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Topic 21 - Shri Rama's intercession with Bhagawan Shiva for marriage
दोहा
Meaning: [Then they said to Lord Shiva, "O Lord Shiva! If you have affection for me, then please listen to my request. Grant me this boon: that you go and marry Parvati." ||76||]
चौपाई
Meaning: Lord Shiva said, "Although this is not proper, the master's command cannot be disregarded. O Lord! My greatest duty is to accept your command and obey it." ||1||
Meaning: One should accept and follow the words of one's mother, father, guru, and master without question, considering them always beneficial. Moreover, you are my supreme benefactor in every way. O Lord, your command is paramount to me. ||2||
Meaning: Upon hearing Lord Shiva's words, filled with devotion, wisdom, and righteousness, Lord Rama was pleased. The Lord said, "O Hara! Your vow has been fulfilled. Now, keep what I have said in your heart." ||3||
Meaning: Saying this, Shri Ramchandraji disappeared. Lord Shiva kept that idol of his in his heart. At the same time Saptarishi came to Lord Shiva. Lord Mahadevji said very pleasant words to him - ॥4॥
दोहा
Meaning: You should go to Parvati and test her love, and then tell Himavan [to send someone to bring her back] and send Parvati home, thus dispelling her doubts. || 77 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: When the sages went there, they saw Parvati, who appeared as if she were the very embodiment of penance. The sages said, "O daughter of the mountain! Listen, why are you performing such severe penance?" ||1||
Meaning: Whom do you worship, and what do you desire? Why don't you tell us your true secret? [Parvati said: I feel very hesitant to speak. You will laugh when you hear about my foolishness. || 2 ||]
Meaning: My mind has become stubborn, it doesn't listen to advice, and it wants to build a wall on water. Believing what Narada has said to be true, I want to fly without wings. ||3||
Meaning: O sages! Behold my ignorance, that I always desire to have Lord Shiva as my husband. ||4||
दोहा
Meaning: Upon hearing Parvati's words, the sages laughed and said, "Your body is born from the mountain itself! Tell us, whose household has ever prospered after following Narada's advice?" || 78 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: He went and instructed Daksha's sons, as a result of which they never returned home. Narada was the one who ruined Chitraketu's household. The same thing happened to Hiranyakashipu as well. ||1||
Meaning: Those men and women who listen to Narada's teachings inevitably abandon their homes and become beggars. Their hearts are deceitful, though they bear the outward signs of virtuous people. They want to make everyone like themselves. ||2||
Meaning: Believing his words, you desire a husband who is by nature indifferent, devoid of virtues, shameless, poorly dressed, wears a garland of human skulls, is of low lineage, homeless, naked, and has snakes wrapped around his body. ||3||
Meaning: Tell me, what happiness will you gain from marrying such a groom? You have been completely deceived by that trickster (Narada). Previously, Shiva married Sati at the behest of the elders, but then he abandoned her and caused her death. || 4 ||
दोहा
Meaning: Now Shiva has no worries; he eats by begging and sleeps peacefully. With such a disposition, how could any woman ever stay in the home of someone who prefers to live alone? || 79 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: Please listen to our advice now; we have found a suitable groom for you. He is very handsome, pure, kind, and virtuous, and his glory and divine deeds are sung by the Vedas. ||1||
Meaning: He is free from all flaws, the embodiment of all virtues, the lord of Lakshmi, and the resident of Vaikuntha. We will bring such a groom and unite him with you. Upon hearing this, Parvati smiled and said: ||2||
Meaning: You have spoken the truth when you said that my body was born from a mountain. Therefore, my stubbornness will not leave me, even if my body perishes. Gold, too, is born from a stone, and even when it is melted by fire, it does not abandon its inherent nature (of being gold). ||3||
Meaning: Therefore, I will not abandon the words of Narada; whether my home prospers or is ruined, I have no fear of that. Those who do not have faith in the words of their guru will not attain happiness or success even in their dreams. ||4||
दोहा
Meaning: It is said that Lord Shiva is the abode of all vices, and Lord Vishnu is the abode of all virtues; but the one whose mind is captivated by someone, is only concerned with that person. || 80 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: If we had met earlier, I would have listened to your teachings with utmost respect. But now I have already dedicated my life to Lord Shiva. Who then would consider merits and demerits? ||1||
