Where Shall I Find Another Like Myself?
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 150
Doha 150 · Movement 1 of 2
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The Lord sees their love and receives the priceless request. So be it, says the ocean of compassion. Where could he find another equal to himself? He will come as the king's own son, accepting birth within the household that devotion has prepared across ages.
Then he looks toward Shatarupa with folded hands and invites her to ask whatever pleases her. The king's boon is already dear to her, yet its immensity makes her tremble. The One they ask to become a child is father of Brahma, Lord of the universe, all pervading Brahman, and knower within every heart.
The request seems audacious even though the Lord delights in such love for his devotees' welfare. Still, his word cannot fail. Shatarupa now turns from the wonder of his future birth toward the inner state she and Manu must carry into that relationship.
The father of Brahma promises to enter their home and receive a mother's embrace.
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देखि प्रीति सुनि बचन अमोले। एवमस्तु करुनानिधि बोले।। आपु सरिस खोजौं कहँ जाई। नृप तव तनय होब मैं आई।। सतरूपहि बिलोकि कर जोरें। देबि मागु बरु जो रुचि तोरे।। जो बरु नाथ चतुर नृप मागा। सोइ कृपाल मोहि अति प्रिय लागा।। प्रभु परंतु सुठि होति ढिठाई। जदपि भगत हित तुम्हहि सोहाई।। तुम्ह ब्रह्मादि जनक जग स्वामी। ब्रह्म सकल उर अंतरजामी।। अस समुझत मन संसय होई। कहा जो प्रभु प्रवान पुनि सोई।। जे निज भगत नाथ तव अहहीं। जो सुख पावहिं जो गति लहहीं।।
Seeing their love and hearing their priceless words, the Ocean of Compassion spoke: "Evam astu! So be it. Where shall I go to find one equal to Myself? You shall become a king named Dasharatha."