The Ideal Couple: PART-5
Today we will see how Hanumān met Sītā in the Ashoka Vātika, conveyed Rāma's message to Her and dispelled the sorrow of the divine Couple.
The Vānara army in the South got the information from Sampāti that Sītā was held captive in Lankā. Motivated by Jāmbavān, Māruti assumed a gigantic form and reached Lankā after battling many hurdles. At Lankā, Hanumān took a tiny form and looked for Sītā in all palaces, apartments, parks and halls but couldn't find Her anywhere. At last, He saw the splendourous and colourful Ashoka grove and perched upon a Simshupa tree. Hanumān finally spotted Jānakī sitting under a tree and surrounded by terrible demonesses. She looked like a doe encircled by a pack of hounds. Clad in soiled clothes and meagre, darkened ornaments, She was looking pale and emaciated out of grief. She was sighing heavily and shedding copious tears. Sītā was constantly thinking of Rāma. Her eyes were eagerly waiting the arrival of Her beloved Lord. With Her radiant beauty clouded by melancholy, Jānakī was like the flames of fire obscured by smoke and the moon hidden by clouds. Hanumān intelligently recognized Her due to many reasons and concluded that Sītā and Rāma were ideal for each other.
Hanumān rejoiced and worshipped Rāmachandra in his mind. He was pained to see the sufferings faced by Sītā and meditated on Her glories.
Hanumān silently noticed all the hideous demonesses and saw the arrival of Rāvana at dawn. Filled with lust, the evil Rāvana walked towards Jānakī who trembled like a banana plant. She covered Herself with Her veil. Absorbed in the thought of Rāma alone, Sītā cried endlessly. She mentally begged Rāghava to destroy Her abductor. The vile demon Rāvana spoke sugar-coated words to Sītā in order to woo Her. He repeatedly asked Her to be his chief queen and showed his riches to Her. Rāvana tried to tempt the virtuous Sītā by telling that he would grant his kingdom to Her and all cities to Janaka. He boasted about his powers and victories and even said,
Sītā placed a blade of grass between Herself and Rāvana and spoke slowly, gently smiling at Rāvana's stupidity.
Furious at Sītā's reply, Rāvana said unpleasant things. He told Sītā that She deserved death and that he had spared Her out of his 'love'. He gave a final warning:
Rāvana was highly enraged to hear this. He commanded the fearsome demonesses to threaten, coerce and punish Sītā to submit Herself to him. He was pacified by his wife Dhānyamālinī and was taken back to the palace. As soon as he left, all the Rākshasīs crowded around Sītā and began to harshly convince Her to accept Rāvana. They scolded Her and spoke about Rāvana's feats and powers. They questioned Sītā repeatedly to know why She never yielded to Rāvana's wishes. They spoke ill about Rāma and told Her to stop being devoted to Him. However Jānakī firmly replied,
Sītā spoke about Rāma's glories and wondered why He and Lakshmana hadn't arrived to rescue Her. She worried about the Brothers' condition and blamed Herself for being alive without Rāma. She predicted Rāvana and his Lankā's future and declared that they would soon be destroyed by the arrows of the mighty Rāghava. As Jānakī was crying Her heart out, some demonesses threatened Her profusely. At that moment, Trijatā, an old and good-natured demoness, woke up and upbraided the evil Rākshasīs for being mean to Sītā. Trijatā narrated her dream about Rāma's victory and Lankā's destruction. In her dream, Rāmachandra was in a white attire and came with Lakshmana to Lankā in an ivory palanquin drawn by swans. Sītā who was also dressed in auspicious white robes was reunited with Her Rāma. She ascended the elephant carrying Rāma and playfully caressed the sun and moon. Sītā, Rāghava and Lakshmana moved towards North in the Pushpaka Vimāna. Trijatā also saw Rāvana and all the other demons with shaved heads, clad in inauspicious clothing and oil-smeared bodies. She saw all the Rākshasas except Vibhīshana, moving towards South and meeting their doom. Trijatā also dreamt of Lankā getting burnt by Rāma's messenger. She warned the demonesses to stop troubling Sītā. She insisted the demonesses to seek Sītā's shelter and went away.
