Ayodhya Kaanda
102 - Dialogue between queens Kausalya and Sunayana (king Janaka's wife); Sita's amiability
Chaupais
Description
In this way all indulged in their own fancy; their affectionate words were so charming to hear. In the meantime Sita's mother (Queen Sunayana) despatched her handmaids to King Dasaratha's queens; and perceiving that it was a convenient hour they returned with that information. Having learnt that Sita's mothers-in-law were at leisure the ladies of King Janaka's gynaeceum called on them. Queen Kausalya (Sri Rama's mother) received them with due honour and courtesy and offered them such seats as circumstances would permit. The amiability and affection of all on both sides were such as would have made even the hardest thunderbolt melt if it could be see or hear of them. With their body thrilling all over and overpowered by emotion and eyes full of tears all began to sorrow and scratch the ground with the nails of their toes. They were all incarnations as it were of love for Sita and Sri Rama; it seemed as if Pathos herself mourned in so many forms. Said Sita's mother, "The intellect of Providence is so marvellous that He has thought fit to break up the foam of milk with a chisel of adamant!