Reading Notes: Sita's Ramayana, Part D

Bibliography. "Ramayana Part D" from Tales 151-200 of Tiny Tales from the Ramayana by Laura Gibbs. Web Source.

Focus Character: Sita's point of view on the events in Part D.

Synopsis of Part D:

- The war is filled with illusion and trickery from both sides. As the war ends, Vibishana was sent to fetch Sita.

- Rama became conflicted about his love for Sita as she has been with Rana all this time. He was afraid of what the public would speculate. He wishes Sita well and frees her to go wherever she'd like. This deeply hurt Sita as she has been nothing but faithful to him. She proved herself with the help of Agni, the fire god and Rama accepts. 

- Rama and Sita returned home and were crowned king and queen. Shortly after, Sita becomes pregnant. However, some of the public were still complaining about Rama's decision to allow Sita by his side. Because of this, Rama abandoned Sita by asking Lakshmana to leave Sita near Valmiki's ashram.

Valmiki teaching Kusha and Lava (Source: Chughtai Museum)

- Sita was heartbroken. She was living with Valmiki's ashram when she gave birth to twins Kusha and Lava. The boys grew up with their mother in the ashram. Valmiki would sing songs of their father's adventure but they grew up not knowing who their father is. 

- One day, Valmiki brought the kids to Ayodhya and Rama heard them sing. Rama grew fond of them, even though he did not know the truth. Slowly, he realizes who the boys actually are.

- Sita returns to Ayodhya. She proves her innocence by sinking into the grown as Bhumi takes her. Rama embraces the twins.

- Rama refuses to remarry and remained loyal to Sita. He promised to reunite with her in the next lifetime.

Storytelling Ideas: To be honest, Rama really angered me in part D. Mostly, it is because he chose/ cared more about what the public thinks. Sita had been nothing but loyal and devoted to him. For my story, I would like to write it from Sita's point of view and how she felt during the whole heartbreaking story.