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The
epics and their relevance -
(Feb. 23th 2001)
You must read the story as a human story, lived among human
beings, by a human being, and, then, Oh, what rich treasures
there are of wisdom in it!
Sita
- Not born of a womb
(December 16th 2002)
She represents the womanhood of India. If Rama was the ideal
man, she was the ideal woman. The most beautiful and gracious of
all women.
The
delight of Janaka
(December 17th 2002)
In fact, Sita was dearer to him. He specified a test of strength
for the suitor of Janaki's hand, not that of Urmila, his own
child!
The
Bow of Shiva
(December 18th 2002)
It was a massive bow, mounted on a wheeled box that had to be
hauled by hundreds of warriors. 'Sixty thousand,' says Kamban
hauled it. The arithmetical accuracy of the number doesn't
matter.
A
story of love
(December 19th 2002)
Kamban varies the drama here. He wanted to lay stress on the
point that the girl has a say in the matter. He wanted to
establish beyond doubt that she accepted Rama not just
because...
aNNalum
nOkkinaan avaLum nOkkinaaL
(December 20th 2002)
It is an enthralling story of love that Kamban builds. They see
each other by sheer accident. They forget their surroundings.
pEsavum
vENdumO? (December
23rd 2002)
When hearts are in perfect communion, what is the need for
words! Though they are playing their roles on this earth as
humans, the Divine Couple have been...
Strange
kind of feelings
(December 24th 2002)
Before I could even realise what was happening, his smile that
took me away. That drank the very source of life from me in one
clean sip.
He
rules their hearts
(December 25th 2002)
Rama's eyes were on the bow and on the bow only. He was waiting
for the word 'go' from the mouth of his preceptor, who engaged
the audience in a peroration...
They
heard it breaking
(December 26th 2002)
He picked it up as easily as he would pick the garland that he
is to adorn the shoulders of Sita with, on the day of their
marriage. The people around had frozen in amazement...
If
it is not he...
(December 27th 2002)
She realised what information that she has is only partially
dependable. Chances are that that her guess might go wrong. Her
mind needed an explicit confirmation.
They
meet again (December
30th 2002)
He was a 'thaamaraik kaadu,' says
the Poet. A forest of lotuses. Eyes of lotus, face of lotus,
palms of lotus...
She
does exist, does she!
(December 31st 2002)
'O, are you for real!' Rama's mind leapt up with wonder. 'Does
this koel of ruddy lips exist in this world also! Is she not a
figment of my imagination!'
He
walked out of my dream
(January 01st 2003)
Her head was bent low. Her fingers were playing with her
bangles. She raised one arm slightly up and the fingers of the
other arm moved over the bangles...
Sita
Kalyanam (January 03rd
2003)
It was the wedding of all the four brothers. And yet the event
is known by only one name Sita Kalyanam.
My
heaven is where thou art!
(January 06th 2003)
How happy she must have been when her husband, the joy of the
people, the pride of Ayodhya, encountered the terror of
kshatriyas, Parasurama...
The
power of love - I
(January 07th 2003)
But we are not only surprised but are shocked to listen to the
words of Sita when she receives him in their private chamber.
The
power of love - II
(January 08th 2003)
That shows Rama so human, so close to us. Not a single one of us
could resist himself from taking delight in the thought, 'O was
that so! Was he like me!'
Bid
me good-bye, would you?
(January 09th 2003)
Compare the Sloka with what Rama uttered to Kausalya. The
message is the same. But one can see that the emotions that show
through his words now...
A
child-like exterior
(January 10th 2003)
Her arguments sound too innocent in the beginning. She speaks
like a child and gives out a 'very valid' reason for her being
taken to the jungle...
When
the heart speaks
(January 13th 2003)
A knife should be held by its handle! The emotions that swell in
the mind of Sita have to be seen in perspective and taken into
account accordingly...
When
the heart speaks - II
(January 14th 2003)
It has been pre-ordained that I have to live in the forest and
it has come true now. Ever since I heard that prediction, I have
been nurturing a desire in my heart...
Threats
to taunts (January
15th 2003)
She is unable to control herself any further. And there occurs
this Sloka that she utters to Rama.
A
thorn under the petal?
(January 16th 2003)
These words are usually brought against Sita as a tremendous
transgression of duty on her part, as a violation of the limits
that a woman should observe...