Meaning: If you are very stubborn and cannot resist discussing marriage (or making marriage proposals), then there are many prospective brides and grooms in the world. Those who are merely toying with the idea are never lazy [so go and try your luck elsewhere]! || 2 ||
Meaning: My resolve will remain the same for millions of lifetimes: I will either marry Lord Shiva, or I will remain a maiden. Even if Lord Shiva himself tells me a hundred times, I will not abandon the advice of Narada. ||3||
Meaning: Mother Parvati then said, "I fall at your feet. Please go to your home; it is very late." Seeing such love of Parvati for Lord Shiva, the wise sage said, "O Mother of the universe! O Bhavani! Glory to you! Glory to you!!" ||4||
दोहा
Meaning: You are Maya (the divine illusion) and Shiva is God. You both are the mother and father of the entire universe. [Having said this,] the sage bowed his head at Parvati's feet and departed. His body was repeatedly filled with divine rapture. || 81 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: The sages went and sent Himavan to Parvati, and he brought her home after much pleading. Then the Saptarishis (seven sages) went to Lord Shiva and narrated the entire story of Parvati to him. ||1||
Meaning: Upon hearing of Parvati's love, Lord Shiva was filled with joy. The seven sages, pleased, returned to their abode (Brahma's realm). Then, the wise Lord Shiva, steadying his mind, began to meditate on Lord Rama. ||2||
Meaning: At that time, there was a demon named Taraka, whose strength, power, and prowess were immense. He conquered all the worlds and their protectors, and all the gods were deprived of their happiness and wealth. || 3 ||
Meaning: He was immortal and invincible, therefore he could not be defeated by anyone. The gods fought many battles against him but were defeated. Then they went to Lord Brahma and cried out for help. Lord Brahma saw all the gods in distress. ||4||
दोहा
Meaning: Brahmaji explained to everyone and said - This demon will die from the hands of a son of Lord Shiva.. 82 ॥
चौपाई
Meaning: Listen to my advice and act accordingly. God will help you, and your work will be accomplished. Sati, who had sacrificed her body in Daksha's sacrifice, has now taken birth in the house of Himavat (the Himalayas). ||1||
Meaning: She has performed penance to have Lord Shiva as her husband, while Lord Shiva has renounced everything and is engrossed in meditation. Although this is a very perplexing situation, please listen to what I have to say. || 2 ||
Meaning: Go and send Kamadeva (the god of love) to Lord Shiva; he will disturb Shiva's mind (and break his meditation). Then we will go and place our heads at Shiva's feet and, by force (or persuasion), arrange the marriage. ||3||
Meaning: In this way, even though it involves using poisoned arrows, it will benefit the gods [as there is no other way]. Everyone said, "This suggestion is excellent." Then the gods offered prayers with great devotion, and then Kamadeva, who wields five arrows and whose banner bears the symbol of a fish, appeared. ||4||
Topic 22 - Kaamdev's departure on the errand of the gods and his being burnt to death
दोहा
Meaning: The gods told Kamadeva (the god of love) about all their troubles. After hearing them, Kamadeva thought for a moment and, smiling, said to the gods, "It is not in my best interest to oppose Lord Shiva." || 83 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: Nevertheless, I will do your work, because the Vedas declare helping others to be the highest duty. Saints always praise those who sacrifice their own bodies for the welfare of others. ||1||
Meaning: Saying this and bowing to everyone, Kamadeva took his bow of flowers in his hand and set off with his companions [such as Vasanta]. As he went, Kamadeva thought to himself that opposing Lord Shiva would surely lead to his death. ||2||
Meaning: Then he extended his influence and brought the entire world under his control. When Kaamdev,, whose banner bears the symbol of a fish, became angry, all the established norms of the Vedas were destroyed in an instant. ||3||
Meaning: Brahmacharya (celibacy), discipline, various kinds of self-control, patience, righteousness, knowledge, wisdom, virtuous conduct, chanting, yoga, detachment, and the entire army of discernment—all fled in fear. ||4||
छंद
Meaning: Discrimination, along with its helpers, fled, and its warriors turned their backs on the battlefield. At that time, they all hid themselves in the caves of the mountain of sacred scriptures (that is, knowledge, detachment, self-control, discipline, and virtuous conduct remained only in the scriptures; their practice was abandoned). A great commotion arose throughout the world, [and everyone began to say,] "O Creator! What is going to happen now? Who will protect us? Who is this two-headed being for whom Kama, the god of love, has become angry and taken up his bow and arrows?"
