Baal Kaanda
56 - The wedding of Sita and Rama and Their farewell
Chaupais
Description
Sita's elegant form baffles all description: so poor is my wit and so surpassing Her charm. When the members of the bridegroom's party saw Sita approach, a veritable storehouse of beauty and spotless in everyway, all greeted Her from the core of their heart. At the sight of Janaki Rama had His heart's desire fulfilled. King Dasaratha with all his other sons was filled with delight; the joy of their heart could not be expressed. The gods made obeisance and rained down flowers; while the sages uttered their benedictions, which were the source of all blessings. The songs that the ladies sang, combined with the sound of kettledrums, produced a loud symphony; men and women both were lost in love and rejoicing. In this manner Sita entered the pavilion, while great sages recited propitiatory texts in great joy. The two family preceptors (Vasistha and Satananda) performed all the religious rites and ceremonies and observed the family customs.