Why Sita Chose to End Her Life Instead of Returning to Ram

 Why Sita Chose to End Her Life Instead of Returning to Ram

Mother Sita with Luv and Kush

I know the topic I have chosen today may provoke anger among some of you, and that is not my intention. Rather, I aim to shed light on how, at times, we choose to worship flawed characters simply because they fit our narrative. When I came across a news item where a BJP leader stated that Muslim blood should not be given to a Hindu patient, it became clear to me that our society is once again on the verge of being exploited by these flawed characters. I felt compelled to say something. I decided to pick a topic to show how our history has seen us follow flawed characters who were sold to the public as gods, much like how Hindutva is selling Modi as a god today. So here we go.

In the traditional narratives of the Ramayana, Ram is often celebrated as a paragon of virtue, a divine figure whose actions are seen as just and righteous. However, these interpretations largely stem from versions of the epic that have been written and propagated by male authors, who have selectively highlighted Ram's accomplishments while overlooking or rationalizing his actions that negatively impacted women, particularly Sita. By examining the Ramayana from a female perspective, a starkly different narrative emerges—one where Sita’s tragic end is seen not as a mere footnote but as a powerful statement against the injustices she suffered.

The Ramayana, as widely known, presents Ram as a hero and later deifies him as a god. His journey, filled with trials and victories, is depicted as a quest for righteousness. However, if the story were told by a woman, the portrayal of Ram—and indeed the entire narrative—might be vastly different. The character of Ravan, often vilified as the epitome of evil, could instead be seen as a figure adhering to the principles of Dharma (moral duty), especially in his treatment of Sita.

Ravan, despite being the antagonist, respected Sita's autonomy. He provided her with a place to live, servants to attend to her needs, and never forced himself upon her. His admiration for Sita’s unwavering loyalty to Ram is evident, contrasting sharply with Ram’s treatment of her. This alternate perspective raises the question: could Ravan have been viewed as the true hero, had the tale been told by a woman?

Ram’s actions towards Sita, when scrutinized, reveal a pattern of emotional and psychological abuse. The Agni Pariksha, where Sita was forced to prove her purity by walking through fire, stands out as an extreme example of Ram’s distrust and jealousy. This act, rooted in suspicion rather than Luv, paints Ram not as a divine protector but as a flawed human, driven by societal expectations and personal insecurities.

The narrative of Ram’s righteousness further unravels when considering his involvement in the deaths of Bali and Ravan’s entire family. These actions, far from being divinely sanctioned, could be interpreted as morally questionable, challenging the very notion of Ram as a godly figure.

Sita’s ordeal did not end with the Agni Pariksha. Even after proving her purity, she was subjected to further humiliation and abandonment. When she became pregnant, Ram, bowing to the pressure of public opinion, exiled her, thereby committing one of the most grievous acts of spousal abuse—abandoning a pregnant wife.

Sita found refuge with Rishi Valmiki, where she gave birth to her son, Luv. During this period, she experienced a level of respect and care from Valmiki that she never received from Ram. However, one day when Sita had left Luv in the care of the Rishi while she went to wash her clothes, the Rishi, lost in meditation, failed to notice when Luv wandered off. Feeling immense guilt for his oversight, Valmiki used his divine powers to create another son, Kush, to compensate for his mistake.

These two boys, Luv and Kush, grew up strong and wise under the guidance of Rishi Valmiki. Meanwhile, Ram continued to celebrate his power and wanted the world to recognize him as the most powerful king. To demonstrate his dominance, he conducted the Ashwamedha Yagna, where a horse was sent across the land, and those who opposed his supremacy were to challenge the horse. When the horse reached the forest where Luv and Kush resided, the two young boys stopped it, symbolically challenging Ram's authority and checking his ego.

Ram’s forces, sent to retrieve the horse, were defeated by the two boys, and Ram himself was compelled to face them. It was then that Ram realized these were his sons, and he knew that he could not defeat them. The confrontation with Luv and Kush forced Ram to confront the reality of his actions and the consequences of his decisions, which had driven Sita to her fate.

When Ram sought to bring Sita back after this revelation, Sita, who had endured years of suffering and humiliation, chose to end her life instead. She called upon Dharti Mata (Mother Earth) to consume her, preferring to be swallowed by the earth rather than return to a life of further abuse. Sita’s choice was a powerful act of defiance, a final assertion of her dignity and autonomy.

Sita’s decision to end her life forces us to re-evaluate Ram’s legacy. If we remove the lens of divinity and view his actions through the eyes of a woman who suffered under his decisions, Ram’s morality comes into serious question. The glorification of Ram as a hero and a god is challenged by the reality of his treatment of Sita. Her story, often overshadowed by his deeds, deserves to be heard and respected in its own right.

The Ramayana, when viewed from a female perspective, offers a radically different narrative—one that questions long-held beliefs about heroism, divinity, and morality. Sita’s story is not just a tale of suffering but a powerful critique of the patriarchal values that have shaped the epic's traditional interpretations. Her final act of defiance serves as a reminder that the true measure of a hero lies not in their conquests, but in their treatment of others, particularly those most vulnerable.

In light of this, it is imperative to reflect on Ram’s actions and their implications. Is he still worthy of worship, or does his legacy demand a more nuanced understanding? The answer lies in how we choose to interpret the Ramayana—not just as a historical or religious text, but as a narrative that continues to influence societal values and beliefs today.