A Final Jest Before the Wedding
Bala Kanda, Doha 89
Doha 89 · Movement 2 of 2
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The sages remind Parvati that she ignored their advice and followed Narada. Now, they say, the foundation of her vow has been burned away, for Mahesh has reduced Kama himself to ash.
The tease tries one last distinction. How can love bring her to the Lord who destroyed the god of love? Has austerity reached a destination that no longer exists?
Parvati hears the playful trap beneath the solemn words. Her devotion was never founded upon ordinary desire, and her smile begins before the answer. The ashes prove nothing against her vow.
The sages point toward Kama's ashes, and Bhavani answers first with a smile.
Read the passage from the Manas
कहा हमार न सुनेहु तब नारद कें उपदेस। अब भा झूठ तुम्हार पन जारेउ कामु महेस।।89।।
"You did not heed our counsel then, and followed Narada's teaching instead. Now your vow has proved hollow, for Mahesha himself has burned Kama to ashes."