When Lakshmana saw Uma (Sati) in her disguise, he was astonished and much puzzled. He was tongue-tied and looked very grave; the steadfast brother knew the power of the Lord.

All-perceiving and acquainted with the secrets of all hearts, the Lord of gods, Rama, took no time in detecting Sati’s disguise. Rama was the same omniscient Lord whose very thought destroys ignorance.

Sati sought to practise deception even on him: see what a woman’s nature can make her do! But Rama, acknowledging the effect of his own illusive power, addressed her with a smile in gentle tones.

Greeting her with folded hands, the Lord told her his name and the name of his father. He then asked her the whereabouts of Shiva (who has a bull emblazoned on his banner) and wondered what made her roam about all alone in the forest.

Sati was utterly uncomfortable when she heard these gentle yet significant words of Rama. She turned towards Shiva with a feeling of awe and much dejected at heart.

‘I heeded not Shankara’s words and imposed my own ignorance on Rama. What answer shall I give to my lord now?’ Her heart’s distress was most grievous.

Rama knew that Sati was in distress; he, therefore, showed forth a part of his glory. As she went on her way, she beheld a marvel. Rama was going ahead of her along with his consort, Sita, and his younger brother, Lakshmana.