Posted:
By not remarrying he did not dishonour the throne - as there was no question of sullying it. The question of re-marriage occurred only due to the Yagya - which would not be successful if done without his wife. So in keeping with the available option, he took the middle path (the Statue of Sita). Here I feel there is some sybolism to using the metal Gold - although I have not been able to find any direct reference or meaning to it anywhere. The other members (I have read many of the posts - and they are truly truly conversant with the scriptures and very well informed👏) would have a better idea on that.
About what the Praja will conclude - could go either way. But it is the duty of the King to try, so Lord Ram tried. Success and Failure comes only after one tries. The possibility of failure cannot be the reason not to try. Yes, he was not successful, which is why the 'third time' was the watershed.
Regarding the exile being a mutual decision - yes this is purely a 'feeling' on my part, as most of what I have read is abridged. The other members would know better how it went and what it meant.
The original Valmiki Ramayan must definitely contain a major portion on this decision. Some time back I had read an article in the TOI which had stated that there was so much detail in it - even some recipes of what was cooked in Sita Mata's kitchen. It was also stated that the physical attributes of the major characters, especially female, was so detailed that we of today's times (especially given the current Victorianised Indian sensibility) would actually be offended.
I really regret not having learnt Sanskrit. Such a large and beautiful array of Sacred texts waiting to be read - but we have to depend on the translations which many a times results in the "lost in translation" syndrome!!
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