दोहा
Meaning: In the world, all the animate and inanimate beings, whether male or female, abandoned their respective boundaries and became subservient to lust. || 84 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: Desire arose in everyone's heart. Seeing the vines, the branches of the trees began to bend. The rivers swelled and rushed towards the sea, and even the ponds and lakes began to merge with one another. ||1||
Meaning: When such was the condition of inanimate objects (trees, rivers, etc.), who can describe the actions of sentient beings? All the animals and birds roaming in the sky, water, and on land forgot the appropriate time (for mating) and became enslaved by lust. ||2||
Meaning: Everyone became distraught due to lust. Chakwa Chakvi does not see night or day. God, demon, human, eunuch, snake, ghost, vampire, ghost, betal ॥3॥
Meaning: Understanding that these people are always slaves to lust, I have not described their condition. Even perfected beings, ascetics, great sages, and great yogis have fallen under the sway of lust, becoming devoid of yoga or separated from their wives. ||4||
छंद
Meaning: When even great yogis and ascetics succumbed to the power of desire, what can be said of ordinary mortals? Those who once saw the entire animate and inanimate world as pervaded by Brahman (the ultimate reality) now saw it as pervaded by women. Women began to see the whole world as filled with men, and men began to see it as filled with women. For two short hours, this spectacle created by the god of love prevailed throughout the entire universe.
सोरठा
Meaning: No one could maintain composure in their hearts; Cupid captivated everyone's minds. Only those whom Lord Raghunath protected were saved at that time. || 85 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: This spectacle continued for two hours, until Kamadeva (the god of love) reached Lord Shiva. Upon seeing Shiva, Kamadeva became frightened, and then the entire world returned to its normal, stable state. ||1||
Meaning: Immediately all living beings became happy in the same way as intoxicated people become happy after getting over their intoxication. Duradharsh (who is very difficult to defeat) and Durgam (who is difficult to overcome) God (possessed with six divine qualities like complete opulence, religion, fame, Shri, knowledge and dispassion) Rudra (great fearer) Kamadeva got scared after seeing Shiva. 2॥
Meaning: He felt ashamed to turn back, and yet he could do nothing. Finally, resolving to die, he devised a plan. Immediately, he manifested the beautiful king of seasons, Spring. Rows of newly blossomed trees adorned the landscape. ||3||
Meaning: The forests and gardens, the wells and ponds, and all the regions in every direction became supremely beautiful. Everywhere, it seemed as if love was overflowing, and even in lifeless hearts, the god of love, Kamadeva, was awakened upon seeing this. ||4||
छंद
Meaning: Even in the lifeless heart, the god of love began to awaken, and the beauty of the forest was beyond description. A cool, gentle, and fragrant breeze, the true friend of the fire of desire, began to blow. Numerous lotuses bloomed in the lakes, and swarms of beautiful bees hummed around them. Swans, cuckoos, and parrots began to sing melodiously, and celestial nymphs danced and sang.
दोहा
Meaning: Kaamdev, along with his army, tried millions of different tricks and strategies, but Lord Shiva's unwavering meditation remained undisturbed. Then Cupid became enraged. || 86 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: Seeing a beautiful branch of a mango tree, Cupid, filled with anger, climbed onto it. He placed his [five] arrows on his flower-bow and, with extreme rage, aimed them at his target, drawing the bowstring back to his ear. || 1 ||
Meaning : Kaamdev released five sharp arrows, which struck Lord Shiva's heart. His meditation was broken, and he awoke. Lord Shiva was greatly disturbed. He opened his eyes and looked all around. ||2||
Meaning: When Shiva saw Kamadeva [hidden] among the mango leaves, he became extremely angry, causing all three worlds to tremble. Then Lord Shiva opened his third eye, and at his mere glance, Kamadeva was reduced to ashes. ||3||
Meaning: A great uproar arose in the world. The gods were frightened, while the demons rejoiced. Those who indulged in worldly pleasures became anxious, remembering the joys of sensual gratification, while the ascetic yogis became free from all obstacles. ||4||
छंद
Meaning: The yogi became free from all obstacles, and Rati, the wife of Kamadeva (the god of love), fainted upon hearing of her husband's fate. Weeping and wailing, and expressing her sorrow in various ways, she went to Lord Shiva. With great love, she pleaded with him in many ways, standing before him with folded hands. The easily pleased and compassionate Lord Shiva, seeing the helpless woman, spoke kind and comforting words to her.
