Peace Takes the Form of Shiva
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 107
Doha 107 · Movement 1 of 2
Keep this contemplation
Preserve, print, or share
Shiva sits so perfectly composed that shanta rasa, the essence of peace, seems to have assumed a body. Parvati recognizes the auspicious hour and approaches the enemy of Kama beneath the tree.
Hara receives his beloved with honour and gives her a seat upon his left. As she settles beside him, the previous birth returns to memory: the forest doubt, the hidden test, the separation, and the long road back to this nearness.
Feeling the depth of love in Shiva's heart, Uma smiles and begins sweetly. She wishes to ask for the story that brings welfare to all worlds. Before the Lord served by moving and unmoving creation, nagas, humans, and gods, the Mother takes the posture of a listener.
Seated at Shiva's left, Parvati returns to the question that once divided them.
Read the passage from the Manas
बैठे सोह कामरिपु कैसें। धरें सरीरु सांतरसु जैसें।। पारबती भल अवसरु जानी। गई संभु पहिं मातु भवानी।। जानि प्रिया आदरु अति कीन्हा। बाम भाग आसनु हर दीन्हा।। बैठीं सिव समीप हरषाई। पूरुब जन्म कथा चित आई।। पति हियँ हेतु अधिक अनुमानी। बिहसि उमा बोलीं प्रिय बानी।। कथा जो सकल लोक हितकारी। सोइ पूछन चह सैलकुमारी।। बिस्वनाथ मम नाथ पुरारी। त्रिभुवन महिमा बिदित तुम्हारी।। चर अरु अचर नाग नर देवा। सकल करहिं पद पंकज सेवा।।
How does the foe of Kama look, seated there in stillness? As though shanta rasa, the very spirit of peace, has taken a living body. Parvati, knowing this to be the perfect moment, went before Shambhu. The Mother Bhavani drew near to her Lord.