[Guruvayur/Guruvayoor] Shri Rama/Sita

July 31, 2005

Yes, Veena,I too agree with you.I also hv studied abt the story.An ordinary person won't react when such comments were made.But Rama was the king and as said 'Ceasars wife shuld be above suspicion' Rama had to follow the course he adopted despite the comments made abt his attitude of banishing Sita,though in his mind she was always there.In those days Kings were revered like Gods and could not tolerate any comments from their citizens and had to act or else they would invite more comments from their own people.Further the purpose of Rama avatar came to the conclusion with the killing of Ravana both Rama and Sita (the forms of Vishnu and Lakshmy) had to leave the world for thier abode and so it was only a ploy to send Sita out first and evenually Rama too followed suit after sometime after Sita gave birth to Lava and Kucha though Rama had suffered severe pangs of separation, he could not do anything in the circumstances as his own praja started criticising his character which

Rama could not tolerate.The fact tha Rama never married after sending Sita and in his aswamedha yaga kept a golden statue of Sita as a symbolic wife showed that he never cared to marry any other woman after sending Sita out or nobody was in his mind except Sita.That shows his virtuousity.The point to ponder is Rama considered to be a person of all virtues was so sad abt the comment of a washerman and that he took even such a silly comment as a serious one, had the the audacity to send even his dearest wife to exile.Of course we can't expect such a virtue in anybody in this world now a days and if anybody choose to do he or she will become only a laughing stock.But in Rama's time things were entirely different.It is only to focus the great character of Rama and though he might hv also known his act would hv some negative comments he stuck to his stand and no compromise on principles of Rajaneethy which was considered as a great part of a king in those days.

In this he also showed that the Kings shuld set an example in following their commitments as against ordinary persons who need not bother abt such silly criticisms.Rama was prepared to bear the cross by his action to prove his virtues though the same might not be agreed by all.In the scheme of Godly activities one has to distinguish what Rama did was correct or not as He was above other considerations.In this he also showed the humility and obedience just like relinguishing the kingdom in favour of his brother on the directions of Kaikeyi he also showed that he could go to the other extreme of even parting with his wife on hearing the comments of a washerman.So for him personal integrity was the most important one and not other aspects and thus Sri Rama became a role model of virtues of his time.

Hare Krishna.

Veena Nair <vee_1807 wrote:

Om Namo Narayanaya.

Regarding Shri Rama's role in abandoning Seeta:

The washerman's gossip about Seeta's chastity led Shri Rama to think about what Ayodhya must be thinking abt Seeta and eventually to his decision to abandon her. But several points to be noted: Seeta as queen was abandoned by Rama the king. Seeta the wife and consort was never out of his mind/heart. In his dilemma the King chose to pacify his nation rather than sticking to personal interests and choosing his wife. later, when performing the Ashwamedh sacrifice, Rama could easily have taken another wife. But it is said that he made a gold statue representing Seeta and kept it beside him as symbolic of Seeta's presence. In Rama's heart, there was only one woman, Seeta.

Just as other members have pointed out, the Ramayana is an ideal to be lived upto. In the vedic era, Ram Rajya is the Golden era when people were free to achieve their highest goals, and sense of duty, responsibility, and rights went hand-in-hand. The manner of governance (a cabinet of sages with Vasistha as Chief sage), holistic education (real purpose of Rama and Lakshmana's sojourn with the sage Vishwamitra), brotherly love (Lakshmana/Bharata), wife's faith and devotion, a true devotee's attitude (Shri Hanuman), all represent models that have been set forth so that we can draw inspiration from them and try to live our lives.

Om Namo Narayanaya.

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