From the Lake to the Two Sages
Bala Kanda, Sortha 43
Sortha 43 · Movement 2 of 2
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The poet bathes his mind in the good water according to the reach of his understanding. He counts the lake's virtues without pretending to exhaust them, remembers Bhavani and Shankara, and turns from the great allegory toward the living current of the narrative.
Within his heart he places the lotus feet of Raghupati. Grace received there becomes permission to speak. Before him now appear two eminent sages whose meeting will open another sacred dialogue.
Water falls from the inward bath. The shore grows quiet. Bharadvaja and Yajnavalkya approach one another at Prayag.
The lake recedes into silence, and two sages take their seats beside the confluence.
Read the passage from the Manas
मति अनुहारि सुबारि गुन गनि मन अन्हवाइ। सुमिरि भवानी संकरहि कह कबि कथा सुहाइ।।43(क)।। अब रघुपति पद पंकरुह हियँ धरि पाइ प्रसाद । कहउँ जुगल मुनिबर्ज कर मिलन सुभग संबाद।।43(ख)।।
Having bathed the mind in the pure water of this lake, counting its virtues according to one's own understanding, and remembering Bhavani and Shankara, the poet now begins to tell the beautiful story.