Seeing Rama standing by silently, Seeta took her decision immediately. There was only one path open to her now. She was the daughter of Mother Earth, and her only refuge now was her mother. She must return to her. Rama had not said a word. Seeta did not wish to be an obstacle in the performance of Rama’s kingly duties towards his subjects. She walked towards the river, and prayed to Mother Earth, “I have devoted myself in thought, word and action to Sri Rama and to him only. If this is true, O Mother Earth, then take me into your bosom.” The gods appeared to watch Seeta’s supreme sacrifice. The earth trembled, lightning flashed and thunder rolled as the earth opened up to welcome Seeta. In a flash she had vanished. Rama’s silence broke in an outburst against the earth, “Return my Seeta to me or take me into you with her! I cannot live without her!”
Seeta’s Decision
