The entire Ramayana is a supreme love story, between mesmerizing Rama and beautiful Sita, between Jeevatma (being) and Paramatma (Superlative Being). It is also a tale of a clash between love and dharma, with dharma winning hands down.
Dharma demands that one is sacrificed for the benefit of many and that one can be seen as Rama or Sita, or both. Rama stuck to his Raja Dharma even if it meant separation from the love of his life. Sita stuck to her wifely Dharma even if it meant she had to face slanders in her life.
In the Ramayana, even before Sita, many a character’s chastity had been questioned and they were reprimanded or punished. The tale culminates in Sita’s purity being questioned not just once, but twice. In the second exile of Sita, can one see vindication for both Rama and Sita?
The book delves into the purity of its many characters, including Parvati, Savitri, Arundhati, Anasuya, Lopamudra, Ahalya and Renuka in a methodical, yet poignant way. It focuses on why purity of character plays an important role in the laws of any land, its relevance and value in life, and why certain principles are held high for a society to flourish. It is hoped that the narrative may be found useful in uplifting the individual and society.
Meera Prakash hails from a deeply spiritual family and has been influenced by a long line of philosophers, scholars and writers. A naturally introspective person, her curiosity led her to learn more about all religions, myths, cultures and customs which prevail in a civilized society. She has authored seven books, including Om: Our Cosmic Connection.
Preface/ vii
Acknowledgement/ xiii
Introduction/ 1
Shiva and Parvati/ 7
Sati Pleads with Lord Shiva to Go to her Father’s Yagya/ 7
Oracle from the Skies and Daksha’s Destruction/ 10
Lord Shiva Accepts Parvati into his Service/ 11
Lord Shiva Destroys Kamadeva/ 12
How Parvati Married Lord Shiva/ 13
The Advice a Perfect Rishi Patni Gives Parvati/ 16
Commentary/ 17
Savitri/ 21
Arundhati/ 27
Anasuya/ 33
First Version/ 33
Second Version/ 34
Third Version/ 34
Fourth Version/ 35
Fifth Version/ 37
Rama, Sita and Lakshmana Meet Atri and Anasuya/ 38
Lopamudra/ 45
Sage Agasthya/ 45
According to One Version/ 45
According to Another Version/ 48
Sage Agasthya Stops Vindya Mountain Range from Growing/ 49
Birth of Lopamudra/ 51
Ahalya/ 58
Renuka/ 65
The Three Queens/ 70
Kaushalya/ 70
The Curse on Dasharatha/ 76
Kaikeyi/ 79
Sumithra/ 84
Shanta and Rishi Rishyashringa/ 91
Sages/ 96
Vishwamitra/ 96
Shatananda/ 98
Gautama/ 100
Jamadagn/i 103
Parasurama/ 105
Sita’s Sisters/ 108
Urmila/ 108
Mandavi/ 113
Shrutakirti/ 115
Kaikasi/ 118
Surpanakha/ 121
Sunayana/ 131
Sulochana/ 134
Mandodari/ 139
Tara and Ruma/ 148
Tara/ 149
Ruma/155
Vali/ 161
Indra/167
Ravana/ 171
Narada/ 191
Jayanta/ 200
The Washerman and his Wife/ 205
Sita/ 212
Sita’s Perspective/ 249
Rama/ 253
Rama’s Perspective/ 270
The Author/ 275