Re: Placement of Lord rAma, sItA pirATTi etc.

From the Bhakti List Archives

• February 4, 1999


Dear Sir
My reply was based on a research made after examining the position occupied by
Sri Sita in the various Divyadesams and not on pictures by picture artists who
may do whatever suits their imagination. 

It was noticed that invariably in almost all the DDs, the Piraatti is seen on
the RIGHT side of Lord Rama. This, I believe, has nothing to do with which
hand she holds the flower.
There are however two exceptions:
1. In Pattaabhisheka Thirukkolam, Sage Vasishta placed her on the left side of
the Lord. Only he will know why. If in any particular instance, she is found
on the left side of the Lord, the presumption would be that it represents this
Pattaabhisheka Thirukkolam.

2. Even in our marriages, we can notice that the Vadhoo is placed on the left
of the Varan BEFORE Maangalya Dhaaranam. Once this is over, she is directed to
occupy the RIGHT side of the husband. When Dhampatis do Pranaamams to elders,
the lady is always required to be on the RIGHT side of the husband.

I even mentioned that this has nothing to do with the saying "Pendaattikku
Idam Kodukkak Koodaathu"- meaning "Do not give indulgence to the wife" 'Idam'
also means Left side. 

On the other hand, it is a recognition of the fact that on marriage, the wife
becomes (or should be) the RIGHT HAND person of the huband.

Hope this helps.
Dasoham
Anbil Ramaswamy