Ram Appears in Every Direction
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 54
Doha 54 · Movement 1 of 2
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Sati burns inwardly. She ignored Shankara's counsel and placed the shadow of her own ignorance upon Ram. What answer can she carry back? Seeing her anguish, Ram reveals a measure of the power she tried to test.
Ahead upon the road stands Ram with Lakshman. She turns, and behind her appears the Lord with Lakshman and Sita in beautiful form. Wherever her gaze falls, Ram is already seated, served by perfected sages. Space ceases to provide an outside. The forest opens into a cosmic assembly.
Countless Shivas, Brahmas, and Vishnus appear, each immeasurable in splendour. Gods in manifold forms bow at Ram's feet and offer service. Sati came looking for evidence that the prince was limited. The entire order of divinity now unfolds around him.
She turns to escape the vision and finds Ram enthroned in every direction.
Read the passage from the Manas
मैं संकर कर कहा न माना। निज अग्यानु राम पर आना।। जाइ उतरु अब देहउँ काहा। उर उपजा अति दारुन दाहा।। जाना राम सतीं दुखु पावा। निज प्रभाउ कछु प्रगटि जनावा।। सतीं दीख कौतुकु मग जाता। आगें रामु सहित श्री भ्राता।। फिरि चितवा पाछें प्रभु देखा। सहित बंधु सिय सुंदर वेषा।। जहँ चितवहिं तहँ प्रभु आसीना। सेवहिं सिद्ध मुनीस प्रबीना।। देखे सिव बिधि बिष्नु अनेका। अमित प्रभाउ एक तें एका।। बंदत चरन करत प्रभु सेवा। बिबिध बेष देखे सब देवा।।
I did not heed Shankara's counsel; I cast my own ignorance upon Ram. What answer can I offer now? A terrible fire has risen in my heart. Where shall I go, and what shall I say? This burning will not be stilled. I brought this suffering on myself; I alone am to blame.