#surpanakha

They hated my girl Surpanakha cuz she was the OG Baddie

‘Yes, I have heard. My mother-in-law, Kausalya, told me the entire story. How unjust!’ ‘What is so unjust?’ Ahalya asked matter-of-factly. ‘You were accused of a crime you did not commit,’ Sita said with sympathy. ‘Aren’t many women in this world wrongly accused, Sita?’ ‘But wasn’t it outrageous in your case? After all, you did not know that he was not your husband …’ ‘Each one to their own truth. Does anyone in this world have the power to decide between truth and untruth?’

‘You’ve made your life a success, haven’t you?’ Sita asked. ‘I’ve realized that the meaning of success for a woman does not lie in her relationship with a man. Only after that realization, did I find this man’s companionship.’ Sita intently listened to Surpanakha’s words. There was a rare wisdom and dignity in her words. One felt like listening to her again and again. ‘Sita—what about you?’ ‘I find fulfillment in bringing up my sons.’ ‘Is that the goal of your life?’ ‘Yes. I’m Rama’s wife. As the queen, I couldn’t discharge my duties. I must at least give to Ramarajya its heirs.’

Poor Surpanakha came longing for love. Who will love that ugly woman now that she has lost her ears and nose? Has she spent all her life in lovelessness? Has she showered all her love on that garden? Has she created the garden as an expression of her passion for beauty? Are these flowers a manifestation of the tenderness of her heart? Poor Surpanakha!

Sita was sure now. It must be Surpanakha! Yes, it is definitely Surpanakha. Eighteen years ago … Surpanakha came seeking Rama’s love. What a pretty woman! The wicked prank played by Rama and Lakshmana left her horribly disfigured. Poor thing! Is Surpanakha living in this forest now? So much time has passed since then! Do women exist only to be used by men to settle their scores? Rama and Lakshmana would not have done this to Surpanakha if they did not know that she was Ravana’s sister. Rama’s objective was to provoke Ravana; his mission, to find a cause to start a quarrel with Ravana, was accomplished through Surpanakha. It was all politics.