There is a unique story in the Ramayana of Baiga Tribe of Central India . In the story Lakshman goes through trial
of fire to prove his fidelity. Lakshman was leading a life of Brahmachari
during the exile period in the Ramayana.
During the exile in the forest, Lakshman used to play the
Kingri musical instrument. He played it so beautifully that Apsara Indrakamini
of heaven was attracted to Lakshman.
She tried to induce him into love making. But all her
efforts failed. The apsara was jealous and angry. To avenge her insult, one
night when Lakshman was fast asleep she broke her bangles and scattered it on
his bed. She also left an earring of her on the bed.
Next day morning when Mata Sita came to sweep the room, she
discovered the bangles and earring. She reported the matter to Sri Ram.
Lakshman was unable to convince his brother and Mata Sita
that he was innocent.
An angry Lakshman then decided to take the trial of fire to
prove his fidelity. He jumped into a huge fire pit and came out unscathed. Thus
proving his fidelity and love for his wife Urmila.
Note – There are a number of versions of this story. In one
Sri Ram attempts to find out whose bangle and earring it is. So he summons all
the women in the forest were they are staying. But the broken bangles and
earrings does not belong to anyone. Then the forest women think it should be of
Sita. It is here Lakshman gets angry and takes trial of fire.
Note 1 – In another version Lakshman is dejected that his
brother did not trust and him asks Mother Earth to take him back. Mother Earth
opens up and Lakshman jumps into it.
Note 2 - The above story is not part of Valmiki Ramayana. It is part of the Baiga Tribe Ramayana.
Note 2 - The above story is not part of Valmiki Ramayana. It is part of the Baiga Tribe Ramayana.