Sita's Farewell Opens the Moment to Speak of Bharata
Ayodhya Kanda, Doha 287
Doha 287 · Movement 2 of 2
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The family meets and embraces Sita again and again, as if repetition might satisfy a love that knows the separation will continue. At last they honor her resolve and give permission to depart.
Farewell does not close the night's purpose. Sunaina has carried Kausalya's concern from the queens' chamber and waited for the proper moment to place it before Janaka.
Her speech is careful and wise. She describes the circumstance and turns the king's attention toward Bharata's state. Sita's departure and Bharata's burden now meet in Janaka's discernment, asking whether the love of the royal family can be ordered without wounding the brother who seeks nothing for himself.
After releasing Sita back to her forest vow, Sunaina brings Kausalya's hidden concern for Bharata before Janaka's wisdom.
Read the passage from the Manas
बार बार मिलि भेंट सिय बिदा कीन्ह सनमानि। कही समय सिर भरत गति रानि सुबानि सयानि।।287।।
Meeting and embracing Sita again and again with loving honor, they at last gave her vidaai. The wise queen, speaking with careful words, told of the auspicious time and of Bharata's coming.