Shiva and Kakabhushundi Walk Unrecognized
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 194
Doha 196 · Movement 1 of 2
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No one understands the mystery of the prolonged day. Praise and celebration continue until gods, sages, and serpents return to their abodes speaking of the fortune that brought them to Ayodhya.
Shiva reveals another secret to Girija. He and Kakabhushundi were both present in human form, moving unrecognized through the streets. Filled with the bliss of love, they wandered among ordinary crowds with minds absorbed in ecstasy.
Only Ram's grace can disclose the auspiciousness of such a moment. Dasharatha gives each visitor whatever pleases the heart: elephants, chariots, horses, gold, cows, diamonds, and many garments. Within the giving, two of Ram's greatest devotees pass quietly from lane to lane.
Among Ayodhya's crowds walk Shiva and Kakabhushundi, known only to grace.
Read the passage from the Manas
यह रहस्य काहू नहिं जाना। दिन मनि चले करत गुनगाना।। देखि महोत्सव सुर मुनि नागा। चले भवन बरनत निज भागा।। औरउ एक कहउँ निज चोरी। सुनु गिरिजा अति दृढ़ मति तोरी।। काक भुसुंडि संग हम दोऊ। मनुजरूप जानइ नहिं कोऊ।। परमानंद प्रेमसुख फूले। बीथिन्ह फिरहिं मगन मन भूले।। यह सुभ चरित जान पै सोई। कृपा राम कै जापर होई।। तेहि अवसर जो जेहि बिधि आवा। दीन्ह भूप जो जेहि मन भावा।। गज रथ तुरग हेम गो हीरा। दीन्हे नृप नानाबिधि चीरा।।
No one understood this mystery. The jewel of the day, the sun, finally went on his way, singing the praises of the Lord. Gods, sages, and Nagas, having witnessed the great festival, departed for their own abodes, each carrying their portion of blessing.