The beautiful reflections of Rama and Sita sparkle within the jeweled pillars. It seems that Kama and Rati have assumed countless forms to behold Rama's incomparable wedding. Their longing for the sight is great, but so is their modesty: again and again they appear, then hide. All who watch are lost in rapture; like Janaka, they forget themselves. Delighted, the sages complete the wedding rounds, and every customary rite and gift is duly fulfilled. For three rounds the bride goes before him, and for four the moon among kings goes before her; at the fourth, the knot is bound, and all plunder an immeasurable treasure of joy.
Pada 70
All four bridegrooms take the wedding rounds, with their graceful brides beside them. Dark and fair, fair and dark—the four perfectly matched pairs; cries of “Hari! Hari!” rise on every side. Gem-studded wedding crowns shine upon their heads, stealing the splendor of lightning. The wondrous brides have wine-red, kohl-darkened eyes; one glance from them leaves the beholder senseless. The knot lies within veil and shawl: has the bride already bound her lord wholly beneath her sway? In nine-colored, jewel-bright winnowing trays, parched rice is heaped and scattered. Wave upon wave of joy pours forth, drenching the earth with happiness. “Victory, victory—victory, victory!” resounds, while the gods shower down blossoms. The couple gleams like a lamp within a crystal chamber; a lovely flame awakens in the jeweled hall. It is as though Rati and her lord appear and vanish again and again in the brilliance. The loving mother cannot contain her delight when she sees her dear daughter and son-in-law shyly stealing glances.
Pada 71
My handsome beloved is radiant as the full moon.