The Antiquities of Orissa v1.c9.49

v1.c9.49

¹⁶ In the *Rāmāyaṇa*, Sītā is described to have been confined in an Aśoka grove, and there subjected to great oppression and harshness to force her to the wishes of Rāvaṇa, but in vain; and Hindu women accordingly associate the idea of constancy and chastity with the tree, eating its blossoms and offering it adoration. On the 7th of the waxing moon in Caitra a special feast is observed by them called Aśoka Saptamī.