Sita's Form on the Forest Path
Bala Kanda, Doha 52
Doha 52 · Movement 2 of 2
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Again and again Sati turns the plan within her heart. At last she draws Sita's form around herself, taking the appearance of the very one for whom Ram searches.
She steps onto the path ahead of the approaching prince. Trees close around the narrow way. In one direction comes the Lord in human guise, with Lakshman beside him. In the other walks the borrowed image of his beloved.
The test is meant to expose ignorance. Instead, every footfall carries Sati nearer to the all knowing gaze she has doubted. The encounter has already begun before their eyes meet.
Wearing Sita's face, Sati waits where Ram must meet her.
Read the passage from the Manas
पुनि पुनि हृदयँ विचारु करि धरि सीता कर रुप। आगें होइ चलि पंथ तेहि जेहिं आवत नरभूप।।52।।
Deliberating again and again in her heart, she took on Sita's form. She walked ahead on the very path by which the Lord was approaching in His human guise.