Prakarana 10

Verse 187 (दोहा/सोरठा)

बिष्नु कहा अस बिहसि तब बोलि सकल दिसिराज। बिलग बिलग होइ चलहु सब निज निज सहित समाज।।92।।

biṣṇu kahā asa bihasi taba boli sakala disirāja | bilaga bilaga hoi calahu saba nija nija sahita samāja ||92||

तब विष्णु मुसुकाइ, दिग्पाल सबन सों कहे: “अपनी-अपनी दिशा कों जाओ—अपनी-अपनी परिकर सहित।”

Verse 188 (चौपाई)

सबु प्रसंगु गिरिपतिहि सुनावा। मदन दहन सुनि अति दुखु पावा।। बहुरि कहेउ रति कर बरदाना। सुनि हिमवंत बहुत सुखु माना।। हृदयँ बिचारि संभु प्रभुताई। सादर मुनिबर लिए बोलाई।। सुदिनु सुनखतु सुघरी सोचाई। बेगि बेदबिधि लगन धराई।। पत्री सप्तरिषिन्ह सोइ दीन्ही। गहि पद बिनय हिमाचल कीन्ही।। जाइ बिधिहि दीन्हि सो पाती। बाचत प्रीति न हृदयँ समाती।। लगन बाचि अज सबहि सुनाई। हरषे मुनि सब सुर समुदाई।। सुमन बृष्टि नभ बाजन बाजे। मंगल कलस दसहुँ दिसि साजे।।

sabu prasaṅgu giripatihi sunāvā | madana-dahana suni ati dukhu pāvā || bahuri kaheu rati-kara baradānā | suni himavaṁta bahuta sukhu mānā || hṛdayaṁ bicāri sambhu prabhutāī | sādara munibara liye bolāī || sudinu sunakhatu sugharī socāī | begi beda-bidhi lagana dharāī || patrī saptar̥ṣinih soi dīnhī | gahi pada binaya himācala kīnhī || jāi bidhihi dīnhि so pātī | bācata prīti na hṛdayaṁ samātī || lagana bāci aja sabahi sunāī | haraṣe muni saba sura samudāī || sumana br̥ṣṭi nabha bājana bāje | maṅgala kalasa dasahuṁ disi sāje ||

He related the whole episode to Himavan; hearing of Shiva, the burner of Madana, he was greatly pained. Then he spoke again of the boon granted to the Lord of Rati; hearing it, Himavan was filled with joy. Pondering in his heart the sovereign might of Shambhu, he reverently summoned the foremost sages. They chose an auspicious day, a fortunate constellation, and a fitting hour, and swiftly, by Vedic rule, fixed the wedding moment. The Seven Rishis gave that written schedule; clasping their feet, Himalaya made humble entreaty. He went and delivered that note to Brahma; reading it, affection could not be contained within his heart. Having read out the chosen time, the Unborn told it to all; the sages rejoiced, and the whole assembly of gods. A shower of blossoms fell; instruments resounded in the sky; auspicious pots were set forth in all ten directions.

Verse 189 (चौपाई)

सिवहि संभु गन करहिं सिंगारा। जटा मुकुट अहि मौरु सँवारा।। कुंडल कंकन पहिरे ब्याला। तन बिभूति पट केहरि छाला।। ससि ललाट सुंदर सिर गंगा। नयन तीनि उपबीत भुजंगा।। गरल कंठ उर नर सिर माला। असिव बेष सिवधाम कृपाला।। कर त्रिसूल अरु डमरु बिराजा। चले बसहँ चढ़ि बाजहिं बाजा।। देखि सिवहि सुरत्रिय मुसुकाहीं। बर लायक दुलहिनि जग नाहीं।। बिष्नु बिरंचि आदि सुरब्राता। चढ़ि चढ़ि बाहन चले बराता।। सुर समाज सब भाँति अनूपा। नहिं बरात दूलह अनुरूपा।।

sivahi sambhu-gana karahiṁ siṅgārā | jaṭā mukuṭ ahi mauru saṁvārā || kuṇḍala kaṅkana pahire byālā | tana bibhūti paṭ kehari chālā || sasi lalāṭa suṁdara sira gaṅgā | nayana tīni upabīta bhujaṅgā || garala kaṇṭha ura nara sira mālā | asiva beṣa sivadhāma kṛpālā || kara trisūla aru ḍamaru birājā | cale basahaṁ caṛhi bājahiṁ bājā || dekhi sivahi sura-triya musukāhīṁ | bara lāyaka dulahini jaga nāhīṁ || biṣṇu birañci ādi sura-bhrātā | caṛhi-caṛhi bāhana cale barātā || sura samāja saba bhāṁti anūpā | nahiṁ barāta dūlaha anurūpā ||

