Tales froM Indian Mythology

Author(s): A S Raman
Publisher: Kutub Popular

Page 47

The Childhood of Sita
"But how can you presume that Lakshmana will marry you ?"
"Do not tease me, sister," cried Urmila. "What is wrong with me? And why will Lakshmana refuse me?"
"He will not, my sweet sister," consoled Sita. "I shall plead for you, and to this day none of my requests has been turned down. Urmila, since morning, my right eye has been throbbing."
"A goddess is immune to omens.”
"Now, do not try to flatter me."
As they were thus teasing each other, a maid-servant announced that the senior queen was waiting for them in their own apartment.
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At last the auspicious day dawned. Janaka's court assembled. The royal contestants for the hand of Sita arrived one by one and were seated in order of precedence. The stately figure of Ravana dominated the perspective. Rama and Lakshmana, led by Viswamitra, entered, bowed to Janaka and took their seats. Overhead, in the inner apartments of the palace, women had gathered in large numbers to watch from the windows the mighty trial of strength. Sita was among them, too, holding a garland and trembling with excitement.
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The massive iron case containing the great bow lay open in the centre of the hall. Janaka stood up and, saluting the august assembly, declared that whoever bent the bow would win the heart of Sita. He resumed his seat. Everybody hesitated to be the first to come forward. But there was a flutter. The suitors began to whisper to one another about the chances