Narada Asks Hari for Hari's Own Form
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 132
Doha 132 · Movement 1 of 2
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Narada concludes that only Hari can grant the beauty he needs. No one is a greater benefactor, so the sage turns urgently toward the Lord and pours out many humble entreaties. The playful, compassionate Vishnu manifests, and the sight cools Narada's eyes with joy. Success now seems close enough to touch.
The sage tells his distress and asks for mercy. Give me your own form, he pleads, for there is no other way to obtain her. Then he places the request inside the language of surrender: do quickly whatever serves my welfare, Master, for I am your servant.
Hari sees the vast reach of his own Maya and laughs within his heart. Narada has asked both for beauty and for his highest good, believing them to be the same gift. The compassionate Lord prepares to answer the deeper prayer.
Narada asks for Hari's beauty, and Hari hears the servant asking to be freed.
Read the passage from the Manas
हरि सन मागौं सुंदरताई। होइहि जात गहरु अति भाई।। मोरें हित हरि सम नहिं कोऊ। एहि अवसर सहाय सोइ होऊ।। बहुबिधि बिनय कीन्हि तेहि काला। प्रगटेउ प्रभु कौतुकी कृपाला।। प्रभु बिलोकि मुनि नयन जुड़ाने। होइहि काजु हिएँ हरषाने।। अति आरति कहि कथा सुनाई। करहु कृपा करि होहु सहाई।। आपन रूप देहु प्रभु मोही। आन भाँति नहिं पावौं ओही।। जेहि बिधि नाथ होइ हित मोरा। करहु सो बेगि दास मैं तोरा।। निज माया बल देखि बिसाला। हियँ हँसि बोले दीनदयाला।।
"I shall ask Hari for beauty. Time is running out, friend. No one cares for my welfare like Hari. May He alone be my helper on this occasion."