Immersed in pain and anguish, Jānakī thought about Rāma wept. She blamed Herself for everything and lamented about Her plight. She worried about Rāma and Lakshmana and resolved to end Her life rather than submitting Herself to Rāvana or getting killed by him. We have to observe many things from Sītā's actions. Even though She faced many tribulations and mental tortures in Lankā, She stood firm as a rock and never yielded to Rāvana's multiple advances or the threats by cruel demonesses. She was keen on being devoted to Rāma and never lost Her courage. She hardly displayed Her sadness before Rāvana and taunted, chided, rebuked him for his misdeeds and finally advised him out of compassion. Even in distress, Jānakī was courageous by remaining steadfast in Her devotion and purity. Now, in deep agony, Sītā blamed Herself for surviving the separation from Rāghava and approached the Simshupa tree on which Hanumān was sitting. Sītā caught hold of Her long and thick braid and attempted to wind it around Her neck to put an end to Her life.
At that moment, She experienced many auspicious omens and was cheered up. Hanumān, who had been watching everything, decided to console Sītā. He cautiously made plans to assure Jānakī without letting the Rākshasīs know about it. In a soft and melodious voice, he narrated the story of Rāmachandra. Hanumān sang about Rāma's birth and glories, His exile, abduction of Jānakī by Rāvana, friendship between Rāma and Sugrīva and the search for Sītā. Hearing all this, Sītā was blissful and astonished. She looked in all the directions and quietly contemplated on Rāma. She glanced at the Simshupa tree and noticed Hanumān. She became perplexed on seeing him and muttered Rāma's names. She thought that She was hallucinating and talked to Herself.
Hanumān jumped down and approached Sītā with folded palms. He spoke courteously and enquired about Her identity. Happy to hear Hanumān's words, Jānakī introduced Herself, narrated Her story and praised Rāma. Hanumān was saddened by Sītā's grief and introduced himself as Rāghava's messenger. He conveyed Lakshmana's salutations to Her. Hearing about Rāma and Lakshmana, Sītā was overwhelmed. She started confiding in Hanumān and was happy to talk with him. However, when Hanumān walked closer to console Sītā, She became suspicious and considered him to be Rāvana in yet another disguise. She sat on the ground and sobbed. Hanumān understood and prostrated before Her but Sītā was still not convinced. She warned him to stop this atrocity but wished that He was indeed Rāma's messenger. She didn't speak with Hanumān until She was sure of his identity. Māruti reassured Sītā and greatly glorified Rāma and predicted the destruction of Lankā. He spoke about Lakshmana and Sugrīva and wanted Sītā to believe him. Hearing this, Vaidehī asked about Rāma's whereabouts, physical description and prowess. Hanumān beautifully described Rāma's handsome looks, unparalleled courage and power, His resonant voice, His faultless conduct, knowledge and wisdom. Hanumān narrated the meeting of Rāghava and Sugrīva and recounted Rāma's pain and grief on seeing Sītā's ornaments. Hanumān spoke about Rāma's love for Sītā and how He missed Her terribly. Hanumān told about Vāli's death under the hands of Rāma and the search for Sītā headed by Sugrīva. Hanumān also narrated his own story and informed about the well-being of Rāma and Lakshmana. Hearing all this, Sītā wholly trusted Hanumān and Her eyes were filled with tears of joy on receiving the news about Rāma.
