Diaries of Sita
Love is a
recurring theme in Hindu literature. The Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and
many
other pieces of Sanskrit literature are filled with love stories.
The most powerful love story I found in the Ramayana was that of
Sita. Sita fell in love with Rama, prince of Ayodhya, at first
sight. She married Rama and never stopped loving him, even
through the toughest of times.
I was first introduced to Sita through Narayan's telling of the
Ramayana. It was then that I became captivated by her strong will
and devotion to her husband. It was later, however, that I truly
came to admire Sita and understand how her love for Rama had survived
all of her tribulations. It was by fate alone that I stumbled
upon none other than Sita's diary at the Indian
Museum in Serampore
when I was traveling through India.
This Indian Museum was
the most magnificent museum that I explored in all of South Asia.
I spent a full day in awe as I enjoyed all of the Indian history.
Then, when I was about to retire for the day, I noticed a
small leather-bound book nestled between the Egyptian mummy and the
Buddhist stupa
from Bharhut.
I had overlooked it previously because I was so engaged by the
mummy. As I opened the book, my curiosity rose.
This did not contain simple literature like I had read many times
before. No, it was the hand-written diary of Sita! I could
not believe my eyes!
Her diary gave me a
much deeper understanding of the
woman Sita truly was. I was familiar with her experiences from
reading the Rayamana, but Narayan was vague when it came to Sita's time
in captivity under Ravana and during her time in exile with her
sons. Through her diary, Sita shared the true story behind
these events. I will share with you some of her best diary
entries so
that you too can know the whole truth.
But first I must give you some background information on Sita's
life. From the Rayamana, I knew that Sita was not like any other
woman. She had been born from Earth. Her mother, Mother
Earth, had lifted her above ground when she was a baby to be found by
King Janaka. Janaka took Sita as his own daughter and raised her
as the princess of Mithila. Despite being raised in the
glamorous, exciting life of princess, Sita always stayed true to her
roots and remained grounded and sincere... no pun intended. She
overcame every obstacle she faced by taking the noble, high road and
trusting herself and her loved ones.
The diary entries I have specially selected to share with you tell of
her most significant moments in life. The first entry is from the
day that Sita first met Rama and how their love blossomed
instantly. The second series of entries tells of her decision to
leave her royal life behind to follow Rama into exile and then of being
kidnapped by the evil King Ravana. Her third entry tells of her
rescue from the hands of Ravana but then reveals that she was again
separated from Rama by his own accord. I end my third story with
her
decision to prove her innocence and devotion to Rama at the cost of her
life.
Let's dive into the Sita's thoughts on the happiest day of her life...
the day she met Rama.