The Ideal Couple: PART-3

Today we will learn more about the Līlās of Sītā and Rāma in Their Vanavāsa. As we have already seen, Sītā fully supported Rāma in eradicating demons as She was His co-pursuer of Dharma. Now we will explore this in detail and clear some misconceptions about Sītā.

After spending ten years of Their exile, Sītā, Rāma and Lakshmana settled in Panchavatī at the suggestion of Sage Agastya. Lakshmana built a lovely hermitage which was greatly admired by Rāma. Many peaceful days passed. Sītā loved Panchavatī and enjoyed Her stay. She never stopped serving Her Lord and always spoke encouraging words to Him. Rāma always made Sītā happy. He was an extremely loyal and monogamous Husband. He politely rejected Sūrpanakhā's advances. This doesn't make Rāma a bad person. Just like women's choice and approval matter, even men's consent matters. His refusal of Sūrpanakhā's proposal is totally right. Let it be known that Lakshmana chopping Sūrpanakhā's nose and ears is NOT a sign of patriarchy but an act of self-defence. Repeatedly declined by both Rāghava and Lakshmana, an angry and lusty Sūrpanakhā demeaned Sītā and tried to kill Her. That's why she was maimed. Offence knows no gender, so Sūrpanakhā's punishment is fully justified. She was not a victim at all.

Rāma always desired the welfare of Sītā and was keen on safeguarding Her. When He faced the 14,000 demons headed by Khara and Dūshana, He asked Lakshmana to take Sītā to a cave for Her protection. Rāma was valourous and powerful. He bravely fought with the demons who hurled torrents of weapons at Him and remained unhurt like a great mountain struck by many glowing thunderbolts. Rāma felt no pain when His limbs were hit by the dreadful weapons. Covered with wounds, He resembled the evening Sun covered by clouds. Raghuvīra killed a hundred demons with one hundred arrows by a single stroke. The same way He killed a thousand of them with a thousand arrows. He single-handedly killed all the 14,000 demons along with Khara and Dūshana in a short period of time. Everybody was amazed seeing Rāma's skill and strength. Jānakī was impressed to behold Her beloved Husband's prowess on the battlefield. When He emerged victorious, Sītā entered the hermitage, ran towards Rāma and joyfully embraced Him. Her loving hug cured Rāma's wounds and made Him feel refreshed and happy. This shows that Vaidehī was proud of the heroism of Her Lord and really cared about Him.

Let me make it clear that Rāvana didn't abduct Sītā just for the sake of his sister. Rāvana was driven by lust when Akampana and Sūrpanakhā described Sītā's beauty to him. It was Akampana who suggested Rāvana to kidnap Sītā. None of Rāvana's actions make him a hero. He ordered his uncle Mārīcha to take the form of a bewitching golden deer. When Jānakī saw the gem-studded deer, She was enchanted and amazed. She enthusiastically called Rāma and Lakshmana to behold the extraordinary deer. Out of excitement that She would be meeting Her loved ones soon at Ayodhyā and also wanting the deer, Sītā requested Rāma to get the golden deer for Her.

• "O Prince! O long-armed One! This deer has captivated my mind. Fetch him for me. This will be our playmate.
• O long-armed One, most beautiful animals like bears, antelopes and groups of monkeys and Kinnaras are wandering here.
• O Prince! I have never seen this kind of a beautiful deer before. Its body glittering with different colours, speckled with gems of different kinds, is like the Moon shining and illuminating the forest.
• Oh what a beauty, Oh what delightful, wonderful, graceful limbs! This deer captivates my heart. If this deer can be caught alive, it will be thrilling, it will work wonders.
• After the completion of exile in the forest, when we are back in the kingdom, this deer will add beauty to our inner chambers. O Lord! This deer will create amazement in Bharata, in our mothers-in-law, in You and in me as well.
• If you are not able to capture this wonderful deer alive, its skin will be the most precious, O Lion among Men. I shall be delighted to sit on its golden hide, strewn with kusha grass."
• Tradition says that this sort of unruly self-seeking is unbefitting to women, yet that deer's beautiful body is inducing curiosity in me," Sītā said so to Rāma and remained waiting for his reply.

Rāma Himself admired the beauty of the deer and was ready to fetch it for Sītā. He told Lakshmana that the deer would be killed if it was Mārīcha himself.

