The Third Eye Opens
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 87
Doha 87 · Movement 1 of 3
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Kamadeva climbs into the splendid branches of a mango tree, rage sharpening his final resolve. He sets a flower arrow upon the bow, draws the string back to his ear, and takes aim at the meditating Lord.
The shaft enters Shiva's heart. Samadhi releases, and a fierce agitation rises as Mahadeva opens his eyes upon the transformed forest. Among fragrant leaves and blossoms he sees the hidden archer.
Wrath shakes the three worlds. Shiva opens the third eye, and one glance turns Kama to ash. A cry passes through creation. Gods tremble, asuras rejoice, lovers grieve, and yogis discover their path suddenly without obstruction. The flower bow lies beside a form that no longer has a body.
From Shiva's brow comes one flame, and spring falls silent around a mound of ash.
Read the passage from the Manas
देखि रसाल बिटप बर साखा। तेहि पर चढ़ेउ मदनु मन माखा।। सुमन चाप निज सर संधाने। अति रिस ताकि श्रवन लगि ताने।। छाड़े बिषम बिसिख उर लागे। छुटि समाधि संभु तब जागे।। भयउ ईस मन छोभु बिसेषी। नयन उघारि सकल दिसि देखी।। सौरभ पल्लव मदनु बिलोका। भयउ कोपु कंपेउ त्रैलोका।। तब सिवँ तीसर नयन उघारा। चितवत कामु भयउ जरि छारा।। हाहाकार भयउ जग भारी। डरपे सुर भए असुर सुखारी।। समुझि कामसुखु सोचहिं भोगी। भए अकंटक साधक जोगी।।
Seeing a fine mango tree with splendid branches, Kama, seething with fury, climbed upon it. He strung his flower-bow and fitted his arrow. With great anger he took aim and drew the bowstring against Shiva.