26. Talk between Parvati and the elderly
27. The bachelor tries to cheat Devi
29. Parvati and Shiva Conversation
30. Parvati returns from Penance
32. The seven rishis visit Himavant
26. Talk between Parvati and the elderly
After the sacred seven rishis went to their homes, Shankara wanted to test Parvati by Himself. In the disguise of an elederly male with long white hair holding an umbrella and a walking stick, Shankara happily witnessed Parvati who was shining like crescent Moon. The devotee loving Shiva in as a bachelor approached Parvati who immediately responded with a welcome and offered him worship. She asked him “Oh! the well learned bachelor! who are you? you are illuminating this entire garden”. The trickster started speaking-
I wander freely in this old brahmin body. I perform penance and bother none. If anything, I only help people. Who are you? whose daughter are you? In this place of no people, you are doing penance that is difficult even for munis! You are neither a little girl nor are you that old. You are shining as a woman in her prime youth. With no husband around, why perform such a severe penance? Whose wife are you? Perhaps your husband is a Tapasi (one who performs penance). With no means to take care of you, he must have left you. What dynasty you belong? Who is your father? Your features imply that you are from well to do family. Are you not Gayatri devi? or may be Saraswati? or Laxmi? I am not able to guess.
Then Parvati devi replied “Brahmin! I am neither mother of vedas nor am I Laxmi or Saraswati. I am Parvati, the daughter of Himavant . Previously, I sacrificed my body as the daughter of Daksha prajapati. In this life, as the fate would have it, though spotted by Shankara, He burned the lord of love and deserted me. Feeling miserable, I started severe penance in the woods with no success. Just as I was about to sacrifice my body again, I saw you and waited for a moment. You may go on your way now. I will jump in the fire with the wish that Shankara become my husband in every life.” Saying thus, despite Brahmin’s plea, she jumped in the fire, but the Lord’s grace cooled the fire to feel like cold sandal paste. As Parvati started to move out of the fire pit wondering, the elderly spoke again-
“Oh! the protected one! I am not sure why your penance was not successful. The fire did not even burn you. But your wish is still unfulfilled. You can tell me the reason for your penance since I grant bliss to the living things. Since we already exchanged more than seven words, we have a sort of friendship now. Consider me your friend. You can even tell me any type of secret. You have all the power needed to materialize any wish. Why are you doing this penance. If it is for others, stop this penance now. Holding a jewel bangle, you seem to be searching for an ordinary bangle. You are wasting your beautiful youth. You are wearing simple saree instead of fine clothes”.
Then as Ambika signaled her aide (Vijaya), she started answering the old man’s questions as she is the dearest to Parvati devi -
This friend of mine is not yet married. She wants none other than Shiva. She has been performing penance for three thousand years. Leaving Devendra, Narayana, Brahmadev and all others deities, wanting Shiva only is the reason for penance. All the trees planted at the start of her penance are already flowering and producing fruits. In fact, they imply that her penance will be successful. Her penance is intended to bring meaning to her wonderful form and to resurrect the lord of desire from ashes. Since her penance is for Maheshwara, why would it not succeed?
After hearing all that Vijaya spoke, the elderly ridiculed and dismissed her saying “it may be based on logic, but it is just argumentative,. The truth from the heart can be said only by Parvati devi”.
Contemplation: A devotee is a work of art that the divine admires. Devotion is that point in the game of pure love that the Lord rarely gets to witness and must test it. The test is not for us to fail, but rather to show the world what a devotional state is like. In fact, the real test of faithful surrender comes only when every little evidence of God’s existence is removed in the world of logic. While love may be blind, devotion is concrete conviction in its faith. Such a state needs none else and nothing else to feel complete. The thought of the Lord within is not only necessary but sufficient in every way. All that negates it is worth staying away from. Need less to say, this is why the avadhutas (wandering monks) even exist. They do because the real ones have attained pure bliss from within, are complete and exist with the only purpose of giving. Lord Shiva is that divine truth form needing nothing but with a lot to give others.
27. The bachelor tries to cheat Devi
As though she was blessed with some divine gift, Patvati devi spoke from the depth of her heart “O long haired Brahmin! whatever my friend Vijaya said is true indeed. In thoughts and in speech, I have chosen Shankara as my husband. Though my mind keeps telling me that it is an impossible dream, I continue to gather all the enthusiasm within me to continue with my penance for Him”. Hara responded -
“Really! all this time I thought you were working hard for some superior thing. Now that I know the truth, I might as well be on my way because like they say ‘what is supposed to happen will happen’”. The elderly pretended to waste no time getting up to leave the scene at once. Parvati devi stopped him with a pranama and prayed “why leave though, please do tell what you think is good”. The long haired bachelor continued speaking -
“Devi! since you seem to have some devotion for my words, I will tell you what I think is best for you which will of course be the truth. I know Mahadev rather well. Shankara wears matted hair, covers himself with bhasm (ash) and rides Nandi, his bull. He wears tiger skins. With elephant skin on top, he decorates himself with snakes and skulls. He has poison in his throat, a weird eye formation, is so fierce looking and his birth too was avyakta (never happened). The little comforts that a family man would have are non-existing in his case. As disamola (with no clothes around his waist), he wanders the cremation grounds with ghosts and demons. He has ten hands and five faces. Give me one good reason why you would want such a social misfit as your husband? How is it that your entire intellect has gone wasted? Think carefully. In the past, after Mahadev married daughter of Daksha, Daksha was tired of the skull wearing son-in-law and would not offer him the offering of the sacred yagna. His insult was way too much for Dakshayani (the daughter) who gave up her dear life and moved far away from Parameshwara. You must know all this, but have forgotten how bad it was! Besides, you are a gem of a woman. Your father is the head of the mountains. Here you are with no proper thought, no consideration, with absolutely no understanding of the real situation and engaging in this impossible penance just to attain a street renunciate as your husband! Does anyone in the world let go off a golden ornament and take an ordinary glass piece? It is like throwing away sri gantha paste (fragrant sandal wood paste) and applying mud on your body. It is as ridiculous as going after a light bug instead of using the day light Sun. It is as crazy as throwing away silk clothes for a piece of leather! Disliking the comforts of palace and wanting woods instead does not make sense! Tell me, is it not kind of odd that you want Shankara when Indra and other rulers of the universe are ready to marry you?”.
