राम
Contemplative Interlude

Whatever Is Written Upon My Forehead

Bala Kanda, Chhand 11

Doha 97 · Movement 2 of 3

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Parvati asks Maina to set aside grief and not invite dishonour by condemning those who are not responsible. This moment cannot be made gentler through anger.

Whatever sorrow or happiness is written upon her forehead will be encountered wherever life carries her. Acceptance is not resignation to an unloved fate. Parvati already knows the hidden beloved inside the frightening form.

The women hear her humble and delicate words, yet continue to weep and accuse providence. Wisdom has entered the chamber, but affection needs longer to release its fear. The tears keep falling.

Parvati accepts the writing of fate while tears blur it in every other eye.

Read the passage from the Manas

जनि लेहु मातु कलंकु करुना परिहरहु अवसर नहीं। दुखु सुखु जो लिखा लिलार हमरें जाब जहँ पाउब तहीं।। सुनि उमा बचन बिनीत कोमल सकल अबला सोचहीं।। बहु भाँति बिधिहि लगाइ दूषन नयन बारि बिमोचहीं।।

"Do not invite dishonour upon yourself, dear Mother. Set aside this grief; this is not the moment for it. Whatever sorrow or joy is written upon my forehead, I shall go wherever I am placed."