beings staying there and came to Rama's hermitage and peeped
in.
She was instantly struck by the graceful personalities of Rama and Lakshmana and
wished to marry one of them. She assumed the appearance of a beautiful damsel
and asked Rama to marry her.
Rama said: "I am married and my wife is with me here. I cannot bring in" another
wife. My younger brother Lakshmana is alone and he is also good-looking. Go to
him."
Shurpanakha then approached Lakshmana and asked him to marry her. He said: "I am
Rama's devout attendant. If you marry me, you will also become a servant and
have to be subserviant to Sita. Go back and ask Rama."
It was a sport between the brothers. She was made to go from one to the other
several times and became fed up with this game. She angrily said: "it is because
Rama's wife is here that things are happening this way. I am going to finish her
off." So saying, she came to pounce upon Sita.
Rama told Lakshmana: "No point in being too light-hearted with evil people.
Punish her and drive her away." Thereupon, Lakshmana went and cut off her ears,
nose and breasts and thus drove her away.
Shurpanakha, apart from the physical pain, felt humiliated and ran away growling
loudly. She was the sister of Ravana, the king of Lanka, a man endowed with
immense prowess. Another demon, Khara, who ruled over Janasthana, where Rama's
hermitage was located, was Ravana's younger brother. Shurpanakha went to Khara
and told him of her humiliation. He became wild with anger and, accompanied by a
large army, came to attack Rama and Lakshmana. But Rama's powerful arrows
annihilated the enemy force. The sages of the forest extolled Rama. Sita also
felt happy, but a nagging worry continued to haunt her.
Shurpanakha then went to Lanka and wailed before Ravana. She narrated her
humiliation and the defeat of Khara and his army. She also told him about Sita's
beauty.
Ravana felt sad; anger welled up in him. Should a sister of such a hero as
himself suffer such humiliation? Hearing her description of Sita's beauty, an
evil thought entered his mind - that he should abduct Sita!
Ravana thought of many ways and finally decided to seek the assistance of
Mareecha, who was his relative. Mareecha shivered at the mention of Rama. He
explained to Ravana about the fury of Rama's arrows. He advised Ravana: "To
abduct Sita is a bad idea. Forget it."
But Ravana was insistent. "If you do not listen to me, your life is finished,"
he threatened Mareecha, who then realized that any amount of advice to Ravana
would be futile.
Ravana's plan was to see that Rama and Lakshmana would be lured away from the
hermitage; he could then go there and kidnap Sita. He conceived a plan and
Mareecha was asked to execute it.
Mareecha assumed the guise of a lovely golden deer and moved about in the
presence of Sita. Sighting it, Sita told Rama: "Look at this beautiful deer. If
we can catch it, will it not be an ornament to Ayodhya?"
Lakshmana said: "It is not a real deer. It looks artificial. Let us not be
fooled by some tricks of the rakshasas."
But Rama wished to fulfil Sita's desire and proceeded to follow the golden deer.
However, Rama could not easily catch the deer. In pursuit, it took him far away
from their residence. Finally, tired and angry Rama struck it with an arrow. As
he lay dying, Mareecha cried out: "Ha, Lakshmana! Ha Sita!" was imitating Rama's
voice.
Sita was worried at Rama's not returning early when heard this cry. She
entreated Lakshmana to go and find out whether Rama was in danger and needed
protection.
Lakshmana tried to console her and said: "My brother is the protector of the
world. What danger can affect him*? There is no need for anyone to go to his
aid. These are all the rakshasas' tricks."
But Sita did not think so. She became angry and denounced Lakshmana thus: "You
have come with us with some object of personal benefit. When your elder brother
is facing danger you are wasting time here. I do not approve of your designs."
Lakshmana could not tolerate this insinuation. He was worried about the welfare
of Sita if he went away leaving her alone. He invoked the demigods (devas) of
the forest, and protracted the ashram by placign the Rekha line around it. Then
offering respects before Sita he reluctantly left the place.
Meanwhile, taking advantage of Lakshaman and Rama's absence a 'Sannyasi' (monk)
arrived at Rama's hut. He wore saffron robes, had tied his hair into a top-knot
and chanted Vedic hymns like any other ascetic.
Sita looked at him and he asked her: "Why are you, such a beautiful damsel
staying in this jungle suffering misery?"
Thinking that a respectable sage had come, Sita treated him with reverence and
told him about her life-story. She did not comprehend that Ravana 'had come in
disguise.
The Sannyasi said: "I am Ravaneshwara. All the three worlds shudder at the
mention of my name.
I have never seen a more beautiful woman like you. Come and be my queen and lead
a happy life."