Topic 23 - Shiva's boon to Rati
(Kaamdev's wife)
दोहा
Meaning: O Rati! From now on, your husband's name will be Ananga (the bodiless one). He will pervade everyone without a physical form. Now listen to how you will be reunited with your husband. || 87 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: When Lord Krishna incarnates in the Yadu dynasty to relieve the great burden of the earth, your husband will be born as his son (Pradyumna). This promise of mine will not prove false. ||1||
Meaning: After hearing Lord Shiva's words, Rati departed. Now I will narrate the next story in detail. When Brahma and the other gods heard all this news, they went to Vaikuntha. ||2||
Meaning: Then from there all the gods including Vishnu and Brahma went to the place where Lord Shiva was the abode of grace. They all praised Lord Shiva separately, then Shashibhushan Lord Shiva became happy. 3॥
Meaning: Lord Shiva, the ocean of compassion, said, "O gods! Tell me, why have you come?" Lord Brahma said, "O Lord! You are the all-knowing one, yet, O Master, out of devotion, I make this request to you." ||4||
Topic 24 : The god's prayer to Shiva for marriage; the seven sages visit to Parvati
दोहा
Meaning: O Shankar! All the gods have such immense enthusiasm in their hearts that, O Lord, they wish to witness your marriage with their own eyes. || 88 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: O destroyer of the pride of Kamadeva (the god of love), please do something so that everyone can witness this festival to their heart's content. O ocean of compassion! You did very well by granting a boon to Rati after burning Kamadeva to ashes. ||1||
Meaning: O Lord! It is the natural disposition of noble masters to first administer punishment and then bestow grace. Parvati has performed immense penance; now please accept her. ||2||
Meaning: Hearing Brahma's prayer and remembering Lord Rama's words, Lord Shiva happily said, "So be it." Then the gods sounded their drums and showered flowers, chanting, "Victory! Victory to the Lord of the gods!" ||3||
Meaning: Knowing the opportune moment, the seven sages arrived, and Lord Brahma immediately sent them to the home of Himavat. They first went to where Parvati was and spoke to her with sweet words full of deception (yet playful and pleasing). ||4||
दोहा
Meaning: Because of Narada's advice, you did not listen to us at that time. Now your vow has become false, because Lord Shiva has burned Kama (the god of love) to ashes. || 89 ||
मासपारायण, तीसरा विश्राम
चौपाई
Meaning: Hearing this, Parvati smiled and said, "O wise sages! You have spoken correctly. According to your understanding, Lord Shiva has only now burned Kamadeva; until now, he remained afflicted with desire!" ||1||
Meaning: But in our understanding, Lord Shiva has always been a yogi, unborn, blameless, free from desires, and detached from worldly pleasures. And if I have served Lord Shiva with love in thought, word, and deed, understanding him to be such, then... ||2||
Meaning: So, O great sages, listen! That compassionate Lord will fulfill my vow. What you said, that Lord Shiva burned Kamadeva to ashes, is a great display of your lack of wisdom. ||3||
Meaning: O father! It is the very nature of fire that frost can never approach it, and if it does, it will surely be destroyed. The same principle (applies) to the relationship between Lord Shiva and Kamadeva (the god of love). ||4||
दोहा
Meaning: Hearing Parvati's words and witnessing her love and faith, the sage was greatly pleased in his heart. He bowed to Bhavani and departed, arriving at the abode of Himavan (the Himalayas). || 90 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: They narrated the entire story to Himavan, the king of the mountains. Hearing about the burning of Kamadeva, Himavan was deeply saddened. Then the sages told him about the boon granted to Rati, and hearing this, Himavan felt great joy. ||1||
Meaning: Reflecting on Lord Shiva's power, Himachal respectfully summoned the eminent sages and, after having them determine an auspicious day, constellation, and time, quickly had the wedding date fixed and recorded according to Vedic rituals. ||2||
Meaning: Then Himachal gave the wedding invitation to the Saptarishis (seven sages) and, holding their feet, humbly requested them. They went and gave the invitation to Lord Brahma. While reading it, their hearts were overflowing with love. ||3||
Meaning: Lord Brahma recited the wedding vows, and upon hearing them, all the sages and the entire assembly of gods rejoiced. Flowers rained down from the sky, musical instruments began to play, and auspicious water pots were placed in all ten directions. ||4||
Topic 25 : Shiva's peculiar marriage procession
and preparations for the wedding
दोहा
Meaning: All the gods began to decorate their various vehicles and celestial chariots, auspicious omens of well-being appeared, and the celestial nymphs began to sing. || 91 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: Lord Shiva's attendants began to adorn him. They fashioned a crown from his matted locks and decorated it with a crest of snakes. Lord Shiva wore earrings and bracelets made of snakes, smeared his body with sacred ash, and wrapped himself in a tiger skin instead of clothing. ||1||
