Lanka Kaanda
193 - Hanumån carries the happy news to Sita; Sita rejoins Sti Rama and enters fire as a test of her purity
Chaupais
Description
"Now, my dear son, devise some means whereby I may behold with my own eyes the tender swarthy limbs of my Lord." Then Hanuman returned to Sri Rama and apprised Him of Sita's welfare. On hearing Her tidings the Ornament of the solar race called Prince Angada and Vibhisana. "Both of you accompany the son of the wind-god and respectfully escort Janaka's Daughter here." Forthwith all went to the place where Sita was and found a whole host demonesses waiting on Her in all humility. Vibhisana gave prompt instructions to the demonesses, who washed Her body in all possible ways. They also decked Her with ornaments of every description and then brought a beautiful palanquin duly equipped. Videha's Daughter gladly mounted it with Her thoughts fixed on the all-blissful Rama, Her loving lord. Guards marched on all four sides, staves in hand; they were all supremely delighted at heart. The bears and monkeys all came to have a look at Her; but the guards darted in a fury to keep them back. Said the Hero of Raghu's line, "Follow my advice, Vibhisana and bring Sita on foot." "Let the monkeys gaze on Her as they would on their own mother," smilingly added the Almighty Lord of the Raghus. The bears and monkeys rejoiced to hear the Lord's words, while from the heavens the gods rained down flowers in profusion. Sita (it will be remembered) had been previously lodged in fire (vide Aranyakanda XXIII. 1-2); Sri Rama (the inner Witness of all) now sought to bring Her back to light.