Three Tender Lines Cross the Child's Belly beneath a Chest of Ornaments
Uttara Kanda, Doha 76ख
Doha 76ख · Movement 2 of 2
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Bhushundi's contemplation rests upon the tender center of the child's form. Three beautiful lines cross Rama's little belly, classical marks of grace upon a body soft with infancy.
His navel is deep and lovely. Above it the broad chest shines beneath childhood garments and ornaments, each jewel made precious not by its own fire but by touching him.
The Doha is quiet after the music of anklets and waist bells. Nothing moves except the breath within the small body. Yet the one who appears to breathe in a palace courtyard contains the source of every living breath. Bhushundi does not force the cosmic meaning into the scene. He looks with the tenderness of one for whom the visible form is enough: three lines, a deep navel, a broad young chest, and the intimate adornments chosen for a beloved child.
The maker of numberless worlds rests before Bhushundi as a softly breathing child adorned for play.
Read the passage from the Manas
रेखा त्रय सुन्दर उदर नाभी रुचिर गँभीर। उर आयत भ्राजत बिबिध बाल बिभूषन चीर।।76।।
Three beautiful lines graced His tender belly, His navel deep and charming. His broad chest shone resplendent With various childhood ornaments and garments.