Hindu Religious Studies 61
The Later Event (Uttara Kanda)
Returning to Ayodhya Rama took charge of the kingdom from
Bharata. Rama dedicated himself to the welfare of his subjects. For a
time everything went well. But soon whispers about Sita's long stay
in Lanka spread through the city. Rama was very sad to hear that.
Sita was not guilty of anything. Sita was pregnant then. Under the
pressure from the citizens of Ayodhya, Rama banished her to the
forest for exile.
Sita made no protest. She came to the forest. There she found the
hermitage of Valmiki. The saint gave her shelter to his hermitage.
There she gave birth to twin sons, Lava and Kush.
A long time had passed after Sita's exile. Rama became determined
to start Ashvamedha, the great sacrifice. Sita should be with him
during the sacrifice. So, Rama made a statue of gold of Sita. Valmiki
taught Lava and Kush the songs of Ramayana, based on the life of
Rama and Sita. Rama was delighted to hear those songs. He thought
that Lava and Kush were Sita's sons. Struck with remorse, Rama
recalled the sufferings of his wife Sita. He invited Valmiki to join
the rituals along with Sita.
Sita came to the Ashvamedha Jagga. Many saints came to attend it.
Valmiki came along with Sita. He glorified Sita there. No one is as
virtuous as Sita. Rama also knew it. There was none to be compared
with Sita. But Rama was the king. He had to satisfy his subjects. He
asked her to give assurance of her chastity by getting into the fire.
Sita was sad to hear that. She appealed to the earth with folded
hands, 'Mother Basumati, please open your bosom and take me into
it.' The earth opened near Sita's feet. A gorgeous throne appeared. And
mother Basumati, the goddess of earth, was seated upon it. She took
Sita beside her.