Since
I did not know
(January 17th 2003)
What the critics of Sita seem to miss is that, our opinion does
not at all matter in this respect! What really matters is...
You
have done me proud
(January 20th 2003)
His very tone changes now. It is no more a dispassionate voice,
void of emotions. He is actually delighted. That delight shows
through in his words.
Of
options and decisions
(January 21st 2003)
It is not right to say that Sri Rama was "left with no
option but to accept her decision." He was happy about what
Sita did.
Of
options and decisions - Part II
(January 22nd 2003)
Rama adopted the same strategy that he employed in respect of
Sita, in the case of Lakshmana as well and not before knowing
his heart did he...
Lotus
bloomed on canvas
(January 23rd 2003)
That is an important change in the personality of Rama that
Kamban is making. What then could be the reason for the distress
displayed by Sita!
A
natural decision
(January 24th 2003)
She was emboldened to wear the hermit's weeds by herself. She
did not wait for his 'yes'. She asserted her right as his wife
to accompany him...
Is
this all?
(January 28th 2003)
She pouted. 'So this is the only thing that causes pain?'
Of
affection and administration
(January 29th 2003)
But these are administrative matters. Kamban lays emphasis on
affection...
What
does it mean?
(January 30th 2003)
The person in exile is supposed to lead a life like a hermit,
keeping his mind away from physical pleasures.
How
do they wear it?
(January 31st 2003)
Rama must have smiled at her plight. He quickly came to her
rescue.
Steadfast
she remains
(February 3rd 2003)
It is amazing to see the calmness with which Janaki takes the
situation.
Take
care of my parrot
(February 4rth 2003)
She would display the qualities of an average and innocent woman
now, that of a curious child the next moment.
She
is a delight to watch
(February 5th 2003)
Janaki is no exception to this general rule. We see her praying
at every little opportunity.
She
is a delight to watch - Part II
(February 6th 2003)
It moves like a dream. A thick forest, a swift river, two men
rowing the raft and an angel seated comfortably
She
is a delight to watch - Part III
(February 7th 2003)
For the first time in these three occasions, Rama sees her and
hears her praying.
Unstringing
the bow
(February 10th 2003)
Rama, who is used to moving about with the banded bow in hand,
is extremely careful about...
A
solicitation and a demand
(February 11th 2003)
They remind him of his kingly duties. They tell him that it is
the duty of a Kshatriya to protect the subjects.
Here
are your weapons
(February 12th 2003)
The Poet gives a ‘directorial touch’ here, when they prepare
to leave, taking us close to the heart of Rama.
Up
in arms?
(February 13th 2003)
There are moments when love mutes all logic between the two of
them. But when the intellect is at work...
It
is the way of weaponry
(February 14th 2003)
‘I don’t like your going to Dandaka.. I don’t want you to
indulge in unprovoked war and killing.’
Sword
in the hands of a sage
(February 17th 2003)
Rama, you are a born Kshatriya. Weapons are a part of your life.
To
be armed, or to be harmed?
(February 18th 2003)
Does the assurance that you gave to the sages to wipe out ogres
not violate the main purpose...
A
matter of discussion
(February 19th 2003)
How many of us can take a piece of advice from the wife! How
many of us can remain calm when she speaks in this manner!
A
matter of discussion II
(February 20th 2003)
Sita says, ‘You need not accept my view simply because I tell
you this. You know what is to be done. You know what is right...
You
and your father
(February 21st 2003)
That Vaidehi played her part very well is only half the story.
The beauty of the situation could be spoiled if the husband is
rash and harsh and if he is impatient…
You
said it!
(February 24th 2003)
It was you who uttered these words! Don’t you see that you
have answered your questions with your own words!
Truth
is dearer to me
(February 25th 2003)
‘People blame Sita in their ignorance,’ says Srinivasa
Sastriyar and draws our attention to the way in which Rama took
those words.
Companion
in Dharma
(February 26th 2003)
Let us be fair and put ourselves in his place and ask: ‘Do I
have the patience that Rama had when his wife held a different
point of view and expressed it?
The
story of Dandaka
(February 27th 2003)
The family was firm in its pursuit of Dharma and upholding
righteousness. They had no place for freaks and eccentrics like
Asamanja and Danda.
Viradha
(February 28th 2003)
The name Viradha is interpreted as vi-raadha, ‘devoid of
love.’ According to another version of the story, he was a
worshipper of Lakshmi.
