The Ramayana highlights the essence of the Saranagati Tatva and shows how Rama is always ready to give refuge to those who seek His help. But more than Rama’s promise that is hailed as the Charama Sloka, Sita’s Charama Sloka is a classic example of the absolute compassion that Goddess Sri embodies, pointed out Sri T. A. Srinidhi Swamy in a discourse. Her grace is a cut above than the Lord’s for she forgives and gives asylum to even those who have shown enmity to her and wronged her.
When Hanuman tells Sita that Rama has won against Ravana and seeks her permission to destroy the rakshasis who had tormented her, Sita restrains him and points out that they were only obeying the commands of their master Ravana. She adds that it will be difficult to find anyone who is free of faults.
It is the nature of noble souls to be compassionate to all, sinners as well as the virtuous. Did she not advise the wicked Ravana to give up his evil intention on her and restore her to Rama? Did she not bestow her grace on Kakasura who had wronged her?
Sita confesses to Hanuman that she herself is guilty of two great wrongs — Bhagavath Apachara against the Lord and Bhagavata Apachara against His bhakta. The former fault pertains to her calling Rama as a woman disguised in a man’s form and her second fault is her harsh accusation against Lakshmana when she falls into the trap of Maricha’s guile. Goddess Sri is for ever engaged in intervening on behalf of the erring jivatmas and by being present beside the Lord always, she tries to mitigate the Lord’s stern reaction to punish their faults. She pleads for mercy and pardon on their behalf if they are penitent.
