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87 dering oneself to Arihanta Prabhu leads him to the ultimate emancipation. Convey my obeisance to my mothers-in-law, and my blessings to Laksmana and Satrughna - and O worthy general, I request you to return to Ayodhya. May your path be free from all obstacles and may your journey to salvation be smooth and troublefree."
my lord Rama, speak it to me without any hesitation. I shall convey every word that you utter." Sita said, "When you reach Ayodhya, inform your master, if the gossiping of a few idle rumourmongers really unnerved you, why didn't you ask me to perform Agnidivya! When a woman's character becomes a debatable issue, she resort to Agnidivya. If you really cared for your dynasty, you should have ordered me to perform this ordeal! Did you desire that I spend rest of my life with a stigma attached to my name ? whatever has happened with me is my destiny, whatever that will happen to me will be my destiny. I have no alternative. I shall face it without grumbling. Lord ! you have forsaken me, believing the utter untruth spread by vicious minds, but pray, do not forsake the eternal Jain dharma, believing the falsehood spread by the false seers. Surren
The general bowed down to Sita and returned to Ayodhyā. He remembered the noble words of Sita, her serene countenance. Rama has been totally unjust to her and yet, she didn't utter a word of protest. In fact, she still cares for the spiritual wellbeing of Rama. Her message to Rama reflects the purity of her heart ! blessed indeed is she. Her name will be remembered and revered in the ages to come, said the general to himself.
Sitā at Pundarīkapura
King Vajrajangha's invitation to Sitā
The forest Simhanināda was so dense that it could fill even the hearts of brave warriors with terror. Sita was a woman. She had no weapon to protect herself. She was pregnant and belonged to a royal family, not accustomed to the forest life alone. Previously, Rama and Laksmana were constantly with her; now she was alone. Her life at Lanka was empty, yet she lived with the hope that Rama would one day release her. Now, she was all alone, forsaken, with no hope. She stumbled while walking and wept uncontrollably. "This is the result of my unauspicious deeds. I cannot and must not blame any one", she muttered. Suddenly, she stopped weeping when she saw some soldiers and royal guards. The men were shocked to see Sita all alone, unescorted. 'Who is this beautiful lady? Why is she alone? Why is she weeping? Is she a goddess or a yakşini, who resides in this forest? If she is a goddess, why is she lamenting like an ordinary mortal ?', they wondered, while they stood transfixed there. Suddenly, they heard the call of their master, the king. He too had heard the lamentations of Sita and guessed, this is the voice of a noble woman, totally loyal to her husband. She is pregnant and tormented by the burden of woe.
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