The Mothers Hold Sita Again and Again
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 331
Doha 334 · Movement 1 of 2
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After Janaka sends the retinue toward Ayodhya, news of departure reaches the queens. They struggle like fish in water grown suddenly shallow. Again and again they draw Sita into their laps, bless her, and hold her as though another embrace might delay the hour.
May she remain dear to her husband. May her married life be long and blessed. Let her serve her parents by marriage and her guru, discern her husband's wishes, and follow them with devotion. Wise companions add gentle instruction, clothing duty in affection.
When every counsel has been spoken, the mothers press the princess to their hearts once more. Their grief rises into the aching question of why Brahma created women only to send daughters away from the homes that formed them. Palace walls, wedding splendour, and royal composure fall back before the helpless tenderness of farewell.
Sita passes from lap to lap while every blessing trembles with the pain of letting her go.
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सबु समाजु एहि भाँति बनाई। जनक अवधपुर दीन्ह पठाई।। चलिहि बरात सुनत सब रानीं। बिकल मीनगन जनु लघु पानीं।। पुनि पुनि सीय गोद करि लेहीं। देइ असीस सिखावनु देहीं।। होएहु संतत पियहि पिआरी। चिरु अहिबात असीस हमारी।। सासु ससुर गुर सेवा करेहू। पति रुख लखि आयसु अनुसरेहू।। अति सनेह बस सखीं सयानी। नारि धरम सिखवहिं मृदु बानी।। सादर सकल कुअँरि समुझाई। रानिन्ह बार बार उर लाई।। बहुरि बहुरि भेटहिं महतारीं। कहहिं बिरंचि रचीं कत नारीं।।
Having arranged the entire retinue in this manner, Janaka sent it onward toward Ayodhya. Hearing that the wedding procession would soon depart, all the queens grew distressed, like fish struggling in shallow water. Again and again they drew Sita into their laps, showering her with blessings and tender counsel. "May you always remain dear to your husband. May your marriage be long and blessed; this is our heartfelt prayer." "Serve your mother-in-law, father-in-law, and guru. Watch your husband's wishes and follow them faithfully." The wise companions, brimming with affection, taught her the duties of a devoted wife in the gentlest of words. Having lovingly instructed the princess in all things, the queens pressed her to their hearts again and again. The mothers embraced her over and over, crying, "Why did Brahma ever create women?" So deep was their anguish at parting.