Hanumān spoke humbly to Jānakī and gave Her Rāma's signet ring. Beholding the ring, Sītā felt delighted and thought that Rāma Himself had arrived. Her beautiful face shone like a moon in happiness. She rejoiced hearing about Her Husband and blushed. She worshipped Rāma's ring and bowed before it. Her tears of affection acted as showers of auspicious waters for the ring. Sītā praised Hanumān again and again for reaching Lankā and conveying Rāma's message. She repeatedly enquired about Rāma's activities and said:
Hanumān assured Jānakī that Raghunātha had not approached Lankā yet as He was unaware of Her whereabouts. He restored Sītā's confidence by saying that Rāma would lead a powerful army of Vānaras and bears and vanquish Lankā with His arrows as soon as He knew Her whereabouts. Hanumān swore on the name of mountains that Sītā would behold Her beloved moon-faced Rāghava soon. Hanumān elaborated on Rāma's love and care for Sītā and how He became sleepless in grief. Sītā was saddened when She came to know about Her Husband's suffering. She replied,
Obtaining the jewel, Hanumān circumambulated Sītā and bowed before Her. She told Hanumān that Rāma would recall Herself, Her Mother and King Dasharatha on beholding the Chūdāmani. By presenting Her head ornament, Sītā had expressed Her Sharanāgati to Rāma who had extended His mighty arm and granted Her refuge by in the form of His ring. Sītā repeatedly insisted Hanumān to inform Rāma and Lakshmana of Her welfare. She wanted Hanumān to pacify Rāma and remind Him to set Her free. She expressed Her doubts regarding the Vānara army. Hanumān reassured Sītā and rekindled hope in Her. He took leave of Her and went to teach a lesson to Rāvana and examine his strength. After wreaking havoc in the Ashoka grove, killing demons and Akshaya Kumāra, the son of Rāvana, Hanumān allowed himself to get bound by Indrajit's Brahmāstra. He went to Rāvana's court and warned him about Rāma. An arrogant Rāvana decided to kill Hanumān but was stopped by Vibhīshana. So soldiers were ordered by Rāvana to set fire to Ānjaneya's tail and humiliate him. When Sītā heard this news from a demoness, She invoked Agni Deva and prayed,
Here Sītā displayed the yogic power of Her chastity. She could control the fire by Her virtue. This shows that Sītā was pure in Lankā and never thought of another man. Also, Agni was told that he should be cool to Hanumān if Rāma was aware of Sītā's noble conduct and recognized it. Thus, we get to know that Rāma always trusted Sītā who was well-aware of His faith in Her. Therefore, Rāma never suspected Sītā. Hanumān was not harmed by the heat of the fire due to Sītā's purity, Rāma's powers and His belief on Sītā, and due to the actions of Agni and the Wind God. Realizing this, Hanumān burnt the entire Lankā with his tail. Seeing the city ablaze, Hanumān thought that he had burnt Jānakī too and felt guilty. He lamented about his actions and feared that the entire Raghukula would perish. But suddenly, he assured Himself by thinking,
Saying so, Rāma requested Hanumān to tell Him the news about Sītā again and again and declared that the message from His Beloved would enable Him to survive. Hanumān vividly narrated the crow incident of Chitrakūta to Rāma and repeated Sītā's words of grief. Hanumān also described how he had consoled Sītā and cleared all Her doubts. After hearing everything, Srī Rāmachandra greatly praised Hanumān, thanked him repeatedly and tightly embraced him, expressing His gratitude. Rāghava made up His mind to reach Lankā, fight with Rāvana and rescue Sītā.
We learnt about the trust and unfathomable love Sītā and Rāma had for each other. We got to know how bravely Sītā faced Rāvana and chastised him for his evil actions. Inspite of experiencing many kinds of mental torture, Sītā handled everything with a great strength and had faith that Her Rāma would rescue Her. She was wise, cautious, learned and determined. Nothing could shake Her firm decisions. Rāma Himself was aware of all this and longed for Sītā as much as She yearned for Him. In the upcoming post, we will understand the hurdles battled by the divine Couple in Yuddha Kānda.
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- "She is the same Lady for whom Rāma has been passing through compassion, benevolence, grief and passion. He is compassionate considering Her a woman, kind and benevolent since She has sought refuge in Him, stricken with grief for losing a Wife and passionate since She is His beloved.
- The divine Queen's mind is firmly fixed on Rāma and His mind is fixed on Her. For this reason She and the righteous Rāma are able to survive till this moment."
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- "Rāghava matches Vaidehī perfectly in character, age, behaviour, birth and auspicious signs. She is aware that He is the right person for Her. Rāma deserves Vaidehī and this black-eyed Lady deserves Him.
- It was for the sake of this large-eyed Sītā that the powerful Vāli and the heroic Kabandha who were equal to Rāvana in heroism were killed. On Her account Sugrīva obtained the coveted kingdom ruled by Vāli which was a difficult proposition, and retained supremacy in the world. On the account of the large-eyed Sītā I ventured to cross the lord of rivers, the sea, and came to this city.
- Even if Rāma turns this land stretching to the ocean upside down or even the entire world on account of Her, it is justifiable, according to me. The sovereignty over the three worlds will weigh less than one-sixteenth part of Janaka's Daughter, Sītā.
- She rose from the land when tilled by the plough and was covered with auspicious paddy dust resembling the pollen grains of lotuses. This Daughter of Janaka, the great righteous ruler of Mithilā, is with unswerving devotion to Her Husband. She is the loving Wife of the righteous, grateful, wise and self-realized Rāma. She has fallen into the hands of demonesses.
