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
Sita, however, bowed to the Lord's command-pure as She was in thought, word and deed-and said, "Laksmana, help me as a priest in the performance of this sacred rite and quickly kindle me a fire." When Laksmana heard Sita's words, full of anguish caused by separation (from Her Lord) and imbued with critical insight, piety and prudence, tears rushed to his eyes and he joined his palms in prayer; but he too could not speak a word to the Lord. Reading Sri Rama's tacit approval in His looks, however, Laksmana ran and after kindling a fire brought plenty of firewood. Videha's Daughter rejoiced at heart to perceive the blazing fire and did not flinch at all. "If in thought, word and deed I have never set my heart on anyone other than the Hero of Raghu's line, may this fire, which knows the working of all minds, become cool like sandal-paste to me."