The jewel of Mithila

December 15, 2020

Mithilā was indeed a paradise on earth, but it was just a lotus for the Mother of the three worlds to rest. Mithilā had attained glory only because of Janaka's incomparable eldest Daughter who was none other than Mahālakshmī Herself who had descended to bless Mithilā with the privilege of being Her birthplace. She was of non-uterine birth and had sprung from the Earth for Her own self could only give birth to Her. She was a storehouse of ethereal beauty, patience, wisdom and purity. The humans were sad because they did not have unblinking eyes to behold Her. The Celestial beings who had eyes that never blinked were sad too because their two eyes were not enough to behold Jānakī's beauty.

Her face was like the full moon and Her eyes defeated the looks of the doe, spear, sword and the god of death. With such roving eyes, Sītā was like the nectar that came out the churning of the milky ocean. Even Brahma would have found it impossible to create another girl like Her at the request of the Devas. The ocean which yielded precious gems would provide the Devas nectar again but not a maiden like Maithilī. Menakā and other divine Ladies who had lustrous eyes only after beholding Vaidehī, understood that the beauty of all the Apsarās when combined would be no match for Sītā and were humbled. Jānakī's Sisters and friends who were clad in rich garments and ornaments, were staring with awe and affection at their dearest Sister who was illuminating the palace like lightning. Her appearance delighted everyone in the three worlds.

It was a favourite pastime for Ūrmilā, Māndavī, Shrutakīrtī and their companions to constantly tease Sītā in a friendly way and see Her blush. Their big Sister was so sweet, caring‌, wise, gentle, loving and pure and was never harsh towards Them. They learnt so many values from Her and admired Her very much. They loved to accompany Sītā wherever She went and always prayed for Her to get a perfect Husband. They all felt that only a young man equal to Vishnu would be suitable for Jānakī.

"My dear child, visit the Temple of Goddess Gaurī today and pray to get a Husband who would be ideal for you." Sunainā instructed her Daughter Sītā who had got ready for the day. Accompanied by Her Sisters and Sakhīs, She took all the necessary materials required for worship and walked towards the temple of Devī Pārvatī in the Gardens of Mithilā. There She sang melodious songs in praise of Goddess Gaurī, worshipped Her fervently and prayed sincerely to obtain a Husband who would be perfect for Her.

Rāma and Lakshmana rose before the day dawned. After freshening up Themselves, performing Their morning duties and saluting all Deities, They set out to the royal gardens to get flowers for the morning rituals as requested by Sage Vishwāmitra. Rāghava held the flower basket elegantly and entered the beautiful gardens which were filled with many kinds of flowers, creepers, trees and fruits which outshone even the wish-granting Kalpavriksha. Lotus ponds lined with bejewelled steps were located at the centre of the garden. Swans were frolicking joyfully in the lakes. Nature was unravelling its beauty and enchanting everyone with its riches. Rāma felt blissful and fresh on seeing such a beautiful sight. He spotted the palace gardeners and courteously asked them if He could pluck flowers for the rituals. Touched by the politeness, charm and humility of the two Princes, the gardeners gladly obliged. With a smile on His face, Rāma began plucking the flowers. He handled the flowers very gently. Many branches of the flower bushes began appearing out of nowhere just to feel Rāghava's touch.

Lakshmana followed Rāma and devotedly picked various flowers for worship. Rāghava deeply admired the beauty of the divine garden and shared His thoughts and feelings about the fragrance of flowers and the ethereal scenery. The two jewels of Raghukula were so engrossed in plucking flowers that they did not notice the bubbly Sakhī Mālavikā who had come to gather flowers. She was elated and overwhelmed at the sight of the two Princes.

With tears of joy in Her eyes, She ran quickly to the temple, yelling "Sītaaaaaaaa" with happiness and danced. Seeing her condition, Sītā and others asked Mālavikā what gladdened her so much. "O Sītey! Two Princes have come to see the garden, both of them are tender and charming in everyway. One is of dark hue and the other is fair; they must be the two Brothers who have come to our city with Sage Vishwāmitra and captivated the citizens of Mithilā. The one of dark hue has vanquished Tādaka, Subāhu and many other demons. All are talking about Them!! We must definitely see them! Let's go!" Mālavikā answered excitedly. Hearing this, everyone felt delighted and insisted on beholding the two Princes.

Sītā was curious to meet the two heroic Brothers. Her heart was filled with longing to behold the dark-hued Prince. Recollecting Nārada's words, She was filled with innocent love towards Rāma. Nobody knew that Her love was not all of a sudden but a tale as old as time. Sītā nodded Her head as if to refuse, but Her companions knew that She really didn't mean it. So Mālavikā and other Sakhīs led the way and Sītā and Her Sisters followed. Maithilī's eyes travelled all around anxiously for Rāma and the ornaments on Her lotus feet tinkled softly while She was walking in the gait of a Swan.