- On the account of immense love towards Her Husband She has given up all kinds of luxuries, not caring for suffering. She was satisfied with fruits and roots in the desolate forest. Engaged in serving Her Husband, She experienced utmost joy as in Her own palace. A Lady of golden complexion who had not experienced suffering earlier, is subjected to sorrow and is tolerating calamities in this way. She is looking neither at the Rākshasīs nor at these trees full of flowers and fruits. She is surely thinking of Rāma with a single-minded attention.
- Just as a king who had lost his kingdom feels happy on regaining it, surely Rāghava will feel exhilarated when He gets Sītā back. Lord Rāma indeed performs a difficult task in surviving without Her. That He is not feeling despondent is a wonder."
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- "O beautiful Lady! Rāma has renounced victory, He has lost His fortune. Clad in bark, He is wandering in the forest following asceticism and sleeping on the ground. What can He do for you? I doubt if He is alive or not.
- O Vaidehī! I wonder if Rāma can see you at all. You are like moonlight veiled by dark clouds and cannot be seen even by the flying cranes. Surely Rāghava will not be able to win you back from my hands any more than the demon Hiranyakashipu was able to usurp the fame of Indra.
- O lovely, timid Lady! Your smile, your teeth and your eyes are bewitching. Just as Garuda snatches away a serpent, you ravish my mind by your beauty. Even when you are attired in soiled silk and are bereft of ornaments, I find no interest in my own wives.
- O delightful One! I will bestow heaps of riches and land. Therefore, enjoy with me drinking, sporting, and revelling. Accept me and be happy to sport with me. Let your relatives join you and enjoy all my wealth."
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- "Turn your mind away from me and fix it on your wives. You should not expect to seek me just as a sinner cannot hope to seek blessedness.
- I was born in a high lineage and joined a meritorious family by the virtue of my marriage. I am devoted only to my Husband. I will not commit this contemptible, forbidden act."
- "I cannot be your lawful wife obtainable by your personal efforts. I am a chaste Woman married to another Man. Examine the dharma honestly and adopt a pious way of life.
- O night-ranger! Enjoy your wives. Take care of them. Taking your example, others' wives also deserve to be protected. The wives of others will insult an evil-minded man who is not satisfied with his own wives, is fickle-minded and has no control over his senses.
- You are indulging in unrighteous act and not listening to the advice of wise men who have a sense of discrimination. You are the cause of the destruction of demons.
- Having got you as its ruler, this Lanka filled with gems will perish without delay for the crime of one individual. Seeing you getting ruined this way for your sin, those who were angry with you for their humiliation in your hands will feel glad and say 'Luckily this terrible fellow has met his doom.'
- I cannot be lured by your power or wealth. I am inseparable from Rāghava like the sunlight and the Sun. How can I pillow on somebody's arm after resting on the honourable arm of the great Lord of the worlds?
- O Rāvana! It is proper for you to unite me in distress with Rāma as one would unite a female elephant with the lordly elephant from which it is separated in the wilderness. I wish you to build friendship with Rāma, the bull among men. Surely it is the right thing for you to do, if you are desirous of avoiding a dreadful death.
- He is famous as the knower of Dharma and is compassionate to those who seek His protection. If you desire to preserve your life build friendship with Him. Exercise control over your senses for your sake. It is good for you to give me back to Rāma, the foremost of the Raghu dynasty. Otherwise you will face death. You will hear the terrible twang of Rāma's bow resembling the rumble of the thunderbolt released by Indra.
- Just as Garuda swiftly extirpates the serpents, Rāma will exterminate the demon leaders. My Husband, the subduer of enemies, will soon take me away just as Lord Vishnu in the form of Vāmana took away the glowing prosperity from the demons with three strides.
- You are a mean creature. Finding me in the vacant hut when the two Brothers, lions among men, were away, you abducted me. Had you smelt the presence of Rāma and Lakshmana, it would not have been possible for you to stand there like a dog under the gaze of a pair of tigers.
- My lord Rama accompanied by Soumitri will draw out your life by his arrows swiftly as Aditya sucks up shallow water at once by his radiance. Even if you fly to Kubera's mountain or the residence of king Varuna, you will not escape Rāma's arrows like a mighty tree cannot evade lightning."
