The Garland of Victory

Devī Sunainā was very joyful! She told Sītā to garland Rāma as a gesture of Her acceptance. Vaidehī, who was accompanied by Her Sisters and companions, nodded shyly and picked up a beautiful, colourful and fragrant garland to adorn Raghunāyaka.

Sītā was beauty personified as She slowly walked towards Lord Rāma. Her endless anticipation was transformed into a feeling of extreme joy the moment Srī Rāma had snapped the bow of Lord Śiva into two. Jānakī's delight could only be compared to that of a female Cātaka bird on receiving a rain drop when the Sun is in the same longitude as the Constellation Swātī. She held in Her lotus hands the fair wreath of victory, resplendent with the glory of triumph over the universe. Maithilī's heart was full of love and rapture. Her elation couldn't be fathomed by others. As Princess Sītā drew nearer and beheld Srī Rāma's beauty, She stood motionless like a portrait. Her Companions, perceiving Her condition began singing melodiously.

“Oh Princess! Garland the lotus-eyed Raghuvara who stands in front of you! This is a beautiful opportunity, please don't lose this opportunity to adorn Him with the Jayamālā! Why can't your feet that are decorated with shyness, muster the courage to move forward? Oh friend, when Rāma could pick up the heavy Śiva Dhanush, you couldn't lift even a light flower garland? Win your Lord by garlanding Him with the wreath of victory!"
A bashful Sītā looked at Her friends and spoke with Her glances alone to convey, “Oh friends, My eyes are close to the nectar for the eye, let them first believe that this is no dream! Let me realize a little that this sweet moment which was long awaited by me has finally come!”
Her friends sang, “Now, O Sītā! Do not fall into any hesitation or dilemma, do not delay any moment further to garland the lotus-eyed Rāma, adorn Him with the Jayamālā!” Hearing this, Sītā who was Goddess Lakshmī Herself, walked towards Lord Rāma who was Lord Vishnu Himself, just like the Chakora goes towards the moon. She shyly looked at Srī Rāma and was filled with love. Facing Her Lord, She raised the garland to adorn Him. Her uplifted hands shone as if a pair of lotuses with their stalks were timidly investing the moon with a wreath of victory.
Lord Rāma beamed at His beloved lovingly. Their eyes looked into each other's souls once again, now happy and content to have been reunited after a long separation. Rāghava gently bent forward to receive the beautiful garland. Sītā placed the Jayamālā around His neck with Her charming hands. Her companions broke into another song and mischievously nudged Her to touch Srī Rāma's feet. Jānakī hesitated a bit remembering Ahalyā. She felt that Her hands weren't enough to worship the sacred Feet that liberated Ahalyā from her curse. Overcome by love and devotion, She gently touched Her Lord's divine Feet. Srī Rāma smiled at Her transcendent love.
Their mutual love could not be perceived by anyone. It was beyond the reach of the best mind, intellect and speech. People were overjoyed on beholding the divine sight, the purpose of their lives has been fulfilled! Brāhmanās and Rishis blew conches and chanted auspicious verses, marvelling at the sight of the beautiful Couple. Women waved lights around the Divine couple to ward off evil and the Celestial deities danced and showered flowers. Envoys were immediatelly dispatched to Ayodhyā to deliver the most joyous news to King Dasharatha. The King set out for Janaka's palace with his other two sons, Bharata and Shatrughna. Sage Vishwāmitra asked King Janaka to extend the bond of love between the two families by giving His other daughter and his brother's daughters to the other sons of Dasharatha in marriage.
May Rāma, the wearer of the beautiful garland offered by Sītā, be forever in our minds with Sītā by His side!

To be continued.... 
Yours,
Hari Priye

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