Satan
quoting the scripture
(March 03rd 2003)
‘You have the outward appearance of the sages. Your hair is
matted. You are wearing the hermit’s weeds. But why are you
carrying weapons?
Let
him have his way
(March 04th 2003)
The brothers enjoyed the ride. ‘Do not disturb him. In fact,
this is the way in which we have to go.
In
motherliness she pleads
(March 05th 2003)
But her reaction is quite different. She quickly turns into the
mother that she is. She throws up her hands high in the air at
Viradha, and pleads with him.
Protector
in times of fear
(March 06th 2003)
‘I know you all by name. I did not realise that you are Rama
and she is Vaidehi. Now, bear with me. Let your feet liberate me
and set me unto deliverance!’
Five
and five years of peace
(March 07th 2003)
The couple and Lakshmana spent ten years in Dandakaranya,
spending all their time with the hermits.
The
meeting with Agastya
(March 15th 2003)
Valmiki has portrayed Rama as the incarnation of Narayana,
having come down to the earth for upholding what is right.
Jatayu
the vulture king
(March 18th 2003)
This is a very important role. Conveying the information to Rama,
not merely as a passive witness but as an active and a valiant
martyr.
A
vision or a waking dream...
(March 20th 2003)
A wonderfully fascinating atmosphere indeed! Lake abounding with
lotuses and the Godavari close by, herds of deer, flocks of
peacock...
Surpanakha
arrives (March
21st 2003)
She decided that this was the man for her. That is the trouble
with demons. Or, with persons with demonic qualities.
Darling
or demon?
(March 24th 2003)
Rama is amused at the quick judgment that Surpanakha is capable
of. He is not able to resist the temptation to play the game her
way...
A
fanatic turning frantic
(March 25th 2003)
Kamban develops her lust for Rama, further. What would a
demoness with enormous and limitless power do, when her mind is
propelled by tender feelings?
The
most kindest cut
(March 26th 2003)
Lakshmana could have killed her that day, as did Rama in the
case of Tataka, the grandmother of Surpanakha. He exercised the
‘bare minimum’ force...
The
Turning Point I
(March 27th 2003)
If it was Manthara the hunchbacked who turned the events in the
direction of destruction of Ravana and Kaikeyi who prepared the
ground for it...
The
Turning Point II
(March 28th 2003)
It was the second lease of life for Marica. The arrow of Rama
had killed his brother Subahu, while guarding the penance of
Viswamitra and had merely thrown him into the sea.
Naughty
dear or knotty deer?
(March 31st 2003)
A gem-studded golden deer! That may sound odd and weird. But it
is not so. Only, one has to understand the Poet’s ways of
looking at things around him...
Too
happy in thy happiness
(April 1st 2003)
She became the child that she is once again. She was as joyous
as a child on seeing the deer. She is actually overtaken by
euphoria.
For
the sake of Love - Part I
(April 2nd 2003)
‘You would be happy. Bharata would be happy. Kausalya, Sumitra
and Kaikeyi would be happy.
For
the sake of Love - Part II
(April 3rd 2003)
But even before Rama speaks to Lakshmana in this manner, Valmiki
makes another thing abundantly clear. That is the second reason
why Rama decided...
Dhevar
seydha baakiyam…
(April 4th 2003)
Sita is impatient and is unable to contain herself any further.
Kamban brings her mood out beautifully in just two lines
Dharma
or no dharma?
(April 7th 2003)
Now on the question of Dharma. This point need not be confused
with Dharma. What we have to understand is that there are
certain values, which do not change at all...
A
special gift from a special one
(April 8th 2003)
What she was asking for from Rama was a gift. It is not that the
deer is special and hence she needed it. It should come to her
from that special person...
Seed
of a thunder
(April 9th 2003)
What we are going to do from now on would be for her sake, O
descendant of the Raghus...
He
stays calm and guarding
(April 10th 2003)
What would have been Janaki’s state of mind and what would
have been the feelings of Lakshmana at this moment?
My
love, my anxiety
(April 11th 2003)
She was in a confused state of mind, confused about the
correctness of her desire and having insisted that Rama should
go behind the deer.
“The
boy stood the burning deck”
(April 14th 2003)
If it was threats to taunts with Rama, it is reversed now with
Lakshmana. It is taunts to threats. Of course, the first one was
a different situation.
Motivated,
you are (April
15th 2003)
Commentators place the emphasis on her scorching remarks that
question the very intention of Lakshmana about her. But I think
it would be more appropriate...