“On one hand, here you are with lotus shaped wonderful eyes. There he is with weird looking eyes. Your face is like beautiful full moon. There he has five faces. Your hair is long like a snake looking so pretty. His matted hair is disastrous. Sandal wood paste on your body is nice, but that cremation ash on his body is deplorable. You wear silk saree and he wears elephant skins. You wear divine ornaments and there he wears snakes as decoration. Deities come to see you, but there he goes around with armies of ghosts and demons. You enjoy the sound of mridanga (percussion instrument) where what he plays is the damaru (hand held small drum made of skull). Where is the sophistication of dundubhi (kettle drums) that you like and where is the bone instrument he plays? You want the sound of kettle drums and what he prefers is yelling loud. Any which way you look at it, Shankara is not the right match for you. Let us look at another way. If he is wealthy, why is he naked and why does he ride an old bull? He goes around as a beggar because he has no riches. Not even one attribute worthy of a groom is in him. Besides, he burned the lord of desire, the one that gives mutual happiness to a married couple. If he is really interested in you, he would not have deserted you in the first place. With no caste, no education and no knowledge, he carries on with poison around his neck and demons all around him. He is a loner like a monk. You always have that beautiful necklace made of jewels, but all you find is human skull garland around his. everything is wrong and unfitting here. I for one absolutely do not like him as your husband. Do whatever you like.”
Then Parvati devi listended to the entire accusation against Shiva and angrily responded as follows.
Contemplation: It is rather amazing that an ordinary mortal would find the unmanifest light of the Lord within own heart superior to all the wonderful colors, varieties and glamor of the outside world. Joy always comes from within. A happy heart is content. In the state of bliss, we unite with that divine truth which we have no problem of accepting. If someone else were to disagree with our pleasant experience of having eaten a feast, it is best to walk away because everyone’s experience is different.
28. Parvati meets Shiva
Parvati thought “now it is clear. He is an ordinary man. He should be killed for the bad talk about Shiva, but since he is a brahmin, I will let it go”. She sharply responded out loud “O great one! What you said was true at one time perhaps. I do know that he is naked and roams around in cremation grounds. Do you not know that Parabrahm does have a divine auspicious form for the sake of the devotees? As a fake bachelor, you kept on saying untrue things. I will illustrate the essence of Shiva (Shiva tattwa). Listen! Where is the question of race for the eternal lord who is beyond qualities which even at best only limit that which is infinite? To insult the master of eighteen schools of knowledge by saying he is uneducated is your awful style it seems. In the past, at the beginning of kalpa (great period), Narayana was given vedic knowledge through the breadth of Shiva which means there is no equal for Shiva! As He was before Brahma and Vishnu, who could possibly know His age? When mother nature itself came from Him, is it even possible to find cause for Shankara? You better know that all powers come to those with firm devotion in Shiva.”
tasmaiva bhajanaa jjeevo - mrityunjayato nirbhayah,
tasmaa smrityunjayam naama - prasiddham bhuvanatraye.
Serve Him with heart, fear of death is no more,
Lord over death He is, so known everywhere.
“After many life times, if in one life time a jiva prays to Shiva with sincere heart, the fear of death disappears for that jiva. This is why Shiva is known as Mrityunjaya (lord over death) and He is famous for it in all the three worlds!
Shiva is the reason for Vishnu to rule over Vaikunth, for the Lotus seated Brahma to become creator and Indra along with other deities to become immortal! You must take note that the lord of deities, Devendra goes to Kailash to visit Shiva. Ghosts guard the gates to His abode and I sure hope that great one will shower His grace on me. Serving that auspicious lord grants anything anyone wants.”
sapta janma daridraha syaa - sevenno yadi sankaram,
tasmaita tsevanaa lloke-lakshmihi syaa danapaayini.
Poverty strikes for seven lives, if His worship is neglected,
but, for a true devotee of Shiva, all the worship is rewarded.
“Whoever does not worship Shiva suffers from poverty for seven lives. Should one worship Shiva with complete heart, the goddess of wealth stays with that one here on earth and beyond. The eight siddhis (powers) dance in front of Shiva to win his grace. Would such great Lord not take care of His devotees? Though He does not use the sacred materials, mere chant of His name in thoughts secures all auspiciousness. All wishes come true with Shiva’s worship. Besides, He is completely unperturbed, you know!”
shiveti mangalam naama - mukhe yasya niramtaram,
tasmaiva darshana danye - pavitraha samti sarvadah.
Shiva’s name is always, on the lips of a true shivite,
sight of such is enough, for the miserable unfortunate.
“Just a glance at someone who constantly chants the auspicious name of Shiva is enough to purify oneself. It is not easy to understand the great Lord who creates, sustains and ends. The form devoid of nature related qualities, but full of all knowing divine characteristics cannot be understood by someone who only has gross view of things like you. Those with bad life style and sinful attitude lose their godly qualities. They cannot understand Shiva, the wealthy lord of six gunas.”
shivanindaam karoteeha - tattwamajnaaya yah pumaan,
aajanma samv\chitam punyam - bhasmee bhavati tasyatat.
