Baal Kaanda
56 - The wedding of Sita and Rama and Their farewell
Chaupais
Description
The Bride and Bridegroom performed the circumambulation with charming paces; while all present feasted their admiring gaze on the spectacle. The lovely couple was beyond description; whatever comparison might be suggested would fall short of the reality. Lovely images of Rama and Sita were reflected on the pillars of jewels and shone as if Love and his consort, Rati, witnessed Sri Rama's matchless wedding appearing in numerous forms. Their curiosity and bashfulness were equally great; that is why they revealed themselves and went out of sight again and again. All the spectators were enraptured; like Janaka they forgot all about themselves. Joyously the sages bade the Bride and Bridegroom pace round the fire and accomplished all the rites including the ceremonial gifts, Sri Rama applied the vermilion to Sita's forehead, a sight the charm of which was altogether beyond description. It seemed as if with a lotus surcharged with reddish pollen a serpent thirsting for nectar decorated the moon. Then Vasistha gave the direction and the Bride and Bridegroom sat together on the same seat.