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- "I shall wait for two months, the deadline is fixed. O Lady of beautiful hue, thereafter you have to ascend my bed.
- If you are still reluctant to accept me as your husband after two months you will be sent to kitchen to be cooked as morning breakfast for me".
- "Obviously there is no one among your people keen on your welfare since nobody is preventing you from this reproachable act!
- O stupid demon! Where can you go to escape the consequences of your sinful words spoken against Rāma's Consort of undimmed brilliance? It is like a proud elephant fighting in war with a rabbit. Rāma is like an elephant and you are like an ordinary rabbit. You are not ashamed of belittling Rāma in His absence. You have not yet walked into His sight.
- O ignoble wretch! I wonder why your distorted eyes do not fall off when you look at me. Why does your tongue not drop down while you speak such words against this Consort of the righteous King Rāma and the Daughter-in-law of Dasharatha?
- O Rāvana! I can reduce you to ashes through the fire of my chastity. But I do not have Rāma's permission and I want to preserve my power of tapasya even though you are fit to be consigned to the flames.
- When I was with the wise Rāma, it was not possible for you to abduct me. No doubt destiny has ordained this to bring about your death. You are a warrior and a brother of Kubera. You possess an army. Then why did you abduct Rāma's wife bypassing Him?"
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- "Dejected or dethroned from the kingdom, Rāma is my lawful Husband. I will ever remain devoted to Rāma as Suvarchalā, the Wife of the Sun-god is to him.
- I am steadfast in love to my Husband Rāma, the foremost of the Ikshvāku family in the same manner as noble Shachī to Indra, Arundhatī to Vasishta, Rohinī to the Moon, Lopamudrā to Agastya, Sukanyā to sage Chyāvana, Sāvitrī to Satyavān, Srīmati to Kapilamuni, Madayantī to Soudasu, Keshini to king Sāgara and Bhīma's daughter Damayantī to her lord Nala."
Hearing this, various demonesses threatened to kill Sītā and eat Her up. With great interest, they began discussing about devouring Sītā. Steeped in sorrow, Jānakī cried loudly and told the demonesses to gobble Her. She held a branch of the Ashoka tree and thought about Rāghava. She cried about Kaushalyā, Sumitrā and Lakshmana and lamented,
- "I am a wretched woman of low merit, an orphan. I will be ruined like the loaded boat that gets hit in the midst of the ocean by the stormy wind.
- Blessed are those who are in touch with my Husband with eyes like lotus petals, whose walk is majestic like a lion's, who has a sense of gratitude and is pleasing in words!
- Separated from Rāma endowed with self-knowledge, it is impossible for me to live. I do not know what great sin I have committed in my past life for which I experience this terrific, cruel affliction!
- I long to give up my life, afflicted with great grief as I, well-guarded by these ogresses, have no hope to reach Rāma. Fie upon this human life! Fie upon this dependence! What a pitiable situation I am placed in! It is not possible for me, a human, to give up life at my free will.
- In the absence of the great charioteer Rāma, of what use is my living in the midst of ogresses? I need no wealth, no ornaments. I am preserving this sinful life though separated from Rāma. Fie on me, for this wretched, infidel life.
- How can I have interest in any kind of pleasure without my sweet-tongued Husband, the lord of the whole earth extending up to the ocean? I will not even touch that vile night-ranger Rāvana with my left foot. What to speak of loving him? I will give up my body. Break me into pieces or eat me up. I cannot bear the sorrow of separation from my dear Rāma any longer.
- This demon is determined to make me his morning meal. How can I do anything in the absence of my Lord of pleasing countenance? I am distressed very much by not seeing Rāma having eyes with a reddish tinge in the corners."
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- "I am always meditating upon Rāma and thinking of Him alone. I am talking about things related to Him.
- I am tormented by intense love for Rāma, with all my thoughts immersed in Him. Since I am constantly thinking of Him I see Him and hear words about Him."
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- "Tell me if Rāma, the Scorcher of enemies, desirous of victory, is following a two-fold policy. A tough enemy cannot be defeated by following this method. A three-fold strategy has to be adopted in this case to be victorious. I hope He is well-disposed to His friends and has a good team! I hope he is making new friends, who desire His friendship. Hopefully, Rāma is well honoured by His allies!