Sitadevi, hearing these words, was see thing with anger and said: "You wretched
man! I am the wife of lionhearted Rama. If you touch me, you will be touching
fire!"
In spite of her entreaties, Ravana would not relent. He carried her to his
chariot even as she was denouncing him and praying for her protection.
Jatayu, who was sleeping atop a tree, was awakened by Sita's cries. He
immediately jumped forward and attacked Ravana's chariot, killed the driver and
damaged it considerably.
Enraged, Ravana lashed at Jatayu and cut off his wings. Sita was saddened to see
Jatayu fall to the ground mortally wounded. Carrying Sita, Ravana flew away in
the skies towards Lanka.
As soon as Rama heard Mareecha's cries, he felt that something was wrong. He
hurriedly retreated and met Lakshmana on the way back. Rama's suspicions grew
and sensing something bad, asked Lakshmana: "Brother, What is this? Why did you
come?
What about Sita's welfare? What could happen to her by the time we get back to
our place? May we see her again alive?"
They rushed to the hermitage and Rama cried out: "Devi, Janaki, where are you?"
There was no answer. The ashram was empty. Rama searched around to no avail. He
wandered uttering Sita's name all over the place. "0 trees, birds, animals,
can't you tell me about Sita's whereabouts?" At one spot Rama found a bunch of
flowers Sita had worn. Nearby lay Jatayu, injured and in agony. It seemed as if
the bird was struggling to keep alive only to inform Sri Rama about the
abduction of Sita. It said: "Raghurama, Ravana, the king of Lanka, has abducted
Sitadevi. I fought him to protect her but he beat me." With these words, the
bird died.
Rama and Lakshmana, full of grief, conducted the last rites of Jatayu in
accordance with the tradition.
Ravana brought Sita to Lanka. He showed her his palace and riches. He showed her
his rakshasas army. He told her: "Look here, Rama cannot come here. Forget him.
There is no one more heroic and rich than I am. Become my queen and lead a happy
life."
Sita did not want even to talk to him. She held a blade of grass before her and
looking at it said: "Ravana, you have carried me to this place stealthily when
Rama was not present. If he was there at that time, you would have been
destroyed. It looks as if your life is now ended."
Ravana was enraged. He kept her in the Ashokavana garden and engaged demonizes
to guard her.
Rama and Lakshmana proceeded in search of Sita. Wandering all around, they
arrived at Rishyamooka hill. Sighting them from atop the hill, Sugriva, a king
of the monkeys, sent his minister Anjaneya (Hanuman) to meet them and bring them
to him.
His elder brother Vali, who also kept Sugriva’s wife for himself, had deported
Sugriva from his land. Sugriva narrated his woes to Rama and sought his help. In
turn, Rama told him about his own sorrow. Both pledged to help each other. They
declare their friendship in front of the Fire God Agni (sacred fire).
Rama killed Vali and installed Sugriva on the throne.
Sugriva sent his soldiers to all corners of the country to search for Sita. Rama
called Anjaneya (Hanuman) and told him: "Dear son of Vayu wind, I feel that you
will succeed in your mission. You are the only one able to reach Lanka. Go forth
and meet Sita. Tell her about our welfare. As a sign of recognition, give her
this ring." He blessed and sent him away.
The armies of ‘vanaras' (monkeys and bears) reached the seashore. They thought
to themselves, How to cross the vast sea? One has only to fly. Who is capable of
it. They all agreed that only Hanuman possessed the prowess to undertake the
task. Thus, Anjaneya embarked on his voyage of a distance of 100 yojanas with
the speed of wind and reached Lanka he went to Ravana's palace, searched around
and found Sita at Ashokavana.
Sita sat under a Shimshupa tree. Pale and weary-looking, and wearing a worn-out
saree, she was sitting there on the floor crying. She was pining: "0 Ramachandra!
Can't you see my plight? Can I be so lucky as to see you again?" Ugly looking
demonesses around pressed on: "Forget Rama. Marry the heroic, wealthy Ravana. If
you please him, you can lead a life of luxury. If you refuse, you will be
finished." But Sita sternly told them: I will never think of another man even in
my dreams. "Rich or Poor, My Life is Only with Rama"
I would not touch another being even with my left foot."
Sitting on the branches of a nearby tree, Anjaneya saw all and heard these
words.
In the morning, Ravana accompanied by his harem came there. Ravana said: "Sita,
why you are suffering like this without good food and clothing? I am the king of
the three worlds. My palace, riches, opulence – everything will be yours. Come
to the palace. One does not know whether Rama, living in the jungle like a
hermit, is alive or dead. Forget him."