Accusing Shiva, only implies lack of true insight,
however great in the past, leaves one in sure plight.
“Whoever lacks insight (tattwa knowledge) and talks bad about Shiva, loses all the accumulated merit from the past immediately with miserable future ahead. Since you spoke bad of Him, worshipping you has become sinful act for me. Even seeing those that resent Shiva requires a cold shower to cleanse. Furthermore, some sort of repentance is required. So say the scriptures. You bragged saying that you know Shankara. In fact, you know nothing about Him. I like whatever form Rudra takes.”
vishnurbrahmaapi na sama - stasya kwaapi mahaatmanah,
kutonye nirjaraadyaascha - kaalaadheenah sadaiva te.
Time bound are Vishnu, Brahma and all lords,
Time beyond is Shiva, then why count others.
“In any case, Brahma and Vishnu are not equal to Shiva; so, it is pointless to even consider Indra and other immortals. This is because Brahma and Vishnu are time bound but Shiva is beyond time and known as Maha Kaal.
“I understood all this power of Shiva with right attitude and started my penance. The great lord Shankara is the One that loves His devotees and helps the needy. Hence my desire for Him. “
After talking thus, Parvati stopped, but noticed that the fake bachelor is starting to blurt again. Without wasting an instant, not wanting to hear any more of bad talk about Shiva, Parvati signaled “O girl friends! there he is starting again all that bad mouthing about Shiva. Stop him. The sin is not only for those that bad mouth Him, but also to those that hear it. It is said in the dharmic scriptures that such people should be punished. They also say that if the sinner is a brahmin, it is best to leave the place immediately. Since this evil practitioner bad mouths Shiva, I ought to leave this place at this very moment”. Just as Parvati lifted her foot to leave, Shiva appeared in His real form.
Then as Girija devi saw the form of Shiva that She has been contemplating, she became shy as Shiva spoke “Where would you go leaving me? Even if you try to leave and go far away, I will not stay away because I cannot bear it. I am impressed. Ask for a boon! There is nothing that is out of reach for you! I am your truly yours from this moment onwards. You bought me outright with your penance. Here from this instant, with your incredible beauty, you are making each instant of our separation as long as a great period. Therefore Parvati, do not be shy now! For eternity, you have always been my consort! Think about that carefully now! I was just playing around to test your determination. Please forgive me for the liberty I had taken! I have never seen any woman equal to you in the three worlds. I am in your control in every way. Now tell me what you truely wish for! I understand what you want anyway! Be my wife! I will take you with me to Kailash!”. As Shiva spoke, Parvati forgot all her exhaustion and enjoyed every bit of the gentle loving words.
Contemplation: Union is complete. Devotee won. Lord is lost in the triumph of devotion. Awakening is complete. Now there is no difference between bhakt (devotee) and bhagvan (divine). What the devotee says is as if the Lord had said it. What devotee wishes is as though it were Lord’s wish only. Prize of devotion is the mutual acceptance between the devotee and the divine. After such merger, separation is unbearable for both. Such oneness is what we strive for.
29. Parvati and Shiva Conversation
Looking at Hara’s pleasing form, contented Parvati spoke -
“Lord of Lords! You are my ruler! Did you forget that you destroyed the yagna by Daksha in the past because of me? It is for the welfare of the worlds, I have become daughter for the lovable Menaka-Himavant couple. Should you be really pleased with me, I ask that You be my husband! This will help devas also as they are suffering much from the demon Taraka. Now, if you allow me, I shall return home. Come to my house and request my father for my hand in marriage. May such practice of asking the father of the bride become the way of the world from here on! This will make my father’s duty as a householder complete. Then my father Himavant will consult our relatives and follow your wishes according to the advice of the rishis. “
“In the past, when I was born as the daughter of Daksha, he gave me to you in marriage. But, at that time, none of the customs of the times were followed. My father did not offer prayers to the nine planets and ask for their help in the journey of married life. This time, the wedding will take place according to the scriptures and the best knowledge of the time. May Himavant perform our marriage as written in the scriptures and recognize that his daughter’s marriage was indeed an auspicious ceremony.”
Then Shanakara replied “Maheshaani! Let me tell you about us! All this animated and imanimated world around you is not permanent. I am One but appear as many. I am independant and self-illuminating. Since you are not that, you found me as paratantra (that without existence). Know who you are! All material I need to build everything comes from you. You are maha maya. The entire universe is maha maya. I boldly take care of all this. Those with strong faith in Shiva as the eternal soul are worshiping me intensely. As I am the one that appointed all, there is no need for me to worship anyone. Planets and seasons are all in my vibhuti (sacred ash)! Our unique appearances came about due to the differences in gunas and activities. With immense affection for the devotees, I engage in activities that ensure welfare of the worlds.”
“You are the subtle nature in the form of the three gunas (rajo, tamo and sattwa). You are well versed in the workings of the world”.
sarvashaamapi bhuutaanaa - mahamaatmaa sumadhyame,
nirvikaaree nireehascha - bhaktecchopaatta vigrahaha.
In all living things, the central essence and eternal is Me,
while granting wishes, I remain unperturbed and desire-free.
“Though I am the eternal spirit in all living entities, I am ever unperturbed never desiring anything yet always fulfilling the devotee wishes. Let me now tell you what is in my heart. I will not go to Himalayas as a beggar for alms. People look down on anyone, however great, that goes begging. Though this is how I actually think, I am still ready to do exactly that as you wished. Now tell me what you would like.”