- I hope Rāma is not devoid of love towards me by my separation. O Vānara, I hope He will liberate me from this misery. I hope Rāma who deserves happiness and not suffering has not become depressed now, having experienced a spate of sorrows.
- I hope He regularly receives news about the welfare of Kaushalyā, Sumitrā and Bharata. Will Bharata, the devoted brother, send his formidable army of one akshauhini protected by ministers for my cause? I trust he will!
- Can I hope to see Rāvana and his relatives slain in the battle by fiery weapons in a short time?
- Hope Rāma's moon-like face without me with its golden complexion and lotus fragrance must not have been pale and withered with tears like the lotus in a pond scorched by the heat.
- Rāma has given up sovereignty for the sake of establishing righteousness and led me into the forest on foot. He had not then felt any fear, anxiety or grief at heart. Rāma showed patience, instead. Hope He retains them.
- His love for me is superior to His love for His father, mother or any one else. O messenger, I wish to survive till I hear any news from my dear Lord."
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- "O Vānara! You have told me that Rāma has His mind always fixed on me, not on others and you have also said that He is sad. It is like offering me poison mixed with nectar.
- When will my Husband see me after killing the demons including Rāvana and uprooting Lanka? One year's time has been given to me. Rāma should be informed to be quick in reaching before the completion of the time limit and that I will survive till then only. O Vānara! This is the end of the tenth month. Only two more months are left. This is the condition laid by the wicked Rāvana in my case.
- Vibhīshana made efforts to advise Rāvana for my restoration. But Rāvana has not agreed to that. Nalā, the eldest daughter of Vibhīshana sent by her mother came here personally and reported this to me."
- "Placing you on my back I shall cross the ocean. Indeed, I have the capacity to carry the entire city of Lankā along with Rāvana.
- O Maithilī! Just as oblations offered to the sacred fire goes to Indra, I shall offer you today to Rāma waiting on the Prasravana mountain."
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It was a golden opportunity for Her to behold Rāma and end Her tribulations. Any lady would have accepted that offer and flown away to meet her beloved, but Sītā, a Woman of self-honour and strength, politely declined the proposal. She gave logical reasons that defined Her character.
- "O sinless and foremost Vānara! Going with you is not proper for me. Your wind-like speed will render me unconscious. When you fly over the ocean in the sky speedily I may tumble down from your back out of fear.
- O destroyer of foes, it is not possible for me to go with you. When you are burdened with me you will also fall into danger no doubt. When I am seen by the demons of fearsome valour they will pursue you, ordered by the wicked Rāvana. The demons are in large number and they will be armed with weapons. You are unarmed. How can you fight and protect me?
- O noble monkey! While you are engaged in fighting with those demons of wicked deeds, I may drop down out of fear. Or else, while you turn your attention the other way I might fall down and the sinful ogres may bear me away. They may snatch me away from your hands or cut me into pieces. Success or defeat is uncertain in a war.
- It may be that you can kill all the demons but by such an act the fame of Rāghava will be diminished. Or else, the ogres will carry me and conceal me in a secret place which the Vānaras or Rāma and Lakshmana may not know.
- O strong-armed Hanumān your life, the life of the great Rāma, of His brother, and relatives of your king is dependent upon my survival. Both Rāma and Lakshmana who are emaciated with sorrow and suffering on account of me will give up their lives along with Vānaras and bears."
- "O chief of Vānaras! I cherish my devotion towards Rāma alone and not touch the body of any other man.
- I had no control over myself. I was helpless and my Husband was not present when I had to bear the touch of Rāvana's limbs. What can I do?
- It will be proper if Rāma comes here, kills Rāvana along with all his relations and takes me away. I have seen and heard about Rāma's conquest of enemies and valiant deeds in war. Indeed, Gods, Gandharvas, Nāgas or even demons cannot match Him in war.
- O foremost of the Vānaras! Get Rāma here along with Lakshmana and the lord of Vānara troops quickly. O chief of Vānaras! This way you can bring happiness to me who is emaciated with suffering on account of Rāma."
Sītā clearly stated that She wouldn't touch any other man. When She was abducted by Rāvana, She was helpless at that time alone so She had to bear Rāvana's touch. However, Sītā had the power to burn the demon to ashes with the power of Her chastity. She Herself said this to Rāvana before he left the Ashoka grove. So Sītā stayed in Lankā and patiently waited for Rāghava to rescue Her and prove His valour. Because of Her will, Rāma got the glory of being Rāvana's killer. The divine Couple had planned everything before, everything was just a pastime. Through this incident, we get to know Sītā's wisdom, presence of mind, self-control, purity, immaculate will and determination.