Sacred
trust (April
16th 2003)
I won’t move away because that is how Rama has commanded me. I
cannot go against his words nor throw the trust that is vested
in me to the winds.
“marathirkkum
ahdhe thunai”
(April 17th 2003)
It is only fools who think that love is behind virtuous deeds
only...
A
mind lacerated
(April 18th 2003)
Lakshmana’s balance is destabilised obviously. If not, would
he have uttered these words?
The
other fire ordeal
(April 21st 2003)
Kamban skipped all the taunts. He made his choice from one of
her threats, the closest that she could do.
She
wipes her tears
(April 22nd 2003)
She was sitting in the hermitage, hoping to receive her husband
and her brother-in-law safe. Her thoughts were moving around
them. She was in tears.
A
well surrounded by grass
(April 23rd 2003)
He stood like ‘tRiNaiH kuupa’ says Valmiki. A well covered
and hidden by the thick growth of grass.
A
string of lotuses
(April 24th 2003)
If she is the Lakshmi who left her abode of a lotus let that be
so, the Poet seems to suggest, this Mahalakshmi is a string of
lotuses, herself.
Here
lies her heart
(April 28th 2003)
Something prevents her from speaking to him. It must have been
the embarrassment that he caused when he opened the
conversation.
All
that glitters...
(April 29th 2003)
I handpicked them. But now I realise that their beauty is
nothing before you! You glitter like gold...
Of
what avail is knowledge…
(April 30th 2003)
The purpose of education, what Ravana suggests, is to know and
understand what gives comfort to a person – wealth, power,
luxury…
Playing
with fire (May
1st 2003)
Your desire is like the desire to bundle up the blazing fire in
a piece of cloth...
Carrying
her away (May
2nd 2003)
Ravana burned with rage on hearing the challenge. This is
something that none has dared utter in his presence…
Helpless
I am (May 5th
2003)
The Lord and His Consort are playing their human roles now and
let us look at them from that perspective…
Was
he a devotee?
(May 6th 2003)
If Ravana carried her off because he was her devotee, then we
should find other suitable explanations for his behaviour; his
attitude to her...
Clever
but not convincing
(May 7th 2003)
Either way, it is a clever invention. It serves to save Janaki
from the ‘disrepute’ that clouds her. But that
‘disrepute’ is what the pundits have perceived…
This
is what she has to say
(May 8th 2003)
If expert opinion differs and interprets this moment variedly...
This
is what she has to say - Part II
(May 9th 2003)
This is one of the most beautiful and most moving scenes in the
epic.
Ore
and Ornament
(May 12th 2003)
Draupadi was subjected to humiliation worse than this. She was
brought to the hall …
Ore
and Ornament Part II
(May 13th 2003)
Kamban develops the drama convincingly and in consonance with
the dramatis personae and the respective roles that they play...
A
count of shoulders
(May 14th 2003)
Your Ravana was imprisoned by Karthaviryarjuna. That
Karthaviryarjuna was killed by Parasurama. Swamiji, you do not
seem to know...
Makeup
wiped clean
(May 15th 2003)
Kamban captures his embarrassment and the uneasiness
beautifully. Very rarely does Ravana go on the defensive. There
was no necessity for him to do so.
When
feelings run wild
(May 16th 2003)
The inconsistency in his speech is intended. He actually states
that…
Embodiment
of Patience (May 20th
2003)
The Poet very obviously suggests that if Ravana survived that
day, it was due to her quality of patience…
What
would it mean? (May
21st 2003)
More over, this makes her stand with her head held high in the
Agni Pravesa scene
A
father figure (May
22nd 2003)
That he was the friend of Dasaratha was reason enough for Rama
to feel close to Jatayu…
Sampati
(May 23rd 2003)
Valmiki gives a breathtaking account of the way the earth
appears from the skies…
In
the service of their Lord
(May 26th 2003)
This particular place is significant for this is one of those
very few places where Valmiki speaks openly of the divine nature
of Sri Rama...
Inform
my protector (May 27th
2003)
Though shocked beyond words, though lamenting loudly about lack
of protection, Janaki had not lost her sense of proportion that
day.
Jatayu
- The Vulture King
(May 28th 2003)
She wanted Jatayu to remain unharmed, as he is the only link
available now to convey the message to Sri Rama
A
Look at Sri Rama - part I
(May 29th 2003)
The acts of those in power, those in authority or those who are
held in high public esteem, set an example to the general body
of public mind.
