Sita Looks toward Her Companions
Bala Kanda, Doha 248
Doha 248 · Movement 2 of 2
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The great assembly presses upon Sita from every side. Elders watch from honoured seats, kings fill the tiers, priests stand near the sacred ground, and the customs of her house ask modesty of every glance.
Shyness lowers her eyes. She cannot openly keep looking toward Ram, so her gaze moves among the familiar faces and forms of the companions surrounding her. Their bodies become a gentle screen within the vast public hall.
Yet concealment is already complete in another place. Sita has brought Raghuvira into her heart, where no royal assembly can intrude and no elder's presence can require her to turn away. Outwardly she looks toward her friends. Inwardly she remains before Ram.
Her eyes seek shelter among her companions, while her heart stands openly beside Ram.
Read the passage from the Manas
गुरजन लाज समाजु बड़ देखि सीय सकुचानि।। लागि बिलोकन सखिन्ह तन रघुबीरहि उर आनि।।248।।
Seeing the great assembly and feeling shy before her elders, Sita grew bashful. She began to gaze at her companions' faces while holding Raghuvira close within her heart.