Dark Ram in the Waters of Sarayu
Bala Kanda, Doha 34
Doha 34 · Movement 2 of 2
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Multitudes descend the stone steps into the clear Sarayu. Morning light trembles upon the current. Wet garments cling to shoulders, palms lift river water toward the sun, and the sound of Ram's Name passes from one group of bathers to another.
Their bodies enter the river, but their attention moves elsewhere. Within each heart they hold the beautiful dark form of Ram, deep blue against the inward light. Outer water cools the skin while remembrance bathes the mind.
The river carries both acts together, purification through sacred contact and devotion through unwavering vision.
Sarayu closes around the body while dark Ram stands clear within the heart.
Read the passage from the Manas
मज्जहि सज्जन बृंद बहु पावन सरजू नीर। जपहिं राम धरि ध्यान उर सुंदर स्याम सरीर।।34।।
Multitudes of good people bathe in the pure waters of the Sarayu. They chant the name of Ram, holding in their hearts the vision of His beautiful dark form.