fearing the consequences. It would have been much better for her to come out clean
and tell him the truth at the outset, asking for forgiveness and praying that the
intensity of punishment which was now due to her be reduced. But again, thought
Shiva, it was Lord Ram’s Maya which prevented Sati from taking this straight path. It
was Lord Ram’s wish and the destiny of Sati which have together brought things to
such a pass.
If Shiva accepts Sati inspite of her sins, then obviously it would create a bad
precedent, especially when Shiva was not an ordinary person but the most exalted
amongst the gods. He is regarded as the wisest, the most enlightened and the greatest
devotee of Lord Ram as well as the Lord’s original form as Lord Vishnu. Think, what
will the other gods say of him if he stoops low to overlook the grave mischief of Sati
just because she is his wife and he loves her dearly? Is his love for his wife more
important than his love for his Lord God, Sri Ram, whom he worships day and night?
The path of Bhakti demand total surrender and loyalty towards the chosen deity,
and a devotee’s relationship with his or her chosen deity takes precedence over all
other relationships that exist in the world. So, thought Shiva, should he compromise
on this sancrosanct principle of Bhakti? Is Lord Ram’s will and the holiness of the
position of the Lord’s consort (his wife Sita) worthy of neglect to please his own wife
Sati who has committed such horrible sins as telling lies even to her husband and not
paying heed to his advice?
Perhaps, Shiva thought to himself, Lord Ram wants him not to accept such an
unrespectful and deceitful lady as his wife, a lady who has no faith in her husband, a
lady who can play dirty tricks, a lady who does not bat an eyelid before telling lies.
This is why Lord Ram created a situation whereby Lord Shiva would become aware
of the true nature of his wife and be warned that she is not worthy to remain by his
side. After all, her father insults Shiva and treats him with utter contempt (refer: Ram
Charit Manas, Baal Kand, Chaupai line nos. 2-3 that precede Doha no. 62). Is it ever
advisable to have someone as one’s wife under these circumstances?]ŒÊ0. ¬⁄U◊ ¬ÈŸËà Ÿ ¡Êß ÃÁ¡ Á∑§∞° ¬ ̋◊ ’«∏U ¬Ê¬È–
¬ ̋ªÁ≈U Ÿ ∑§„Uà ◊„U‚È ∑§¿ÈU NUŒÿ° •Áœ∑§ ‚¢ÃʬÈH 56H
dōhā.
parama punīta na jā'i taji ki'ēm̐ prēma baṛa pāpu.
pragaṭi na kahata mahēsu kachu hṛdayam̐ adhika santāpu. 56.
Shiva was on the horns of a dilemma literally. He thought to himself that Sati was
otherwise most immaculate and so it looks difficult to abandon her. On the other
hand, it would be a grave sin to show affection to her (for reasons cited in the above
verses).
Though Shiva did not say anything aloud, but these opposing thoughts
churned his heart and extremely tormented it. (Doha no. 56)
[Note—Shiva realised that except for the sins she has committed in the present case,
like not believing him, or taking the form of Sita, or telling lies, she was otherwise
pure and incorruptible. Having doubts is not a sin par-se; everyone has his doubts.
After all, Sati did not argue with Shiva or insult him in public, or said any words of
insult. She had kept quiet—refer: Ram Charit Manas, Baal Kand, Chaupai line no. 5
that precedes Doha no. 51.
She had assumed the form of Sita not to lure Lord Ram with any passion in her
mind; her intention was just to find out if the Lord recognises her as Sati or falls into
the visual trap and thinks her to be Sita. If the latter thing would have happened then
surely it would be established that Ram was just an ordinary prince who could see