The Princess Walks with the Lotus Garland
Bala Kanda, Doha 134
Doha 134 · Movement 2 of 2
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The moment of choice begins. Surrounded by her companions, the princess steps into the great assembly with the measured grace of a royal swan moving across still water.
A jayamala woven from lotus blossoms rests in her hands. Its petals hold the promise of kingship, union, and the public naming of one man above the gathered multitude. Standards rise behind rows of rulers who have crossed kingdoms to stand beneath her gaze.
She moves slowly past the seats and examines every king. Armour, jewels, faces, and retinues wait for the garland to pause. Narada sits among them, certain that Hari's gift will draw her directly toward him.
Like a swan among lotus beds, the princess carries the garland through the waiting kings.
Read the passage from the Manas
सखीं संग लै कुअँरि तब चलि जनु राजमराल। देखत फिरइ महीप सब कर सरोज जयमाल।।134।।
Then the princess set forth with her friends, moving like a royal swan. She surveyed all the kings assembled there, the jayamala of lotus blossoms resting in her hands.