Sita's Trial by Fire

"Seek King Vibhishana's permission and proceed to the Ashok Garden," Rama instructed Hanuman. "Inform Sita that Ravana has been slain; she has been anxiously awaiting this news. Also, tell her to bathe, dress, and come to meet Lakshmana and me."

Hanuman swiftly made his way to the Ashok Garden and delivered Rama's message to Sita. Overjoyed, she bathed in pure water, adorned herself in new clothes and gold ornaments, and was carried by four demonesses to Rama and Lakshmana on a palanquin. Seeing her husband for the first time since her abduction, Sita was euphoric. Rama, equally thrilled to see Sita after so long, maintained his composure.

"I am glad to have you back," Rama said to Sita. "But I cannot accept you until your purity is proven to the world. You must undergo a fire test." Tears filled Sita's eyes, and Lakshmana was troubled by Rama's apparent reluctance to welcome her back. Nevertheless, he built a bonfire as his elder brother had ordered. Sita folded her hands and bowed to her husband.

"O Agni," Sita implored. "Protect me if I have remained loyal and faithful to my husband." As she entered the flames, a miracle occurred—all the gods, including Agni, appeared.

"O Lord," Brahma, the Creator of the universe, addressed Rama. "You are an avatar of Vishnu, incarnated to defeat Ravana. Sita is none other than your wife, Goddess Lakshmi."

Agni bowed to Sita and handed her to Rama, thus proving her purity.

"This beautiful woman had stayed in Ravana's Lanka for some time," Rama told the gods. "If I hadn't made her undergo this fire test, the world would have thought that my love for Sita had blinded me. Now, her purity has been established; she is unblemished. She is not distinct from me, just as the sun's rays are not distinct from the sun."

Then, King Dasharatha's soul descended from Svarga and said to Sita, "Dearest daughter, please forgive my son, Rama. Making you undergo this fire test was inappropriate on his part."