Uttara Kanda, the seventh and final book of the Ramayana, deals with the events that occur after Rama’s return to Ayodhya and his coronation. This Kanda has a different tone from the previous books, focusing on the trials and tribulations faced by Rama and Sita after their return, as well as the final fates of the characters. It also includes the birth and early life of their sons, and Rama's eventual departure from the world. Some scholars believe that the Uttara Kanda might have been added to the Ramayana at a later time, due to its distinct narrative style and themes.
Here is a comprehensive summary of the Uttara Kanda 👇
1. Rama’s Reign and Sita’s Exile -
After Rama’s return to Ayodhya and his coronation, he rules the kingdom with righteousness and justice, establishing the ideal governance known as **Rama Rajya**. However, despite his prosperity, Rama hears rumors among the citizens of Ayodhya questioning Sita’s chastity during her captivity in Lanka. Although Sita had proven her purity through the Agni Pariksha (trial by fire), the murmurs of doubt among the people trouble Rama.
Believing that a king must be above reproach and sensitive to the opinions of his subjects, Rama makes the painful decision to exile Sita, even though she is pregnant at the time. He instructs his brother Lakshmana to escort Sita to the forest and leave her there, near the ashram (hermitage) of the sage Valmiki.
2. Sita in Valmiki’s Ashram -
In Valmiki’s ashram, Sita gives birth to twin sons, Lava and Kusha. The sage Valmiki takes care of the boys, teaching them the Vedas, warfare, and the story of their father, Rama. Lava and Kusha grow up without knowing their true parentage, learning about their heritage only through the Ramayana, which Valmiki composes and teaches them to sing.
3. The Ashwamedha Yajna -
Rama, in an effort to establish his supremacy and the prosperity of his kingdom, decides to perform the Ashwamedha Yajna, a horse sacrifice ritual. As part of the ritual, a consecrated horse is let loose to wander freely, and the territories it crosses must either accept the sovereignty of the horse’s owner or challenge it in battle.
The horse eventually reaches the region where Lava and Kusha are living. Unaware of their lineage, they capture the horse and challenge the accompanying army, which includes Rama’s brothers and many prominent warriors. Lava and Kusha defeat the army, including Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna.
4. Rama Meets Lava and Kusha -
Rama learns of the defeat of his army and comes to the battlefield himself. When he meets the two boys, he is struck by their resemblance to himself and Sita. Valmiki then arrives and reveals to Rama that Lava and Kusha are his sons. Rama is overjoyed and invites Sita to return to Ayodhya with him.
5. Sita’s Final Test and Departure -
Although Rama is eager to reunite with Sita, he requests her to undergo another public test of her purity to silence any remaining doubts among the people of Ayodhya. Sita, deeply hurt by Rama’s request, decides to prove her purity once and for all. She calls upon the Earth, her mother, to receive her if she has been faithful and pure. In response, the Earth splits open, and the goddess Earth (Bhumi Devi) rises on a throne. Sita enters the earth, disappearing forever, leaving Rama heartbroken.
6. Rama’s Departure from the World -
After ruling for many years, Rama realizes that his time on Earth is coming to an end. He decides to relinquish his mortal form and return to his divine abode, Vaikuntha. He installs his sons, Lava and Kusha, as rulers of different parts of his kingdom and bids farewell to his people. Rama, along with his brothers, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna, and many of his devoted followers, walks into the Sarayu River, where they are taken to their heavenly abode.
7. Significance of Uttara Kanda -
The Uttara Kanda explores the complexities of dharma (righteous duty) and the challenges of upholding it, especially for a ruler. Rama’s decision to exile Sita, despite knowing her innocence, highlights the harsh demands of kingship and the burden of public opinion. The Kanda also deals with themes of sacrifice, the nature of divine justice, and the ultimate reunion of the individual soul (jivatma) with the supreme soul (paramatma).
The narrative of Uttara Kanda is more reflective and tragic compared to the rest of the Ramayana. It emphasizes the human aspects of the characters, their emotions, and the consequences of their actions. Despite the sadness of Sita’s exile and her final departure, the Kanda ultimately reinforces the idea that righteousness and adherence to dharma, though difficult, are the highest ideals to be pursued.
Cultural and Religious Impact -
Uttara Kanda has had a significant influence on later Hindu literature, culture, and religious practices. The story of Lava and Kusha, for instance, is celebrated in many regional Ramayana adaptations and is an integral part of Rama's story. Sita’s ordeal and ultimate return to the Earth have also been interpreted in various ways, with some viewing her as the epitome of sacrifice and strength, while others see her story as a commentary on the societal expectations placed on women.
The Uttara Kanda, while being the conclusion of the Ramayana, leaves readers with profound moral questions about duty, righteousness, and the human condition.