Every Comfort Awaits Sita If She Returns
Ayodhya Kanda, Doha 96
Doha 96 · Movement 2 of 2
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The king's proposal gathers every refuge around Sita. Her parents' home and her husband's home both hold abundant comfort. Wherever her heart finds ease, there she may remain, protected by those who love her.
No permanent separation is being asked of her. She may stay only until the calamity has passed, until exile gives way and the household can be made whole again. The message tries to place a shelter across the fourteen years by speaking of them as a night that must someday end.
Yet the offer measures happiness by place, family, safety, and freedom from hardship. Sita's answer will arise from another center. Before she speaks, the verse lets every worldly kindness stand at its fullest strength: two royal homes, every desired ease, and loving permission to choose between them.
Two palaces open their doors to Sita, but the meaning of happiness is about to be decided on the forest shore.
Read the passage from the Manas
मइकें ससरें सकल सुख जबहिं जहाँ मनु मान।। तँह तब रहिहि सुखेन सिय जब लगि बिपति बिहान।।96।।
Driven by anguish, I have spoken to you directly. Please do not take offence, dear father. Without the lotus feet of my noble husband, every bond in this world stands empty for me.