Week 4: Storytelling- The Marriage of Rama and Sita

She could hardly sleep the night before as she practically pranced into bed.  Even her servants took notice of her particularly happy demeanor.  Her thoughts swam around in her head as she dreamed of her future husband.  Sita absolutely could not wait to become Rama’s wife.  She did not understand how he was so strong, kind, and simply wonderful.  She was puzzled- she suspected him to be the god of love, but the god of love has no body… However, she didn’t think too much about it because she was so excited.  She wondered what kind of food he liked, if he would be home much, how soon he wanted to have children (she secretly hoped that she’d have a son)… the list went on and on.  Although her mind was very much awake, her body was exhausted from the pre-marital preparations and she eventually fell asleep.  The next morning, as she sun shined softly on her face, she slowly woke up and then realized what day it was- her wedding day! She skipped downstairs where her servants were preparing her a meal.  As soon as she scarfed down breakfast, her maids dressed her in satin as she picked out which jewels she would wear.  Sita could not remember the last time she felt so nervous or so excited.  She had not seen her father that day but knew she would during the ceremony.  The hours flew by and before she knew it, Sita was standing next to her future husband and they joined hands in front of her father and the rest of the on-lookers.  Her father said the vows and the new couple repeated them with smiles on their faces.  Sita’s father was almost as excited as Sita was.  After all, he set up a challenge for any of Sita’s suitors.  The man he would allow his daughter to marry would have to string a bow and arrow.  As more and more suitors failed, Sita’s father grew concerned that the challenge was too difficult and also that Sita was becoming less desirable as she continued to age.  However, when Rama entered the scene, all that changed and for that reason, Sita’s father was one of Rama’s number one fans.  Back to the ceremony- the two finished their vows as they exchanged nervous smiles.  Although both were eager to start their lives together, they had not had the chance to really get to know one another yet and for that reason, they spent the next fourteen years together blissfully, getting to know one another better and better every day.

Rama and Sita's coronation

(source:  Wikipedia)

Author's Note:  I chose to write my story about Rama and Sita's wedding for a couple reasons.  For one, it marked a pivotal event in both of their lives.  Also, I really enjoy love stories and weddings fit right along with that.  Finally, from Buck's description, Sita spent quite a bit of time getting ready (or at least her servants did), so I wanted to describe more fully why and how she did.  I chose to tell the story in third person but placed lots of emphasis on Sita's perspective because as a female, I feel that I can relate to how she would maybe feel leading up to her wedding day.

Bibliography:  Buck, William (1976).  Ramayana:  King Rama's Way