Spring Advances on Shiva
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 86
Doha 86 · Movement 1 of 3
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The enchantment lasts until Kamadeva approaches Shambhu. One sight of Shiva makes the conqueror hesitate, and the whole world abruptly regains its natural order. Beings become peaceful like drinkers sobered in an instant.
Kama recognizes Rudra as invincible and inaccessible. Shame prevents retreat, while success appears impossible. Accepting death, he devises one final assault and releases spring itself around the meditating Lord.
Fresh blossoms cover rows of trees. Groves, gardens, wells, and ponds become irresistibly beautiful. Love seems to rise from every direction with such force that even a dead heart might awaken to desire. At the centre of the flowering world, Shiva remains still.
Spring surrounds the unmoving ascetic with every colour desire can command.
Read the passage from the Manas
उभय घरी अस कौतुक भयऊ। जौ लगि कामु संभु पहिं गयऊ।। सिवहि बिलोकि ससंकेउ मारू। भयउ जथाथिति सबु संसारू।। भए तुरत सब जीव सुखारे। जिमि मद उतरि गएँ मतवारे।। रुद्रहि देखि मदन भय माना। दुराधरष दुर्गम भगवाना।। फिरत लाज कछु करि नहिं जाई। मरनु ठानि मन रचेसि उपाई।। प्रगटेसि तुरत रुचिर रितुराजा। कुसुमित नव तरु राजि बिराजा।। बन उपबन बापिका तड़ागा। परम सुभग सब दिसा बिभागा।। जहँ तहँ जनु उमगत अनुरागा। देखि मुएहुँ मन मनसिज जागा।।
For two gharis this spectacle lasted, until Kama arrived before Shambhu. Seeing Shiva, Kama trembled with fear; he became like a small star drawn near the sun.