Even Lakshmi Is Named with Hesitation
Bala Kanda, Doha 247
Doha 247 · Movement 2 of 2
Keep this contemplation
Preserve, print, or share
Suppose the imagined ocean of beauty were truly churned. Suppose from its nectar arose Lakshmi herself, the source of loveliness and delight, radiant with every perfection that poets have ever sought to praise.
Even then, a careful poet would pause before speaking. To say that such a goddess was equal to Sita would require humility and hesitation, not the confidence of an accomplished comparison.
The doha leaves Sita beyond the final image it creates. Language reaches its most resplendent possibility, then bows. Her beauty is not made greater by being likened to Lakshmi. Lakshmi becomes the nearest name poetry can offer before reverence asks poetry to fall silent.
At the summit of praise, the poet lowers his voice and names only equality.
Read the passage from the Manas
एहि बिधि उपजै लच्छि जब सुंदरता सुख मूल। तदपि सकोच समेत कबि कहहिं सीय समतूल।।247।।
Even if Lakshmi herself were to arise in this manner, she who is the very root of beauty and bliss, still the poets would say only with great hesitation that she is merely equal to Sita.