The Uttara Khanda attached to the Tamil Kamba Ramayana contains numerous stories not present in the original Valmiki Ramayana. Believed to be penned by Ottakutan and not Kamban, this later addition includes the tale of Sita's departure from Earth, attributed to Kaikeyi's jealousy.
Sita's Abandonment and Return
Sita, after being abandoned near the ashram of Gautama Rishi
due to malicious gossip in Ayodhya, was cared for by Ahalya, Gautama Rishi's
wife. She spent five years in the hermitage before being brought back to
Ayodhya with everyone's consent, seemingly to resume her place in the royal
household.
Kaikeyi's Jealousy
Despite Sita's return and apparent acceptance, Kaikeyi
harbored deep-seated jealousy towards her. This animosity fueled Kaikeyi's
scheme to ruin Sita's reputation and standing with Rama. Kaikeyi's motives were
complex, likely rooted in her own insecurities and lingering bitterness over
past events, including the outcomes of her own son Bharata's ascension issues.
The Devious Plot
Kaikeyi's scheme involved manipulating Sita into an act that
could be construed as treacherous. She cunningly persuaded Sita to draw a
picture of Ravana, the demon king of Lanka who had kidnapped her. In the guise
of a harmless activity, Kaikeyi convinced Sita to create this artwork, perhaps
under the pretense of reminiscing about her time in Lanka or as a form of
closure.
Rama's Anger and Condemnation
Upon completing the drawing, Kaikeyi presented it to Rama.
She likely framed the situation in such a way that it appeared Sita was still
emotionally attached to Ravana or, worse, that she harbored some form of
admiration or affection for him. This enraged Rama, who felt deeply betrayed by
the very implication. In a fit of anger and perceived betrayal, he condemned
Sita to death.
Sita's Departure
As Rama's judgment fell upon Sita, Bhumi Devi, the Earth
Goddess, intervened. Rising from the earth, she took Sita, her daughter, away, symbolizing her
return to her divine origins and the end of her mortal sufferings. This
dramatic departure marked a poignant conclusion to Sita's trials and
tribulations, further emphasizing the themes of purity, sacrifice, and the
injustices faced by the innocent.
The story of Kaikeyi's jealousy and its tragic consequences
highlights the complexities of human emotions and relationships within the epic
narrative. It underscores how jealousy can lead to devastating actions and the
suffering of the innocent, adding a layer of depth to the already rich tapestry
of the Ramayana.