I think the epic Ramayana needs to be reread in modern times. It should be read through a woman’s perception. One soon realises that though Lord Rama is being depicted as the epitome of ‘dharma’, he didn’t show that dharma to his wife, Sita. Rama mistrusted Sita on rumours spread by someone. That is too cruel for a woman who dedicated all her life at the footsteps of her husband. Same is the case of Lakshmana’s wife, Urmila.
Both the ladies devoted their entire lives for their husbands but they got nothing in return. Their dreams and aspirations were neglected to the hilt. Even today, Ramas are trampling the lives of Sitas on the ground for no reason. Every woman must read Ramayana to realise that they should not be a Sita, never ever. We, Sitas, will not go under earth but should face the challenge and fight back. That should be our motto.
No blind adoration for Rama is required. Rama’s image gets a major dent regarding his treatment of Sita. In my reading, Ramayana differs from Mahabharata in not having the kings and others resort to polygamy. That is the difference between Valmiki and Vyasa.
(K.P Sudheera is a writer)
