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2. Sita’s Gracious Gratitude

Now we look at some great inspiring incidents from Mahasati
Sita’s life. One of the most important incident which occurred
in the latter half of her life :

Sitaji courageously performed the great Agni Pariksha* and
the huge pit of burning fire transformed into a calm lake of
water !
After this miracle, Ramchandraji, Lakshmanji, etc. requested
her, “Welcome to Ayodhya. All your miseries will now come
to an end. Enjoy a tension-free and happy life now.”

At such a time Mahasati Sita did not think that, “Ohhh !
Finally, let’s go. The dark night has passed. It is now time to
live happily and enjoy all the palatial pleasures. The citizens
of Ayodhya also respect and love me. It’s now the chance to
stay at peace.” She did not think in this direction. Instead she
felt the intense urge to renounce this material world. Therefore
she replied, “I do not wish to come back to Ayodhya. I wish
to become an ascetic and walk on the path preached by the
Arihanta Lords.”

Ramchandraji said, “What are you saying ? I agree that I
have offended you and I am guilty. But can’t you generously
forgive me ?

Sita said, “Do not say this. You haven’t offended me. Instead
you have done a great favour on me.

* Agni Pariksha - A test to prove your purity in which you are
supposed to step inside a huge pit burning with fire.
2. Sita’s Gracious Gratitude 9