37. The Trial of Purity and the Triumphant Return

Rama’s outburst before Sita stupefied everyone present. Sita stood stunned and nonplussed, unable to fathom that Rama would behave towards her in such a manner. Tears flowed down her cheeks as she finally spoke softly but forcefully: “O Prince, the words you have just uttered befit only one who is drowned in ignorance. They are unfit to be heard by me. Just because I was taken prisoner by the demon-king does not imply that I am guilty. I had thought you knew me well, but now I am disillusioned. After years of living together, you still failed to understand me. How can I hope that you will be just in your evaluation of others? People can easily deceive you, I am afraid.”

Sita’s Defense

After a pause, Sita continued, “O Prince, if Ravana touched me physically, it was not my fault; destiny is to blame. The wicked demon could not proceed further; I am the master of my consciousness, and it remains absolutely pure. If you had decided to forsake me, what was the necessity of sending Hanuman in search of me? Had Hanuman conveyed your wish to me, I would have given up my life instantly. There would have been no need for a battle, and you would not have lost so many of your friends and followers.”

Sita’s Final Plea

Sita then turned to Lakshmana and said, “Prepare a fire for me. It is impossible for me to live after such humiliation. Please, be so kind as to oblige me.” Lakshmana was taken aback by Sita’s decision, but the force in her command compelled him to act. He looked at Rama with deep anguish, realizing that Rama had no intention of opposing Sita’s wish.

The Fire Test

The fire was soon prepared. As the flames grew brighter, Sita walked around Rama once more and, saluting the fire, said, “O God of Fire! If I am truthful and pure, let it be proved by your treatment of me. I must emerge from your embrace unharmed. The sun, the moon, the air, the day, the night, the morning, the evening, and all the gods are the witnesses to my conduct and character. Let them decide my fate through you, O God of Fire!” Without the slightest hesitation, Sita entered the fire.

An ominous silence fell over the crowd, broken only by the wailing of demon-women. The Vanaras and demons also erupted into screams as Rama stood like a statue, tears continuously streaming down his face.

The Proclamation

Suddenly, the fire seemed to subside, and out of it emerged the God of Fire. Taking Sita in his arms, he bore her outside the flames, untouched, not even in her clothes and ornaments. All present were struck with wonder.

“O Rama!” said the God of Fire, “Sita has never harbored any impure thought, even in her dreams. Ravana kept her a prisoner and threatened her with dire consequences if she did not yield to his proposal. But neither temptation nor fear could sway her, even for a moment. I commend you to accept her without hesitation.”

Rama’s Realization

Rama greeted the God of Fire and, still in tears because of his harshness towards Sita, said, “It is true that Sita is perfectly pure. However, the fact remains that she was a prisoner of the demon-king. Had I not made her face such a trial and emerge victorious, people would have questioned my sense of propriety. Sita has now proved herself pure before the world. I know that Ravana could not have harmed Sita, the embodiment of truth. Who else could have emerged from fire unscathed? O God of Fire! I will obey you. Just as the radiant beams are inseparable from the sun, so is Sita inseparable from me.”

A Heavenly Reunion

Suddenly, a chariot arrived, bringing King Dasharatha down from heaven. Rama and Lakshmana bowed to him. In a loving tone, Dasharatha said, “Rama! I find no joy even in the care bestowed by the gods. I am delighted to see you after your victory in battle. I still regret the hardships you endured because of Kaikeyi. However, I realize that it was necessary for the gods to frustrate your coronation for the sake of defeating Ravana. Now return to Ayodhya and bring joy to your mother, Kaushalya. Be crowned and live happily with your brothers.”

“Sir, I am afraid you have not yet forgiven Mother Kaikeyi for her actions. You are displeased with Bharata too. I urge you to forgive them,” Rama said, and Dasharatha looked pleased.

He turned to Sita and said, “Please do not harbor anger towards Rama.” Thereafter, he returned to heaven.

A Boon from Indra

Next to appear before Rama was God Indra, who offered him a boon. Rama prayed for the resurrection of all his fallen soldiers. Indra’s boon instantly revived the dead Vanaras and bears, resulting in a commotion of joy.

Returning to Ayodhya

The night passed peacefully. In the morning, Vibhishana busied himself making arrangements for Rama’s comfortable stay. However, Rama insisted it was crucial for him to return to Ayodhya immediately. Bharata had announced he would jump into fire if Rama did not arrive the very next day after completing fourteen years of exile.

Vibhishana replied, “O Ramachandra! I will ensure you reach Ayodhya within a day. The flying chariot, Pushpak, which Ravana had forcibly taken, is at your service. Please allow me to extend my warm hospitality to you, Sita Devi, and Lakshmana.”

“Vibhishana! Your love for me is evident in all that you have done. I am eager to meet my mothers—Kaushalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra, as well as our guru, Viswamitra, and the people of Ayodhya. Please provide me the flying chariot.”

Farewells and Gratitude

The chariot was soon brought forth. Vibhishana remarked, “O Ramachandra, my association with you will forever shine in my memory. I will remain eternally grateful.”

“Vibhishana! Can I ever forget your love? The service of the Vanaras and bears is commendable. Please reward them, as that will satisfy me,” Rama stated.

Vibhishana generously rewarded the soldiers of Rama. Soon, Rama climbed aboard the chariot, joined by Sita and Lakshmana. In his parting address to Sugriva, Vibhishana, and the Vanaras, Rama said, “You have served me with devotion and courage. Now that our mission is accomplished, you are free to go wherever you wish. Sugriva, you may return to Kiskindhya and rule your land happily. Vibhishana, Lanka is entrusted to you, and I wish you a happy reign. Now, please allow me to return to Ayodhya.”

The Journey Home

Sugriva, Vibhishana, and the others replied, “It is hard for us to part from you. Please allow us to accompany you to Ayodhya, where we will participate in your coronation, pay our respects to Mother Kaushalya, and then disperse.”

“It would bring me great joy to have you accompany me. Welcome aboard the chariot,” Rama responded.

Sugriva, followed by the Vanara heroes, and Vibhishana with his ministers, boarded the chariot, which then took off towards Ayodhya. Rama pointed out the sights to Sita, including the golden city of Lanka atop the Trikuta hills, the blood-soaked battlefield, and the spots where Ravana and Kumbhakarna met their demise. When the chariot flew over Kiskindhya, Sita expressed her desire to bring along Tara and the wives of the Vanara heroes.

Rama communicated her wishes to Sugriva. The chariot landed, and Sugriva announced Sita’s wish to Tara and the other Vanara women. Delighted, they boarded the chariot in their finest clothes and ornaments, greeting Sita joyfully as the chariot again took off.

Reminiscing on the Journey

Rama pointed out Mount Rushyamuk, where he had first met Sugriva, and the beautiful lake Pampa, as well as the location where the demon Kavandha had been slain. The chariot flew over several other significant places, including the ashrams of sages Atri and Bharadwaj, the dwelling of Guha, and Mount Chitrakut.

Finally, in the distance, Ayodhya appeared on the horizon. Rama and Sita were thrilled to behold the magnificent towers of their beloved city. Nature flourished all around, while Sugriva, Hanuman, and others watched in joy and surprise at the approaching city.