Addressing the blade of grass before her, Sita said: "I am Rama's wife. Whether
he is rich or poor, my place is with Rama and nowhere else. I do not even want
to look at you. By bringing me here, you are ruining yourself and your family."
Though Ravana continued to persuade Sita, he was insulted by her as a coward and
evil man. He was angered and dashed forward with fury saying he would kill her.
He was held back by one of his wives Dhanyamalini. He told Sita: "I will give
you two months time. If you do not change your mind, I will kill you!" So
saying, he went away.
After he left, the demonesses began to harass Sita who was now thinking of
almost ending her life, before these devils devoured her. An old demoness
Trijata checked her associates and told them about a bad dream she had: "Do not
harass Sita. She is the purest wife. Lanka is now faced with great danger. Ask
her pardon." Then, they left off harassing her.
Hanuman came down from the treetop and stood before Sita singing the praise of
Rama.
Sita, surprised, feared that this too might be a ruse of Ravana. But Hanuman
assured her and revealed his real self. He gave her the ring given by Rama as a
sign of recognition and told her about the welfare of the brothers. Sita felt
relieved. She reverently touched her eyes with the ring. She explained her
experiences to him and said: "If Rama does not come within two months, my life
will be finished. Tell Rama to come soon and save me."
Hanuman said: "0 Mother, why should we wait that long? I can carry you on my
shoulders and fly to Rama now itself." But Sita did not agree and said: "Anjaneya,
it is Rama's duty. That duty should not be interfered with. I will suffer all
the hardships here till he comes. Give this to him as a sign of recognition." So
saying, she gave Hanuman a Chudamani (crest-jewel) she was wearing and blessed
him. Anjaneya returned.
Then, Rama, accompanied by the army the monkeys, immediately proceeded towards
Lanka. A bridge was built across the sea.
The armies of Rama and Ravana fought a fierce battle. Ravana was also a man of
extraordinary prowess. His sons Indrajit, younger brother Kumbhakarna, commander
Prahasta, were all great warriors and fought determinedly. However, Ravana's
army was at last defeated, after the fall of Indrajit, Kumbhakarna and many
others who died in the battle. Still, Ravana would not relent. Finally, he faced
Rama directly. It was a long fight, ending in the death of Ravana. Rama
installed Vibhishana, a younger brother of Ravana, as the king of Lanka. After
that, at Rama's asking, Vibhishana brought Sita to Rama.
Mother Sita had spent all her days in worshipping Rama in her mind. She had
patiently withstood Ravana's insults and threats, the how lings of the
demonesses and other humiliations. She waited long for Rama to come, conquer
Ravana and free her.
Rama won the battle and Ravana died but happiness eluded Sita.
Vibhishana brought Sita in a palanquin.Armies of Sugriva and Vibhishana stood in
attendance. Sitadevi stepped down and going to Rama, exclaimed: "Aryaputra!" She
was so overcome with emotion that words failed her.
Rama told Sita: "Good woman, you are now freed. As a matter of my duty I came to
rescue you. It is not because of my passion towards you. You have been with the
rakshasas for a year. I cannot accept you as my wife as before. You are now
free. Go anywhere you like and live."
Rama's forest sojourn ended by then. He and others reached Ayodhya flying in ‘Pushpaka-vimana'.
Bharata and the citizens accorded a grand welcome to Rama. Everybody was filled
with happiness. All were talking about Sita. Already, preparations for Rama's
coronation were complete. He was ceremonially crowned the king.
The Fire Ordeal.
Can such a kind-hearted soul as Rama speak so cruelly? Sita could not believe
her ears. "This is a great test for me. All right. If my husband rejects me, why
should I live? I will sacrifice this body- to Agni" -she decided and asked
Lakshmana to prepare a fire.
Lakshmana became furious and stared at Rama. Sugriva and others stood shocked.
Rama stood like a rock. With tears in his eyes, Lakshmana prepared the fire.
Sita bowed to her husband and prayed: "0 Fire God Agni, if I am pure, unsullied
and faithful to my husband, protect me." So saying, she walked into the flames.
All were shocked and the women present wailed.
But the fire subsided. God Agni stepped out carrying Sita. He told Rama: "She is
absolutely pure. How can you suspect her?
Here, accept this pure and fine woman."
Bugles blew, flowers were showered on them. Rama then said, "I know Sita is
pure. Still, I had to do this so that people should
not say something bad later." He gladly welcomed Sita.
On occassion Lord Rama dressed himself like an ordinary person and began
wandering within Ayodhya to understand what impression the citizens had of Him.
