Confessions Of Urmila 10 - Four Marriages Poem by Unnikrishnan Sivasankara Menon

Queen Kausalya took me aside, asked
about my education, my fencing skills,
my passions and introduced me to
young Queen Sumitra, Lakshman's mother.

The news soon reached the kings,
it was decided sans much discussion.

Sumantrar, the Prime Minister
suggested to Maharajah Dasharatha
"there are two more princesses in Mithila
apart from princesses Sita and Urmila:
Princesses Mandavi and Shrutakirti
daughters of the brother of the King.
If you think right, we may ask their hands
for your sons Bharata and Shatrughna."

The kings were only happy to cement
their relationship with more additions,
though I was a little unhappy about sharing
our fortunes with Mandavi and Shrutakirti.

All the four marriages were consummated
with full ritual ceremonies, pomp and show,
sumptuous food for all and precious gifts
to one and all who traveled with Dasharatha;

a day later we were on our way to Ayodhya
with such a large retinue I had ever seen.
Our parents returned after accompanying us
upto the borders of Videha, as was customary.