Then Girija devi replied “Maheshwara! I too agree that you are the eternal soul, that I am the mother nature for the universe and that we both are independent yet in control by our loving devotees. There is no doubt in any of it. But do beg for me as I requested of you. This secures much pride for my father Himavant. As your devotee, I shall become your other half in every birth. Mahadev!, with your grace, I do understand your influence. You like to be free to uplift your devotees. You become engrossed in your own form of truth. O Lord! show your fun play with our marriage to make the devotees lives meaningful and to free them from bondage of birth and death.” After speaking thus, Parvati devi became quiet.
Smiling Maheshwara agreed with Parvati devi’s request, decided to follow the way of the world and disappeared into the subtle realm. After returning to Kailash, He was unable to bear separation from Kali. He kept talking about the whole incident to His ganas and Nandikeshwara. Bhairava and other prominent ganas were joyous to hear such exciting auspicious news from the Lord. The whole of Kaliash was beginning to look festive with everyone talking merrily. All forms of life forgot their sorrows for the time being. The lord of root cause, Shankara once again became happy.
Contemplation: There are many that take part in the triumph of a devotee. It would be utter selfish of a devotee to just ask for ownself all the boons and not include others. That is the same for the one that is awakened in meditation. It is an experience worth sharing to all around and propagate to as many as will want it. Realized ones live to tell their lessons as the truth findsd an expression through them. The expression of truth in discourse and performing miracles are simply the display of union of truth within the practitioner. That is the festive wedding for as long as the realized one wanders about guiding others.
30. Parvati returns from Penance
Now it is time for Prvati devi to head home. She felt really good about herself and her beautiful form because now it is all worthwhile. Thinking thus and repeatedly chanting Shiva’s name in her mind, she was returning to her father’s house with her aides. The news of her return reached Himavant and Menaka devi. They were accompanied by priests, friends, relatives and people of the city, as they rushed out to meet Partvati to greet her with sacred sandal wood powder, fragrant pastes along with prabhritika (specially made festive food) and an auspicious kalasha (royal pitcher made of gold). On the occasion of such regal welcome, the parade corridors of the city were filled with Brahmins of priesthood chanting vedic mantras and beautiful women dancing in joy. Royal elephants were lined in honor of Parvati devi. Pregnant women were holding plates with lit camphor lights as a precaution to ward off evil eye for Parvati. Shehnai (a wind instrument with melodious sound) was adding to festive ceremonial mood. As soon as the divine mother (Parvati devi) entered the city gates, she saw her parents coming happily rushing toward her. Once they came near, Parvati offered her pranama and also had her two aides do the same. Menaka-Himavant pair could no longer bear the delay of formalities of royal customs and hugged their daughter blessing her “ma” with tears of joy running down the cheeks. All women related to Parvati gave her hugs commenting “Your achievement is uplifting for the whole family. We are so fortunate to have you in our family” and sprinkling flowers coated with fragrant sandal wood paste. Devas made gentle sprinkles fall to grace the occasion. At that auspicious moment, some prominent leaders of the city brought Narada muni in a chariot into the city. Well versed vedic brahmins took Haimavati into the palace of Himavant. Young women of marriage age offered her auspicious material as a good sign. Brahmins were showering blessings throughout. Boundless was the joy of Menaka and Himavant. Himavant was pleased that his stage of householder achieved a supreme goal saying that “kuputraat putrika para!” meaning “a well accomplished daughter is way better than an evil son”. He praised Narada muni as the best sage of sages. He gave money to those born with mixed communities to show support for the different from the norm and asked them to voice their blessings as well. Thus as parents, brothers, women of the family gathered in the royal court yard, Himavant honored them all and headed out to the Ganges river to bathe to prepare for the upcoming auspicious activities.
Meanwhile, to enliven the royal gathering, the devotee loving Shankara arrived near Menaka devi in the disguise of an entertainer.
sringam vaame kare dhritva, dakshine dhamaru tathaa,
prishte kanthaam raktavaasaa, nrityagaana visaaradaa.
Holding horn in the left hand, playing small drum in the right,
wearing quilt and red all over, arrived the singing dancing expert.
With a dhamaru (small drum) and a sounding horn in his hands, Shankara disguised himself as an expert in song and dance wearing red clothes and a quilt on his back. Right there in the front yard of Menaka devi’s quarters, he was singing and dancing. Once in a while, he would sound his horn and play his drums attracting much attention.
Furthermore, the entertainer was singing away mesmerizing his audience. Besides, the sound of his horn and drums had quite a beat and rhythm. With him, he also had a string instrument which he used making melodious notes throughout. Soon the news was all over the neighborhood. Kids, adults, elderly, men, women and everyone started gathering around him. They would see his dance, listen to his music and sort of remained in a trance with amazement. Menaka devi was outright impressed. Seeing the subtle form of Shankara holding trident in the entertainer, Parvati fainted out of excitement. Even more handsome is that this entertainer has ash applied to his forehead which also featured a third eye. Parvati felt that it was her lord of the needy, the merciful who lives in the hearts of the devotees who had asked her to make a wish which eventually turned out to be their upcoming marriage. But, when she looked again, it was the entertainer only and there was no Shankara there!
