Baal Kaanda
14 - The metaphorical representation of the Manasa as a lake and its glory
Chaupais
Description
The river of Sri Ramas glory is delightful during all the six seasons; it is exceedingly charming and holy at all times. The wedding of Goddess Parvati (the daughter of Himavn) with Lord Siva represents Hemanta or the cold season while the festival connected with the Lords advent represents the delightful Sisira or chilly season. The story of the preparations for Sri Ramas wedding constitutes the vernal season* (the king of all seasons), which abounds in joy and felicity; while Sri Ramas departure for the forest constitutes the oppressive hot weather and the tale of His wanderings represents the blazing sun and hot winds. The terrible conflict with the demons represents the rainy season, which constituted a veritable blessing to the paddy crop in the form of gods; while the prosperity attending Sri Ramas reign, His politeness and glory represent the cloudless, delightful and charming autumn. The recital of the virtues of Sst, the crestjewel of faithful wives, constitutes the excellence of the transparent and incomparable water. And Bharatas amiability represents its coolness, which is uniform at all times and beyond description. (1-4)