Chapter 38: The Rumours of Ayodhya
Years passed after the coronation of Lord Rama.
Under his rule, Ayodhya became the ideal kingdom.
Justice was impartial.
The poor were protected.
The weak found safety.
Merchants prospered.
Farmers enjoyed abundant harvests.
The people lived without fear, and the name of Rama was spoken with love throughout the land.
This golden age became known as Rama Rajya.
Queen Sita stood beside Rama as the beloved queen of Ayodhya.
She was respected for her compassion, humility, and unwavering devotion to Dharma.
Soon, joyful news spread through the palace.
Sita was expecting a child.
The entire royal family rejoiced.
Kausalya, Sumitra, and Kaikeyi prayed for the well-being of the future heir of the Ikshvaku dynasty.
Rama's happiness knew no bounds.
Yet even in the happiest kingdoms, shadows can arise.
One night, as part of his duty as king, Rama sought to learn the true feelings of his people.
He wished to know whether justice was reaching every home.
Around the same time, a disturbing incident occurred in Ayodhya.
A washerman (Dhobi), while arguing with his wife, declared:
«"I am not Rama, who accepted back a wife who lived in another man's house."»
These harsh words spread among some people of the city.
Though many citizens deeply respected Sita and knew of her purity, the rumor reached the royal court.
Rama was deeply troubled.
He knew that Sita had already proven her purity before Agni, the Fire God, after the war in Lanka.
The gods themselves had testified to her innocence.
His own heart had never doubted her.
But Rama also believed that a king belonged not only to his family but to his entire kingdom.
He spent the night in silent thought.
Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna noticed his sorrow.
The next morning, Rama gathered his brothers.
"My beloved Sita is completely pure," he said.
"I know this without the slightest doubt."
"But a king must remain above public suspicion."
"If the people lose faith in their ruler, the kingdom itself may suffer."
Lakshmana's heart broke upon hearing these words.
"Brother," he pleaded, "the people are mistaken."
"Why should Mother Sita suffer again after all that she has endured?"
Rama closed his eyes.
"No decision has ever caused me greater pain."
"My duty as a husband calls me toward Sita."
"My duty as a king calls me toward the welfare of my people."
"I must bear this sorrow."
His voice trembled.
At last, he gave Lakshmana an instruction that no brother wished to hear.
"Take Sita to the forest near the hermitage of the great Sage Valmiki."
"Tell her that she is to remain there."
Lakshmana stood frozen.
Tears filled his eyes.
But as always, he obeyed his elder brother's command.
The next morning, Lakshmana prepared the royal chariot.
Sita believed they were traveling to visit the sages and offer prayers.
She spoke joyfully of the child she carried and of the peace that had returned to Ayodhya.
Every word pierced Lakshmana's heart.
After a long journey, they reached the peaceful forest near the hermitage of Sage Valmiki.
Unable to hide his grief any longer, Lakshmana bowed before Sita.
With tears flowing down his face, he revealed Rama's command.
For a moment, Sita stood in complete silence.
She understood immediately that Rama had not acted out of doubt or hatred.
He had chosen the painful path demanded by his understanding of royal duty.
Looking toward Ayodhya, she whispered,
"My Lord has always walked the path of Dharma."
"I shall also follow that path, whatever the cost."
She did not curse Rama.
She did not speak in anger.
Instead, she prayed for his well-being and for the prosperity of Ayodhya.
Lakshmana fell at her feet, unable to control his tears.
"Mother, forgive me."
"I have only obeyed my brother."
Sita gently raised him.
"You have committed no wrong, dear Lakshmana."
"Serve your brother as you always have."
"That is your Dharma."
Lakshmana returned to Ayodhya with a heart heavier than ever before.
Left alone in the forest, the pregnant Queen of Ayodhya stood beneath the trees.
At that moment, the disciples of Sage Valmiki discovered her and brought her to the great sage.
Through his divine insight, Valmiki already knew the truth.
He welcomed Sita with great respect.
"Mother," he said,
"This hermitage shall be your home."
"Here, your children shall grow in peace and righteousness."
Thus, Sita found refuge in Valmiki's ashram.
Far from the royal palace...
Far from the throne of Ayodhya...
The future of the Ikshvaku dynasty was about to be born in the quiet forest.
The next chapter of the Ramayana would begin with the birth of two princes whose voices would one day make the world hear the story of Rama itself.