Then in amazement Menaka devi offered him a plate full of jewels which the entertainer refused and asked for Parvati devi’s hand instead. This angered Menaka devi who started to get upset with the entertainer and wanted him out of her yard. Meanwhile, Himavant returned from his bath in the Ganges, noticed the entertainer in human form, learned all that was going on from Menaka devi and he too got angry saying “Get him out of her” to his guards. But no one came forward to arrest the entertainer. The strange beggar performer decided to show off his power to Himavant and started first showing himself as Maha Vishnu. The entertainer had suddenly become the well crowned, four handed and divine Narayana wearing fine clothes of yellow color. All flowers that Himavant worshiped Narayana with, in the past, were seen on the entertainer. Thereafter, the entertainer turned into the creator, four faced, with reddish glow and reading vedic verses who is none other than Lord Brahma. Then he would become Sun, the eye of the world. And then, he would become cheerful and self-illuminating Shankara as Rudra with Rudrani. The final form would be that of a foursome cosmic man, ever blissful, Shiva together with parashakti (cosmic energy personified as a woman) which intrigued Himavant very much. Prolonging his maya further, the entertainer became Indra, Chandra and other deities asking for the hand of Parvati in marriage. It is too much too fast for any one to take and as such Himavant refused to give away his daughter to this entertainer. The entertainer simply disappeared. Realizing that “Shankara only played all the tricks and returned home”, Menaka-Himavant started to feel bad. All this caused a deep devotion toward Shankara in their hearts. This type of gratitude is about to allow Himavant and Menaka devi offer the hand of their daughter to the Lord of lords.
Contemplation: Coming back to the world after awakening and realization can be quite a welcome. This is because no advertisement is necessary for a blossoming flower of great fragrance. Those that need to know become aware of such person and tell others that should know. Soon the masses follow welcoming the realized one. Strange and miraculous things happen on the grounds of gatherings around such realized ones. What is illusion and what is divine play are difficult to tell apart. While the ordinary wonder and wander about, the seeker and the truth are mutually aware of each other’s presence and triumph.
31. Shiv Maya
Realizing that there is devotion for Shankara in the hearts of Himavant and Menaka devi, the immortal devas started to wonder as follows.
Should Himavant give his daughter’s hand to Shankara in marriage, he will surely attain liberation. He will attain a place near Shiva (Shiva sayujyam). If one were to see what would really happen if Himavant (Himalayas) were to become free from the current state, it is sad indeed. This is because, the Himalayas are full of jewels and other precious metals which is why earth is praised as the womb of precious jewels. Then without Himalayas, earth would lose its glory. If Himavant wholeheartedly offers the trident armed Shanakara his daughter, he will be free attaining utmost bliss due to Shiva’s proximity and will have no rebirth. This means that Himavant’s liberation would end his existence on earth and that would be very said for the planet earth.
Self-centered in their plans, the immortal devas approached their divine teacher Brihaspati and said “O Gurudeva! we have a request. One way or another, it must be seen that Himavant is not with himself and such can be made to happen by talking bad about Shiva in front of him. There is no need to worry that such talk would necessarily prevent the task at hand (Parvati-Shiva wedding). Since Parvati devi will not marry anyone else other than Shankara, Himavant is somewhat forced to give her away in marriage to Shankara. Though this will still liberate him (uplift him), but only after some delay of existing as a mountain. That is all what we are asking. It is better that he stays around a little longer for all the great gems and jewels he contains within himself (mountain range). That would be really the best for all!”. Hearing their request, the guru closed his ears at the thought of talking bad about Shiva and replied with a tone of disagreement.
“Devatas! I am yet to see anyone that is more selfish than you! you sure know how to ruin a good thing?!? Should I talk about Shankara as you have asked of me, I will certainly suffer permanent hell. May only one of you go to Himavant and talk bad about Shiva. If Himavant performs the marriage with full devotion, he will attain liberation; otherwise, he will remain as mountain as he always has been on the earth. Though his Shivite discipline (Shiva nishta) will indeed gets disrupted, the great seven rishis will visit him and help him understand (prabodh). Alternately, you could go to the satyaloka (realm of truth) and ask Brahmadev the same who will somehow try to help you.”
Then all proceeded to Brahmaloka, offered pranamas to the four-faced divinity and told Him everything. Brahmadev replied “O thirtysome devas! I am not capable of talking bad about Shankara. In fact, it is not in anyone’s interest to do so. The person that speaks ill of Shiva loses all the wealth. Such person will be in full of miseries. Therefore, you are better of asking Shiva only for such work. He will only agree to your request, go to Himavant and talk bad about Himself. “Paraninda vinaashaaya - svanindayasase mata” clearly says that it is safer to talk bad about oneself than others.
Taking Brahamdev’s advice, all went to Kailash, offered paranamas to Shankara and prayed “O lord of lords! We came for your protection! Be merciful toward us! You always help your devotees to be trouble free!”. With such praises, they started and then told the Lord of their thoughts. Lord Shankara smiled in agreement and sent everyone home.
Then all immortal devas felt better knowing that their work will now be completed with success. They kept praising Shiva’s attitude toward the devotees on their way home. Pleased Paratpara (the one that is higher than the highest, Shiva) went to Himavant in the disguise of vaishnava (devotee of vishnu with vertical marks on the forehead). At that time, the king of the city (Himavant) was seated, content with peace in his heart enjoying the company of his whole family and relatives.
Digambara (the naked one, Shankara) arrived as a saint holding an umbrella in one hand, a danda (a sacred stick also used for walking) in the other, wearing fine yellow clothes, a characteristic tilak (mark) on his forehead, Vishnu salagrama (a symbol) around his neck and chanting name of Hari. Seeing him, Himavant and the family immediately got up from their seats and prostrated with reverence. Parvati devi recognized the fake Vaishnava saint as none other than her dear Lord and offered pranamas and prayed to him in her mind. Shankara blessed all referring especially to Parvati with a special blessing “may your wish come true”. Then the saint accepted the sweet juice offered by Himavant and attempted to answer Himavant’s curious inquiry as to who he was.
