Reading Notes: Ramayana Part D

After Rama finally defeated Ravana, and the Gods celebrated the destined victory, Rama was finally able to talk to Sita. He sent Hanuman to look for her, and found that she was still sitting at the foot of the Ashoka tree. She told Hanuman that she wanted to be with Rama, so Hanuman went and told Rama her wish.

After thinking for a while, Rama told Vibhishana to bring Sita to her, bathed and fully dressed, covered in beautiful jewelry. When he told Sita this, she said she would have gone unbathed but ultimately decided to do as Rama pleased. However, Rama also insisted that Sita should walk to him instead of coming in a palanquin because he didn't want cause any of the people of Lanka discomfort, and how they see Sita matters to him.

When Sita arrived and was finally able to see Rama, her sorrow and dspair melted away and her smile showed the joy and love she felt for Rama.

But Rama couldn't hold in his feelings anymore. He started to cry and confessed that although he defeated Ravana and went to great lengths to get her back, he can't shake the image of Sita on Ravana's lap, lusting over her while she lived in his house. He feels like they can't be together anymore, and he tells her to stay with Lakshmana, Bharata, Sugriva, or Vibhishana.



Bibliography: PDE Epics, Ramayana: Rama and Sita.

Rama and Sita after the battle (British Library)