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The Fire-ordeal and Renunciation
people of Ayodhya sat. The divine sage Narad and the teacher Siddharth kept looking on from the sky.
Just then, Shri Ram said in a resounding voice, "Set fire to the sandal wood." Within a few moments, the sandal wood was set on fire. At once sky-high flames rose from the pit.
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Sita sat alone away from others absorbed in meditation. She was lost in a meditation upon the parameshti and the Namaskar mantra. Shri Ram kept glancing at Sita and at the flaming fire absent-mindedly. His heart shuddered with a strange fear. He began to think.
"Oh! What a calamitous situation have I created! I know very well that Sita is a gem of the purest lustre. She will enter the fire smiling. Just as the ways of fortune are strange the ordeal also is going to be unique. At the same time, it is also painful. Sometimes human beings have to endure death-blows and so Sita also..'.
Shri Ram suddenly screamed with fear. He cursed himself. He fell into deep thought. His love for Sita rose like a spring in his heart. He said to himself, "My dear Sita faced countless difficulties, when she and I were in the forest. I left her alone and Ravan abducted her in a deceptive manner. Hearing the censure of people I abandoned her and today I am subjecting her to the fire-ordeal."
While Shri Ram was thus lost in thought, Sita proceeded towards the fire.
Sita had put on white dress. Her face was calm and serene. Her chastity had filled her with courage and confidence. She was absolutely fearless. Sita stood near the flaming fire with her eyes closed. She meditated upon the lord with deep devotion.
The commotion among the people abated. There was silence everywhere. All were in great fear and anxiety. Just at that time Sita said in a resounding voice:
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