Meaning: On Lord Shiva's beautiful forehead was the moon, on his head the Ganges, he had three eyes, a sacred thread of snakes, poison in his throat, and a garland of skulls on his chest. Even though his appearance was inauspicious, he is the abode of welfare and is compassionate. || 2 ||
Meaning: A trident adorns one hand and a drum the other. Lord Shiva rode on a bull. Musical instruments were playing. Seeing Lord Shiva, the celestial maidens smiled [and said that a bride worthy of this groom would not be found in the world]. ||3||
Meaning: Vishnu, Brahma, and other gods, mounted on their respective vehicles, joined the wedding procession. The assembly of gods was unparalleled in every respect (supremely beautiful), but the procession was not befitting the groom. || 4 ||
दोहा
Meaning: Then Lord Vishnu called all the guardians of the directions and, smiling, said to them, "Let everyone go separately with their respective groups." ||92||
चौपाई
Meaning: O brother! This wedding procession of ours is not befitting the groom. Will you go to a foreign city and make us a laughingstock? Hearing Lord Vishnu's words, the gods smiled and separated, each with their own army. ||1||
Meaning: Mahadevji [seeing this] smiles in his heart that the sarcastic words of Lord Vishnu do not go away. Hearing these very dear words of his beloved (Lord Vishnu), Lord Shiva also sent Bhringi and called all his Ganas. 2॥
Meaning: As soon as they heard Lord Shiva's command, they all came and bowed their heads at their master's lotus feet. Seeing his retinue, consisting of beings riding various mounts and wearing diverse attire, Lord Shiva smiled. ||3||
Meaning: Some have no mouth, while others have many mouths; some have no hands or feet, while others have many hands and feet. Some have many eyes, while others have none. Some are very fat and robust, while others are very thin and frail. ||4||
छंद
Meaning: Some are very thin, some very fat, some are dressed in pure attire, and others in impure. They wear terrifying ornaments, carry skulls in their hands, and all are smeared with fresh blood. They have faces like those of donkeys, dogs, pigs, and jackals. Who can count the countless forms of these ganas (attendants of Shiva)? There are numerous types of ghosts, demons, and yoginis (female ascetics). It is impossible to describe them all.
सोरठा
Meaning: Ghosts and spirits dance and sing; they are all very jovial. They appear very awkward to look at and speak in a very strange manner. || 93 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: As the groom is, so has the wedding procession become. Along the way, various kinds of wondrous spectacles unfold. Meanwhile, King Himavan has constructed such a magnificent wedding pavilion that it defies description. ||1||
Meaning: Himavan (the Himalayas) sent invitations to all the mountains, big and small, in the world—whose number is beyond description—and to all the forests, oceans, rivers, and lakes. || 2 ||
Meaning: They all assumed beautiful forms according to their wishes and, accompanied by beautiful women and their retinues, went to the home of the Himalayas. Everyone sang auspicious songs with affection. || 3 ||
Meaning: Himachal had already decorated many houses. Everyone disembarked at their respective places. Seeing the beautiful splendor of the city, even Brahma's creative skill seemed insignificant. || 4 ||
छंद
Meaning: Seeing the beauty of the city, even Brahma's skill seems insignificant. The forests, gardens, wells, ponds, and rivers are all beautiful; who can adequately describe them? Many auspicious archways and flags adorn every house. The sight of the beautiful and intelligent men and women there captivates even the minds of sages.
दोहा
Meaning: How can one describe the city where Goddess Jagadamba herself took birth? There, prosperity, accomplishments, wealth, and happiness continuously increase day by day. || 94 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: Upon hearing that the wedding procession had arrived near the city, a great commotion arose in the city, enhancing its splendor. The welcoming party, adorned in fine attire and having decorated various types of conveyances, set out respectfully to receive the wedding procession. || 1 ||
Meaning: Seeing the assembly of the gods, everyone was pleased, and they were especially happy to see Lord Vishnu. But when they looked at Lord Shiva's entourage, all their mounts (the elephants, horses, and oxen pulling the chariots, etc.) ran away in fear. || 2 ||
Meaning: Some older, sensible people remained there patiently. But all the boys fled, fearing for their lives. When they reached home and their parents questioned them, they spoke these words with trembling bodies, still shaking with fear: ||3||
Meaning: What can we say? Words fail us. Is this a wedding procession or the army of the god of death? The groom is mad and rides on a bull. Snakes, skulls, and ashes are his only ornaments. ||4||
छंद
Meaning: The groom's body is smeared with ashes, and he wears ornaments of snakes and skulls; he is naked, has matted hair, and is terrifying. He is accompanied by ghosts, spirits, ghouls, yoginis, and demons with fearsome faces. Whoever survives after seeing this wedding procession will truly be considered very fortunate, and only they will witness Parvati's marriage. The children went from house to house, repeating this same story.
