Rama held back tears of joy at the thought of seeing Sita again. Still, he knew what he must do. The Solar Clan to which Rama belonged required that a lord must reject a princess violated by an enemy. Ravana had held Sita for 11 months and had lusted after her. Had Sita been true? Rama knew in his heart that she had been chaste and loyal, but he knew that only a public exoneration could preserve her honor and the honor of the clan.

Rama called Sita before the entire assembly of monkeys and bears, saying to his people that he wanted them to see her. Shyly she approached her Lord, stopping at a respectful distance with her head bowed. Rama spoke to Sita, saying that through the bravery of his companions he had redeemed his honor and repaid Ravana for the insult to Sita. He then told Sita that she was now free to go. Sita could not believe her ears, this husband to whom she had never been unfaithful in word or deed was now rejecting her. He who had never spoken a harsh word to her was publicly humiliating her. She collected herself and faced her Lord, saying: "Death will be my witness, I am blameless. Build me a pyre, and to it I will take my love for you whole and pure." Rama's heart was breaking, as he ordered the pyre to be built. As Sita entered the flames, the Fire god, Agni, recognizing her innocence, surrounded her with a cool wind, and she shone like pure gold within the flames, unhurt.

Click here to continue the story.

For more information on our South Asian Collection, please visit our online catalogue.

Back to Top