“O Mountain king! I am a brahmin, a vsihnu devotee, a pundit and a traveling expert in auspicious time. At the speed of thought, I can be anywhere on this planet. Due to grace of guru, I recognize everything. I am also a well wisher for others, pure hearted, merciful and help people win over desire, anger and other such mental agitations. Having heard that you are giving away your lotus like delicate and divinely beautiful daughter to Shankara, I have come to advise you. Listen! You need to know what Shankara is like! He has no home! He has no friendship with anyone! Looks are also not that much to talk about! Cemetery is home! His appearance is that of a snake charmer! He is symbolized by nakedness, wearing snakes as decorative garlands, bracelets etc., with no known class or heritage, with no fun or romance in life, with innate nature of anger, with unknown age, matted hair, as being surrounded by all kinds of life forms, with begging and as being on the outside of vedic ways etc.. O king of the city! You are born in the sect of Lord Narayana. You are the best of the intelectual ones. Think carefully about giving Parvati devi to Shankara! No one of sense will congratulate you on your decision! As the king of mountains, you have many relatives. So many great jewels are in you. Shankara does not have even one relative! He does not have even a penny! It is still not too late! By all means, talk to Menaka devi and others before getting down to work! Just as a sick patient resents medicine, perhaps you too resent my advice!”
After talking thus, the brahmin accepted all the honors of a guest and eventually he left.
Contemplation: Our existence has a purpose. Before its time, nothing arrives or leaves. Every thing is connected to so many others and before its time, it cannot be removed without affecting the others. Such is bondage for even the fortunate ones on this plane. Benefiting from the truth, even if it arrives at the front door and knocks, is possible only for the true practitioner who has undoubtedly reached the stage of union and suceeded in all trials. The environment around a realized one is challenged, intrigued and eventually transformed by truth itself in time.
32. The seven rishis visit Himavant
Menaka devi was very much affected by what she heard about Shankara. Teary eyed, she spoke “O mountain king! Just believe what I am about to tell you - will eventually be a good thing! You need to really consult all the prominent members of these mountains! Hearing all that bad talk about Shiva from the Vaishnavite brahmin has bothered me much. I refuse to give our nice daughter of noble qualities to that not so good looking lord of ghosts with bad character. If you do not listen to me and go ahead with giving our daughter to him, I will drink poison and die. Or, I will leave the house. And I will drag Ambika with me to the deepest woods. Or, I will jump in the ocean, but I will never agree to this marriage”. Saying such things, Menaka devi went crying in to the room of solitude.
In Kailash, unable to bear separation from Parvati devi, Shankara thought of the seven rishis again. Once again, the rishis along with devi Arundhati (wife of Vasishta) appeared instantly. Seeing them, Hara stopped his meditation. The rishis stood in front of the Lord with folded palms and prayed -
“O lord of all devas! It is so incredible how fortunate we are! All penance and vedic practice done by our minds, speech and efforts for so long have finally become fruitful! Our fire sacrifices and prayers to the sacred rivers are now complete!”
“The very fact that you thought of us is worth all the good merit we have earned so far in our lives.”
yovai bhajati nityam tvaam - kritakrityo bhavennarah,
kim punyam varnyate teshaam - yeshaancha smaranam tavah.
Successful one becomes, by singing your glory daily,
Even more priceless, is remembering you constantly.
“Any human that sings your glory becomes well accomplished. Even more beneficial and difficult to appraise complete merit is if one were to constantly remember you. O Sadasiva! since you thought of us, we have become well accomplished in everything. You are someone that has gone beyond the thought and its motivations. How can we describe our happiness? It is like a short person catching a hard to reach fruit on a tree branch. It is like someone who is blind by birth now able to see. It is like a dumb person speaking. It is like a poverty stricken person finding sudden wealth. It is like a childless woman suddenly bearing a child by miracle. We are able to be here to see you with our own eyes while in fact even a glimpse of you is unattainable. Meeting you like this has made us respectable and worthy of worship in the worlds as of today. We are not quite clear on why you called us as you are so complete within yourself. Please simply tell us and we will take it as our command!”
After all those humble words by the rishis, Maheshwara assumed a worldly tone and said “there is one reason why I thought of you. All that I take up is for the welfare of the worlds only! All of my eight forms are helpful to the worlds. I have accepted Parvati devi’s request as she had performed penance that is difficult even for sages. So I went begging for her hand in marriage to please my devotee Parvati as she asked for it. Just when Himavant and Menaka were ready to go ahead with giving away Parvati in marriage, the devas asked that I personally go there in disguise of a Vishnu devotee and talk bad about myself. “
“It looks like I did the task of talking bad about myself a little too well. As such, the mountain couple is now discouraged and thinking of not giving Parvati devi to me for marriage. So your vedic lecture is what is needed there. Make sure you accomplish your task. Talk to them any which way you can to have marriage with Girija happen. As I already agreed to Parvati’s request, think that there is no choice but to convince Himavant and Menaka devi. You are able to justify divine work. The marriage of Gauri and Shankara is for the benefit of the world. Understand that there is so much good for devas in all this.”
The rishis could not believe that the graceful Lord who is worshipped by Brahmadev and Maha Vishnu is utilizing them in his own work and they felt very good in their hearts. They were very committed to the marriage between the father of the universe and the mother of the worlds and wished for progress to be as certain and steady as the waxing stages of Moon. They took leave from Shankara after another pranama and were air borne over Himalayas. They spotted the shining city of Himavant and started praising themselves for what they are about to do.
