Shankar Sita Ansuya

Devi Ansuya is tested by the Gods as well as counsels and consoles Devi Narmada and Devi Maa Sita respectively. Fearing the popularity of Devi Ansuya, Devi Maa Uma asks her husband to test her. Shivji, along with Vishnuji and Brahmaji arrive at Ansuya's doorstep dressed as Sadhus seeking alms. She welcomes them, feeds them, but ends up changing them to infants when they insist on being intimate with her and nurses them. Unable to locate their respective husbands, Umaji, Brahmani, and Lakshmiji then seek forgiveness, and Ansuya restores their respective husbands. She then counsels Devi Maa Narmada who has cursed Suryadev and prevented Him from shining on Earth in order to save her husband's life. Ansuya then consoles Devi Maa Sita, who has been banished from Ayodhya along with her husband, Bhagwan Shri Ram and Devar, Lakshmanji. Subsequently, Sitaji will be abducted by Lankeshwar Ravan, resulting in Ramji's meeting with Bhagwan Shri Hanuman and the destruction of the demon horde, including Meghnath and Kumbakaran, and then Ravanji himself. With the Agni Pariksha of Devi Maa Sita done, the trio return to Ayodhya - where an expectant Sitaji will subsequently be expelled and compelled to live in Sage Valmiki's Ashram where she will give birth to twins, Lava and Kush - while her husband considers re-marrying in order to confirm to the Aswamedha ritual. —rAjOo (gunwanti@hotmail.com)