________________
The Fire-ordeal and Renunciation
369
ing of my feelings even a little. I am ready to face any test. I will go through any ordeal that you devise for me." Shri Ram's face was covered with sorrow, gloom and shame. In a grief-stricken voice he said,
"Dear Sita! I know very well that you are absolutely innocent and that you are as sublime as the Ganga but I want you to go through the fire-ordeal so that your character may be freed from a stain sticking to it on account of scandals and rumours.”
“Dear Lord! I do not refuse to go through any ordeal. If you command me, I will enter fire; if you desire it, I will receive into my hands holy grain on which a magic and mystic spell has been cast. I will sit in the balance that will weigh and decide my purity. I will drink even molten lead if it pleases you and if you desire it, I will cut off my tongue with a sword. What do you want me to do to prove my innocence ? Kindly consult your people and advisers; and tell me what I should do. I will not hesitate even a little to carry out any command of yours."
Just then the divine sage Narad and the teacher Siddharth came flying through the sky. They said in one voice :
"No. No. Shri Ram ! Kindly do not take recourse to such a stern method. Sita is absolutely pure and sublime. We declare firmly that she is as sacred as the Ganga which purifies sinners. Therefore, do not commit an enormity caught in the coils of conflicting loyalties.” The people who had gathered there also said : "Dear lord ! Sita is indeed sublime : Kindly do not subject her to any ordeal. We declare heartily that she is the greatest woman in the world, the noblest and the most sublime."
A mighty commotion arose among the people. All began making appeals and entreaties to Shri Ram. The fire ordeal described by Sita filled the people with fear and anxiety and sent shudders through their veins but Shri Ram unwilling to yield to those entreaties and appeals said in a firm voice :
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
