“Take a little leisure at our darling’s new home; keep her for a few days, then send her back without delay. Please fulfill this wish of ours, dear one.
“As long as the Ganga and Yamuna flow, as long as the sun’s radiance endures, may your wedded pair remain immortal. Together everyone gives this blessing: may the couple live forever. Dark beloved, keep your heart clear—do not take offense. May Sita and Shyama always dwell in happiness, dear one.”
Parichhan in Ayodhya — Pada 155
“Friend, behold the radiant couple! The Lord of Kosala has returned from Mithila to Ayodhya with his bride. The bridegrooms dismount from their conveyances, and all the mothers, thrilled with delight, begin the parichhan rite.
“Show us the fair bridegroom’s face! The queens of Dasharatha are impatient for the sight. These mischievous women of Mithila know every spell and enchantment”— so, to avert their magic, the mothers circle mustard and salt around the couple.
Each queen hurries eagerly to behold the brides; after performing parichhan and warding away evil, they lift the veils again and again. Their hearts overflow with love as they open the jewel-studded curtains, yet even after millions of glimpses their eyes remain unsatisfied.
Pada 156
“Friend, look—the bride has come into the house! All the mothers perform parichhan, circling the auspicious articles again and again. Someone averts evil with precious jewels and offers a ceremonial gift; someone opens the veil, longing to see that lovely face.