राम
Leela Scene

Gauri Names the Dark Groom

Bala Kanda, Chhand 23

Doha 236 · Movement 2 of 3

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The blessing gathers around the naturally beautiful dark groom who has delighted Sita's heart. Gauri does not offer an unknown future husband of merely suitable rank or virtue.

He is a treasury of compassion, wise, gentle, and full of love. The qualities Sita glimpsed in one garden sight are affirmed by the Mother who knows both her prayer and its destined answer.

Ram alone knows what Sita needs to ask, even where modesty leaves desire unspoken. The boon therefore exceeds formulation. The knower of her heart will himself become the gift.

Gauri's blessing points beyond every description toward the dark groom who already knows Sita's heart.

Read the passage from the Manas

मनु जाहिं राचेउ मिलिहि सो बरु सहज सुंदर साँवरो। करुना निधान सुजान सीलु सनेहु जानत रावरो।। एहि भाँति गौरि असीस सुनि सिय सहित हियँ हरषीं अली। तुलसी भवानिहि पूजि पुनि पुनि मुदित मन मंदिर चली।।

May that naturally beautiful, dark-complexioned Groom in whom my heart delights be mine. He is a treasury of compassion, wise and gentle and full of love; He alone knows what is mine to ask.