Sumitra Beholds the Fire Closing around the Royal House
Ayodhya Kanda, Doha 73
Doha 73 · Movement 2 of 2
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Sumitra reflects upon Ram and Sita: their beauty, goodness, and gentle nature. Then she remembers the depth of Dasharatha's love for them.
The whole beloved arrangement appears before her at once, and she strikes her head in anguish at the blow Kaikeyi has dealt.
Her grief does not begin from fear of losing Lakshmana. It begins by seeing what has been done to Ram, Sita, and the king. Before Sumitra gives the counsel for which she is remembered, compassion makes her fully witness the fire surrounding every member of the house.
Sumitra first feels the wound in Ram, Sita, and Dasharatha before deciding what her own son must do.
Read the passage from the Manas
समुझि सुमित्राँ राम सिय रूप सुसीलु सुभाउ। नृप सनेहु लखि धुनेउ सिरु पापिनि दीन्ह कुदाउ।।73।।
Sumitra reflected on Rama and Sita: their beauty, their goodness, their gentle nature. Then she considered the king's deep love for them, and beat her head in anguish. 'That sinful woman has struck this cruel blow!' (73)