Shiva Lives among the Swans until Rama's Glory Fills His Heart
Uttara Kanda, Doha 57
Doha 57 · Movement 2 of 2
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Shiva remains on the blue mountain for a time in the body of a swan. The crescent moon and serpent are hidden. No procession of ganas marks his presence. Among the lake birds he becomes simply another listener beneath the banyan.
Bhushundi's voice carries the glory of Raghupati through the branches. The story passes over jeweled steps and many-colored lotuses, and Shiva receives it with reverence. Grief had sent him wandering after Sati's departure. Rama-katha gives that wandering a sacred destination.
When at last he rises to return to Kailash, he carries no visible treasure from the mountain. What accompanies him is the heard glory of Rama, absorbed through patient nearness to a teacher whose outer form might have concealed him from a less humble gaze. Shiva now tells Uma what he once learned by becoming a bird among birds.
The Lord of Kailash returns home bearing the invisible wealth he received while sitting anonymously among swans.
Read the passage from the Manas
तब कछु काल मराल तनु धरि तहँ कीन्ह निवास। सादर सुनि रघुपति गुन पुनि आयउँ कैलास।।57।।
Then for some time I took the form of a swan and dwelt there. Having reverently heard the glories of Raghupati, I returned to Kailash.