Ram Asks One Boon from Shiva
Bala Kanda, Doha 76
Doha 76 · Movement 2 of 2
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Ram turns praise into a tender request. If Shiva holds affection for him, let that love take the form of one act: go to the daughter of the mountain and marry her.
The Supreme Lord does not command by force. He asks as a beloved asks, making Parvati's fulfilment and Shiva's healing the boon he desires for himself.
The ascetic stands before the one held always in his heart. Behind Ram's words wait the tapas of Aparna, the sorrow of Sati, and the future joy of the worlds. Love asks him to become a bridegroom.
Ram asks for no kingdom or sacrifice, only that Shiva receive Parvati's hand.
Read the passage from the Manas
अब बिनती मम सुनेहु सिव जौं मो पर निज नेहु। जाइ बिबाहहु सैलजहि यह मोहि मागें देहु।।76।।
"Now hear my prayer, O Shiva, if you hold any affection for me. Go and wed Sailaja, the daughter of the mountain. Grant me this one boon."