The Mothers Welcome the Couples at the Palace Gate
Bala Kanda, Doha 348
Doha 348 · Movement 2 of 2
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Delighting everyone along the way, the procession reaches the gates of Dasharatha's palace. The long road from Mithila ends before the household that has waited through every report and preparation.
The mothers stand ready, overflowing with joy. Princes and brides appear together before them, no longer distant figures in a message but children returned within reach of blessing.
They begin the welcoming rites at the threshold. The gate becomes the meeting place of journey and home, old family and new, longing and fulfilment. With lamps and auspicious offerings, maternal love receives each couple before allowing the splendour of the procession to enter the inner house.
At the palace gate, the mothers make blessing the first doorway through which the couples pass.
Read the passage from the Manas
एहि बिधि सबही देत सुखु आए राजदुआर। मुदित मातु परुछनि करहिं बधुन्ह समेत कुमार।।348।।
In this manner, bringing delight to all, they arrived at the royal palace gates. The mothers, brimming with joy, perform the welcoming rites for the princes together with their brides.