• "Lakshmana, as you say, if it is the illusion of a demon, even then it should be killed by me.
• The great sages were tortured and killed earlier by this cruel, evil-minded Mārīcha while wandering in the forest.
• Many kings who set out on hunting expedition were killed by him. Therefore, this animal deserves to be killed.
• O Lakshmana, this titan will also be annihilated like Vātāpi for having set me at nought, who am fixed in my duty and master of my senses. He shall meet his end, as did Vātāpi who defied Agastya."

Saying so, Rāghava resolved to catch the deer alive or bring it dead. Concerned about Vaidehī's safety, He repeatedly instructed Lakshmana to protect Sītā and be alert. This shows how eager Rāma was to carry out Sītā's request and make Her happy. He also ensured Her safety. Let's understand that Jānakī's request for the deer was a part of Her earthly pastimes and not an act out of gullibility or greed. Also, Sītā didn't demand Rāma to fetch the golden deer for Her. She made Her request and waited for His reply. It was up to Rāghava to fulfil His beloved's wish. He Himself acknowledged that the deer deserved to be killed, so Sītā actually helped Rāma in eradicating demons by wanting the deer. There are many people who make statements like, "Sītā's mind was pure as long as She was thinking about Rāma. Once She wanted the deer, She was abducted." Such notions should not be passed without understanding Sītā's actions properly.

Struck by Rāmachandra's arrow, Mārīcha mimicked Rāma's voice and shouted the names of Sītā and Lakshmana. Hearing the cry of help, Sītā was devastated. Even though She was very well aware of Rāma's prowess, She became worried about His safety as a part of Her Līlās. Sītā asked Lakshmana to go at once to the rescue of Rāghava, but Lakshmana firmly refused. Even though he repeatedly assured Sītā, She was not convinced and urged Lakshmana to find Rāma's whereabouts. When he didn't budge, Sītā harshly called Lakshmana as an enemy in disguise and accused him of wanting Her.

• "It is to possess me that you wish Rāma's death. You do not rush to him certainly because of your greed for me.
• I think Rāma's adversity is welcome to you. You do not have any love towards your brother. It is for this that you stand unconcerned instead of proceeding to help your brilliant Brother.
• When He for whose service you have primary come here, has met with difficulty, what is the use of your being here? What purpose you serve by staying here with me?"

Lakshmana was filled with grief. He continued reminding a tearful Sītā of Rāma's unparalleled might and emphasised that he didn't wish to leave Her alone. Lakshmana didn't want to disobey Rāma's orders. But Sītā, for whom the welfare of Her Husband was Her first priority, angrily uttered many more severe words.

• "O ignoble, cruel Lakshmana, you are a disgrace to your family. I think this great disaster of Rāma is a pleasure to you.
• You are very wicked. You are hiding your true identity, and employed by Bharata, you are following Rāma in the forest as He is alone.
• O Lakshmana, such intention of yours or even of Bharata's will not be fulfilled. I have held the hands of Rāma who has eyes like the lotus petals and has the complexion of the blue lotus. How can I prefer some other man?
• I will undoubtedly give up my life in your presence. I will not live even for a moment on earth without Rāma, O Son of Sumitrā!"

There are lots of people who never fail to target, demean and blame Sītā for being harsh with Lakshmana. They link Agni Pravesha (better known as Agni Pariksha) with this incident and claim that it was a punishment by Rāma to Sītā for being rude with Lakshmana. The same people also foolishly declare that Sītā committed Bhāgavata Apachāra (insulting the devotees of the Lord) and became unworthy of granting Sharanāgati due to this. They call this as a 'sin' of Sītā which made Her suffer in Lanka. All these beliefs and opinions are highly pathetic, ridiculous and illogical. Let me try my best to make everything clear. Firstly, Jānakī knew the dangers of the forest, yet She wanted Rāma to be safe and sound. She didn't care about Her own safety and ordered Lakshmana to rush to Rāma's side. So before criticising Sītā for being harsh with Lakshmana, let's acknowledge Her selflessness. Secondly, many people coolly ignore Lakshmana's reply to Sītā. Here it is:

• "I do not venture to reply you Maithilī, as you are like a Deity to me. It is not surprising that women of the world use such undeserving words. It is their nature.
• Women devoid of Dharma are fickle and inconsistent. They use sharp and piercing words. O Vaidehī, the Daughter of Janaka, indeed unbearable are these words that are the same as burnt iron arrows thrust in between my two ears. I cannot tolerate them.
• Let all of the inhabitants of the forest listen to how you are addressing me with bitter words, though I am reasoning with you conscientiously, and let them become my corroborators for the sake of justice.
• Fie upon you. Like a woman of wicked nature you doubted me when I stood firm by my Brother's words. You will fall into ruin.
• O beautiful Lady, I will go to Rāma wherever He may be. Be happy, O large-eyed One, may all the deities of the forest protect you.
• O Daughter of Janaka, O Princess of Videha, I see dreadful omens. I do not know whether I will see you when I am back with Rāma."

It's evident that Lakshmana didn't silently leave the place. He too spoke rude words. He expressed his anger and told Sītā that She would fall into ruin. Does that make him afflicted with sins? NO. We all know that Lakshmana was a virtuous Man. He uttered those words out of shock, anguish and vexation. His intention was not to insult Sītā and the entire womankind. Similarly, Sītā's utterances were a result of Her pain, worry and grief. Both of Them don't deserve the blames hurled by us, for we are short-sighted and narrow-minded. So targetting Jānakī for being harsh is highly hypocritical!

Those severe words were much needed to send Lakshmana to Rāma. They were necessary to fulfil the purpose of the exile. Even though Lakshmana was aware of this, he was bound by his duty to protect his Sister-in-law. So Sītā had to speak bitter words and go by the destiny. By uttering the unkind words, Jānakī transferred the blames on Herself. She was more like a Mother to Lakshmana and She didn't want him to be accused of leaving his Sister-in-law all alone. Indeed, even this day, nobody points finger at Lakshmana for rushing to Rāma's rescue as everyone is very well aware of Lakshmana's actions. On the other hand, many greatly criticize Sītā for chastising Lakshmana. Also, this cannot be associated with 'Bhāgavata Apachāra' as a person who had offended devotees would have committed the offence of out ignorance, evil intentions and foolishness.  Sītā harboured no vices and Her words were supposed to fulfil a purpose. She CANNOT be judged like an ordinary lady.  Sītā made up for Her act in Sundara Kānda by praising Lakshmana sincerely. She said these to Hanumān:

• "For what reason, even Lakshmana the tormentor of enemies, the mighty and valiant hero does not protect me, taking the command of his elder Brother?
• Lakshmana, that good child of Sumitrā, renounced the wreaths of flowers, all the riches and even the prosperity difficult to be obtained in this extensive world, and followed Rāma to exile.
• Great, righteous Lakshmana gave up his pleasures and followed his brother Rāma in His favour into the forest to be able to serve him.
• Lakshmana, who has lion-shoulders, strong arms and is handsome, considers Rāma as his Father and treats me as his own Mother.
• Heroic Lakshmana, did not know that I was being abducted that day. He is prosperous and foremost in serving elders. He is energetic and reserved in his speech like my father-in-law. He is a prince dear to his Brother.
• Rāma's brother Lakshmana is always dear to me. Heroic Lakshmana will discharge whichever responsibility is entrusted to him.
• Seeing whom, Rāma ceases to recollect His deceased father, that Lakshmana is to be asked about his well-being, as my word and on my behalf."

All these prove how highly Lakshmana was perceived by Sītā. She enquired Hanumān about Lakshmana's well-being and glorified him. Sītā stated that Lakshmana was always dear to Her and Rāma. She also emphasised Soumitri's dutifulness, dedication and how he worshipped Her as his own mother. So these words enlighten us about Sītā's actual opinions on Lakshmana. She never doubted or accused him intentionally. As already discussed, all this was necessary to assist Rāma's mission. Finally, Jānakī cried and repeatedly told Lakshmana in Panchavatī that She wouldn't survive even for a moment without Rāghava. She stated that She would kill Herself by entering the fire, jumping from cliffs, poisoning, drowning and hanging Herself instead of being with other men. These were not mere threats. In a way, these subtly indicated the future events and made it clear that Sītā wouldn't desire anybody other than Rāma. This thus left no reason for others to accuse Her. Also, Sītā's cold words towards Lakshmana were logically not at all related to getting punished through Agni Pravesha. The proper reasons for the trial by fire will be explored soon. Thus, Sītā should not be judged unnecessarily for being harsh with Lakshmana.