“Look at this city! This is even better than Alakaapuri (Kuber’s capital city), Bhogavati (subterranean capital city of Nagas) and Amaravati (Indra’s capital city). All the buildings are made of crystals and gems with wide open spaces. The entire area is shining with Ruby gems and Moon-stones. Wish fulfilling tree (Kalpavriksha) of the heaven can be seen in every house! All entry ways appear to be festively decorated. The city has many designs of water fountains, several water holes, different wells, fabulous orchards, humans with divine appearance and ladies with heavenly features.”
Anyone engaged in a harsh penance to attain heaven will be surely pleased with this city of Aushadhiprastha. As they entered the city praising its beauty, Himavant spotted them from far away and came to receive them. He felt privileged to serve these illuminating rishis. He offered pranamas and told them that his stage of householder (grihastha ashram) was finally successful. He seated them all on appropriately comfortable chairs and talked to them.
“O great ones! My life is now finally worthwhile. All of you coming here means that I have become as sacred a site as the great rivers. I consider it my good fortune that all of you with the form of Vishnu have come to my house. More than likely, there is nothing you could possibly need from me as you are all complete within yourselves, but should there be something I can do, please just tell me.”
Contemplation: Divine hand at work for a devotee is amazing to watch with no stone left unturned. Even a devotee could not have drawn up a design for what is to come because the ultimate design by the Lord is simply better and beyond anyone’s imagination. Descent by truth to plane of reality often seems coincidental with a tiny chance of ever happening. But looking at it closely, it is simply too beautiful to dismiss as a coincidence. When spiritual practice ripens to produce fruit, the practitioner becomes a non-negotiable conduit through whom truth manifests in incredible ways. Suddenly, resources multiply and joy becomes limitless for all those involved. They all do it with full heart taking complete responsibility. Such is the attractiveness of a spiritually accomplished one.
33. Pacifying Himavant
The sacred seven spoke. “Shiva is the father of the universe. Devi is the mother of the worlds. Therefore, have no second thoughts about giving your daughter to Shankara. This will be auspicious for you. Your birth will become meaningful.”
Then, with folded palms, Himavant replied “O fortunate ones! I was ready to do exactly that. But then a vaishnavite came by and told us so many extreme things about Shankara that Menaka devi absolutely refuses to marry off Parvati to Shankara. She is in the same old clothes from Yesterday and locked herself up in the house of sadness. She simply would not listen to anyone. I am also beginning to think that I must have lost my mind to have ever agreed to this marriage. Shankara is not qualified for marriage and therefore I cannot proceed with it.” Thus under the influence of Shiv maya, the king remained in the state of confusion.
Praising the power of Shiva’s play of maya, the rishis sent devi Arundhati to talk with Menaka devi. When the well accomplished rishi, shining like Goddess Laxmi, approached and started a pleasant conversation, Menaka devi immediately jumped to her feat to welcome the rishi who is none other than the wife of rishi Vasishta. She welcomed saying “my whole being and this city have become sacred just by your arrival. Please tell me what brings you here. I am at your service.” Meanwhile, the seven rishis thought of Shiva’s feat in reverence and started their motivating talk addressing Himavant.
O mountain king! listen to us! it is good for you to become father-in-law for Shankara, who is the lord of dissolution. Actually, Shankara did not want anything, but Brahmadev prayed for a son of Shankara who is required to kill the demon Taraka and that is where your daughter is involved. In reality, He is least interested in taking a wife. Besides, Parvati devi herself performed severe penance to attain Him as her husband. Brahmadev’s request and Parvati’s penance are the reasons for Shankara’s acceptance of this marriage.
Beginning to feel better about what he heard, Himavant hesitantly spoke “there is nothing much of royalty or comforts around Shiva. He has no place to live per se and has no close relatives. How do I give my daughter to someone who has nothing? tell me! Anyone that gives his daughter to a groom that is lacking in looks and worthwhile qualities will suffer in hell, so I am not going to be able to sincerely offer my daughter. So, you only figure out an alternate method of making this happen”. Rishi Vasishta replied -
“O lord of the mountains, what I am about to tell you is workable, reasonably compliant to scriptures, appropriate and blissful for here and beyond”.
The intellectuals clearly state that advice is of three types according to scriptures or the way of the world. The first of these may sound good but ends horribly if advice is given by a brilliant enemy. The second of these may sound harsh but ends well if given by a merciful righteous person. The third that sounds good with auspiciousness throughout is that given with support of vedic essence. Which one would you like to hear?
As you said, Shankara has no externally visible resources in term of perfumes, money and women. But, his mind dwells in the ocean of true knowledge. But then an ordinary householder would rather give his daughter to a wealthy groom but not to a poor one - this is understandable.
koveda Shankaro dukhee - kubero yasya kimkarah.
“Shankara has nothing” makes no sense for the wise,
wealthy Kuber as his devotee suggests otherwise.
Can anyone prove that Shankara is poor given that wealthy Kuber is a staunch devotee of Him? Devoid of typical characteristics of a human and living beyond the realm of nature is Mahadev who is capable of creation, sustenance and dissolution with a mere gesture of folds on his forehead. Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra are the sacred ash that decorates Sadashiv’s forehead as three lines. Shakti, the universal primordial energy also emerged from Him the same way. The authority on the word, Saraswati came from the face of the primordial energy. The overall resourceful Laxmi came from the chest and the worship worthy by the divine, Kalika came from the heart. Of these the third, Kaatyaani suppressed the demons and secured the immortals with heavenly riches. She is the one that was born as daughter of Daksha, sacrificed her life unable to bear comments against husband and is to take birth in every great period to become wife of Shiva. She is the intellect for the intellectuals. She grants her devotees’ wishes and victory.
