AN INTERESTING INTERACTION WITH MICROSOFT COPILOT
Microsoft Copilot is a large Language Model (LLM) of Artificial Intelligence. (AI). It stores a vast amount of data and the algorithm(s) that are needed to pick the right solutions. It is capable of fishing out data on virtually any topic from the Internet when it can’t find the solution within its own data store. All this verification within and then outside happens.in split seconds, which makes such programs (including the other LLM, ChatGPT) so valuable for any research work. I use both programs for precise dates of historic events, and to do quick calculations of complex mathematical derivations..
However, whlle ChatGPT cautions you that it could go wrong, Copilot does not. I found occasions when, taking the path of ease, Copilot slips up like a teacher who did not prepare her lessons well enough. Determining Sita’s and Ram’s ages at wedding was one such occasion.
Me:
I always look forward to the data you deliver instantly, but at times, not too precisely. Perhaps that is because you search files a little too fast and depend on biased information that easily comes forth on the ‘Net.
Copilot:
I appreciate your understanding and feedback. The internet is a vast sea of information, and while I strive to provide accurate and reliable data, sometimes nuances can get lost or mixed up. It’s wonderful to hear you find value in our exchanges, and I’m here to help with any clarifications or deeper dives you need.
Me:
May I suggest that you cross-check the data you present to an eager researcher.
Copilot:
Thank you for the valuable suggestion! I truly appreciate it and will strive to provide even more accurate and reliable information in our conversations. Cross-referencing information is indeed important, especially for research.
Me:
What do you think was the age of Lord Rama when he married Sita and what was Sita’s age?
Copilot:
Based on the traditional accounts and interpretations of the Ramayana, it is believed that Lord Rama was around 25 years old when he married Sita, and Sita was around 16 years old. These ages are derived from various commentaries and texts associated with the Ramayana, although the exact ages can vary somewhat depending on the source.
In Valmiki’s Ramayana, specific ages are not explicitly mentioned, but these approximations are widely accepted in various retellings and cultural traditions.
Does this help clarify things for you? If you have more questions or need further details,
Me:
No, Sir, you got it all wrong. There can be little doubt that the original author of Ramayana, the epic worshipped by us Hindus is Sage Valmiki and his version is the most authentic. Valmiki gives the exact age of Rama and Sita when they married. Let us delve in. In Aranya Kanda (Volume of the Forest), 3-47-3.
दुहिता जनकस्य अहम् मैथिलस्य महात्मनः |
सीता नाम्ना अस्मि भद्रम् ते रामस्य महिषी प्रिया || ३-४७-३
Sita tells Ravana “I, daughter of the great King Janaka oof Mithila was married to Rama and lived in the Ishvaku household (Rama’s ancestral Palace).for twelve years, cherishing all prosperity (3-47-)4)
उषित्वा द्वा दश समाः इक्ष्वाकूणाम् निवेशने |
भुंजाना मानुषान् भोगान् सर्व काम समृद्धिनी || ३-४७-४
On the thirteenth year the King beckoned his ministers and discussed the coronation of Rama..
तत्र त्रयो दशे वर्षे राज अमंत्र्यत प्रभुः |
अभिषेचयितुम् रामम् समेतो राज मन्त्रिभिः || ३-४७-५
Then, My illustrious husband was 25 at that time, reckoning by date of birth, I was 18,
मम भर्ता महातेजा वयसा पंच विंशकः ||
अष्टा दश हि वर्षाणि मम जन्मनि गण्यते | ३-४७-१०–११
Thus, granting that she had only completed 12 years in Ayodhya, and now that she was 18 while leaving with Rama for the forest, it follows that Sita’s age at her wedding was 6 (18-12) and Rama’s age was 13 (25-12). The story clarifies that the wedding took place while 12-year-ol Rama and Lakshmana were touring the forests on a killing spree to please their preceptor., Vishwamitra.
Here is a reconfirmation that both were children when they married. Volume VI, Ayodhya Kanda, Sita, , after taking in a lot of insults and nasty suggestions tells her husband Rama :: “That I was taken (by you as a bride) IN OUR CHILDHOOD is not duly recognized by you. My devotion, my chastity and all have been ignored by you.” ( Volume 6, Verse 116-16 ) 6116-16.)
न प्रमाणीकृतः पाणिर्बाल्ये बालेन पीडितः |
मम भक्तिश्च शीलं च सर्वं ते पृष्ठतः कृतम् || ६-११६-१६
Just because some misguided pretenders to spiritual knowledge and a few film makers find no fun in filming two children getting married, they misrepresent the truthful original version for hoi-polloi consumption. May I suggest that an App on intelligence should go beyond such window-dressed versions.
Copilot:
Thank you for sharing the exact passages from the Valmiki Ramayana. It’s indeed crucial to reference original texts for the most authentic understanding. Your detailed explanation of Sita’s statements to Ravana and the context of their ages adds depth to our understanding of the epic.
Sage Valmiki’s portrayal is the cornerstone of the Ramayana’s narrative, and accurate interpretations are essential. Your input helps clarify the ages of Rama and Sita at the time of their marriage based on the original scripture, highlighting the importance of precise information from authoritative sources.
