Synopsis:

This Chapter  portrays Sita's journey from captivity in Ravana's Lanka to her reunion with Rama, a saga of emotional turbulence, divine grace, and profound wisdom. Reflecting with her sakhis in Valmiki Ashram, Sita revisits Ashoka Vana—the silent tree witnessing her anguish and offering solace, even as she was in Ravana’s captivity. She recalls Hanuman's arrival, a beacon of hope, entrusting him with her Chudamani as a plea for rescue.

Rama's triumph over Ravana is depicted as more than a personal victory; it's the vanquishing of Adharma and restoration of Dharma. 

Rama and Sita’s  reunion, after the slaying of Ravana is a moment of converging love, grief, and devotion: Sita touches Rama's feet in reverence, while Rama, choked with emotion, embodies the living ideal of duty. Rama then delivers eternal teachings on righteous living to the Vanars, his words shaping destinies.

As Dharma is restored, Rama returns to Ayodhya as a ruler devoted to his people. Sita recalls his noble governance—a reign of trust, virtue, and love. Yet, her compassion extends beyond victory to the grief of fallen warriors' families. She urges Rama to extend solace, and from his inner voice, an assurance emerges of their souls' eternal release. This chapter bridges themes of love, duty, and transcendence, leaving a lingering question: What lies beyond this moment?

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Through deception, he abducted me that day,

To Lanka evil Ravana took me away

Yet with Rama's name I did fervently pray,

This faith,  my savior, it will   light my way.

Song 1 : In the Shade of the Ashoka Tree

Sita :

Unbeckoned memory brings to me

 Ashoka tree's cool canopy.
In darkest hours of suffering's sea,
Became mother's embrace for me ||1||

Though Lanka's fearsome, grotesque might

Incessantly threatens  with its blight,

Ashoka's shade, a protective circle,
Offers  me a haven's might.||2||

In an instant, bestow blessings,

Tender leaves of  Ashoka tree,

‘Blessed soul in lives   for ages 

Wife of Rama you shall be’  ||3||

Lord Rama says :

 ( speaking  to Sita from inner voice )

Janaki I give thee word

A vow I make unwavering true

My soul-mate thou shall always be 

Across this life and others  too        ।।4||

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Bound by duty, the Lord’s decree, 

Rama's legions scoured  frontiers. 

Under  Ashoka  Hanuman finds her

Sita  vents  her sorrow in tears.

Song 2 : Chudamani

Sita:

Oh Hanuman,
Son of  Wind,

My CHUDAMANI1
Take thee kind. || Refrain ||

With devotion offer 

At the Lord's  feet,
Convey him the  sorrow,
Of my heart I entreat ||1||

Trees so lovely,

The  birds of beauty,
In this forest
Are sad with me  ||2||

My heart’s  turmoil

To them I plea

Will someone please 

Tell Rama to fetch me  ||3||

When will  dark night,
Turn to  dawn
To this sole thought
I am drawn ||4||

Note:1.   CHUDAMANI  (Marathi or Hindi word) would be a "head jewel" or "head ornament". It's a piece of jewelry worn on the head, often adorned with gemstones or other decorative elements.

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Sita was engrossed in her past memories

When her Sakhis asked her question

We have a doubt in our mind

Why did Lord kill Ravana?

Sita decided firmly

To clear the doubt of her Sakhis

Kidnapping had given birth to “Adharma” (non-righteous duties)

But victory of Rama over Ravana

Lead to re-establishment of “Dharma” (righteous duties)

Song 3: Sita Ram Reunion

Brave Hanuman brought the message

Lord Rama has become victorious

Wicked Ravana has been slain

Dharma is once again glorious ||1||

My heart is yearning to meet the Lord

I departed hurriedly to meet him

Eyes were full of joyous tears

With joy did my heart blossom ||2||

Brave Hanuman, the son of Anjani

And the countless army complete

Were standing with folded hands

When Lord stepped forth from his seat ||3||

With tearfull eyes I touched his feet

The soil with copious tears got wet

My Lord too was so happy

His throat was choked and eyes moist ||4||

Rama stood still and speechless

But His love touched my heart in abundance

“My dear Sita now there is no fear at all

At last the true 'Dharma' is victorious!” ||5||

At this sacred reunion of husband and wife
Lord seeing the ‘Vanars’ got embarrassed
To hide his embarrassment he asked
“Hanuman are you very much injured?” ||6||