Śambhu’s own hosts set about adorning Śiva: they arranged his matted locks as a crown, and set serpents like a peacock-plume. Serpents he wore as earrings and bracelets; his body was smeared with sacred ash, and a lion-skin served him for a cloth. The moon made his forehead fair; the Gaṅgā sat upon his head; three were his eyes, and a serpent was his sacred thread. Poison marked his throat; upon his chest hung a garland of human heads—outwardly an uncouth guise, yet he is the compassionate Lord, the very abode of auspiciousness. In his hands the trident and the ḍamaru shone; mounting the bull he set forth, while instruments sounded. Seeing him, the wives of the gods smiled: “For such a bridegroom, there is no bride in all the world worthy.” Viṣṇu, Brahmā, and the other divine brethren mounted their vehicles and joined the wedding train. In every way the assembly of gods was matchless—yet the bridegroom seemed not outwardly suited to so splendid a procession.

Verse 190 (चौपाई)

बर अनुहारि बरात न भाई। हँसी करैहहु पर पुर जाई।। बिष्नु बचन सुनि सुर मुसकाने। निज निज सेन सहित बिलगाने।। मनहीं मन महेसु मुसुकाहीं। हरि के बिंग्य बचन नहिं जाहीं।। अति प्रिय बचन सुनत प्रिय केरे। भृंगिहि प्रेरि सकल गन टेरे।। सिव अनुसासन सुनि सब आए। प्रभु पद जलज सीस तिन्ह नाए।। नाना बाहन नाना बेषा। बिहसे सिव समाज निज देखा।। कोउ मुखहीन बिपुल मुख काहू। बिनु पद कर कोउ बहु पद बाहू।। बिपुल नयन कोउ नयन बिहीना। रिष्टपुष्ट कोउ अति तनखीना।।

bara anuhāri barāta na bhāī | hãsī karaihhū para pura jāī || biṣṇu bacana suni sura musakāne | nija nija sena sahita bilagāne || manahī̃ mana mahesu musukāhī̃ | hari ke biṅgya bacana nahĩ jāhī̃ || ati priya bacana sunata priya kere | bhṛṅgihi preri sakala gana ṭere || siva anusāsana suni saba āe | prabhu pada jalaja sīsa tinha nāe || nānā bāhana nānā beṣā | bihase siva samāja nija dekhā || kou mukhahīna bipula mukha kāhū | binu pada kara kou bahu pada bāhū || bipula nayana kou nayana bihīnā | riṣṭapuṣṭa kou ati tanakhīnā ||

Having weighed what was fitting, the bridal procession did not please (in outward show); yet, jesting, they set out for another’s city. Hearing Vishnu’s words, the gods smiled and, each with his own host, drew a little apart. Within himself Mahesha also smiled; for Hari’s pointed, playful speech is not easily fathomed. Hearing words so dear from the Beloved’s own, Bhringi was urged on and he summoned all the ganas. At Shiva’s command they all came; and bowing their heads, they touched the Lord’s lotus-feet. With mounts of many kinds and manifold disguises, Shiva laughed to see his own assembly. Some were without faces, some had many faces; some lacked feet and hands, while others had countless feet and arms. Some had many eyes, some were eyeless; some were sturdy and massive, and some exceedingly lean.

Verse 191 (छंद)

तन खीन कोउ अति पीन पावन कोउ अपावन गति धरें। भूषन कराल कपाल कर सब सद्य सोनित तन भरें।। खर स्वान सुअर सृकाल मुख गन बेष अगनित को गनै। बहु जिनस प्रेत पिसाच जोगि जमात बरनत नहिं बनै।।

tana khīna kou ati pīna pāvana kou apāvana gati dhareṃ | bhūṣana karāla kapāla kara saba sadya sonita tana bhareṃ || khara svāna suara sṛkāla mukha gana beṣa aganita ko ganai | bahu jinsa preta pisāca jogi jamāta baranata nahiṃ banai ||

Some were bodies wasted to bone, others hugely corpulent; some bore an air of purity, others had taken on a foul and tainted lot. They wore dreadful ornaments—skulls in their hands—and in an instant their bodies seemed drenched and filled with blood. Hosts with faces like donkeys, dogs, pigs, and jackals—countless in their disguises—defied all reckoning. So many varieties of spirits, ghouls, and uncanny ascetics in a crowd: to describe them fully simply cannot be done.

