Ram & Sita: Me Without You is Incomplete part13: pg18

Ram & Sita: Me Without You is Incomplete

(Part 1: page 1

Part 2: page 2 )

Part 3: page 4

Part 4: page 5

part 5: page 6

part 6: page 8

part 7: page 9

part 8: page 10

part 9: page 12

part 10: page 13

part 11: page 14

part 12: page 16

part 13: page 18

In yesterday's episode, Shiva mentioned that Ram and Sita are now Ardhnarishvara' In Hindu mythology, this term is usually used for Shiva and his consort, Parvati- half man and half woman that complete the forces of the universe. If one analyses the story of Ram and Sita as portrayed in the various versions of Ramayana, one can see why Shiva blessed them with this title.

However there is a much deeper significance of the Ardhnarishvara incarnation for this form signifies the interdependence of Nature and Man - Man and Woman. It is said that a Woman completes a Man. This saying does not only apply purely in a companion and physical sense but also drives home the fact that both Man (manhood representing - discrimination, single pointed goal orientation, path to righteousness, intellectual decision making) and Woman (representing sensitivity, emotions, tenderness, compassion, passion) cannot survive in singularity and both these emotions are not competing with each other but rather need each other for survival as each of these complement each other.

(https://newsancedaily.wordpress.com/2012/07/31/ardhnarishwar-me-without-you-is-incomplete-nuisance-to-newsance-7/)

I'm no expert on the Ramayana and by no means do I intend to offend anyone with my analysis here. This is my humble attempt to analyze their story as it progresses from the Bala kanda to the Uttarkanda- the various ages and stages of their relationship that has enraptured millions over the past many millennia.

I will try to cite references wherever I can.

Bala Kanda:

Versions differ on whether Ram and Sita ever met before the swaymvar. Whatever the case might be, there is no doubt that it was love at first sight with a dj' feeling on both sides.

Here is a beautiful description of that moment:

When Rama was walking down the streets, Sita was on the palace rooftop. Rama looked up and spotted the beautiful Sita. Exactly at the same time, Sita's gaze fell on Rama, and their eyes met and locked. A flutter escaped their hearts and everything became silent; it seemed the world passing by had come to a standstill. They just kept staring at each other for the longest time. Their hearts leaped out and touched each other through their eyes. The lips were shut, but the eyes were talking. The deepest of emotions were exchanged through that one long glance. Sita, for the first time, understood what real beauty was. Rama soaked in the image of the doe-eyed Sita within His heart, and Sita soaked in that of Rama with a bow and quiver slung across His strong shoulders. For the first time, Rama had no questions for Vishwamitra. Vilas, Shubha (2014-01-03).

Rise of the Sun Prince (Ramayana, the Game of Life) (Kindle Locations 1455-1460). JaicoPublishing House/Mumbai?India. Kindle Edition.

Ayodhya Kanda:

Versions again differ on how much time Ram and Sita spent in Ayodhya before their exile. I've read anywhere from a few months to 12 years. Whatever the period might be, there is no doubt that during the early years as newly weds, Ram and Sita enjoyed their marriage as a couple completely besotted with each other. It's during this period that they developed immense affection and understanding for each other, fulfilling their duties as ideal eldest son and daughter in law of the Raghu clan and ideal mates for each other.

Rama was not just a good dutiful prince, he also made sure he was a dutiful husband. He spent a lot of quality time with Sita. Even sugar that most naturally dissolves in milk could not compare with the unfathomably natural love between Rama and Sita. He loved Her not only for Her exemplary radiance but for Her virtues as well. Not only Rama, Sita had also won over the entire family with Her goodness and humility. Vilas, Shubha (2014-01-03).

Rise of the Sun Prince (Ramayana, the Game of Life) (Kindle Locations 2347-2349). JaicoPublishing House/Mumbai?India. Kindle Edition.

My husband and I grew closer to each other with each passing day, the love at first sight seemed to grow deep roots and new shoots, there was always something new to discover about each other. In the evenings my husband and I would take a walk into the city, we mingled with the people and they would talk to us freely. Each day we walked a different route covering every quarter in the city. Ram and I toured the entire kingdom of Kosala, where ever we went my husband made it a point to interact with the common man and expected me to interact with the women and together we understood their lives, their hopes and aspirations and their challenges. Ram thus knew the ground realities and could address their problems appropriately. That he would be King was taken for granted and he was given due respect; Lakshman, Bharat and Shatrughna were regarded as elder brothers. Over time I too developed a bond with the people, the love and respect was mutual. To some I was a daughter, to some a mother and to others a sister. Ram and I could spend hours together on our own. I never tired of listening to him describing his adventures in the forest with Rishi Vishwamitra.