दोहा
Meaning: Understanding that it was Lord Shiva's gathering, all the boys' parents smiled. They reassured their sons in many ways, telling them to be fearless and that there was nothing to be afraid of. || 95 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: The hosts brought the wedding procession, and they provided everyone with beautiful accommodations. Maina (Parvati's mother) prepared an auspicious aarti ceremony, and the women accompanying her began singing beautiful wedding songs. ||1||
Meaning: A golden plate adorned her beautiful hands, and thus Maina, filled with joy, went to perform the welcoming ceremony for Lord Shiva. But when they saw Lord Mahadeva in his terrifying form, great fear arose in the hearts of the women. ||2||
Meaning: Terrified, they ran and entered the house, and Shiva went to the place where the wedding guests were staying. Maina was deeply saddened. She called Parvati to her side. || 3 ||
Meaning: And holding her in his lap with great affection, and with tears welling up in his lotus-like eyes, he said, "The Creator who gave you such beauty, how could that foolish one make your groom so mad?" ||4||
छंद
Meaning: The Creator who bestowed such beauty upon you, how could He have chosen such a madman as your husband? It's like a fruit that should grow on the wish-fulfilling tree is being forced to grow on an acacia tree. I will throw myself from a mountain, burn myself in fire, or jump into the sea. Even if our home is ruined and disgrace spreads throughout the world, I will not allow you to marry this madman while I am still alive.
दोहा
Meaning: Seeing the woman of Himachal (Maina) in distress, all the women became distraught. Maina, remembering her daughter with affection, wept and lamented, saying: || 96 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: What wrong had I done to Narada, who ruined my settled home and who gave such advice to Parvati that she performed penance for a mad groom? ||1||
Meaning: Truly, they have no attachment to anyone, no illusion, no wealth, no home, and no wife; they are indifferent to everything. That is why they are the ones who ruin other people's homes. They have no shame and no fear. How can a barren woman understand the pain of childbirth? ||2||
Meaning: Seeing her mother distressed, Parvati spoke in a wise and gentle voice, "O mother! What the Creator ordains cannot be changed; thinking this, do not worry!" || 3 ||
Meaning: If a madman is destined to be my husband, then why blame anyone else? O mother! Can the decrees of fate be erased by you? Do not bring this undeserved stigma upon yourself. ||4||
छंद
Meaning: O Mother! Do not bring disgrace upon yourself, stop weeping, this is not the time for sorrow. Whatever joy and sorrow are destined for me, I will experience them wherever I go! Hearing Parvati's humble and gentle words, all the women became thoughtful and, blaming fate in various ways, shed tears from their eyes.
दोहा
Meaning: Upon hearing this news, Himachal immediately went to his home, taking Narada and the Saptarishis (seven sages) with him. || 97 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: Then Narada explained everything by narrating the story of their previous lives [and said], "O Maina! Listen to my truthful words, this daughter of yours is none other than Goddess Bhavani, the mother of the universe herself." ||1||
Meaning: She is the unborn, beginningless, and indestructible power. She always resides in the left half of Lord Shiva's body. She is the creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe; and she assumes a physical form for her divine play according to her own will. ||2||
Meaning: Previously, she was born in Daksha's house, and her name was Sati. She possessed a very beautiful body. There too, Sati was married to Lord Shiva. This story is famous throughout the world. ||3||
Meaning: Once, while accompanying Lord Shiva, she saw Lord Rama, the sun of the Raghu dynasty (like a sun to the lotus of the Raghu clan), on the way. She was then overcome with delusion and, disregarding Lord Shiva's advice, mistakenly assumed the form of Sita. ||4||
छंद
Meaning: Satiji assumed the guise of Sita and due to the same crime, Shankarji abandoned her. Then, due to separation from Lord Shiva, she went to her father's Yagya and got burnt to ashes in the fire of Yoga. Now after taking birth in your house, she has done hard penance for her husband, leave the doubt after knowing that, Parvatiji is always the beloved (half-wife) of Lord Shiva.
दोहा
Meaning: Then, upon hearing Narada's words, everyone's sorrow vanished, and in an instant, this news spread throughout the entire city, from house to house. || 98 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: Then Maina and Himavan were filled with joy and repeatedly bowed at Parvati's feet. All the people of the city—men, women, children, young and old—were very happy. ||1||
Meaning: Auspicious songs were sung in the city, and everyone decorated various kinds of golden pitchers. According to the customs of culinary art, many elaborate feasts were prepared. ||2||
Meaning: How can one describe the feast in a house where Mother Bhavani herself resides? Himachal respectfully invited all the wedding guests—Vishnu, Brahma, and gods of all kinds. ||3||
Meaning: Many rows of people sat down to eat. Skillful cooks began serving the food. The groups of women, seeing the gods eating, started showering them with gentle insults in soft voices. || 4 ||
छंद
Meaning: All the beautiful women began to hurl insults in sweet voices and utter sarcastic remarks. The gods were greatly amused by the banter and therefore lingered over their meal. The joy experienced during the meal cannot be described even by millions of mouths. After the meal, everyone's hands and mouths were washed, and betel leaves were offered. Then everyone returned to their respective accommodations.
