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When Rama saw the picture that Sita was making, he at once knew that it was actually a conspiracy. He did not rebuke her, nor did he change his attitude towards her. Her cowives, through their trusted maids, spread a rumour that Sitā still loved Rāvana. Such baseless rumours can be spreaded easily. Very soon, people were seen gossiping about Sita and her character. The Rāmāyana versions belonging to non-Jains refer a washer-man, who raised questions regarding Sita's character and her relations with Rāvana.
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Rāma and Sitā in a garden
When the spring arrived, Rama asked Sita to retire to a garden called Mahendraudyana. This garden was famous for its flora and fauna. Sitä said that she desired to worship Arihanta Prabhu. Any desire expressed by a pregnant is related to the unborn child, for, it straight away affects the foetus. Rama ordered the gardeners to decorate the garden with exotic flowers and make adequate arrangements for puja. Sitä performed an exquisite puja in accordance with the religious rules. Later, they watched the spring festival, where the citizen broke into spontaneous revelry along with the devotion to Arihanta Prabhu. When the royal couple was watching the Vasanta-festive, suddenly, Sita's right eyelid began to twitch and flicker. She indicated this to Rama. He said, " This sign indicates ill luck that is about to befall on you." Jain Education International
Sitā said, "Haven't reattributed for all my sins during my separation from you and my stay at Lanka." What can be more ominous than your separation?" Rāmā said, "Do not get disheartened O Devi, joy and woes are the results of our deeds in the past. No matter what we are, we have to pay for all our deeds. Deeds of merit bring joy and evil doings bring woes. Pray, retire to your abode and spend your time in the worship and adoration of the Arihanta paramatma. Inauspicious karmas come to an end by worship and charity."
Rāma had a few trusted spies like Vijaya and Suradeva. Every evening, they would travel incognito through Ayodhyā. They would keep Rāmā abreast with everything that transpired in the empire. A few days after the spring festival, both Vijaya and Suradeva came to visit Rama. They were trembling with fear and appeared disturbed.
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