Verse 192 (दोहा/सोरठा)

नाचहिं गावहिं गीत परम तरंगी भूत सब। देखत अति बिपरीत बोलहिं बचन बिचित्र बिधि।।93।।

nāca-hiṃ gāva-hiṃ gīta parama taraṅgī bhūta saba. dekhata ati biparīta bola-hiṃ bacana bicitra bidhi..93..

सब भूत उन्मत्त हो नाचत-गावत रहे। उन्हें देख वे उलटी-सीधी बातें कहने लगे, विचित्र रीति से अचंभित वचन उच्चारने लगे।

Verse 193 (चौपाई)

जस दूलहु तसि बनी बराता। कौतुक बिबिध होहिं मग जाता।। इहाँ हिमाचल रचेउ बिताना। अति बिचित्र नहिं जाइ बखाना।। सैल सकल जहँ लगि जग माहीं। लघु बिसाल नहिं बरनि सिराहीं।। बन सागर सब नदीं तलावा। हिमगिरि सब कहुँ नेवत पठावा।। कामरूप सुंदर तन धारी। सहित समाज सहित बर नारी।। गए सकल तुहिनाचल गेहा। गावहिं मंगल सहित सनेहा।। प्रथमहिं गिरि बहु गृह सँवराए। जथाजोगु तहँ तहँ सब छाए।। पुर सोभा अवलोकि सुहाई। लागइ लघु बिरंचि निपुनाई।।

jasa dūlahu tasi banī barātā | kautuka bibidha hohiṁ maga jātā || ihāṁ himācala raceu bitānā | ati bicitra nahiṁ jāi bakhānā || saila sakala jahaṁ lagi jaga māhīṁ | laghu bisāla nahiṁ barani sirāhīṁ || bana sāgara saba nadīṁ talāvā | himagiri saba kahuṁ nevata paṭhāvā || kāmarūpa sundara tana dhārī | sahita samāja sahita bara nārī || gae sakala tuhinācala gehā | gāvahiṁ maṅgala sahita sanehā || prathamahiṁ giri bahu gṛha saṁvarāe | jathāyogu tahaṁ tahaṁ saba chāe || pura sobhā avaloki suhāī | lāgai laghu birañci nipunāī ||

As the Bridegroom was, so was the bridal procession—many a marvel rose along the way as it moved. Here the Lord of the Himalaya spread a ceremonial canopy and made such wondrous preparations that they cannot be fully described. All the mountains that lie throughout the world—small and vast alike—could scarcely be enumerated or duly praised. Forests and oceans, all rivers and lakes—the Snowy Mountain sent invitations everywhere. Assuming fair forms at will, with their assemblies and with chosen ladies, they all went to the house of the Lord of the Snow, singing auspicious songs with affectionate joy. First the Mountain adorned many dwellings; as was fitting, all took their places here and there. Seeing the city’s lovely splendor, even Brahma’s artistry seemed but a little thing.

Verse 194 (छंद)

लघु लाग बिधि की निपुनता अवलोकि पुर सोभा सही। बन बाग कूप तड़ाग सरिता सुभग सब सक को कही।। मंगल बिपुल तोरन पताका केतु गृह गृह सोहहीं।। बनिता पुरुष सुंदर चतुर छबि देखि मुनि मन मोहहीं।।

laghu lāga bidhi kī nipunatā avaloki pura sobhā sahī | bana bāga kūpa taṛāga saritā subhaga saba saka ko kahī || maṅgala bipula torana patākā ketu gṛha gṛha sohahīṃ || banitā puruṣa sundara catura chabi dekhi muni mana mohahīṃ ||

It seemed that Providence had displayed but a little of His consummate skill, so truly wondrous was the city’s splendor. Groves and gardens, wells and tanks, and the fair-flowing streams—no one had power enough to tell of them all. Auspicious emblems abounded: festooned arches, banners, and pennons made every house shine. Seeing the graceful, accomplished beauty of women and men alike, even sages found their hearts enchanted.

