________________
82
Pregnant Sitā became the dearest consort of Sri Rama. Therefore, the other queens burnt with jealousy. Jealousy is detrimental to friendship or any other human relation. It is the biggest obstacle in
the path of the one, who seeks salvation. Jealousy separated Anjanasundari from her husband for twenty-two long years.
Sitā, sketching Rāvana's feet
One day, the co-wives asked Sitā, "Was Rāvana, who abducted you, a very handsome person ? Could you draw a picture of Rāvana, so that our curiosity can be satisfied ?". Sita said, "I have never seen his face, therefore I can't draw the picture. I have seen only his feet." The co-wives said, "Then pray, make a picture of his feet, we are too eager to have a look at them." Sita was righteous, humble and was very
simple person by nature. She never knew that the sly co-wives were hatching a conspiracy. At once, she ordered the maid to fetch colours and quills. While she was making a picture of Rāvana's feet, Rama entered the harem. The cowives rushed towards him and said, "Look, your favourite consort has still not been able to forget Rāvana. If you need an evidence, look at the picture of his feet, sketched by her."
Jain Education International
For Personal & Private Use Only
www.ainelibrary.org