Sri Rama Sita Debate
Rama thus blessed by Kaushalya did namskarams (Prostrations) to his mother and adhering to the Path of Dharma (Righteous conduct, Duty, Pious, humble,Charity ,being Noble, all this done beyond expectation and without anticipation), started to leave for Forest. When he was going through the Boulevard with aura oozing out from him , he lured the hearts of the citizens with his Noble Virtues. Then Sita also had done fasts for the Coronation and was unaware of the impediments caused to the Coronation ceremony. She was certain that Rama will be crowned. Having completed the prayers for Celestials, she was happy, She prostrated before those Kings who have already been coronated and have come from neighbouring countries. She did archanai with fragrant flowers the the Queens who had come there for the occasion from other countries; she thus carred out the customs of the Queens those days, since she was aware of the same. She had arranged for the White Umbrella, decorated Hand Fans, Bhadrasanam, Auspicious Musical instruments, Elephants, Horses, Chariots,FootSoldiers,with friends she was awaiting Rama’s arrival; when this was the scene, Rama entered the palace exclusive room. There he saw his kith and kin decorating the whole place with Festoons etc and the festive mood they were having on this august occasion,he was ashamed of the same and held his head low. Sita noticing her husband whose face was pale and whose senses were not in control with worry written all over his body, Sita got up from her sofa bruskely, ‘My husband unlike normal behavior why is he unhappy and coming with head bowed down?’ and was thinking and got scared. Rama did not have any remorse till then. He was worried by the Dhukkam(Grief, Pain, Anguish,sorrow, suffering,worry, unhappiness, ), Sita will get hearing the words he is going to speak to her now and pondered ‘Sita who had not experienced Dukkam even for a single day , when I go away to forest what suffering she will undergo?, How would she spend her time?’ thus his yearning for Her went high.His facial aura took a dip ‘ I have lost the Kingdom which was placed in my hand,how will I tell her that I have to go to forest’ this sorrow made him sweat profusely. Sita saw that Rama was unable to contain his heart’s agony, “Praana Nadha (Master of my Soul) ! On the occasion of ecstatic happiness why are you so sad? The Learned Brahmins are saying that Pushya Star whose Diety is Jupiter has joined Moon today , any one who starts an assignment will be successful and all Good auspicious things will happen to them,have said it is the most auspicious time for your Coronation, When it be so , instead of being elated why are you sad? .**(Alas ! how would Sita remember as a Human? Maha Vishnu took the incarnation of Rama for the very purpose to kill Ravana , the seed has been sowed today by Manthara and started by Kaiykeyi). Why is your face not shining like the Froth of Sea or the White umbrella entwined with hundred Gold wires? I am not able to see the vison of You who has eyes like the Ltous petals and adorned either side by Moon and Swan and the maidens fanning you, why is it so? I am not able to hear the lilting music duly accompanied by instruments played exponents of Vanthi,Sootha , Magadha maidens which are pleasant to hear.Why is it that the Govt Employees, Citizens with Luminaires,Local leaders, Ministers duly adorned are not accompanying you? Normally the Chariot wchich is driven by 4 Pure breed Horses is not preceeding you? Why is the Royal Elephant with all it’s Pure breed features looking like the dark rain bearing cloud walking with it’s gait is not in front of you? The Bhadraasanam (Sofa ) embedded with Gems, stones which is carried before Valiant why is it not coming before you? All the materials for the Cornoation bath is ready. Why Is the aura in your face is seen diminished presently? There is not a semblance of happiness seen’ thus lamented Sita after seeing Rama.
“Rama who heard this said ‘Seethay ! Worshipful Father is sending me to the Forest.’Oh my I have told this sad news to Sita wonder what will, happen to her and thus to instill courage in her said “ Seethay ! You are the daughter of King Janaka who is knower of all Dharmas! Also you are learned about intricacies and the nuances of Kingdom and it’s Prinicples and Doctrines as well as the Principles of Varna shrama( Living in Exile) without contradictions and doubts. You are unmatchable in following the Noblest of Dharma. I will narrate you how this happened. Please listen, My father had made all arrangements to Crown me today. Then my mother Kayikeyi, who had in earlier times was given 2 Boons by him which she reminded him of the same,and wanted it immediately. He vowed her in the happiness of my Coronation. I should live in the forest for 14 years and Bharatha showed be crowned as Prince. My Father never falters on Sathyam(Truth),is bound by the sackles of Dharma. He was compelled to agree for the same.My prime Dharma is to implement my Father’s words. Iam going to live in forest for 14 years, so I came to see you , inform you and leavefor the forest.
In the world People who are wealthy and in high places will not tolerate praise of another person in their presence. When Bharatha comes to pay respects to you , do not praise me or my character. You should not expect more ameneties, respect or treatment equal to the wives of Lakshamana or Shatrugna. Like other relations you should be congenial and affectionate to Bharatha. King has made him Crown Prince. He is our King; so behave in such a a way whereby he Is pleased.
In order to ful fill my Father’s wish, iam going to live in the dense ,fearful,Forest for 14 Years. Hey Lady of grit ful determination, You should continue to shower the same love extended so far. When I am in forest with Sages, you should spend your time with Fasting, Upavasam (Part Food) and prayers thus fruitfully earning Punyam(Good Virtuous Deeds). You please wake up early morning and do prayers to Gods as per procedure and do Prostrations to my Father and our King. My Mother Kaushalya is old and she will be suffering because of separation from me. If you want to follow the most Virtuous Dharma then you should offer her special respects. You should also show love & affection to my other Mothers and conduct yourself accordingly.Please ensure they have no shortcominig. They have always behaved with me in this fashion. So I have no differentiation between my mother Kaushalya and them.Think Bharatah is like your brother and Lakshmana is like my son,they are more dearer to me than my Life.
Do not do any task which is not acceptable to Bharatha. He is your King. He cannot be subservient to any one;he is the owner of this country; he is the Leader of our clan(Kul). If we behave ourselves without any Laziness then the Kings have affection towards us or else they get angry. Even if they are their own children and they do harm, then they castigate them and seclude them. They include those who are not realted to them or they recruit those who are capable. So channelize your heart and focus on Dharma. Observe Fasts ( as they are always beneficial) and conduct yourself Anukool –In consancance with time/occasion- befitting to Bharatha and await my return.
Oh My Lord of my Soul ! I am going to Forest. You should stay here only. As I told you now you should live in such a way that you should not harm or hurt anyone’s feelings.’ Thus he counseled Sita the doctrines of Dharma for a wife, whereby he can fathom her innermost feelings and also provoke her.(Slokas 38)
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