Sita's Unjust Banishment

When they reached the other coast, Lakshmana joined his hands and said to Sita, "When I think about this matter, my mind is plagued by guilt. What will people think of my actions? But I am following the orders of a wise and saintly man. Dearest sister-in-law, please forgive me for what I am about to do."

Seeing Lakshmana crying and apologizing, Sita grew concerned. "Lakshmana," she said, "tell me the truth. I see that something is troubling you. Is Rama well? It seems he has entrusted you with a task that you find difficult to carry out. Lakshmana, I command you to tell me why you are distressed."

At Sita's insistence, Lakshmana bowed and said, with a heavy heart, "Brother Rama has heard the public say indecent things about you. I cannot repeat their remarks, but Rama was deeply distressed by them. Despite witnessing your purity being tested, he has given you up out of fear of stigma. He ordered me to take you to the sages' ashram per your final wish."

Sita was dumbstruck by Lakshmana's words. A few moments later, she began to weep bitterly.

"Lakshmana," she cried, "this body of mine was created to suffer. I must have sinned in my previous life and am now being punished. Why else would Rama abandon me when I have always been faithful to him? I endured so many hardships during our fourteen-year exile. How will I live in the forest without my loved ones? When the sages ask why I was banished, what will I tell them?"

Lakshmana was so distraught he didn't know what to say. He bowed to Sita and returned to the boat. He crossed the river and then, with a heavy heart, boarded the chariot. When he turned around, he saw Sita on the opposite bank, alone and helpless. But he had no choice but to return to the palace.