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Chapter 2
As Sita entered the Pushpa Vatika along with Urmila, all of the flowers glowed with a mellow aura. Sita looked calm and peaceful, as always, but she was nervous. Her father, Rajrishi Janak, had announced her swayamvar in the whole Aryavart and had invited all of the kings and crown princes who were eligible. Even though her voice had carried her words of approval, her heart was saying the opposite. "But, I can not disappoint my father for a man I don't know," Sita thought, "And whatever has to happen will happen. Gauri maa will not disappoint me."
"Didi, we have arrived. Now, please sing Maa's aarti in your melodious voice. I am eager to hear it," Urmila pleaded.
"Of course, dear. I have to sing an aarti in the temple, right? Would I sing one in the cowshed!" Urmila laughed. "Okay, let me sing, Urmila, don't distract me," and Sita started sing the Goddess' praises in a beautiful voice.
Jai jai giribarraaj kishori |
Jai mahesh mukh chand chakori ||
Jai gajbadan shdaanan maataa |
Jagat janani daamini duti gaataa ||
Nahin tav aadi madhya avsaanaa |
Nahin tav aadi madhya avsaanaa |
Amit prabhaau bedu nahin jaanaa ||
Bhav bhav bibhav parabhav kaarini |
Bisva bimohani svabas bihaarini ||
Patidevataa sutiya mahun maatu pratham tav rekh |
Patidevataa sutiya mahun maatu pratham tav rekh |
Mahima amit na sakahi kahi sahas saaradaa sesh
Sevat tohi sulabh phal chari | Bardaayani puraari piyaari ||
Sevat tohi sulabh phal chari | Bardaayani puraari piyaari ||
Debi pooji pada kamal tumhaare |
Sur nar muni sab hohi sukhaare ||
More manorathu jaanahu nike ||
Basahu Sada Ur Pur Sabhee Ken |
Keenhe-u Pragat Na Kaaran Teheen |
Basahu kahi charan gahe baidehi ||
Jai jai giribarraaj kishori |
Jai jai giribarraaj kishori |
Jai mahesh mukh chand chakori ||
Jai gajbadan shdaanan maataa |
Jagat janani daamini duti gaataa ||
"Today, didi's aarti has a different magic to it. Instead of the usual happy tone, didi is singing in a sad and hopeful tone. Maa, please fulfil didi's wishes and always keep her beautiful smile on her face,' Urmila prayed.
...
Lakshman, walk faster, we have to go to the temple soon!" Ram said as he walked towards the temple.
"Bhaiya, what happened," Lakshman asked with a smile, "You look very eager to go to the temple today."
"There's nothing, Lakshman, we need to go to Gurudev after this, that's why. Now, hurry!"
"Fine, bhaiya, I'm coming!"
As Ram placed his feet on the first step, a very beautiful voice hit him, like the rolling waves of the ocean. "Bhaiya, this voice is heavenly! I want to know who is singing this soulful aarti."
"Then, Lakshman, let's go find out," and Ram and Lakshman went to find out the identity of the mysterious woman with bated breath.
