Sita Opens Her Eyes to the Lions of Raghu
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 231
Doha 234 · Movement 1 of 2
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One wise companion recovers composure, takes Sita's hand, and tells her to remember Gauri again. Why keep the eyes closed when the prince she longed to behold stands before her?
Sita opens them bashfully and sees both lions of Raghu. Her gaze moves from Ram's crown to his feet, drinking the whole form, until memory of Janaka's vow enters and agitates the joy.
Her friends grow anxious at the depth of her feeling. One laughs inwardly and promises they will return at the same hour tomorrow. Embarrassed by the hidden meaning and afraid her mother will notice the delay, Sita leaves, carrying Ram with great resolve in her heart.
Sita walks home beneath her father's vow with Ram's whole form hidden inside.
Read the passage from the Manas
धरि धीरजु एक आलि सयानी। सीता सन बोली गहि पानी।। बहुरि गौरि कर ध्यान करेहू। भूपकिसोर देखि किन लेहू।। सकुचि सीयँ तब नयन उघारे। सनमुख दोउ रघुसिंघ निहारे।। नख सिख देखि राम कै सोभा। सुमिरि पिता पनु मनु अति छोभा।। परबस सखिन्ह लखी जब सीता। भयउ गहरु सब कहहि सभीता।। पुनि आउब एहि बेरिआँ काली। अस कहि मन बिहसी एक आली।। गूढ़ गिरा सुनि सिय सकुचानी। भयउ बिलंबु मातु भय मानी।। धरि बड़ि धीर रामु उर आने। फिरि अपनपउ पितुबस जाने।।
Gathering her courage, one wise friend took Sita by the hand and spoke gently: "Resume your meditation on Gauri now. But first, look upon the young prince just once more."