Verse 195 (दोहा/सोरठा)

जगदंबा जहँ अवतरी सो पुरु बरनि कि जाइ। रिद्धि सिद्धि संपत्ति सुख नित नूतन अधिकाइ।।94।।

jagadambā jahã avatari so puru barani ki jāi | ṛddhi siddhi sampatti sukha nita nūtana adhikāi ||94||

जहाँ स्वयं जगज्जननी अवतरित हुई हैं, वहाँ उस परम पुरुष का वर्णन कैसे किया जाए? जिनके सान्निध्य में श्री, सिद्धि, संपत्ति और सुख नित-नूतन उपजते हैं और अनंत बढ़ते जाते हैं।

Verse 196 (चौपाई)

नगर निकट बरात सुनि आई। पुर खरभरु सोभा अधिकाई।। करि बनाव सजि बाहन नाना। चले लेन सादर अगवाना।। हियँ हरषे सुर सेन निहारी। हरिहि देखि अति भए सुखारी।। सिव समाज जब देखन लागे। बिडरि चले बाहन सब भागे।। धरि धीरजु तहँ रहे सयाने। बालक सब लै जीव पराने।। गएँ भवन पूछहिं पितु माता। कहहिं बचन भय कंपित गाता।। कहिअ काह कहि जाइ न बाता। जम कर धार किधौं बरिआता।। बरु बौराह बसहँ असवारा। ब्याल कपाल बिभूषन छारा।।

nagara nikaṭa barāta suni āī | pura kharabharu sobhā adhikāī || kari banāva saji bāhana nānā | cale lena sādara agavānā || hiyaṁ haraṣe sura sena nihārī | harihi dekhi ati bhae sukhārī || siva samāja jaba dekhana lāge | biḍari cale bāhana saba bhāge || dhari dhīraju tahaṁ rahe sayāne | bālaka saba lai jīva parāne || gaẽ bhavana pūchahiṁ pitu mātā | kahahiṁ bacana bhaya kaṁpita gātā || kahi-a kāha kahi jāi na bātā | jama kara dhāra kidhauṁ bariātā || baru baurāha basahaṁ asavārā | byāla kapāla bibhūṣana chārā ||

Hearing that the bridal procession had drawn near, the whole city broke into a bustling stir, and its splendour only increased. With many kinds of mounts made ready and adorned, the townsfolk went forth respectfully to receive and escort it. The gods’ host looked on with gladness in their hearts; beholding Hari’s auspicious presence, they were filled with delight. But when Shiva’s company came into view, the mounts took fright; startled, they bolted and fled in every direction. Only the prudent kept their composure there; the children, seized with terror, were as though life were leaving them. They ran home and asked their fathers and mothers; with fear shaking their bodies, they stammered out their words: “What shall we say? The matter cannot be told in speech—surely the very edge of Death has come upon us! Mad horsemen are abroad, with serpents and skulls for ornaments, and ash for their adornment!”

Verse 197 (छंद)

तन छार ब्याल कपाल भूषन नगन जटिल भयंकरा। सँग भूत प्रेत पिसाच जोगिनि बिकट मुख रजनीचरा।। जो जिअत रहिहि बरात देखत पुन्य बड़ तेहि कर सही। देखिहि सो उमा बिबाहु घर घर बात असि लरिकन्ह कही।।

tana chāra byāla kapāla bhūṣana nagana jaṭila bhayaṅkarā | saṅga bhūta preta pisāca jogini bikaṭa mukha rajanīcarā || jo jiata rahihi barāta dekhata pun̐ya baṛa tehi kara sahī | dekhihi so umā bibāhu ghara-ghara bāta asi larikanha kahī ||

His body is smeared with ash; serpents and skulls are his ornaments; unclad, with matted locks, he appears dreadful. With him go bhūtas, pretas, piśācas, yoginīs—night-roamers with ghastly faces. Whoever can stay alive after beholding such a wedding-procession must surely possess mighty merit. ‘That one will see Uma’s marriage!’—so the children said, carrying the tale from house to house.

