Shiva Places the Command Upon His Head
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 77
Doha 77 · Movement 1 of 2
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Shiva admits that marriage does not seem fitting for the life of detachment he now inhabits. Yet Ram's word cannot be set aside. He bows and places the command upon his head, naming obedience to the Lord as his highest dharma.
The words of mother, father, Guru, and Lord are to be received as auspicious before self serving argument can distort them. Ram is the supreme well wisher, and Shiva accepts the instruction in devotion, discernment, and righteousness.
Ram is pleased. He assures Hara that the former vow remains intact and asks him now to keep this new word within the heart. Then the radiant form vanishes. Shiva preserves it inwardly, and at that very moment the seven sages arrive before him.
Ram disappears from sight, but his request remains enthroned within Shiva.
Read the passage from the Manas
कह सिव जदपि उचित अस नाहीं। नाथ बचन पुनि मेटि न जाहीं।। सिर धरि आयसु करिअ तुम्हारा। परम धरमु यह नाथ हमारा।। मातु पिता गुर प्रभु कै बानी। बिनहिं बिचार करिअ सुभ जानी।। तुम्ह सब भाँति परम हितकारी। अग्या सिर पर नाथ तुम्हारी।। प्रभु तोषेउ सुनि संकर बचना। भक्ति बिबेक धर्म जुत रचना।। कह प्रभु हर तुम्हार पन रहेऊ। अब उर राखेहु जो हम कहेऊ।। अंतरधान भए अस भाषी। संकर सोइ मूरति उर राखी।। तबहिं सप्तरिषि सिव पहिं आए। बोले प्रभु अति बचन सुहाए।।
Shiva replied: "Though this may not be fitting, your words, O Lord, cannot be set aside. I place your command upon my head and shall carry it out. This is my supreme dharma, O my Lord."