At the hour of the wedding they shine within every heart; my mind can find no comparison for them anywhere.
It is as though, within Love’s lovely pavilion, the Creator has gathered all the beauty of adornment in one place.
Both auspicious figures are enchanting— she in her knotted veil and he in his yellow shawl.
As they circle the golden vessel, Saraswati beholds their beauty and becomes bewildered.
Here the sage Vasishtha and there Shatananda recount the glory of both lineages.
Here the king of Awadh and there the lord of Mithila embrace; waves rise within the ocean of happiness.
The delighted women of Janaka’s inner palace, clever in the secret rasa, gaze upon them as though all else were straw.
Hearing songs, drums, and the chanting of the Vedas, the gods shower flowers and proclaim their praise.
Their eyes have obtained their true reward; overcome by love, all petition the Lord and offer blessings.
Says Tulsi: when the mind itself is submerged in such bliss, how could the tongue describe that happiness?
Pada 82
Rama is the bridegroom and Sita the bride!
Like a dark cloud and lightning, their excellent complexions delight the heart; beauty dwells in them perfectly from toenails to crown.
Friend, seeing them arrayed in wedding ornaments and garments, the women stand utterly spellbound.
Life has borne fruit, birth has gained its reward, and the eyes have attained their purpose— only today has this truth been proved.
Beauty’s fragrant cow was milked; Love curdled its nectar-rich milk, then churned it, and Sita-Rama emerged as its butter—the essence of loveliness throughout the worlds.
Says Tulsidas: the joy and splendor of beholding them cannot be told; it is as though Brahma sculpted two treasures of beauty upon the touchstone of Rati and Kama.
Pada 83
Friend, behold the beloved of Kausalya, the joy-giving prince, exceedingly tender.
He shines at his wedding in the abode of the Maithilas, a gift offered to the very mind of Love.