Hearing Jānakī's words, Hanumān was pleased. He praised Her actions and requested Her to give him a token of identification to prove Rāghava that Hanumān had indeed met Sītā. Choked with emotions, Sītā narrated the crow incident that had taken place in Chitrakūta. It was extremely confidential and known only to Herself and Rāma. So Sītā asked Hanumān to deliver this message. Addressing Rāma, She said,
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- "O Lord of the earth! For my sake you released the weapon of Brahma on a crow. What makes you excuse Rāvana who has abducted me?
- O bull among men! You are so loving to me. I am like an orphan. Be kind to me. She who has found Her Lord in you stays without a protector.
- O my supreme Lord! I know you are kind, righteous, valiant, vigorous and mighty. You are boundless, calm and deep like the ocean. You are the Lord of earth and the seas. I have heard from you that motiveless compassion is the best way to make one righteous."
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- "O Fire god! If I have served my Husband, if I have practised austerities and if I am loyal to my Husband, be cool to Hanumān.
- If the wise Rāma has some compassion for me, if there is any residue of good luck for me, be cool to Hanumān, O Fire god!
- If that virtuous Rāma recognizes me as the One, who is endowed with a good moral conduct and who is ardently desirous of meeting Him, please be cool to Hanumān."
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- "On the other hand a beautiful and auspicious Lady like Sītā will be protected by Her own splendour and will not perish as fire cannot extinguish fire. Fire cannot touch that Lady who is protected by Her own chastity and who is wedded to the righteous Man of immeasureable glory.
- Fire, the consumer of oblations who has the property of burning has not burnt me and this is surely on account of Rāma's power and Vaidehī's merits. To Bharata, Lakshmana and Shatrughna She is a Goddess and She is dear to Rāma's heart. How would She perish?
- The Fire god who never fails in burning has not burnt my tail. How will he burn noble Sītā? By virtue of Her power of asceticism, truthfulness and exclusive devotion towards Her Husband, She may consume the fire. Fire will not burn Her."
Hanumān heard some of the citizens talking how Jānakī was safe despite the fire. Hearing this, he flew to the Ashoka Vātika and met Sītā once again. He expressed his happiness on seeing Her safe and sound and consoled Her. Jānakī blessed Hanumān and advised him to act in the way that would bring glories to Rāghava.
Then Hanumān took leave of Sītā, crossed the ocean, informed his Vānara Companions and Jāmbavān that he met Sītā. All the Vānaras celebrated this in the Madhuvana and finally met Rāma, Lakshmana and Sugrīva. Hanumān informed everyone that he met Sītā who was safe and sound and constantly devoted to Rāma. Hearing this, Rāma was overjoyed. He gazed at Māruti with great affection and wanted to know more about Sītā. Ānjaneya recounted how he had found Sītā, witnessed Her grief and pain in Lankā and Her happiness on beholding Rāma's ring. He also conveyed Her message to Rāma and told about the identifications sent by Her.
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- "O sinless One! Tell Rāma that this auspicious Chūdāmani born in the ocean is sent to Him and I was gazing at it as if it was Him and feeling happy.
- O Son of Dasaratha! I will hold on to my life for a month. Captured by the demons, I will not live for more than a month."
When Rāma received Sītā's Chūdāmani, He held it to His bosom and wept. He told that His heart had melted on beholding His Beloved's jewel. He recollected how Sītā was presented with this crest-jewel originated from the waters, on Her wedding. Rāma felt that He was seeing Sītā Herself and remembered how the Chūdāmani used to shine on Her head. He said with deep love,
- "O Lakshmana! What could be more painful than the fact that I am seeing this jewel found in waters, without the arrival of Sītā?
- O gentle One! If Sītā can survive for a month, it means that she is surviving for long. O gentle one! Without that black-eyed Sītā, I cannot survive even for a moment.
- Take me too to that place where my beloved Sītā has been seen. I cannot halt even for a moment, after receiving the news of Her location.
- How does Sītā, my virtuous Wife with Her charming limbs, who is very shy, stay all the time with demons who are terrific and cruel?"
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Jai Siyā Rām!
Yours,
Hari Priye
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