Chapter 55 - Śiva returns to Kailāsa

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Brahmā said:—

1. Thus instructing the goddess in the rites of a chaste lady, the brahmin lady told Menā while taking leave of her “Make arrangements for her journey”.

2. Saying “So be it” she became exasperated by her affection. Controlling herself a little she called Pārvatī to her when her agitation due to imminent separation became all the more unbearable.

3. Embracing her she cried loudly and frequently. Pārvatī too cried uttering piteous words.

4. The beloved of the mountain as well as her daughter became unconscious due to grief. The wives of the gods too fainted on hearing Pārvatī cry.

5. All the ladies cried. Everything became senseless. Who else, even the great lord, the leader of Yogins, cried at the time of departure.

6. In the meantime, Himavat came hurriedly along with his sons, ministers and brahmins.

7. Holding his dear daughter to his bosom and saying “Where are you going?” with frequent vague vacant glances, he cried due to his fascination.

8. Then the chief priest in the company of other brahmins enlightened everyone. The wise priest by his spiritual discourse was able to convince them easily.

9. With great devotion Pārvatī bowed to her parents and the preceptor. Following the worldly convention she cried aloud frequently.

10. When Pārvatī cried the ladies cried too, particularly the mother Menā, sisters and brothers.

11. Her mother, sister, brothers, father and the other ladies who were affectionately attached to her cried frequently.

12. Then the brahmins respectfully intimated to them the auspicious hour for the starting of the journey and consoled them.

13. Then Himavat and Menā composed themselves and caused the palanquin to be brought for Pārvatī to get in.

14. The brahmin ladies helped her to get into the palanquin. They gave their blessings. Her parents and the brahmins too offered their blessings.

15. Menā and the lord of mountains gave her a royal send-off with various auspicious rare presents not accessible to common people.

16. O sage, Pārvatī started after bowing to the preceptors, elders, father, mother, the brahmins, the chief priest, sisters and the other women.

17. Himavat, the sensible affectionate father with his sons accompanied her as far as the place where the lord was waiting joyously along with the gods.

18. Everyone was jubilant and jolly with love. They bowed to the lord with devotion. Praising Him they returned to Kailāsa.

19. Then Śiva told Pārvatī—“I am reminding you although you know the previous birth. If you remember, speak out. In my divine sport you are always my beloved.”

Brahmā said:—

20. On hearing the words of Śiva, Satī Pārvatī the beloved of Śiva replied smiling.

Pārvatī said:—

21. O dear lord, I remember everything as well as the fact that you became a silent ascetic. Obeisance to you. Please do everything necessary now befitting the occasion.

Brahmā said:—

22. On hearing her words as pleasing as the steady flow of nectar, Śiva rejoiced much, eagerly devoted to the way of the world.

23. Getting every requisite thing ready, he fed the gods including Viṣṇu and others with various pleasant things.

24. He fed all the others who had attended His marriage with juicy cooked food of various sorts.

25. After taking food the gods and the Gaṇas, with their womenfolk fully bedecked in gems and jewels bowed to the moon-crested lord.

26. After eulogising Him with pleasing words and circumambulating Him with joy they praised the marriage celebration and returned to their abodes.

27. O sage, Śiva Himself bowed to me and to Viṣṇu following the worldly convention as Viṣṇu had bowed to Kaśyapa.

28. Considering Him the supreme Brahman I eulogised him in the excellent manner after embracing him and offering him my benediction.

29. Viṣṇu and I with palms joined in reverence, took leave of them and praising the marriage of Śiva and Pārvatī went back to Viṣṇu’s abode.

30. On the mountain, Śiva stayed with Pārvatī and continued his divine sports with joy. The Gaṇas too were happy and they worshipped the married couple.

31. O dear, I have thus narrated the auspicious story of the marriage of Śiva, that dispels sorrow, generates delight and increases wealth and longevity.

32. He who hears this story with pure mind fixed on them or narrates the same, shall attain Śivaloka.

33. This narrative is said to be wondrous and the cause of everything auspicious. It quells all hindrances and ailments.

34. It is conducive to glory and the attainment of heaven. It bestows longevity, sons and grandsons, all cherished desires, worldly pleasures and salvation too.

35. It wards off premature death. It is auspicious and it causes peace. It makes bad dreams subside. It is an instrument for the acquisition of keen intellect.

36. It shall be read on all occasions of Śiva’s festivals by the people who desire auspicious results. It gives satisfaction to Śiva.

37. At the installation of the idols of the deities this shall be particularly read. At the beginning of all auspicious rites it shall be read with pleasure.

38. With purity in mind and body it shall be heard. All affairs become fruitful thereby. This is true, really true.