Look
at Sri Rama - part II
(May 30th 2003)
What you are doing is not acceptable on any account. First, you
are a king and are supposed to set an example to others…
Last
hope, lost hope
(June 2nd 2003)
He was the only source of hope for Sita. She looked to him for
conveying the message of her abduction to Sri Rama.
The
great bird and the little bird
(June 4th 2003)
Though you maimed the great bird that I am and rendered me
helpless you will never be able to break the strong will of the
little mynah...
Her
world turns cruel
(June 5th 2003)
It was an hour that turned a beautiful dream into a nightmare.
Guided
by intuition…
(June 6th 2003)
There was no time left for her to look for evidence that
supported what she felt about the five monkey-chiefs
The
question of silk and gold
(June 9th 2003)
Why should a person living in the jungle be wearing jewels and
silk clothes?.
Greater
strength and greater courage
(June 10th 2003)
All his skills with the bow and his battle against the evil
depended on this princess, a heart of iron enshrined in a tender
frame.
A
challenge to her will
(June 11th 2003)
Ravana believed in two things to convert anyone to his side.
Have
a choice, do you?
(June 12th 2003)
The first thing is to make it clear to her that he was the lord
of the most enviable of all palaces.
She
is mine (June 13th
2003)
Ravana demonstrates that he has gone incapable of observing,
thinking or deducing the right thing.
Cunning
ways and clever interpretations
(June 16th 2003)
The entire episode would be held in another perspective if this
situation were accepted.
Demands
of modesty? (June 17th
2003)
Janaki displays the metal that she is made of. For ten more
months, she would have to wage a lone battle.
Demands
of modesty? Part II
(June 18th 2003)
From where did Sita find a blade of grass, given the situation
that she was in the palace, especially when the order for taking
her to the Asoka Vana was not yet issued?
Medium
and the message
(June 19th 2003)
"You are as worthless to me as this blade of grass",
retorts Sita, who is neither impressed by Ravana nor afraid of
him...
Blade
of Steel and Blade of Grass
(June 20th 2003)
On hearing Sita's words, Ravana's hair stood on end. This did
not happen to him even during the battle with Yama!...
Left
in the grove (June
23rd 2003)
We move away from Sita, unable to bear the sight and our hearts
heavy, turning back at her again and again as did Lakshmana.
Hanuman
spots her (June 24th
2003)
He has just completed scouring the entire country of Lanka. He
had entered the bedchamber of Ravana...
Flame
covered by smoke (June
25th 2003)
This is the same woman for whom the entire Ayodhya wept when she
wore the hermit’s weeds…
Logically
speaking (June 26th
2003)
Therefore, there is no doubt that she was the one who dropped
the jewels that were collected in Rishyamuka Mountain the other
day.
The
Assault on Identity (June
27th 2003)
‘Everything starts with the assault upon identity,’ says
Lifton. Erase that identity and the person is prepared for his
or her inner surrender.
On
wives and their roles (June
30th 2003)
It is just plain and obvious that Mandodari or Dhanyamalini did
not like what was going on before their eyes.
What
she went through (July 1st
2003)
Ravana's address to Sita, is something which a normal woman of
any age will not like listening to...
What
she went through - Part II
(July 2nd 2003)
That sets a series of threats from those ogresses of varying
shapes, who had mastered the art of coercion...
Is
the spirit willing? (July 3rd
2003)
Subjected to regular and never-ending harassment over a number
of months, Janaki was unable to take it any further...
Surudhi
naayagan varum varum...
(July 4th 2003)
Sita's eyes would roll in all directions, always eager and ready
to receive him the moment he arrives...
The
‘not to be’ - Part I
(July 7th 2003)
It is a sudden impulse that leads Sita to the decision of
committing suicide, in Valmiki Ramayana...
The
‘not to be’ - Part II
(July 8th 2003)
Kamban arms her repartees with sting, fang, nail and teeth.
Black humour bubbles forth from her undaunted spirit.
The
‘not to be’ - Part III
(July 9th 2003)
But let me think of the time after that. He might even accept me
and take me back with him to Ayodhya. Would the people of
Ayodhya be silent?
The
‘not to be’ - Part IV
(July 10th 2003)
Sita foresees a momkent when she would be questioned in public.
She also foresees a moment when she would be questioned by the
public.