Verse 198 (दोहा/सोरठा)

समुझि महेस समाज सब जननि जनक मुसुकाहिं। बाल बुझाए बिबिध बिधि निडर होहु डरु नाहिं।।95।।

samujhi mahesa samāja saba janani janaka musukāhiṁ | bāla bujhāe bibidha bidhi niḍara hohu ḍaru nāhiṁ ||95||

महेश के वचन समझकर समस्त सभा—माता-पिता सहित—मुसकाई। बालक को अनेक प्रकार से समझाया गया— “निर्भय रहो; तनिक भी भय न हो।”

Verse 199 (चौपाई)

लै अगवान बरातहि आए। दिए सबहि जनवास सुहाए।। मैनाँ सुभ आरती सँवारी। संग सुमंगल गावहिं नारी।। कंचन थार सोह बर पानी। परिछन चली हरहि हरषानी।। बिकट बेष रुद्रहि जब देखा। अबलन्ह उर भय भयउ बिसेषा।। भागि भवन पैठीं अति त्रासा। गए महेसु जहाँ जनवासा।। मैना हृदयँ भयउ दुखु भारी। लीन्ही बोलि गिरीसकुमारी।। अधिक सनेहँ गोद बैठारी। स्याम सरोज नयन भरे बारी।। जेहिं बिधि तुम्हहि रूपु अस दीन्हा। तेहिं जड़ बरु बाउर कस कीन्हा।।

lai agavāna barātahi āe. die sabahi janavāsa suhāe.. mainā̃ subha āratī sãvārī. saṅga sumaṅgala gāvahi nārī.. kañcana thāra soha bara pānī. parichana calī harahi haraṣānī.. bikaṭa beṣa rudrahi jaba dekhā. abalanh ura bhaya bhayau biseṣā.. bhāgi bhavana paiṭhī̃ ati trāsā. gae mahesu jahā̃ janavāsā.. mainā hṛdayã bhayau dukhu bhārī. līnhī boli girīsakumārī.. adhika sanehã goda baiṭhārī. syāma saroja nayana bhare bārī.. jehĩ bidhi tumhahi rūpu asa dīnhā. tehĩ jaṛa baru bāura kasa kīnhā..

Bringing the foremost of the party, the wedding procession arrived; and fair lodgings were allotted to all. Mainā duly arranged the auspicious ārati; with her, the women sang songs of blessing. A golden tray shone with excellent water; rejoicing, she went forth to perform the rite of welcome for Hara. But when they beheld Rudra in his dreadful guise, the women’s hearts were seized with a special fear. In panic they fled and shut themselves within the house; and Maheśa went on to the place of encampment. Mainā’s heart grew heavy with grief and dread; she called Pārvatī to her side. With exceeding affection she set her in her lap; her dark, lotus-like eyes brimmed with tears. ‘By what fate was such a form bestowed upon you? That dull bridegroom—how has he been made as one crazed?’

Verse 200 (छंद)

कस कीन्ह बरु बौराह बिधि जेहिं तुम्हहि सुंदरता दई। जो फलु चहिअ सुरतरुहिं सो बरबस बबूरहिं लागई।। तुम्ह सहित गिरि तें गिरौं पावक जरौं जलनिधि महुँ परौं। घरु जाउ अपजसु होउ जग जीवत बिबाहु न हौं करौं।।

kasa kīnha baru baurāha bidhi jehiṃ tumhahi suṃdaratā daī | jo phalu cahi-a sura-taruhin so barabasa babūrahim̃ lāgaī || tumha sahita giri teṃ girauṃ pāvaka jarauṃ jala-nidhi mahuṃ parauṃ | gharu jāu apajasu hou jaga jīvata bibāhu na hauṃ karauṃ ||

How strangely has the bewildered Ordainer dealt, who granted you such beauty! What fruit one ought to seek upon the wish-fulfilling tree, that same—by sheer compulsion—gets fastened to a thorny babool. Rather may I, with you, plunge from a mountain; rather burn in fire; rather fall into the ocean— than return home and live on in the world with disgrace, and yet not perform this marriage.

Verse 201 (दोहा/सोरठा)

भई बिकल अबला सकल दुखित देखि गिरिनारि। करि बिलापु रोदति बदति सुता सनेहु सँभारि।।96।।

bhaī bikala abalā sakala dukhita dekhi girināri | kari bilāpu roditi badati sutā sanehu saँbhāri ||96||

गिरिनारी (पार्वती) को व्याकुल देख सबके हृदय शोक से भर गए। कोमल हृदया माता, विवश होकर, अति आतुर हो विलाप करने लगी। रोती हुई, पुत्री-प्रेम समेटकर, वह कहने लगी—

Verse 202 (चौपाई)

