The Ever New Banyan of Kailash
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 106
Doha 106 · Movement 1 of 2
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Those who turn from Hari and Hara and feel no love for dharma cannot reach this place even in dream. Upon the mountain stands a vast banyan, fresh in every season, cooled by gentle winds and honoured in the Vedas as Shiva's place of rest.
Shambhu comes beneath its canopy, spreads a deer skin with his own hand, and sits naturally in the shade. His body shines like jasmine, moon, and conch. Long arms fall beside a sage's garment, and tender red lotus feet rest upon the earth.
Light from his nails removes darkness from devotees' hearts. Serpents and ash adorn Tripurari, while his face surpasses the clear autumn moon. Stillness gathers around him without making the scene lifeless.
Beneath the deathless banyan, Shiva sits as moonlight given a body.
Read the passage from the Manas
हरि हर बिमुख धर्म रति नाहीं। ते नर तहँ सपनेहुँ नहिं जाहीं।। तेहि गिरि पर बट बिटप बिसाला। नित नूतन सुंदर सब काला।। त्रिबिध समीर सुसीतलि छाया। सिव बिश्राम बिटप श्रुति गाया।। एक बार तेहि तर प्रभु गयऊ। तरु बिलोकि उर अति सुखु भयऊ।। निज कर डासि नागरिपु छाला। बैठै सहजहिं संभु कृपाला।। कुंद इंदु दर गौर सरीरा। भुज प्रलंब परिधन मुनिचीरा।। तरुन अरुन अंबुज सम चरना। नख दुति भगत हृदय तम हरना।। भुजग भूति भूषन त्रिपुरारी। आननु सरद चंद छबि हारी।।
Those who turn away from Hari and Hara and have no love for dharma cannot reach that place even in dreams. On that mountain stands a vast banyan tree, ever new and beautiful through all seasons.