Little Joys- From The Epic Ramayana

A Prayer for Love's Truimph- I

-Long Chapter Ahead! Keep the music on for the best experience-

The crisp morning air of Bhadra carried with it the unmistakable fragrance of autumn’s first breath. Leaves, tinged with shades of amber and gold, danced lightly in the breeze, swirling through the quiet streets as though heralding the season’s shift. 

Farmers had begun their harvest preparations, and the subtle hum of festivals, now approaching with the season, lingered in the town’s pulse.
The world seemed to pause, basking in the mellow light of the changing season. Even the leaves whispered secrets, golden with the knowledge that the time of endings and new beginnings was at hand.

The dawn has just begun for the 'Tritiya' tithi, marking the third day of the waxing moon, stretched through the morning hours, bringing with it the vibrant festival of Haritalika Teej. Women all over Ayodhya would observe a fast and break it only after worshiping Mahadev and Mata Parvati in the evening.

What made the day more remarkable was that it was the first Teej of Ayodhya's princesses after their wedding. Everyone was eagerly looking forward to the festivities and the puja to be led by the daughters-in-law of the Raghukul, especially Sita.

While the queens of Maharaj Dashrath were preparing everything for the new daughters-in-law, Mandvi was given the responsibility to ensure arrangements for the women in the palace observing this fast. This included managing the invitations, praatrash(pre-dawn meal), gifts of clothing, jewelry, dry fruits, auspicious items, and everything required for the puja and festivities. Sita was to be the main host of the rituals, traditional prayers, and festivities, spending a lot of time preparing herself for it. She had to ensure that all the elements for worship were present. Urmila looked after the decor while also helping both Sita and Mandvi. Shrutakirti managed other day-to-day affairs, such as regular meals and administrative approvals, so that they could all finish their work and be free by evening to pray and break the fast.

Needless to say, none of them had slept the previous night due to all the work and the pre-dawn ritual.

~Sita's Room~

Sita was engrossed in the sutras and samhitas handed to her by Kaikeyi, which highlighted the rituals and traditions followed in Raghukul. It wasn’t the first time the sisters had observed this fast, as unmarried girls also worship Mata Gauri to pray for the husband they desire.

Sita recalled how different things were last year. They were in Mithila, helping their mothers prepare for the day. The celebrations were more private, or perhaps Sunaina and Chandrabhaga had managed things better on their own. Here, there was more responsibility, though Sita enjoyed the chance to interact with the other ladies and perhaps hear some love stories. Sita loved hosting people, as did all the sisters.

The faint sound of a wind chime from her balcony brought back memories of her previous Teej, where she prayed to Mata Gauri with all her heart. Talks of her swayamvar were underway, and she couldn’t get the image of her desired life partner out of her mind. The thought of that person not existing, and the possibility of having to compromise, made her restless. Though she was confident and capable of handling whatever life presented, she longed for a life filled with love. She admired her father’s loyalty to her mother and wanted the same. At the time, she didn’t realize that the man she prayed for did indeed exist.

Reflecting on these thoughts, she understood why this occasion was special and what the fast symbolized: women in love. Mata Parvati’s determination and tapasya had brought Mahadev to her, despite how impossible it seemed. Though pre-destined, Sita felt connected to Mata Parvati's restlessness, willpower, and emotions, especially since she had gone through a similar storm of emotions when praying for Ram.