Vishnu Separates the Retinues
Bala Kanda, Doha 92
Doha 92 · Movement 2 of 2
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Vishnu surveys the radiant gods and the unimaginable company gathering around Shiva. With an affectionate smile, he calls the guardians of the directions near.
Each deity should travel separately with his own retinue. The order is tactful rather than severe, preserving celestial dignity while leaving Shiva's beloved attendants free to appear exactly as they are.
The divine procession divides into distinct streams. One carries jewels, banners, and formal splendour. Another is about to reveal the joyous terror of the cremation ground. Both streams move toward the same sacred marriage. Laughter joins the order.
At Vishnu's smiling word, heaven's bright ranks part from Shiva's gathering shadows.
Read the passage from the Manas
बिष्नु कहा अस बिहसि तब बोलि सकल दिसिराज। बिलग बिलग होइ चलहु सब निज निज सहित समाज।।92।।
Then Vishnu smiled and summoned all the guardians of the directions. "Walk separately, each with your own retinue," he said.