The Ascetic Written Upon Her Palm
Bala Kanda, Doha 67
Doha 67 · Movement 2 of 2
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Narada names the destined husband in terms no royal household would choose. He is a yogi with matted locks, desireless in mind, unclad, and dressed in signs the world calls inauspicious.
No palace lineage, ornament, or conventional dignity softens the image. Ash, solitude, and freedom from possession stand where Himavan and Mena might have imagined a splendid prince.
Yet the line is already inscribed upon Parvati's palm. What sounds like deprivation to worldly hearing is the unmistakable portrait of Shiva, the Lord for whom she has crossed death and birth.
Across Parvati's palm runs one unalterable line toward the ash clad yogi.
Read the passage from the Manas
जोगी जटिल अकाम मन नगन अमंगल बेष।। अस स्वामी एहि कहँ मिलिहि परी हस्त असि रेख।।67।।
"A yogi, matted-haired, desireless of heart, unclad, wearing inauspicious garb. Such a husband shall she receive; this line is inscribed upon her palm."