Thread by @_ankahi

On the subject of Ramayana, there is one topic that the liberals always throw in our face, and that is the Agnipriksha or test of chastity of Sita. They call all kinds of bad names to ShriRama, and accuse the Vedic Hindus of being women-oppressors.

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There are two ways to approach the subject, 1) to analyse the epic as a record of history 2) to consider it pure mythology. Many liberals believe it to be piece of fiction, (despite scientific proof to the contrary) with them there cant be any debate.

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So we're left with first option, that Ramayana is history. In that case, we start the analysis with one condition on the onset, there cant be any miracles or super-natural events here; eg, a burning pyre cant die down sensing the chastity of a woman.

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Both popular authors on the subject, Valmiki n Tulsidas are poets, n poetry as we know is replete with hyperbole n symbolism. So it's only logical to assume that the fire they mention is symbolic. Of what? Of public opinion. Statements of witnesses.

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This is how the events proceed, Shri Rama on seeing SIta is exuberant at first but then steps back, saying he cant accept her n she's free to go where she wants. Sita outraged by the accusation asks Lakshman to prepare a pyre for her to self-immolate.

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Lakshman complies n sets up the pyre. Hearing the commotion, all in Lanka gather around. Demons n Demonesses, guards of AshokVatika come forward n give their testimony. "Never once did she succumb to the constant wooing by Ravan." The fire dies down.

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Once the verdict of public is clearly heard by all, Shri Rama imm step forward to accept Sita. But she is still indignant being the self-respecting Vedic woman that she is. "How dare you accuse me like that? Dont you know me? Explain yourself, Rama!"

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ShriRama apologizes. "Im not free to act like common men as Im soon to be king. My conduct has be spotless. If I acceptd you without qstn, they would call me a smitten man who cares not for the conduct of his wife, only her pretty face. Not anymore."

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Sita is satisfied by his explanation, n allows him to approach her. Vanaras n Rakshasas all hail them as the perfect couple, epitomes of good conduct n virtue, exemplary in their courage as well as adherance to Dharma, both in personal life n public.

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Where is the controversy in this episode? There never was any! It just needed a level head n willing logic to understand it in proper perspective. Taken out of context n blown out of proportion anything can become controversial. It's unfortunate that our historians did just that.