As Sītā waited for her husband’s return, she was adorned in splendid attire, her eyes searching the vast green expanse of the forest. Yet, neither Rāma nor Lakṣmaṇa appeared. The forest stretched endlessly before her, lush and alive, but she was alone. In that moment of solitude, a wandering ascetic approached her—though in truth, it was Rāvaṇa, the lord of the Rākṣasas, cunningly disguised. He addressed Vaidehī, questioning her with words laced with hidden intent, for he sought to abduct her. Sītā, ever mindful of dharma, thought to herself, "If this brāhmaṇa guest is not received with proper respect, he may curse me." After a brief reflection, she greeted him with gentle courtesy. “I am the daughter of Janaka, the great king of Mithilā. My name is Sītā. Blessings to you. I am the beloved queen of Rāma.” She continued, recounting her story: “For twelve years I lived in the palace of the Ikṣvākus, enjoying human pleasures, fulfilled in all desires. In the thirteenth year, the king, together with his ministers, resolved to consecrate Rāma as ruler. Yet, as preparations were underway for Rāghava’s consecration, my noble mother-in-law, Kaikeyī, sought a boon from her husband. “Having won my father-in-law’s favor, Kaikeyī secured my husband’s exile and Bharata’s consecration. She asked for two boons, declaring, ‘I will neither eat, nor sleep, nor drink, ever. This is the end of my life if Rāma is consecrated.’ She sought neither wealth nor other benefits, and made no further requests. At that time, my husband, radiant in his youth, was twenty-five years old, and I was but eighteen. “In this world, Rāma is known as truthful, virtuous, and pure. Wide-eyed, strong-armed, devoted to the welfare of all beings, his father is none other than King Daśaratha himself. To fulfill Kaikeyī’s cherished wish, my father-in-law did not anoint Rāma, though he had come for the consecration. “Kaikeyī quickly spoke to my husband: ‘Hear this, Rāghava, as commanded by your father on my behalf. This untroubled kingdom must be given to Bharata, and you must dwell in the forest for fourteen years. Go to the forest, O descendant of Kakutstha, and free your father from falsehood.’ “Rāma, undaunted, replied, ‘So be it.’ Ever steadfast, he did as he was told; he would give but not accept, speak truth and never falsehood. O Brāhmaṇa, this is the supreme vow that Rāma holds firm. His brother, born of another mother, is Lakṣmaṇa, mighty in valor—a tiger among men, a destroyer of foes, devoted and resolute in his vows. “Armed with his bow, Lakṣmaṇa followed Rāma as he departed, and I went with them. Wearing matted hair, in the guise of ascetics, the brothers accompanied me. Constant in righteousness, steadfast in their vows, we entered the Daṇḍaka forest. Thus, because of Kaikeyī, we three were cast out from the kingdom. “O best of Brāhmaṇas, with vigor we wander this deep forest. You may stay here for a moment and rest if you wish. My husband will soon return, bringing abundant forest fare—having slain deer, iguanas, and boars, he will bring much meat. So, tell me truly your name, your lineage, and family. For what purpose do you wander alone in the Daṇḍaka forest?” As Sītā spoke thus, Rāvaṇa, the mighty lord of the Rākṣasas, revealed his true form and intentions with a harsh reply. “I am that Rāvaṇa, by whom the worlds—gods, asuras, and humans—are terrified, O Sītā. Seeing you, faultless one, with golden complexion and clad in silk, I find no pleasure in my own wives. Among the many excellent women I have brought from here and there, let all be well with you—become my chief queen. “My great city is Lanka, situated in the midst of the ocean, encircled by the sea and established atop a mountain. There, O Sītā, you will wander with me through the forests, and you will not yearn for this forest exile. Five thousand maidservants, adorned with every ornament, will attend upon you if you become my wife.” But upon hearing these words, Janaka’s daughter, flawless in form, became angry. She replied to the rakshasa without hesitation, disregarding his advances. “I am devoted to Rāma, who is unshakable like a great mountain, majestic as Mahendra, and unfathomable as the vast ocean. I am devoted to Rāma, who possesses all auspicious marks, whose form is like a banyan tree, who is steadfast in truth and noble in character. I am devoted to Rāma, whose arms are mighty, whose chest is broad, who strides with the gait of a lion—a lion among men, whose appearance is like a lion’s. I am devoted to Rāma, whose face is like the full moon, who is a royal scion, who has mastered his senses, whose fame is widespread, and whose arms are powerful. “You are like a jackal desiring a lioness, which is unattainable; you cannot touch me, just as one cannot grasp the radiance of the sun. Surely, O fool, you must see many golden trees, since you desire the beloved wife of Rāghava, O rakshasa.