World of Philosophy

SR No.: 007005
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Christopher Key Chapple, Intaj Malek, Dilip Charan, Sunanda Shastri, Prashant Dave
Publisher: Shanti Prakashan
Publication Year: 2011
Total Pages: 1002
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 30 MB

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unapproachable that no one dared to talk and pacify him. Rama's mind was overcome with anger and at the same time Sita is described as 'fearless and calm' while ascending the pyre (fast Tomi GH YASHIRIYA || Yuk. 116.29). Sita was courage incarnated. Lakshmana prepared the pyre and Sita circumambulated Rama and ascended the blazing pyre. Rama was not moved by the sight. Even the Lokapalas- gods rebuked Rama that how he was ignoring Sita ascending the pyre? He has been ignoring Sita just like a common man would do (The HIGI YA 6 Yuk, 117.6: 37 aGE TU: h 30 27211 11 Yuk, 117.9).
Sita's third ordeal comes in the last chapter of Ramayana (Uttarakanda). Sita forgave Rama after the fire ordeal in Lanka. She started her life afresh with Rama. She very well understood the consequences and ramifications of staying in another man's house. Sita was happy for her acceptance in the husband's abode, but some corner of her heart was sad about her public insult. That insult had taken deep root in her heart. Rama had ignored her while she ascended the pyre. He remained aloof when she was about to burn. Though, Sita was happy to be back to the normal Ayodhya life. Here, she was protected and surrounded by the family. She became pregnant. Her every wish was taken care of. Life seemed steady and secured. This calm was broken by the gossip among the people about Sita's character and Rama's impulsive decision to abandon Sita.
This time Rama heard about gossip about Sita's character. It was talk everywhere that how could Rama take back Sita, who lived in another man's house. If the king is lenient towards his characterless wife, then our wives also might take liberty. People naturally follow their leader- the king. (कीदृशं हृदये तस्य सीतासंभोगजं सुखम् । अङ्कमारोप्य तु पुरा रावणेन बलाद्धऊताम् ॥ लङ्कामपि पुरा fangichafiani TMI TATA 491414571581 7417 ob raifa Uttarakanda, 43.17-20), This was reported to Rama. Rama immediately called a meeting with his brothers (Uttarakanda, XLIV). He informed them regarding the rumours about Sita's character. He ordered Lakshmana to take Sita and leave her on the banks of Ganga. After reaching on the other side of Ganga, Lakshmana could hold not hold his calm. He broke down. He told Sita the real purpose of bringing her there. He also told her that sage Valmiki's hermitage was nearby. She should go there and live. She should observe fasts and be loyal to her husband (श्वस्तं प्रभाते सौमित्रे सुमन्त्राधिष्ठितं रथम् ॥ आरुह्य सीतामारोप्य विषयान्ते समुत्सऊज ।। Uttarakanda, XLVII.16, 17). Here, Rama's character needs some attention. He is very conscious of his own image as a king. He wants to become a perfect king who is devoted to the well being of the subject. His personal comfort and happiness has no place before this goal. Sita being his wife, he can abandon her to please his people. Rama further tells Lakshmana that nobody should argue with him in this regard ( af fag 4: Haifa II
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