Sati Sumathi Story

The film begins with Rama during his exile, halting at Atri Mahamuni’s ashram. There, his wife Anasuya narrates to Sita the story of an ardently devoted wife, Sumathi. Kaushika, her husband, was a debaucher lured by a prostitute, Mohanangi. Despite his waywardness, Sumathi remained obedient and even gave away all her belongings. Eventually, Kaushika was stricken with leprosy, and Mohanangi along with her mother Nagamani abandoned him. Sumathi came to his rescue, and under Anasuya’s guidance, they undertook a pilgrimage. On their way, they reached the kingdom of King Chandrasena, who was divinely moved by Sumathi’s virtue and offered her hospitality. Kaushika, blinded by suspicion, doubted her chastity and demanded that she undergo an Agni Pariksha—a test of fire. Sumathi leaped into the flames, and Agni raised her unharmed, affirming her innocence. Later, Kaushika visited Chandrasena’s court and was overcome with lust for a dancer, Madana Manjali. Out of devotion, Sumathi persuaded Madana Manjali to accept him.

That night, Sumathi placed Kaushika in a basket and carried him on her head. Along the way, his feet struck Sage Mandavya, who cursed him to die at sunrise. In anger, Sumathi ordered the sun not to rise, halting the entire universe. At that moment, the Trimurtis—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—appeared and tried to dissuade her, but they too were frozen. Alarmed, the Trinities’ consorts—Lakshmi, Parvati, and Saraswati—rushed to Anasuya and pleaded for help to save the universe. At Anasuya’s request, Sumathi withdrew her command, and Kaushika perished. However, with Anasuya’s blessings, Kaushika was restored to life. At last, Anasuya counseled Sita to follow the footsteps of noble women like Sumathi. Finally, the movie ends with Rama and Sita continuing their journey.