Seeta is Exiled
Rama was a just and noble king. Nobody in his kingdom hated the other. Everybody trod onto the righteous path as per his caste. The subjects were free from ailments, fear and grief. Many of his advisors were sent out among the citizens to assess the needs of the people. One of them was Bhadra, who came to report that there was a feeling among the citizens that such conduct should be acceptable among ordinary people too if Rama had accepted Seeta after her abduction by Ravana.
Next day, another messenger came to inform Rama of a washerman having a fight with his wife. The washerman shouted that he was no Rama to accept his wife after she had been away for so long. The constant rumours forced Rama to think about his duty as a king towards his subjects.
Rama was disturbed hearing what his citizens were thinking. When his brothers were with him, he spoke with a heavy heart, “My brothers, I am concerned about the welfare of my subjects more than anything else. Now I need to perform a very unpleasant task which tests my righteousness and dutiful conduct.” “Seeta’s purity has been proved in your presence, Lakshmana,” went on Rama, “The Fire-god and the other gods gave proof of her purity. I am fully convinced of her sanctity. But our subjects are not satisfied. For their comfort, I would willingly sacrifice myself or any of you. So, why should I not give up Seeta? Lakshmana, you and Sumantra must take Seeta and leave her near Sage Valmiki’s ashrama and return immediately. This is my order.”
The three brothers heard Rama in stunned silence. After the fourteen years of exile, there were moments of happiness in the life of Lord Rama and Mother Seeta. Now, Mother Seeta was being sent back to the forest due to the frivolous thinking of the citizens. This was injustice towards Mother Seeta. Rama knew very well that Seeta would never go against his wish. She would happily accept this punishment as well.
Lakshmana had no alternative but to agree with Rama. He got the chariot prepared. Seeta was in the family way, so truth was not revealed to her. Seeta loved to visit the forest. She had been saying to Rama for several days to take her to the forest. When Lakshmana told her to accompany him to the forest, she thought that it was Rama’s plan. So, she happly agreed to visit the forest.
Soon they reached the banks of river Bhageerathi. Then Lakshmana got off the chariot and broke down. Weeping like a child, he told Seeta, “Mother, the king is afraid of the criticism of his subjects concerning you. So, he has disowned you and asked me to leave you near Sage Valmiki’s ashrama.”
Stunned, Seeta fainted. When she recovered, she spoke with the tears streaming down her cheeks, “Lakshmana, God created me only to suffer. Even though I went through the fiery ordeal, I am disowned by my lord. I would have given up my life but that will put an end to the heirs to the throne. Go back and tell my lord to conduct himself well towards his subjects and not worry about me. Go off now! As I have to carry out my duty, I can’t give up my life.” Weeping, Lakshmana and Sumantra left.
