Baal Kaanda
52 - Sita places the wreath of victory round Rama's neck
Chaupais
Description
In the midst of Her companions Sita shone as a personification of supreme beauty among other embodiments of beauty. She held in one of Her lotus hands the fair wreath of victory, resplendent with the glory of triumph over the whole universe. While Her body shrank with modesty, Her heart was full of rapture; Her hidden love could not be perceived by others. As She drew near and beheld Sri Rama's beauty, Princess Sita stood motionless as a portrait. A clever companion, who perceived Her in this condition, exhorted Her saying," Invest the bridegroom with the beautiful wreath of victory." At this She raised the wreath with both of Her hands, but was too overwhelmed with emotion to garland Him. In this act Her uplifted hands shone as if a pair of lotuses with their stalks were timidly investing the moon with a wreath of victory. At this charming sight Her companions broke into a song, while Sita placed the wreath of victory round Sri Rama's neck so as to adorn His breast.