Sita by Bhanumathi Narasimhan

Author:Bhanumathi Narasimhan [Narasimhan, Bhanumathi]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9789354922305
Publisher: Penguin Random House India Private Limited
Published: 2021-09-29T00:00:00+00:00

16

Devotion like a Diamond

Their hut in Chitrakuta was surrounded by many fig, jambu (black plum), mango and tamala (bay leaf) trees. In the middle, surrounded by these trees, stood a stately banyan that seemed like it had been an eternal part of creation. It had dark, dense foliage and tiny red fruits, and provided unwavering shade. Sita and Lakshmana thought that this would be a nice place to have their evening satsang. All the hermits who lived nearby would gather there, and they would speak on the Vedas, the Puranas and the Agamas. Rama loved listening to those stories and also had discussions on their deeper significance. Sita made a simple seat for Rama under the banyan tree. Rama saw the arrangements and approved of them. ‘The aerial roots are the speciality of this tree! The roots are like consciousness; they are the unchanging foundation of life,’ said Rama. ‘And the branches, leaves and fruits are like the continuously changing appearance,’ added Lakshmana. Sita completed the conversation, saying, ‘So stay rooted and keep smiling!’

She also planted many tulsi shrubs between the trees and their hut with the help of Lakshmana.

A few days after they had settled in Chitrakuta, in the early hours of dawn, Sita dreamt of an army that was advancing towards them. All the four units of horse, elephant, chariots and cavalry were present. Fully armed, they were approaching at a rapid pace. In her dream, while she surveyed the army, she caught sight of a flag with the symbol of the sun. A little taken aback, she searched for the one who was leading the army, and saw Bharata. She awoke that same instant and told Rama and Lakshmana about what she saw. Rama was happy at the thought of Bharata coming, even if it was just a dream. Lakshmana was a little apprehensive. ‘Bhaiya, what need is there for an army to come and see you? You trust everybody, but I think this is a sign that we should be cautious,’ said Lakshmana. ‘It was only a dream, though it may well be a premonition. Let us wait and see, Lakshmana,’ replied Rama.

The next day passed, with the three of them getting more accustomed to their new home. Nevertheless, Rama was already thinking about where to house Bharata if he did arrive, what food to offer him and so on. Late in the afternoon, the Bhila king came running to them with news of the advancing army. He told them that it looked like a sea of humans was marching in this direction. He had already told his warriors to arm themselves and to be prepared. They were on standby, ready for battle. No one could approach Rama without fighting them first. And Lakshmana too prepared himself for the battle. ‘I told you, Bhaiya! People have changed, circumstances have changed, only you remain the same. It is of no matter to me that Bharata is our own brother. Anyone who harbours ill intent towards you is my sworn enemy.

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