Shiva Tells the Gods to Remember Whose Wedding This Is
Bala Kanda, Doha 314
Doha 314 · Movement 2 of 2
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Wonder has nearly made the gods forget themselves. Janakpur's radiance, human beauty, and impossible craftsmanship pull their minds outward from astonishment to astonishment.
Shiva steadies the celestial company. Do not become lost in amazement, he tells them. Hold the heart firm and remember that this is the wedding of Sita and Raghuvira.
The source explains the splendour. Once the divine pair at the centre is remembered, nothing around them need be measured against heaven or attributed to ordinary creation. Contemplation gathers the scattered senses and returns them from ornament to essence. Shiva teaches the gods the same discipline required of every beholder: let beauty lead inward toward the beloved, not outward into distraction.
Shiva gathers the gods from the decorations and returns their hearts to Sita and Ram.
Read the passage from the Manas
सिवँ समुझाए देव सब जनि आचरज भुलाहु। हृदयँ बिचारहु धीर धरि सिय रघुबीर बिआहु।।314।।
Shiva counseled all the gods: 'Do not lose yourselves in wonder. Steady your hearts and reflect calmly upon Sita and Raghuveer's sacred wedding.'