Sita's Eyes Remain Thirsty for Ram
Bala Kanda, Doha 326
Doha 326 · Movement 3 of 3
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Again and again Sita looks toward Ram as the newly married couples leave the public rites. Modesty lowers the gaze, but the heart remains unsatisfied and brings it back.
Her eyes surpass the restless beauty of fish, yet their deepest quality is thirst. Love drinks Ram's enchanting form without reaching an end.
Marriage has fulfilled the vow, joined hands, tied the knot, completed the rounds, and seated the pair together. Still, sacred union does not abolish longing. It refines longing into continuous contemplation. Sita now belongs beside Ram, yet every glance remains new, and the beloved continues to exceed the heart's power to contain him.
Even after the wedding knot is tied, Sita's love finds no final glance with which to finish seeing Ram.
Read the passage from the Manas
पुनि पुनि रामहि चितव सिय सकुचति मनु सकुचै न। हरत मनोहर मीन छबि प्रेम पिआसे नैन।।326।।
Again and again Sita gazes upon Rama, yet her shy heart finds no contentment. Her love-thirsty eyes, surpassing the beauty of captivated fish, drink in his enchanting form without ceasing.