Sita Sends Consolation Back to Ayodhya
Ayodhya Kanda, Doha 98
Doha 98 · Movement 2 of 2
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Sita's final message travels toward the elders waiting in Ayodhya. Sumantra is to fall at the feet of her mothers-in-law and father-in-law and offer her humble reverence. Even at departure, her words move first toward those whose sorrow will fill the palace.
They must not grieve for her. She does not disguise the forest or argue that hardship cannot arise. She speaks from the nature of her own joy: in the forest with Ram, she is happy. The assurance comes without self-pity and without demand.
A princess stands beside the Ganga, prepared to leave chariot, city, and household protection behind. Yet she becomes the one who consoles those surrounded by comfort. Her inner abundance reverses the visible scene. The forest traveller sends peace to the palace.
From the threshold of the wilderness, Sita sends no lament home, only reverence and the calm assurance of her forest joy.
Read the passage from the Manas
सासु ससुर सन मोरि हुँति बिनय करबि परि पायँ।। मोर सोचु जनि करिअ कछु मैं बन सुखी सुभायँ।।98।।
Bow at the feet of my mothers-in-law and father-in-law, and offer my humble prayers on my behalf. Do not grieve for me at all. I am happy in the forest by my very nature.