Heaven Hears Shiva Say Yes
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 89
Doha 89 · Movement 1 of 2
Keep this contemplation
Preserve, print, or share
Brahma asks Shiva to let the gods fill their eyes with the celebration. Mahadeva burned Kama yet granted Rati a boon, showing the natural way of a great master: correction is followed by grace. Parvati has completed immeasurable tapasya, and now her devotion must be received.
Shiva understands the purpose beneath the request and agrees with happiness. The answer crosses heaven like sudden light. Drums sound, flowers descend, and the gods cry victory to their Lord.
The seven sages arrive at the auspicious hour, and Brahma sends them swiftly toward Himavan's home. First they go again to Bhavani, speaking sweetly with the faint disguise of another test still woven through their words.
Shiva says yes, and celestial drums carry the answer toward the mountain.
Read the passage from the Manas
यह उत्सव देखिअ भरि लोचन। सोइ कछु करहु मदन मद मोचन। कामु जारि रति कहुँ बरु दीन्हा। कृपासिंधु यह अति भल कीन्हा।। सासति करि पुनि करहिं पसाऊ। नाथ प्रभुन्ह कर सहज सुभाऊ।। पारबतीं तपु कीन्ह अपारा। करहु तासु अब अंगीकारा।। सुनि बिधि बिनय समुझि प्रभु बानी। ऐसेइ होउ कहा सुखु मानी।। तब देवन्ह दुंदुभीं बजाईं। बरषि सुमन जय जय सुर साई।। अवसरु जानि सप्तरिषि आए। तुरतहिं बिधि गिरिभवन पठाए।। प्रथम गए जहँ रही भवानी। बोले मधुर बचन छल सानी।।
"Let us feast our eyes on this blessed celebration! O Conqueror of Kama's pride, do make it so! You burned Kama, then granted Rati a boon. The gods laughed and said: 'Lord, what a contradiction!'"