Rama Refuses Sita's Forest Request
Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 29
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Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 29
Sita passionately pleads with Rama to accompany him into exile, expressing her devotion and destiny. Despite her arguments and threats, Rama refuses, leading to Sita's grief and his attempts to console her.
After hearing Rama's words, Sita became distressed. With tears flowing from her eyes, she spoke in a faint voice:
"The difficulties of forest life you described should be understood as advantages when accompanied by your affection."
Sita continued, addressing Rama as Raghava (descendant of Raghu):
"The forest creatures - antelopes, lions, elephants, tigers, sarabhas (mythical eight-legged deer), birds, srimaras (a type of deer), and other wild beasts - have never seen you before. When they see you, they will flee in fear. Indeed, who wouldn't be afraid when faced with something unknown?"
Sita expressed her resolve:
"I must go with you, as commanded by our elders. Rama, if I'm separated from you, I'll have to give up my life here.
Even Indra (the lord of the gods) couldn't harm me if I'm by your side.
A woman cannot live without her husband. You have clearly illustrated this truth to me."
Sita revealed a prophecy:
"O wise one, I heard from brahmins (priests) at my father's house that I would one day dwell in the forest. Ever since hearing this from brahmin palmists, I've been eager for forest life.
The time has come for me to fulfill this prophecy. I will go with you, making the brahmin's words true."
Sita showed her awareness of forest life:
"I know there are many hardships in the forest, but they affect those whose senses are uncontrolled.
When I was young, a holy female mendicant foretold my forest dwelling.
You had long ago granted my wish to accompany you to the forest. I've been eagerly waiting for this time. The life of a valiant one in the forest pleases me."
Sita expressed her devotion:
"By following you with love, I'll become sinless. You are my god.
Our union is auspicious even after death. According to the Vedas (ancient Hindu scriptures), a woman given in marriage belongs to her husband even after death."
Sita questioned Rama's reluctance:
"Why don't you want to take me, your loyal and devoted wife, to the forest?
O descendant of Kakutstha, you should take me. I share equally in your joys and sorrows.
If you don't take me in this time of distress, I'll end my life by poison, fire, or water."
Despite Sita's various pleas, Rama, the mighty-armed one, did not consent to take her to the desolate forest.
Hearing this, Sita was filled with grief. She cried, her warm tears drenching the ground.
Rama, self-possessed and from the Kakutstha dynasty, tried to console Sita, described as having copper-colored lips, in many ways. He attempted to dissuade her from going to the forest.
This concludes the twenty ninth chapter (sarga) of Ayodhyakanda, the second book of the Ramayana, the great epic composed by the sage Valmiki.