Contrary to popular beliefs, Lakshman Rekhā is not at all present in various versions of Rāmāyana including Vālmīki Rāmāyana, which is the first written story of Sītā and Rāma. Lakshmana consoled Sītā, bowed before Her with folded palms, prayed to the forest Deities for the welfare of Sītā and left to find Rāma. Thus, Sītā was NOT a meek, helpless and careless Woman who crossed the line to offer alms to Rāvana. Many people quote the Lakshman Rekhā incident to warn and suppress Women and end up underestimating Sītā. It's totally wrong! Even when we go according to the versions which mention Lakshman Rekhā, we should understand that it was again a part of Sītā's Līlā and the games of fate.

Let's see the events according to Vālmīki Rāmāyana. Rāvana came to the hermitage in the guise of a mendicant. Beholding Sītā's beautiful form, he was filled with lust and became determined to abduct Her. Rāvana, in the guise of a sage, described Her beauty in the crudest way and enquired about Her identity. Sītā wasn't suspicious about the abnormal conduct of the mendicant as She was engrossed in Her thoughts about Rāma. Always courteous to guests, Sītā offered Rāvana a seat, gave him water and food collected from the forest. Fearing a curse from the mendicant, Sītā told about Herself, Rāma and Lakshmana. In turn, She asked the mendicant to introduce himself. Rāvana revealed his true colours. He replied,

• "O Sītā! I am called Rāvana, the lord of demons by whom all the worlds of demons, snakes and gods are frightened.
• O flawless Beauty of golden complexion! Seeing you clad in silk, I am not inclined to show any interest in my own wives. You will be the chief Queen among the best of women I have won in wars. Be blessed.
• My great city called Lankā is on the peak of a mountain surrounded by the ocean.
• O Sītā, you can stroll with me in my pleasure gardens. O beautiful Lady, you will not like living in the forest.
• O Sītā, if you become my wife, five thousand female attendants adorned with all ornaments will serve you."

Sītā was shocked to hear this. She was not at all tempted by the riches possessed by the demon. She bravely declined Rāvana's offers and replied boldly.

• "I am devoted to Rāma, my Husband, who is unshakeable like a huge mountain, is comparable to lord Indra and is imperturbable like the mighty ocean.
• I am the loyal Wife of the venerable Rāma who is endowed with all excellences, a refuge to all like a spreading banyan tree, and is a votary of truth.
• I am the faithful Wife of the long-armed, broad-chested Rāma, a lion among men. His gait is like the walk of an advancing, invincible lion.
• I am the devoted Wife of the great Rāma, whose face is like a full moon, who is the Son of a king, who has conquered His senses and whose fame is widespread.
• You are a jackal, and you want a lioness like me who is difficult to win. I am like the Sun's radiance which is not possible for you to touch.
• O luckless Rāvana! You want the beloved Wife of Rāma.You will, for sure, see golden trees. You are seeking to pull the teeth from the mouth of a hungry and powerful lion who is considered as the enemy of the deer. You intend to pull the fang of a poisonous snake.
• You are trying to carry the greatest of mountains, the Mandara, with one hand. You are wishing to go safe after drinking deadly poison. You wish to attain the loving wife of Rāma. You are rubbing your eyes with a needle and licking the razor with your tongue.
• You want to intimidate Rāma's dear wife. It is like tying a stone round the neck and trying to cross the sea. It is like intending to take the Sun and the Moon with both your hands.
• O You who seeks to carry away the beloved wife of Rāma, you are endeavouring to carry blazing fire in your robe and walk on iron spikes.
• The disparity between you and Rāma is like that between a jackal and a lion, a brook and an ocean, the nectar of the Gods and sour barley gruel; between gold and iron, sandal and mud, an elephant and a cat, Garuda and a crow, a peacock and a duck, a swan and a vulture.
• Even if you steal me, when Rāma, whose prowess is equal to the Lord of a Thousand Eyes, stands with a bow and arrow, you will no more be able to devour me than a fly can swallow the diamond."

