During the climactic battles of the Ramayana, Rama and Lakshmana found themselves in a dire situation. Indrajit, Ravana's formidable son and a master of sorcery, had unleashed the powerful Nagapasha, a snake weapon, upon them. The venomous serpents conjured by the weapon coiled tightly around the brothers, rendering them unconscious and giving the illusion of death. This sight was heart-wrenching for the Vanara (monkey) army, who, witnessing their fallen leaders, were plunged into despair and hopelessness.
Indrajit, confident in his perceived victory, hurried to his
father Ravana's court to announce the supposed demise of Rama and Lakshmana.
Ecstatic at the news, Ravana saw an opportunity to further break Sita's spirit,
as she had steadfastly refused to yield to his advances. He believed that
showing Sita the lifeless forms of her husband and his brother would be the
final blow to her resilience.
Ravana approached Trijata, a compassionate Rakshasi
(demoness) who had been kind to Sita during her captivity. Ravana instructed
Trijata to take Sita in the Pushpaka chariot, a magical flying vehicle, to the
battlefield so she could see Rama and Lakshmana's seemingly lifeless bodies.
Ravana hoped this sight would force Sita into submission.
Trijata, though loyal to Ravana, had a soft spot for Sita
and did not wish to see her suffer further. Nevertheless, she complied with
Ravana's command and escorted Sita to the battlefield in the Pushpaka chariot.
As they approached the site where Rama and Lakshmana lay, Sita's heart sank.
Seeing her beloved husband and his brother motionless on the ground, she was
overcome with grief and began to weep uncontrollably.
In her moment of despair, Trijata sought to comfort Sita.
She gently reassured her that all was not lost. Trijata explained that Rama and
Lakshmana were not dead but were in a state of unconsciousness induced by the
Nagapasha. She expressed her belief in their resilience and the certainty that
they would recover and rise again. Her words were a balm to Sita's wounded
heart, instilling a glimmer of hope amidst her sorrow.
After offering these comforting words, Trijata took Sita
back to the Ashoka Vatika, the garden where she had been held captive. Despite
the heart-wrenching experience, Sita found solace in Trijata's reassurance and
clung to the hope of Rama and Lakshmana's recovery and eventual victory.
This poignant episode is recounted in the Bengali Krittibasi Ramayana, a version of the Ramayana that has been cherished in Bengali literature and culture. It highlights the enduring themes of hope, resilience, and the power of compassionate support even in the darkest of times.