THE EXIT OF SITA

                                                                       

Much impressed with the effect of performing the Aswamedha yaga, Sri Rama decided to have it performed! He directed Lakshmana to invite the great sages Vasishta, Vamadeva, Jabali and others. The sages unanimously approved of the wish. Sugriva, with his train of vanaras, and Vibhishana with his followers were invited. In short, everyone in the kingdom was invited!

      A beautiful, horse, with black stripes and ideal marks as per the sasthras was selected to be sent out. Lakshmana was sent as security for the horse. Sri Rama went to Naimisaranya with his forces to inspect the venue of the Yaga to be performed. The invitees started arriving with their presents. They were duly honored and accommodated. The senior sages and saints felt that the occasion and the Yaga were unprecedented! Its glory was incomparable even to those performed by the Gods Indra, Kubera, Yama,  and Varuna! Meanwhile Sage Valmiki arrived and set up his ashram by the side of Gauthami river. He directed the twins LAVA and KUSA to sing the RAMAYANA in all the areas near the Yaga. He suggested that if Sri RAMA invited them to sing in his presence they should do so without fail. They should declare that they are the disciples of Sage Valmiki and should not accept any money from the King.

          Accordingly KUSA ana LAVA sang the Ramayana in their melodious voice before Sri Rama and  the elite gathering of sages, saints, scholars artists, linguists, legal luminaries and various others! The listeners were enthralled with the rendering of these two children. People who saw the twins knew that they were exactly similar to Sri Rama in every aspect! Overwhelmed with the sweet music of the twins and pleased beyond bounds, Sri Rama directed Lakshmana to present them with 18000 gold coins and anything that they desired. But the twins refused money offered very politely! When questioned about the author of the Ramayana, they said it was the sage Valmiki! It is the story of Sri Rama himself! It has 24000 slokas; one hundred sub stories; and 500 sargas. Along with Uttara Kanda it has seven kandas. Realizing by now that KUSA and LAVA were his own children, Sri Rama sent word to sage Valmiki if SITA can come the next morning to his court and declare that she is pure and without stigma. Sage Valmiki agreed to bring SITA to declare herself pure and chaste.

            People came in large numbers to see and hear SITA speak! Sages, saints, vanaras, rakhasas and every part of the public gathered anxiously to see SITA! Sage Valmiki came first. Following him closely Sita came with bent head and tears in her eyes and folded hands!  There was a lot of commotion among the crowd when they saw SITA! A few were sad; some more excited and happy to see her! Allowing SITA to be in the midst of people, sage Valmiki declared that she is righteous and pure. She is guiltless and has come to establish her Chastity since Sri Rama deserted her fearing the public opinion! The sage said that the twins were his children! Sage Valmiki asserted that he is the tenth son of Prachetasa and would never speak untruth! None can suspect the character of SITA! Sri Rama replied that he never suspected Sita’s character. He knew that she was spotless but left her because of public opinion!

             To witness this grand occasion all the Devas along with Lord Brahma gathered in the sky!There was a feeling of expectancy as SITA, in her ochre robes and folded hands, addressed the huge gathering of men and Gods! She looked down and said, “If I had never thought of anyone else except my husband Sri Rama, let  the goddess of Earth give me way! If I had worshipped Sri Rama in thought, word, anddeed , let the Goddess of earth give me shelter! If my statement that I know none except Sri Rama is true, let the Goddess of Earth give me place!” The moment SITA declared her vow, out came from the center  of the earth,  a grand Royal Throne—‘ Simhasana!’ It was held on heads by serpents  and dazzled with the brilliance of diamonds and precious stones! Goddess of Earth came forward and embraced SITA and enquired of her welfare! She seated Sita on that resplendent throne and took her away to the nether world----‘Rasatala!’ There was a rain of flowers soon after this miracle! The Devas appreciated and said that SITA’s character was incomparable and pure! The sages and the public in the yagasala were stunned and petrified at what had happened!