Sītā was staunchly devoted to Rāma and considered Rāvana to be petty in front of Her Husband. This was evident from the comparisons made by Her. Sītā made it clear that She was inaccessible for Rāvana who would soon be killed by Rāma. Any other lady would have submitted Herself in fear and temptation, but Sītā displayed immense courage and reproached Rāvana for desiring Her. Hearing all this, the evil-minded Rāvana was furious. He gloated about his Lanka's glory and riches, his victory over Kubera and snatching of the Pushpaka Vimāna. He declared that all living entities functioned out of fear for him. Rāvana also said,

• "O blessed Lady of fine complexion, while enjoying both human and heavenly pleasures with me there, you will not remember Rāma who is a mortal of short lifespan.
• Considering the eldest Son a weakling, King Dasharatha has sent Him away to the forest so that he could consecrate his dear son.
• O large-eyed Sītā! Dislodged from the kingdom, Rāma has lost his capacity to think. He is doing penance, assuming an ascetic role. What can he do?
• O timid Lady! If you reject me, you will regret like Ūrvashī kicked Pururava and regretted later.
• O Lady of fine complexion! Rāma is a mere mortal. In war He is no match even for my finger. It is your good fortune that you have got me here. Take refuge in me."

 Hearing this, Sītā was highly angered. With reddened eyes, She unhesitatingly gave a befitting reply to Rāvana.

• "How do you wish to commit sins by saying that Kubera, a God reverenced by all of the Gods, is your brother?
• O Rāvana, all the demons will get completely destroyed for whom you, the cruel and culpable one with uncontrolled senses, is the king!
• It may be possible to live after abducting Indra's wife, Shachī, but it is not possible for anyone to live after kidnapping the Wife of Rāma. You won't escape death even by drinking nectar."

Rāvana became wild with anger. He spoke harshly to Sītā and boasted that he could lift the earth, vanquish death, drink the ocean, obstruct the sun and shatter the earth. He discarded his disguise and assumed his real and terrible form. He urged Sītā to look at Him and forget Rāma but She never did so.

Many say that Rāvana was always respectful towards Sītā. It's a huge NO. Rāvana was highly fickle and egoistic. He, who was praising Sītā moments ago, started upbraiding Her when She refused to yield to his offers. This shows that Rāvana never loved Sītā, he clearly lusted after Her.

• "O beautiful Lady! If you desire a husband who is famous in the three worlds, take refuge in me. I am fit to be your husband. I am your praiseworthy husband. I will not cause any unpleasantness to you at any time. Abandon on your inclination towards a mere mortal. Divert your love towards me.
• O stupid Woman! You think you are very wise. What merits are there in Rāma that you are so attached to Him? He has left the kingdom and his kith and kin due to the words of a woman. He has not accomplished anything. He has a limited life span and now lives in this forest haunted by wild animals."

It's a huge myth that Rāvana never touched Sītā. Of course, She was carried away along with the earth beneath Her according to Adhyātma Rāmāyana and Kambar's Rāmāvatāram. But that doesn't whitewash Rāvana's evil nature. According to Vālmīki Rāmāyana, Rāvana rushed at Maithilī, seized Her hair with his left hand and lifted Her by Her thighs with his right hand. Reproaching Her with harsh words, Rāvana mounted his chariot pulled by donkeys. (Pushpaka Vimāna was NOT used to abduct Sītā)

Vaidehī writhed in Rāvana's forcible grip and screamed loudly in distress, addressing Rāma and Lakshmana. She scolded Rāvana for his actions and repeatedly spoke about Rāma.

• "Time has taken a toll of your senses. This has made you do what you have done. A great calamity is awaiting you in the hands of Rāma. It will end your life.
• O Rāma, you have given up your pleasure and treasure for the sake of righteousness. Do you not see me carried off by an unrighteous fellow?
• O Scorcher of enemies! You are the chastiser of the haughty. Why do you not punish such a sinner like Rāvana?"

Inspite of being in agony, Sītā behaved resourcefully. She requested all the trees in the forest to inform Rāghava about the abduction. Sītā saluted the Mālyavan and Prasravana mountains and the river Godāvarī. She asked them to immediately tell Rāma the news of Her kidnap. Sītā prayed to all the Deities, animals and birds in the forest and requested them to let Rāma know that Rāvana had taken Sītā away. 

• "Tell Rāma that his dear Wife Sītā whom He loves more than his life is abducted helplessly.
• If he knows that I am abducted by Yama, the god of death, that mighty, long-armed heroic Rāma will save me even from there by the virtue of His valour."

