Reading Notes: Ramayana Part D

Sita and Rama. Source: Flickr

Sita Tested: from Myths from the Hindus and Buddhists, by Sister Nivadita.

Sita is finally returned to Rama after winning the battle with Ravana who had kept her captive for some time.  Rama is torn because he loves his wife, but she has been in the house of another man for some time and he doesn't know if he can trust that she was faithful.  To test her, Rama tells her that she should prove her purity or be cast out.  She is surprised by this, but sorrowfully commands that a funeral pyre be made so she can show the congregation that she is pure.  Lakshmana, Brahma, and the congregation of viewers are upset with this decision.  The gods themselves come down from the heavens to try and persuade Rama away from this path.  Against all of this he still proceeds with the test.  Sita walks into the fire but it does not hurt her and is returned to Rama by the god of fire.  The god pleads to Rama that she has been pure in every way, although tempted by Ravana, she did not sway.  Rama speaks to the crowd saying that Sita is cleared from her charges and that she had passed his test.  He also explains why he needed to test her so no one could question her or him.