Dawn
follows darkness (July 11th
2003)
The story of Ramayana - and that of Mahabharata - has been built
around human nature.
Monkey
in a dream (July 14th 2003)
Sita found a monkey uttering the name of Rama, and wondered if
she was dreaming.
The
Natural and the Supernatural
(July 15th 2003)
Although Rama and his brothers are divine incarnations, their
actions are those of mere humans.
irakkamE
vadivaai vandhu… (July 16th
2003)
He chanted the name of my Lord! If he represents something evil,
let that be so...
He
sweeps into action (July 17th
2003)
Kamban’s Hanuman is the quick, easy and full-spirited self,
especially at such critical times...
The
ice is broken (July 18th
2003)
Hanuman's Sita's initial suspicion about this monkey seemed to
vanish...
An
errand boy I am... (July 21st
2003)
Hanuman sounds very modest. 'Mother, I am nothing more than an
errand boy in that army!'...
Just
one wrong step (July 22nd
2003)
It is only natural that excitement takes over anyone faced with
a formidable task...
An
error of omission too (July
23rd 2003)
At the end of a long peroration, Hanuman produces the signet
ring of Sri Rama...
The
Relations Manager (July 24th
2003)
Kamban's drama is pleasant, convincing and keeps the focus on
building trust.
Rama's
love is undiminished (July
25th 2003)
The jewels that Sita discarded gave him the strength he
needed...
Sita
and the signet - I (July 28th
2003)
Sita rejoices. It is not a ring anymore. She sees her own loving
Rama in it...
Sita
and the signet - II (July
29th 2003)
When the loved one is away, ordinary objects kindle and
intensify tender feelings...
In
praise of Maruti (July 30th
2003)
Maruti is praised by almost everyone in the epic, including Sri
Rama in several instances...
indru
ena iruththi (July 31st
2003)
We have a long tradition of seeking the blessings of elders...
Monkey’s
proposal (Aug 01st 2003)
Maruti's size and the puny form in which he appears makes Sita
doubt his ability...
Limited
by the sky (Aug 04th 2003)
A person, whose self-esteem is strong, does not feel the need to
speak about himself...
On
the Universal Form (Aug
05th 2003)
It is an awe-inspiring form that Valmiki speaks about. Vyasa
shows a similar picture. Bhima, who went in search of the
Saukandhika flower, meets Hanuman in the way.
Monkey’s
proposal (Aug 01st 2003)
Maruti's size and the puny form in which he appears makes Sita
doubt his ability...
Limited
by the sky (Aug 04th 2003)
A person, whose self-esteem is strong, does not feel the need to
speak about himself...
On
the Universal Form (Aug
05th 2003)
It is an awe-inspiring form that Valmiki speaks about. Vyasa
shows a similar picture. Bhima, who went in search of the
Saukandhika flower, meets Hanuman in the way.
The
Lord and the devotee (Aug
06th 2003)
Hanuman was the first one to recognise Sri Rama as the
Supreme...
Galaxies
as fireflies (Aug
07th 2003)
Sita says 'anjinen' -- not afraid of the viswa-rupa but
appreciative...
It
is not my job (Aug
08th 2003)
Ravana's destiny was to die by Rama's hands...
Let
this be my job (Aug
11th 2003)
There is no purpose in leaving her back, making her undergo the
kind of torture that I witnessed just now...
Unassisted
you are (Aug
12th 2003)
Hanuman that he is unarmed, therefore, the decision to carry
away Sita with him may be unwise...
sollinaal
suduvEn (Aug
13th 2003)
Sita has more reasons for not returning with Hanuman...
Means
and ends (Aug
14th 2003)
The whole world should witness my return, insists Sita...
The
question of touch (Aug
15th 2003)
Sita has reservations about touching any male other than her
husband...
Set
Fire to fire (Aug
17th 2003)
It was Sita's purity that burnt the city of Lanka, and not a
mere monkey...
Patience
and punishment (Aug
19th 2003)
Janaki, the daughter of Mother Earth, symbolises both
extremes...
One
for the Self (Aug
20th 2003)
The interest of the self that is neglected in public, keeps
haunting in private...
Eyes
of inference (Aug
21st 2003)
Sita knows Maruti has a keen mind to study details and derive
logical conclusions...
In
penance I live (Aug
22nd 2003)
I do not stir out of the hermitage. I stay there. For this is my
tapa. My mind is always set on him.