Phatak, Neeraja (2014-08-19). The Untold Story of Seeta: her journey through fields, palaces and forests (p. 77). Partridge Publishing India. Kindle Edition.

An insight into their bond in Ayodhya is reflected by Ram's response to his news of banishment. While he was stoic and unperturbed by Kaikeyi's command- his father, mother, brothers didn't witness him flinch, frown or protest but in front of Sita, there was no veil.

Collecting himself, he suppressed his grief as he went into his own apartments to tell his mother the unhappy news. He entered the palace where everyone was celebrating, but he disguised his emotions so that the ones that he loved most would suspect nothing. (Sattar 127) It is only in front of Sita that his face shows how hard the news of his banishment has hit him. He goes to tell her and he seemed sad and careworn, his face beaded with sweat' (Sattar 137).

Sattar, Arshia (2011-06-09). Lost Loves: Exploring Rama's Anguish (Kindle Locations 388-392). Penguin Books Ltd. Kindle Edition.

By the time the banishment was announced, Ram and Sita had become inseparable. Ram's anxiety on how he would break the news to her and Sita's resolve to accompany him to the forest are perfect examples of why they needed each other most during this moment of crisis.

Her palace had fallen silent with Rama's entry - the victory music, the chanting of auspicious hymns and the swaying celebrations had all stopped. Why? Why had the king-to-be come to the palace alone? Why wasn't the ever-eager-to-serve Lakshmana holding the royal umbrella over Rama's head? Why was the servant not swinging the yak fan? Why were there no guards accompanying the future king? Shouldn't the entry of a king herald joy? Why was the air so heavy then? Why was the prospective king so pensive? Rama was synonymous with stability, and His apparent instability left Sita extremely baffled. The woman in Sita understood the need of the hour. She closed Her eyes for a moment to gather all the compassion in Her heart. She had always depended on Him for protection; now, He needed Her compassion. As She invoked every ounce of compassion from every inch of Her body to gather in Her eyes, tears of uncertainty rushed out of them. Although She wept, Sita spoke to reassure Rama of Her love and support through whatever turmoil had crept into their lives. "What's wrong My Lord? Today is the day of your coronation. I know that you do not get affected by position or power. Tell me, what's on your mind? Why is there no royal umbrella over your head? Why is no one fanning you? Where are the singers who relentlessly sing your glories? Where are the brahmanas who should have been reciting auspicious Vedic mantras? Where is the royal chariot? Why hasn't the royal elephant come? Is this one of your tests to see if I am prepared to be queen?" For a few moments, Rama dropped His guard. In front of the whole world, He had always projected Himself as being unaffected by reversals. The common citizen finds it hard to look up to a leader who shows signs of weakness; however, every leader needs room to express his feelings. For Rama, Sita was not merely that space, but a deep lake He could pour His emotions into and experience splashes of calm and elation.

Vilas, Shubha (2015-01-31). Ramayana: The Game of Life - Book 2: Shattered Dreams (Kindle Locations 1823-1837). Jaico Publishing House. Kindle Edition.

...to be contd...

Thanks for doing this 😊

Originally posted by: Meself

Okay I have to make a confession that I was left utterly confused when they used the concept of Ardhanarishwara for Ram and Sita, a form one usually associates with Shiva-Parvati. But this post honestly is throwing light on the key aspects of the said mention!

I am no expert on mythology and am still learning so this was a happy read! Posts some more and enlighten us all! :)

Ohh thatz amazing work... Plzzz do continue.. Really enjoyed reading itxxx

Awesome to read your posts Bheegi !! So glad to see you here !!

wow...I loved reading these...please continue.

A very beautiful post bheegi. Enjoying it very much. And I agree to you on the need of Purush and Prakriti to be together and Ram-Sita symbolized this Milan in the most harmonized manner.

Originally posted by: sumedha93

Thanks for doing this 😊

Thanks for highlighting the bonding between Siya Ram 👏