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Continued
from yesterday’s instalment
 The words no doubt are abrasive. But only if one forgets who is uttering those words and in what context. If it was the Lord who was spoken to in that manner, it is none other than His Consort who persists in her rightful and loving demand. Srinivasa Sastriyar remarks, "A proud woman born in and married into a Kshatriya family and owning for her husband the greatest man on earth, was she to be told that she was a coward and could not live in the forest with her husband?"
He goes a step further and puts it succinctly, "It does her honour that she said those things, for a woman is entitled to say these things boldly to her husband. Her husband and she are one. Why should the husband resent the bold talk of the wife? This is a wicked thought that enters the mind of narrow-minded little-hearted men.
I cannot forgive the people who speak ill of Sita."
Rama knew that she is agitated. He knew the depth of love she has for him. He allowed her to continue till she expended her anger and energy and remained calm. It is highly probable that he must have even sported a smile. Though the Poet does not mention that, his answer to Sita carries that affectionate smile within it. Sita, obviously exhausted and unable to bear this torment any further, sought refuge in him. The Poet paints a very beautiful picture.
"Having wailed a lot in a piteous way as aforesaid, and closely embracing her husband, tormented as she was with grief, Sita, who now felt exhausted, cried at the top of her voice." (Valmiki Ramayana, Ayodhya Kanda, Canto XXX, Sloka 22)
She embraced him. Tear drops rolled on his chest. Did Rama not know of this love for him? In the first instance, did he not love his Sita quite as much? Did he not, deep in his heart, nurse - but very ably camouflage - a desire to take her along with him? Was it against his will, was it only due to the persistence of Sita that he took her along with him? Neither does he nor the Poet answer this question directly. But there is ample evidence that under his long and eloquent advice, though sincere, lies hidden the desire - indeed the intention - to take her with him.
 But let's first come back to the allegations levelled against Sita. What all the critics of Sita seem to miss is that, our opinion does not at all matter in this respect! What really matters is how Rama looked at those words. "Was he displeased or annoyed? If he did not say so, who are we, the contemptible little creatures to say so?" asks Sastriyar. When he understood her perfectly, what business anyone has to find fault with her!
He held her in his arms, lovingly. "Folding her in his arms Sita, who felt distressed and had fainted as it were, Sri Rama then spoke to her as follows, fully reassuring her." (Ibid, Sloka 26)
'Can I take delight in residing even if it is in heaven, if it causes agony to you, my love? You told that I behave like a coward. No. I am not. I am not afraid.' His words sound tender, loving and reassuring. "Alas, I find no delight even in heaven obtained by causing agony to you, O pious lady! Nor is there fear to me from any quarter any more than to Lord Narayana." (Ibid, Sloka 27) Fear? Does it reside in the heart of the
swayambu (Lord Narayana)? If it doesn't, no, it does not it reside in my heart either.
Why then did you ask her to stay back in the palace? Rama says,
tava sarvamabiprayamavignya shubhanane. Because I did not know what lies deep in your heart. I did not know your mind, your real opinion.
More follows...
Published on 16th
January 2003
Hari Krishnan
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