By chance one night Rama heard a man talking to his wife who had gone to another
man's house. In the course of rebuking his wife, the man spoke detrimentally
about the character of Sita devi, saying that he (the husband) is not like Rama
who allows his wife to come back after staying at another's house. Rama
immediately returned home, and fearing such rumours, he externally decided to
give up the company of Sita devi. He sent her away to the 'ashrama' of Valmiki
Muni. Sita, who was pregnant at the time, later gave birth to twin sons named
Lava and Kusa.
Lord Rama continued to perform many sacrifices during his ruling Ayodhya. At one
such sacrifice, some fifteen years later, two boys came into the arena of the
sacrifice while Rama was sitting on his 'asana'. Valmiki had taught the boys the
whole poem of the Ramayana and had put the story to a very beautiful and
melodious 'swara', tune. Valmiki, accompanying the two boys, asked Rama's
permission so the boys could recite his poem. Rama gave permission, and the boys
commenced in perfect unison.
Sri Ramacandra Bhagavan was deeply stirred by the depth of the knowledge of him
and his pastime. Night after night the recital continued until it came to Sita's
abandonment to Valmiki's 'ashrama'. Rama was then convinced they were his very
own sons born to Mother Sita. He sent word to Valmiki that he should come with
Sita and vouch for her purity and faithfulness. If Sita was willing to come
before the assembly and give proof of her innocence, she could resume her
rightful place at her Lord's side.
Everyone agreed and the next day Srimati Sitadevi came. Everyone was touched at
the sight of her, her head and eyes downcast, tears running down her beautiful
face, her long hair chastely adorning her back.
iyam dasarathe sita suvrata dharmacarini
apapa te oparityakta mamasramasamipatah
lakopavadabhitasya tava rama mahavarata
pratyayam dasyate sita tamanujnatumarhasi
Valmiki Muni respectfully approached Sri Rama saying, "O son of Dasaratha, here
is your wife Sita. She has been staying in my 'ashrama' since you abandoned her,
performing austerities. She is completely without blame and is pure and
innocent. Due to your position as King you played the part that you feared
public opinion may be detrimental for you, and so you have also performed severe
austerities. However, it is now proper that your impeccable wife be allowed to
prove her own innocence." (Valmiki Ramayana Uttara Khanda 7:87:14-15.)
Sita stood in silence, her eyes transfixed on the ground without blinking. With
folded hands she said, "If Rama has always been foremost in my heart, then may
my Mother Earth (Bhumi) herself deliver me. If I have been only true to him,
wholly, mind, body and soul, then may my Mother Earth deliver me. If I have
loved none but him, then let my Mother Earth deliver me."
As she spoke, the earth rumbled, shook and cracked open where Sita stood.
Srimati Bhumi devi (Mother Earth personified) then appeared, seated on a throne
of incredible natural earthly opulence, surrounded by 'nagas' (snakes), and she
invited Sita to take her seat along side her.
Sita, entrusting her children to Valmiki, ascended the throne supported by 'nagas'
adorned with fiery eyes and jewels on their heads. There, seated besides her
mother, Bhumi and Sita disappeared from sight. The earth closed up leaving not
even so much as a furrow on the surface as thought nothing had happened.
Sripad Madhwacarya's Mahabharata Tatparaynirnaya 9:40., he relates,
pravisya bhumau sa devi loke drstyanusaratah
reme ramenavi yukta bhaskarena prabha yatha
"That beautiful Sita devi seemingly entered into the earth though actually she
always remains with Lord Rama, just as the sun's rays are always with the sun."
Remembering Sri Rama, true to his vow of 'ekapatni', never accepted another
woman other than Sita. Next to him on his 'asana' he kept a golden deity of
Sitadevi for some time, performing sacrifices for thirteen thousand years.
At the end of this period, Agastya Muni and many demigods and sages approached
the Lord and reminded him that his pastimes on earth had now been fulfilled and
he should now return to Vaikuntha. Lord Rama performed 'acaman', sipping water
and reciting 'mantras', once, twice, thrice, then he resumed his form of Visnu,
for it is from that seat of Visnu that his pastimes became manifest.
"Lord Ramacandra returned to his abode, to which 'bhakti yogis' are promoted.
This is the place to which all the inhabitants of Ayodhya went after they served
the Lord in his manifest pastimes by offering him obeisance's, touching his
lotus feet, fully observing him as a father like king, sitting or lying down
with him like equals, or even just accompanying him."(Srimad Bhagavatam
9:11:22.)
Let us offer our humble prayers to Rama and Sitadevi, path breakers of the
world.
Note: Special thanks to Jaya Tirtha Caran prabhu from NZ for allowing us to use some of the content from his site to compile these pages - http://www.hknet.org.nz
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