Jānakī threw Her ornaments down to provide a hint to Rāghava and Lakshmana. Some of Her jewellery fell down voluntarily because of the force in which She was carried away.

When Sītā spotted Jatāyu sitting on a tree, She cried in sorrow and asked him to narrate Her abduction without any omission of facts to Rāma and Lakshmana. Sītā requested Jatāyu to not fight for Her sake as Rāvana was very powerful. Jatāyu heard Sītā's lamentations, flew towards Rāvana, reprimanded him and reminded that he would soon be killed by Rāma. Jatāyu challenged Rāvana to fight with him. A dangerous battle ensued between the evil Rāvana and the wise Jatāyu. Although wounded by many weapons, the old king of birds attacked Rāvana and shattered his chariot, killed his charioteer and donkeys. Taking Sītā forcibly with him, Rāvana jumped down as his chariot got destroyed. He flew back to the sky when he saw Jatāyu struggling in his old age. But Rāvana was not spared by the brave Jatāyu who used his beaks and claws as his weapons. Tormented heavily, Rāvana left Sītā and attacked Jatāyu with his fists and feet. Lifting his sword, Rāvana cruelly chopped both the wings of Jatāyu. Sītā grievously rushed towards the dying bird, embraced him and wept. She lamented and called Rāma and Lakshmana to save Her. 

• "O Rāma! You are indeed unaware of the great disaster that has befallen you. All the animals and birds are running for my sake to tell you about me, O Scion of the Kākutsthas!
• This bird that came forward to save me is hit by the sinner and lies down on the ground, as ill luck would have it."

Sītā hugged the trees and repeatedly chanted Rāma's name. The evil Rāvana dragged Sītā by Her hair and carried Her away to Lankā. Her flowers and ornaments scattered down. Sītā cried piteously and chastised Rāvana for his deeds.

• "O lowly Rāvana, are you not ashamed of kidnapping me when I was separated?
• O wicked fellow, with an intention to abduct me you enticed my Husband to a distance deceitfully with a deer.
• This Jatāyu, an old friend of my father-in-law, tried to protect me but he too has fallen a prey.
• O lowly fellow! How is it that you are not ashamed of committing such a despicable act of abducting another's wife when she is alone?
• You consider yourself to be brave after committing such a cruel and unrighteous act for which people of the world will condemn you.
• Fie upon your heroism and strength about which you boasted. Fie upon your character that would bring calumny to the race and the world. I condemn such behaviour of yours.
• O Rāvana be good and do whatever is beneficial to you. It is proper for you to release me. If you do not, enraged over my abduction, my Husband along with His brother, will bring about your destruction. O vile creature! The effort you are making to abduct me forcibly will be fruitless.
• Those who wish to die, do not like anything salutary. I see the noose of death wound round your neck now. O Rāvana, you will see the dreadful river Vaitaranī with torrents of blood flowing and frightening forest of trees with swords as leaves. You will see a log of salmāli tree with bright golden flowers and excellent vaidūrya stone with pointed iron thorns.
• You are pitiless. You will not survive for long after deceiving the noble Rāma just as man cannot survive after drinking poison.
• Rāma has killed fourteen thousand demons alone without His brother within a moment. He is a strong Warrior and well-versed in the use of all kinds of weapons. You have stolen His loving Wife. How can He live without killing you?"

Even though Sītā was in deep misery, She displayed Her blazing fearlessness by admonishing and mocking Rāvana. She predicted the death of the demon at the hands of the valiant Rāma. Vaidehī spotted five Vānaras standing on top of a mountain. She quickly bundled the rest of Her jewellery in a piece of Her upper garment and threw the bundle at the Vānaras, hoping that Rāma would be informed about this.

Finally entering Lankā, Rāvana placed Sītā in His inner apartments and warned all the demonesses to not let anybody inside without permission. With a sense of accomplishment after sending demons to Janasthāna, Rāvana went to a sorrowful Sītā sitting amidst Rākshasīs and forcibly took Her around the palaces of his Lankā. Vaidehī's face was full of tears. She bent Her head in grief and refused to look at the bejewelled mansions of Lankā. Rāvana showed all the stepwells and staircases to allure Jānakī, he insulted Rāma and boasted repeatedly. He offered Lankā to Sītā and wanted Her to be his chief queen, but Sītā was firm as a rock, not swayed by anything. She covered Her face with Her veil and stood there shedding tears. She placed a blade of grass before Rāvana and addressed him without any fear.

