The Story’s Two Endings

This thread contrasts the triumphant close of the principal tale with the later appendix’s more painful account of Sítá’s fate.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Victory Ending

The Victory Ending The homecoming promise Ráma defeats Rávaṇ, reunites with Sítá, and returns to Ayodhyá. The coronation closes the central arc of exile, rescue, and restoration. A promised golden age The poem describes a prosperous reign without famine, disease, or grief. The ending presents political justice as a source of collective well-being.

The Queen Sent Away

The Queen Sent Away Public suspicion returns Despite the fire ordeal, rumor about Sítá’s captivity reaches Ráma after he becomes king. He chooses the appearance of public confidence in his rule over private trust in his wife. A second separation Ráma sends the pregnant Sítá away to the hermitage. The decision overturns the emotional closure of the main ending and makes the cost of kingship newly visible.

The Sons Sing Their Father’s Story

The Sons Sing Their Father’s Story The poem returns to court Kuśa and Lava sing Válmíki’s composition before Ráma, who hears his own life performed by two unknown boys. Their song reconnects the royal household to the events that exile had separated. Recognition and loss Ráma recognizes the boys as his sons and seeks Sítá’s return. She appeals to the earth and disappears from human sight, leaving recognition without reconciliation.

At the close of the sixth book

In the Uttarakāṇḍa, after Ráma’s return

At Ráma’s later horse sacrifice