Boon or Bane

After Lord Ram and Sita returned from exile and Sita was sent to the ashram with a heavy heart, carrying the burden of doubt on her young shoulders, Ram was coronated as King of Ayodhya and on the next day, Ram told Sita that they must go and visit Vashisht maharishi and his beloved wife Arundhati. So, the next day as planned, both Ram and Sita went to meet them and Aurndathi was overwhelmed to see them together as a loving couple. Then she enquired Sita about the difficult times she spent in the jungle with her beloved and handsome husband . Sita said that everything went well except the accusation that She had on her about her weariness spent after she was kidnapped by Ravana.

She wept and felt sad that even after her many days of pining, fasting, and pondering and thinking about Ram that one day he will surely come for her rescue, she spoilt her health, and she felt weak physically, emotionally and mentally. Her appearance was worst than a maid. Then wen Ram defeated Ravana and came to take her in Ashoka Vatika, he did not bother about the way she lóoked, neither did he enquire about how she spent every moment, with tears in her eyes, heart full of anguish and with hope that she would share all these things sleeping peacefully on the bosom of her husband. But Ram listened to people's words and he doubted her character and sent her away from him. For this, Arundhathi felt very sad and said, pls don't worry Sita. I am the one who has committed a great mistake.

Sita was quite puzzled by her remarks. Then Arundhati explained to her that she had given Sita a boon that to Ram s eyes Sita will look like a queen, decked with ornaments, flowers, and wearing silken clothes, bright with radiance so that everyday they could share the joy of intimacy between them. So when Ram saw Sita in Ashoka Vatika, she looked fresh, youthful, radiant to his eyes. He thought that Oh, Sita has spent her time here with happiness and as expected she never missed me or lamented for me or waited for my return. So he had to doubt upon her character. The point we are trying to bring out here is that Arundhati wanted good for Sita but it turned out to be a Bane for her and caused immense pain, sorrow and tilted her life completely upside down. . Sita came to know about the boon only then and understood that it was not completely Ram s fault to doubt her and she forgave him with her whole heart.