No Lord! I remained safe with Your name

I bore every attack in calm

Seeing the loving mother Sita

The wounds now feel like a healing balm ||7||

Victorious Hanuman knew not how to react

So full of joy was he,

Started removing sepals of “Puja” flowers

And sucking from them honey ||8||

He asked the well being of braves all

Lord Rama loved them truly

Victory of “Dharma” gave peace to all

Everyone repeated humbly ||9||

Lord helped me up with his hands

Made me sit next to him

I wiped tears with edge of my garment

My cup of joy was filled to brim ||10||

When they saw Sita-Ram seated

The "Vanars" yelled joyously

Started showering winsome flowers

Rain-laden clouds sprayed blissfully||11||

With a raised palm He bid them silent be

And calmed the voices gently

The "Vanars" they stood with folded hands

To hear Lord Rama affectionately||12||

Rama:

Hark Ye’ Oh! Army of ‘Vanars’ (Ape-Men)

You have, indeed, performed a blessed deed,

Take ye’ this gift of progress,

Man shall worship you as the Monkey-God *indeed.||13||

Let not evil grow any more,

The wife of others, treat her like your mother,

Let Dharma (righteous duty) alone prosper,

May people through DUTY flower.||14||

Let all beings find sanctuary,

May spiritual knowledge lead to right conscience.

Little children, may they always find affection,

Treat elders with reverence.||15||

Be Ye’ humble to your teachers,

Drink the nectar of wisdom,

Adopt good conduct forever,

Uphold family values as solemn.||16||

Husband and wife are like two wheels of the same chariot,

Keep each other’s company as you progress spiritually,

Be ready to help the downtrodden,

Sow the seeds of good deeds perpetually. ||17||

Nature is mine and I am for nature,

Let this be in your heart and mind,

The shackles of time shall then fall asunder,

You shall meet and converse with souls sublime.||18||

Always perform ‘Sat-Karma’ (good-deeds),

People's welfare may it strike your heart's chord,

Give your life for divine plans,

Be Ye’ unified with the good Lord. ||19||

Let the above tenets for all living beings,

The basis of Dharma (Duty) form.

To spread this enlightenment,

Know Oh! Man, on earth you are born. ||20||

Sita :

Hearing the powerful, authoritative voice

The braves stood in awe silent

All of them felt blessed at heart

Their souls with Lord united ||21||

I lifted gaze to see my Lord

Saw his astral glow a flushed

In his deep ocean-like eyes

I immersed myself and blushed||22||

* Monkey-God Hanuman, one of the forest dweller - called Vanars (ape-men) - who devoutly helped Rama win over Ravana, is worshipped in India as a God. He bears the appearance of a monkey and signifies ‘Strength.’

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On reaching  her Lord Rama’s feet
Did Sita with  hope  meditate
At Lord’s feet, I shall always dwell
From them shall  never separate.

Song 4 : Moment of joy

Sita :

Hear Oh Sakhi! Hear Oh Sakhi!
My song indeed of happiness
That I got saved from Lanka
Is the love of my Lord glorious ||1||

Now I wish but for one thing
My mind be at the Lord's feet only
This joyous moment I wish
Should continue infinitely ||2||

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With Sakhi’s doubts laid to rest,

Sita’s thoughts to past entwined

She recalled Lord Rama’s reign

Raghu  heritage came to mind.

Song 5 : I recall seeing Rama’s reign

Sita :

Oh! Sakhi ,

I recall seeing Rama’s reign

My Lord wove bonds so pure divine

Of people’s heart in every lane

Like Mandar bloom in sacred shrine || Refrain ||

The Sun of happiness did rise

Ayodhya bloomed 'neath azure skies,

A garden bright with vibrant hues

A blissful scene met my eyes. || 1 ||

Devotion filled  brother  Bharat ,

Rule of  love he played his part

Words were calm, serene, wise,

People’s welfare held to heart  || 2 ||

Shri Laxman  dutiful stood

In people’s good he did excel

Unwavering walked path of  Truth

Even Gods came there to dwell || 3 ||

Mother Kausalya gave blessings

“Uphold legacy of Raghu clan”

My Lord  nourished worthy lore

Father’s soul  found peace again. || 4 ||

Song 6 : Today my Sakhi, a different thought

Sita :

Today my Sakhi1  a different thought
Weighs heavy on my mind

Warriors loyal of Lanka King  

Served the duty of their kin  || 1 ||

In   act heedless,  needless war
Many a fell , one cannot ignore
Innocent families  burden bear

Steeped in grief beyond compare  || 2 ||

As time passes, and peace reigns
A constant sting , for me sustains

O Lord Rama, the just King true
To fallen souls, give solace due    || 3 ||

Rama Speaks 

(From inner voice):

Grieve not Janaki and despair
Mother’s compassion, doth thou share

Those fallen at my feet rest
Souls released in heavenly quest. || 4 ||

Note: 1. SAKHI = lady friend

End of Chapter 6

Om Shanti! Om Shanti! Om Shanti!