A
duty unto himself (Aug
25th 2003)
Sita says that Rama and Lakshmana are obligated to rescue her
and prove their chivalry...
A
word for Lakshmana (Aug
26th 2003)
Sita conveys through Maruti that that she will not live for more
than a month...
Sita
reminds Hanuman (Aug
27th 2003)
Rama gave his word that he would not even think of a second
woman during this birth...
The
incident of the crow (Aug
28th 2003)
Sita narrates to Maruti how Rama resorted to Brahmastra when a
mere bird annoyed her....
Would
it smell as sweetly? (Aug
29th 2003)
Sita also reminds that Rama had uttered the name of Kaikeyi with
affection and respect....
The
transition (Sep.
3rd 2003)
Hanuman had witnessed her distress in captivity justifying
Rama's fight against evil.
Let
it last a little longer (Sep.
4th 2003)
All of us seek to make a good moment last longer.
Sense
of security (Sep.
5th 2003)
Janaki pleaded with Hanuman to stay until dawn.
Sita
(March 8th 2005)
Hari Krishnan is back with his articles on religion from
today...
Sita
- Versions vary; values do not
(March 9th 2005)
Did Rama and Sita see each other before their marriage, explores
Hari Krishnan
Sita
- Versions vary; values do not-II
(March 10th 2005)
There is evidence in Tamil literature of the 'love' version
This
is where we left her… (March
14th 2005)
A new facet of Sita reveals itself when she talks to Hanuman
As
he left (March
15th 2005)
What Hanuman accomplished as a messenger was stupendous, says
Hari Krishnan
Tall
he stands (March
16th 2005)
Sita is shocked by Hanuman's appearance just as she decides to
end her life
Thou
art my father (March
17th 2005)
Hanuman walked effortlessly into Sita's heart and she looked
upon him as father
The
destruction of Asoka Vana (March
18th 2005)
Hanuman wanted a chance to meet Ravana and started drawing
attention to himself
In
fear they wake up (March
21st 2005)
The colossal image of Hanuman instilled fear in even the
ogresses
The
errand boy (March
22st 2005)
Hanuman says self-effasively that he is an ordinary specimen of
the Vanara army
When
among foes… (March
23rd 2005)
Hanuman tells Bhima his size increases in the presence of
enemies
An
attempt to protect him? (March
24th 2005)
Sita pretends innocently to the ogres not know who Hanuman is
The
'defences' (March
25th 2005)
Does Sita have to be protected by our interpretations, asks Hari
Krishnan
A
few parallels (March
28th 2005)
Sugriva pretends to Sri Rama that he has no knowledge of Ravana
A
few parallels - 2 (March
29th 2005)
Hari Krishnan argues that what Sugriva uttered to Rama was not a
falsehood
When
truth cannot be called truth
(March 30th 2005)
Was it wholly true when Yudhishthira said Ahswatthaman was dead?
What
goes to make a truth (March
31th 2005)
Yudhishthira might have uttered a truth but it was irrelevant
information
The
instincts behind a lie (April
1st 2005)
Hari Krishnan tries to reason out why Sita did not utter the
truth to the ogres
The
question of self-preservation
(April 4th 2005)
It was not her instinct of self-preservation that made Sita
utter the lie
Protecting
Hanuman, was she? (April
5th 2005)
Was Sita trying to protect Hanuman when she uttered the lie?
Untruth
but not a lie (April
6th 2005)
What Sita uttered was by way of a natural reaction, argues Hari
Krishnan
Change
of attitude-1 (April
7th 2005)
The ogress guards rushed to Ravana with the news of Hanuman's
presence
Change
of attitude-2 (April
8th 2005)
Sita was tormented by the ogresses before the intervention of
Vibhishana's daughter
Moments
of peace (April
11th 2005)
It was after Hanuman's burning Lanka that Sita breathed a little
easy
Ocean
at bay (April
12th 2005)
For once Ravana was facing a situation that his enemies usually
did
'Was'
is not 'is' (April
13th 2005)
The only thing that Ravana was worried about was that Sita would
be laughing at him
A
wicked deed (April
14th 2005)
Ravana played a cruel trick on Sita, claiming Rama had been
beheaded
Staying
Tough - Part 1 (April
15th 2005)
Sita was a courageous woman but the scene she witnessed was so
cruel
Staying
Tough - Part 2 (April
18th 2005)
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