• "King Dasharatha, the indestructible rampart of justice, whose piety made him renown, has a Son, Rāghava. Famed in the Three Worlds, that virtuous One, possessed of powerful arms and large eyes, is my God and my Husband. It is He, that Hero, born in the house of Ikshvāku, illustrious, possessing shoulders like a lion’s, with his brother Lakshmana, will rob you of your life!
• Had you laid your hands on me forcibly in His presence, you would have been lying down dead just as Khara in Janasthāna.
• Those dreadful, mighty demons whom you have described are ineffective in His presence just like the serpents with their venom are ineffective in the presence of Suparna. The gold-tipped arrows released from His bowstring will shatter your body like the waves erode the banks of river Gangā.
• O Rāvana, even if you stand invulnerable to gods and demons, you will not come out alive in the combat with Rāma with whom you have earned great enmity. The powerful Rāghava will put an end to whatever little life you are left with. Just like a beast tied to a sacrificial post, you will not survive.
• O demon, you will be completely destroyed if Rāma looks at you with His eyes burning in anger. He who can bring down the Moon to the earth from the sky or even dash it down, He who can drain the sea dry will definitely release me from here.
• Your life is coming to an end. Your fortunes will wane, your strength will be sapped. Your senses will be dissipated. By your deeds Lanka will attain widowhood. This evil deed will not yield happy results.You have brought me from my Husband from the forest without any forethought.
• My effulgent, valiant Husband armed with divine power, resides fearlessly in the desolate Dandaka. He will remove your pride, power, valour and haughtiness from your limbs with a shower of arrows in the fight.
• When destruction draws near, people being prompted by time start committing blunders in their deeds. You vilest of demons, since you have abducted me, the time of your death and destruction of all demons and of all women in the harem has drawn near.
• As an untouchable may not approach the sacred altar, furnished with ladles and vessels of worship at the time of sacrifice, so the righteous and Husband-devout Wife of the One fixed in virtue, faithful to His vows, may not be approached by a sinner such as you, O lowly demon!
• How can a female swan ever sporting in lotus ponds in the company of a royal swan look at the water crow resting on a grassy land?
• O demon! This body has no consciousness. You may bind it or destroy it. I do not think that this body or even this life needs to be protected. But at no cost I will make this an object of censure on earth."

Nobody can display the dazzling courage of Sītā. No human can replicate Her resilience and tenacity. Every word uttered by Her echoed Her faith in Rāma. She had dedicated Her soul to Rāma and didn't fear about Herself. Sītā was greatly aware of the matchless valour of Her beloved Husband and proudly praised Him and described His prowess. She was sure that Rāma would vanquish Rāvana and his clan. Sītā was not tempted or distracted by Rāvana's multiple offers as Her thoughts and feelings were always clear. She desired nobody other than Rāma. Jānakī gallantly rejected and taunted the vile demon Rāvana who was nothing more than a blade of grass for Her. Hearing such harsh words, Rāvana wanted to create fear in Sītā. He threatened Her, "If you do not accept my hand in the course of twelve months, the cooks will cut you into small bits for my breakfast." An enraged Rāvana turned to the hideous demonesses and commanded them to place Jānakī in the Ashoka grove in secret. The orders were carried out at once. Sītā was grief-stricken due to Her separation from Rāma. Constantly frightened and threatened by foul Rākshasīs, She knew no peace. Her mind was filled with thoughts about Her beloved Husband Rāma who was Her Deity as well. Thinking about Rāma and unable to bear the grief, Sītā fainted. Each day passed slowly like an eon. Rāvana regularly visited Her and tried to convince Her to marry him but Sītā endured all the mental tortures and never gave up. She always faced Rāvana bravely and battled him with Her strong and clever words. Sītā's mind was unswervingly fixed on Rāma. She barely ate or slept and patiently waited for Her Husband.

We will learn about Rāma's love for Jānakī in the next post. The divine Couple bore physical separation from each other just for our welfare. Let's understand Their pastimes and not indulge in unnecessary blaming.

Jai Siyā Rām!

Yours, 

Hari Priye