Sunayana Calls Sita's Companions Near
Bala Kanda, Doha 255
Doha 255 · Movement 2 of 2
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Queen Sunayana watches Ram leave the platform. His youthful body appears tender against the terrible weight of the bow, and maternal love turns admiration into fear.
She calls Sita's companions close, drawing trusted faces around her within the crowded women's gallery. Her eyes remain fixed upon the dark prince as tears gather and her voice begins to break.
The queen does not doubt Ram's beauty or virtue. She fears the cruelty of placing such a weapon before one so young, especially after Ravana and hosts of kings have failed. Around her, the hall anticipates triumph. Within her, a mother's tenderness sees danger and seeks an answer from those nearest to Sita.
Love fills Sunayana's eyes with Ram, then fills those same eyes with tears.
Read the passage from the Manas
रामहि प्रेम समेत लखि सखिन्ह समीप बोलाइ। सीता मातु सनेह बस बचन कहइ बिलखाइ।।255।।
Seeing Rama with eyes full of love, Sita's mother called her companions near. Overcome by maternal tenderness, Queen Sunayana spoke these words through her tears.