दोहा
Meaning: Then the sages returned and informed Himavan about the auspicious time for the wedding (the marriage date), and after determining the time, they sent invitations to the gods. ||99||
चौपाई
Meaning: All the gods were respectfully invited and given appropriate seats. The sacrificial altar was decorated according to Vedic rituals, and the women began to sing beautiful and auspicious songs. ||1||
Meaning: On the platform was an extremely beautiful, divine throne, whose beauty cannot be described, for it had been created by Lord Brahma himself. Bowing his head to the Brahmins and remembering his Lord, Shri Raghunathji, in his heart, Lord Shiva sat down on that throne. ||2||
Meaning: Then the sages summoned Parvati. Her companions adorned her and brought her forth. Upon seeing Parvati's beauty, all the gods were captivated. What poet in the world could possibly describe such beauty? ||3||
Meaning: The gods, recognizing Parvati as Jagadamba and the wife of Lord Shiva, bowed to her in their hearts. Goddess Bhavani is the epitome of beauty. Her splendor cannot be described even with millions of mouths. ||4||
छंद
Meaning: The immense beauty of Goddess Parvati, the mother of the universe, cannot be described even with millions of mouths. Even the Vedas, Shesha, and Saraswati hesitate to describe it; then what is the insignificant Tulsidas compared to them? Mother Bhavani, the very embodiment of beauty and grace, went to the center of the pavilion where Lord Shiva was seated. Out of modesty, she could not look at her husband's (Shiva's) lotus feet, but her mind, like a bee, was already there, drinking in their essence.
Topic 26 : Shiva's Nuptials
दोहा
Meaning: With the permission of the sages, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati worshiped Lord Ganesha. Considering that the Gods are eternal in the mind, no one should doubt after hearing this [that Ganeshji is the child of Shiva and Parvati, where did he come from just before marriage]. 100 ॥
चौपाई
Meaning: The great sages performed the marriage ceremony according to the rituals described in the Vedas. King Himavan, holding sacred grass in his hand and taking the hand of his daughter, offered her to Lord Shiva, recognizing her as Bhavani (Shiva's consort). ||1||
Meaning: When Maheshwar (Shivji) married Parvati, then all the gods [including Indradi] became very happy in their hearts. The great sages started reciting Veda mantras and the gods started praising Lord Shiva. 2॥
Meaning: Many kinds of musical instruments began to play. Various types of flowers rained down from the sky. Shiva and Parvati were married. The entire universe was filled with joy. ||3||
Meaning: Numerous kinds of things, such as maidservants, male servants, chariots, horses, elephants, cows, clothes, and jewels, along with grains and golden vessels, were loaded onto carts and given as dowry, the description of which is beyond words. ||4||
Meaning: After giving many kinds of dowry, and then joining his hands in reverence, Himachal said, "O Shankar! You are self-sufficient; what can I offer you?" [Saying this,] he held onto Lord Shiva's lotus feet. Then, Lord Shiva, the ocean of compassion, comforted his father-in-law in every way. Then, Maina, with a heart overflowing with love, also held onto Lord Shiva's lotus feet [and spoke].
दोहा
Meaning: O Lord! This Uma is as dear to me as my own life. Please make her a servant in your household and forgive all her transgressions. Now, being pleased, grant me this boon. || 101 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: Lord Shiva explained things to his mother-in-law in many ways. Then she bowed her head at Shiva's feet and returned home. Afterward, the mother called Parvati, made her sit on her lap, and gave her this beautiful advice: ||1||
Meaning: O Parvati, you must always worship the feet of Lord Shiva; this is the duty of women. For them, their husbands are their only gods, and no other. As she spoke, her eyes filled with tears, and she hugged her daughter tightly to her chest.
Meaning: [Then she said,] "Why did the Creator create women in this world? Those who are dependent on others find no happiness even in their dreams." Saying this, the mother became extremely distressed with love, but realizing that it was not the right time (not the appropriate occasion for grieving), she composed herself. || 3 ||
Meaning: Maina meets her repeatedly and falls at [Parvati's] feet. Their love is immense, beyond description. Bhavani meets and embraces all the women, and then clings to her mother's heart. ||4||
छंद
Meaning: Parvati, after meeting her mother again, departed, and everyone gave her their blessings. Parvati kept looking back at her mother as she went. Then her companions led her to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva, having satisfied all the supplicants, departed for his home (Mount Kailash) with Parvati. All the gods rejoiced and showered flowers, and beautiful drums began to play in the heavens.
