Samvad

 From the minor Upanishada, known as Maithili Mahaopanishad. It is also a part of the Valmeeki Samhita and is a revered text for the Ramanandi sect, who worship Rama and Sita as the supreme deities.

 देवी गार्गी प्रश्नति सीताम्

Devi Gargi Questions Sita

A Dialogue of Dharma and Womanhood

In a realm beyond time and scripture, the sage Gargi Vachaknavi—foremost among women philosophers—meets Sita, the soul of sacrifice and strength. What transpires is not debate, but a luminous exchange of wisdom. One seeks through questions; the other reveals through silence and serenity.

गार्गी: "O daughter of Mithila, you who endured flame and forest—what is a woman’s dharma?"

सीता:

"Naari dharmo na eka-rūpaḥ, yathā jalam bhinnam bhūmau sthitam;

Gṛhe vā vanānte vā, sā dharmaṃ vahati nissvāram."

A woman’s dharma is not one path. It takes the form of the life she lives—at home or in exile, it flows in silence, yet bears the world.

गार्गी: "Why then, O Sita, did you remain silent? Why not speak against injustice?"

सीता:

"Maunam api mama agniḥ, yaḥ dahati nā bhakṣayati;

Yuddham śabdeṣu na mama, yuddham ātmavijaye sthitam."

My silence was a flame that purified rather than consumed. My battle was not of words, but of self-conquest. Not all strength roars; some glows.

गार्गी: "You returned to the Earth instead of Ayodhya—was it escape?"

सीता:

"Yatra ārambhaḥ, tatra samāptiḥ; mātrubhūmau me śāntiḥ asti;

Rājyaṃ na mama prayojanam, mama yātra pūrṇā abhavat."

Where there was beginning, there was closure. I found peace in my mother Earth. The kingdom held no lure—I had completed my sacred journey.

गार्गी: "And Rama? Did he uphold dharma by sending you away?"

सीता:

"Rāmaḥ rājadharmaṃ ānayat, mama hṛdaye snehaḥ avasthitam;

Dvau api dahyamānau sma, prajāhitāya tapasvinau."

Rama upheld his royal dharma, while I upheld the inner flame of love. Both of us were scorched—not by each other—but for the sake of the people.

गार्गी: "Did your sons inherit your voice?"

सीता:

"Lavaḥ-Kuśau mama prāṇau, dharma-gītam anugāyataḥ;

Tān na kathā me dukhātmikā, sā kathā śakti-pradāyikā."

Lava and Kusha are my breath; they sing not of sorrow, but of strength. My tale is not one of grief—it is a hymn of power.

गार्गी: "What will the women of the future learn from you?"

सीता:

"Na sarvāḥ śaktiḥ śastreṣu, na sarvāḥ vāṇijā śūraiḥ;

Kvacid maunaṃ api bālānām, dīpikā bhavituṃ arhati."

Not all strength lies in arms or arguments. Sometimes, even a woman’s silence becomes a lamp for generations yet to be.

In this timeless exchange, Gargi embodies the brilliance of inquiry, and Sita, the radiance of quiet endurance. One questions to find truth; the other lives it. Together, they speak to every woman—past, present, and unborn—who walks the path of dharma with dignity, whether through speech or silence.

"Yatra nāryastu pūjyante, ramante tatra devatāḥ."

Where women are revered, there the divine truly dwells.

The great Sage Gargi on visted king Janaka and was curious to know if any one in Janakpuri would satisfy her by answering her questions. Princes Sita comes forward to answer her. What transpires is...

1. What is swifter than light?

Answer: The Mind

– The mind can travel across time and space in an instant, faster than any physical entity.

2. Who is the best friend of a person?

Answer: Vivek (Discrimination or Discernment)

– Right judgment and the ability to distinguish truth from illusion guide one through life like a true companion.

3. Who is the greatest enemy?

Answer: Ahamkār (Ego)

– The false sense of ‘I’ separates the soul from the Divine and is the root of many sufferings.

4. What is the highest form of valor (Parākram)?

Answer: Tyāg (Renunciation)

– To give up one’s attachments for a higher cause requires immense inner strength.

5. Who is truly your own?

Answer: The Self (Ātman)

– Ultimately, all relationships are temporary, but the true Self is eternal and always with you.

Gargi is pleased so also king Janaka and all the courtiers present. Proving Sita is no short of the divine partner to the Lord. 

The above questions cross every woman's mind I am sure every one will be satisfied with the answers given. 

Sarvam Sri krishnarpanam.