The Wish Tree Fruit on a Thorn
Bala Kanda, Chhand 10
Doha 96 · Movement 2 of 3
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Maina's grief sharpens into an image. Parvati is fruit worthy of the celestial wish tree, yet providence has forced that precious sweetness upon a thorny babool.
She would rather cast herself from the mountain with her daughter, enter fire, or sink into the ocean than complete a marriage that appears to ruin the beautiful life entrusted to her.
Let the household collapse and the world speak disgrace. While she remains alive, Maina declares, she will not surrender her daughter to this terrifying bridegroom. Maternal love stands between Parvati and the whole divine procession.
Maina gathers Parvati close as though her arms alone could overturn the wedding of heaven.
Read the passage from the Manas
कस कीन्ह बरु बौराह बिधि जेहिं तुम्हहि सुंदरता दई। जो फलु चहिअ सुरतरुहिं सो बरबस बबूरहिं लागई।। तुम्ह सहित गिरि तें गिरौं पावक जरौं जलनिधि महुँ परौं।। घरु जाउ अपजसु होउ जग जीवत बिबाहु न हौं करौं।।
"What has the maddened Vidhi done, He who gave you such beauty? The fruit that belongs upon the Surataru, the wish-fulfilling tree, He has forced upon a thorny babool instead!"