Therefore, O king! offer Parvati devo to Shiva from your heart! If you become stubborn and not do so, Parvati devi herself will go to Him. When Shankara came as an entertainer, after some reflection, you agreed to the marriage with sincere devotion. Why should you suddenly change your mind like this? It is only after He asked you as a street entertainer, He returned to His abode and after much praise from us seven, He asked for us to talk to you. This is why we have come. You will be happy by agreeing to this marriage. According to what is to happen, Gaury-Shankara marriage is unavoidable. After Ishwara had given his word to marry Parvati, is there any possibility that it will not happen? As the worshipper of Parameshwara, when Maheshwara’s word itself has become certain, would Shankara’s word not become certain? Only Mahendra could cut off the wings of mountains. Only Maheshwari could topple the peak of Meru. A wise one never loses all for the sake of just one thing. Scriptures say that one should be let go for the upliftment of the entire clan.
In the past, there was a king by the name of Anaranya who gave his daughter to a Brahmin to save his kingdom. Thereafter, he was subjected to a curse by Brahma and was uplifted after many discourses by the wise.
Himavant listened to all and asked for details on Anaranya. Vasishta started replying -
Contemplation: However ridiculous a devotee’s wish is, Lord’s hand makes it happen and the same hand also saves the devotee from the after effects also. Primed for truth, a seeker manifests own wishes. Such self-fulfillment is not simply a reward for the practice rather it is the very purpose for which the practitioner took birth. Such is the power of truth as it transforms the seeker to a conduit through which it can flow freely. In fact, what the devotee wishes for is not different from what the Lord intended. With truth awakened within, the spiritually accomplished master sees, hears, feels and follows the profecy for which abundant resources and impeccable timing present themselves at the right time and at the right place.
34. Story of Anaranya
In the fourteenth dynasty of Manuvu by the name of Indrasavarni, Anaranya was born as a son of Mangalaaranya. He became ruler of seven islands and was a great devotee of Shiva. Under excellent priestly advice of Bhrighu maharshi, he completed one hundred major yagnas. Though he was qualified to rule the heavens and the immortal devas, he was disinterested in such things. In time, He fathered one hundred sons and one devi laxmi like daughter by the name of Padma. He was more attentive to his daughter only though he had hundred sons! He also had five wonderful queens who were more dear to him than his five pranas (vital airs). Once Padma devi grew up becoming a young lady suitable for marriage, he sent out messengers in all directions in looking for a suitable groom.
Meanwhile, maharshi Pippalaada was on his way to his personal place in the woods and he happened to witness the intimate love games between a gandharva and his ladies. This stirred up desire in the maharshi and at once he decided to take up a wife despite his lifestyle as a saint. Though he was overtaken by the desire for a woman, he somehow managed to suppress it for a bit longer.
As fate would have it, one day, he noticed the gorgeous Padma devi who was headed for bath in the pushpabhadra river with her aides. It was not difficult for him to find out who she was because people generally feared that maharshis like him might curse. Hearing that several great royal candidates were already waiting eagerly to marry her, the maharshi knew that he had a lot of competition. Soon the maharshi completed his ritual bath in the same river, made an earthen linga and prayed to it. Then he went to see the king Anaranya. Seeing such great maharshi come to his court, king was pleasantly surprised and received him cordially. He offered him appropriate juices and waited for the maharshi to speak his mind. When the king asked what his great guest was looking for, the maharshi asked for his daughter’s hand in marriage. Shocked at this unusual request because such type of request is unexpected from a saintly person, the king hesitated at first. This made the maharshi irritable. He spoke sharply “if you do not let me marry your daughter, I will destroy all your royal wealth.” Due to the spiritual power of the maharshi, the royal family could not come up with any useful argument. King was really sad. The queens were also sad that the maharshi as the groom would be too old for Padma devi.
In the mean time, the royal teacher and the priest came by. King invited them both with respect into quarters and asked them to advise him on the matter of Padma devi.
“O king! do not be sad! Take the view of the scriptures! Some time or the other, you will have to perform your daughter’s marriage which means you have to let her go to someone else! Then why not to a good brahmin like Pippalada maharshi? besides, that will save the kingdom from utter poverty! otherwise, there will be a total loss because of one thing! It would be better to let that go and protect all other personal things.”
Taking the advice of the wise well wishing priest and guru, the king offered his daughter Padma along with many gems, clothes etc. Maharshi was pleased and took Padma devi to his ashram.
But, the king Anaranya felt miserable with the marriage since the groom was much older than his daughter and as such, he went to the woods to dedicate the rest of his life to meditation. Unable to bear the separation from husband and daughter, the queen passed away in sorrow. The sons, ministers and all residents of the kingdom became very sad. The king succeeded in pleasing Shankara with his prayer and meditation. He finally attained bliss, liberation from the cycle of birth and death and a place very close to the Lord.
In time, the eldest of the sons Kirtimant became the king restoring peace and happiness to the people of his father’s kingdom. Well, Himavant! in this story, the king Anaranya gave away his daughter to a tapasi (meditating saint) to save his kingdom and his family. You could also give Parvati devi to Shankara and save your family too. You will attain power over the immortal devas with this deed.
Contemplation: Even as truth descends, the surroundings begin to feel the pressure of the duality of reality and perception. What is perceived appears believable but insightful reexamination suggests exactly the opposite. This is what distinguishes the faithful and the skeptical. The faithful starts with trust and finds comfort in a small confirmation. The skeptic starts with a doubt and finds misery inspite of abundant evidence. True love is all about heart and is simply a feeling of acceptance and accepting. Just as much as the blessed devotee derives bliss in the simple mundane things involving the Lord that much the doubtful mistrust even in the most obvious things.