दोहा
Meaning: Then Himavan went along with great love to reach Lord Shiva. Vrishketu (Shivji) satisfied him in many ways and sent him away. 102 ॥
चौपाई
Meaning: King Himavan, the lord of the mountains, immediately returned home and summoned all the mountains and lakes. Himavan respectfully and courteously bid farewell to everyone, offering gifts and showing great honor. ||1||
Meaning: When Lord Shiva reached Mount Kailash, all the gods went to their respective worlds. [Tulsidasji says that] Parvatiji and Shivji are the parents of the world, that is why I do not describe their adornment. 2॥
Meaning: Shiva and Parvati lived on Kailash with their followers, indulging in various pleasures and luxuries. They constantly sought new pastimes. In this way, a lot of time passed.
Meaning: Then a six-headed son (Swamikartika) was born, who [upon growing up] killed Tarakasura in battle. The story of Swamikartika's birth is famous in the Vedas, scriptures, and Puranas, and is known throughout the world.
छंद
Meaning: The whole world knows the birth, deeds, glory and great efforts of Shadanan (Swamikartik). That is why I have briefly described the character of the son of Vrishketu (Shivji). The men and women who tell and sing this story of the marriage of Shiva and Parvati will always find happiness in welfare works and marriage etc.
दोहा
Meaning: The character of Lord Shiva, the Lord of Girija, is as vast as the ocean; even the Vedas cannot fathom it. How, then, can the extremely dull-witted and uncultured Tulsidas describe it? ॥103॥
चौपाई
Meaning: Hearing the succulent and pleasant story of Lord Shiva, sage Bharadwaj felt immense joy. His desire to hear the story increased greatly. Tears filled his eyes and his hair stood on end.
Meaning: He was enthralled in love and no words came out of his mouth. Seeing his condition, the wise sage Yajnavalkya became very happy [and said] O sage! Aha ha! Blessed is your birth; Gauripati Shivji is as dear to you as life itself.॥2॥
Meaning: Those who do not love the lotus feet of Lord Shiva do not like Shri Ramchandraji even in his dreams. Having pure love at the feet of Vishwanath Shri Shivji is the sign of a devotee of Ram. 3॥
Meaning: Who is as devoted to Lord Raghunath as Lord Shiva? He who, without any sin, abandoned a woman like Sati and, by taking a vow, demonstrated his devotion to Lord Raghunath? O brother! Who else is as dear to Lord Rama as Lord Shiva? ॥4॥
दोहा
Meaning: I have already understood your secret by describing the character of Lord Shiva. You are a pious servant of Lord Rama and are free from all faults. ॥ 104॥
चौपाई
Meaning: I have learned about your virtues and character. Now I will tell you about the pastimes of Lord Raghunath. Listen, O sage, the joy I feel today after meeting you cannot be described.
Meaning: O sage! The life of Rama is immense. Even a hundred crore Sheshjis cannot describe it. However, I am telling you as I have heard it, remembering the Lord Shri Ram, the master of speech and the one holding a bow in his hand.
Meaning: Saraswati is like a puppet, and the omniscient Lord Shri Ramchandra is the string-bearer. He makes Saraswati dance in the heart of the poet whom he bestows his grace upon, recognizing him as his devotee.
Meaning: I offer my obeisances to that merciful Lord Raghunath and narrate the tale of his pure qualities. Kailash is the best of the mountains and is very beautiful, where Shiva and Parvati reside eternally.॥4॥
दोहा
Meaning: Groups of Siddhas, ascetics, yogis, gods, Kinnaras, and sages live on that mountain. They are all very virtuous souls and serve the source of bliss, Lord Mahadev. ॥105॥
चौपाई
Meaning: Those who are averse to Lord Vishnu and Mahadeva and who lack devotion to religion cannot go there even in their dreams. On that mountain stands a huge banyan tree, which is always new and beautiful throughout the six seasons.
Meaning: All three types of air (cool, mild, and fragrant) blow there, and its shade is very cool. It is the resting tree of Lord Shiva, praised in the Vedas. Once, Lord Shiva went under that tree and, seeing it, felt great joy in his heart.
Meaning: Spreading the tiger skin with his own hands, the merciful Lord Shiva sat there spontaneously (without any specific purpose). His fair complexion resembled the Kunda flower, the moon, and the conch shell. He had very long arms and wore bark garments like those of sages.
Meaning: His feet were like newly bloomed red lotuses, the light of his nails dispelled the darkness of his devotees' hearts. Snakes and ashes were his ornaments, and the face of Shiva, the enemy of Tripurasura, was said to outshine even the beauty of the full moon on the autumnal moon.