All four princes stand still and steadfast; they appear as though carved from mighty mountains.
Defeated by delight, they pause and smile as they go; the joyful women place handkerchiefs in their hands.
Pada 48
Come, come, come, friend—fill your eyes with the dark bridegroom! A handkerchief rests upon his shoulder; sandal paste shines upon his broad brow.
A jeweled crown rests upon his head, and curling locks cluster around it. How lovely and handsome a match he is for the maiden—a pairing wondrously fashioned by Providence!
Blessed is the daughter who has found such a son-in-law; blessed, blessed is Mithila, and blessed is King Janaka.
Gazing upon him, Snehalata sings in rapture: “Today my life has become blessed.”
The Inner Parichhan
In this manner Rama came into the pavilion; they offered him arghya and seated him upon a throne.
Chhand: Seating the bridegroom, they wave the lamp before him and rejoice as they gaze; the women offer abundant jewels, garments, and ornaments while singing auspicious songs.
Brahma and the other great gods assume the guise of Brahmins and behold the celebration; gazing upon the beauty of the sun that opens the lotus of Raghu’s line, they count their lives fulfilled.
Pada 49
O Queen, Ramaji has come as a guest—show him fitting honor. Receive him reverently and with full ceremony, and seat him upon a throne of love.
Wash his feet with pure water and wipe them with the end of your veil; gaze longingly upon his face, then circle mustard seed and salt to ward off the evil eye.