नारद कर मैं काह बिगारा। भवनु मोर जिन्ह बसत उजारा।। अस उपदेसु उमहि जिन्ह दीन्हा। बौरे बरहि लगि तपु कीन्हा।। साचेहुँ उन्ह के मोह न माया। उदासीन धनु धामु न जाया।। पर घर घालक लाज न भीरा। बाझँ कि जान प्रसव कैं पीरा।। जननिहि बिकल बिलोकि भवानी। बोली जुत बिबेक मृदु बानी।। अस बिचारि सोचहि मति माता। सो न टरइ जो रचइ बिधाता।। करम लिखा जौ बाउर नाहू। तौ कत दोसु लगाइअ काहू।। तुम्ह सन मिटहिं कि बिधि के अंका। मातु ब्यर्थ जनि लेहु कलंका।।

nārada kari maiṁ kāhu bigārā | bhavanu mora jinha basata ujārā || a sa upadesu umāhi jinha dīnhā | baure barahi lagi tapu kīnhā || sācehuṁ unha ke moha na māyā | udāsīna dhanu dhāmu na jāyā || para-ghara ghālaka lāja na bhīrā | bājhaṁ ki jāna prasava kaiṁ pīrā || jananihi bikala biloki bhavānī | bolī juta bibeka mṛdu bānī || a sa bicāri socahi mati mātā | so na ṭarai jo racai bidhātā || karama likhā jau bāura nāhū | tau kata dosu lagāia kāhū || tumha sana miṭahiṁ ki bidhi ke aṅkā | mātu byartha jani lehu kalaṅkā ||

“What harm have I done by Narada’s hand? My dwelling is brightened by those who abide within it. Such counsel as he gave to Uma—she, in a kind of holy frenzy, undertook austerity to win her boon. Truly, in him there is no delusion nor worldly enchantment; detached, he is not moved by wealth or home. Whoever wrecks another’s house feels neither shame nor fear—like a barren woman who cannot know the pangs of childbirth. Seeing her mother distressed, Bhavani spoke with discernment, in gentle words: ‘Reflecting thus, do not grieve, Mother; what the Ordainer has fashioned does not turn aside. If the writing of karma is not senseless, then why lay blame upon anyone? Can the lines of fate be erased by you? Mother, do not take upon yourself a needless stain.’”

Verse 203 (छंद)

जनि लेहु मातु कलंकु करुना परिहरहु अवसर नहीं॥ दुखु सुखु जो लिखा लिलार हमरें जाब जहँ पाउब तहीं॥॥ सुनि उमा बचन बिनीत कोमल सकल अबला सोचहीं॥ बहु भाँति बिधिहि लगाइ दूषन नयन बारि बिमोचहीं॥

jani lehu mātu kalaṅku karunā pariharahu avasara nahīṃ | dukhu sukhu jo likhā lilāra hamareṃ jāba jahã pāuba tahīṃ || suni umā bacana binīta komala sakala abalā sochahīṃ | bahu bhā̃ti bidhihi lagāi dūṣana nayana bāri bimochahīṃ ||

“Mother, take not any blemish upon yourself; do not cast away compassion—this is no fitting hour. Whatever sorrow or joy is written upon our brow, wherever we go, there we shall meet it. Hearing Uma’s gentle and humble words, all the women fell into anxious thought; in many ways they laid the blame upon Providence, and from their eyes let tears flow.”

Verse 204 (दोहा/सोरठा)

तेहि अवसर नारद सहित अरु रिषि सप्त समेत। समाचार सुनि तुहिनगिरि गवने तुरत निकेत।।97।।

tehi avasara nārada sahita aru ṛṣi sapta sameta | samācāra suni tuhina-giri gavane turata niketa ||97||

उसी समय नारद जी भी—सप्तर्षियों सहित—समाचार सुनते ही, तुरंत हिमवान् (हिमाचल) के धाम की ओर चल पड़े।

Verse 205 (चौपाई)

तब नारद सबहि समुझावा। पूरुब कथाप्रसंगु सुनावा।। मयना सत्य सुनहु मम बानी। जगदंबा तव सुता भवानी।। अजा अनादि सक्ति अबिनासिनि। सदा संभु अरधंग निवासिनि।। जग संभव पालन लय कारिनि। निज इच्छा लीला बपु धारिनि।। जनमीं प्रथम दच्छ गृह जाई। नामु सती सुंदर तनु पाई।। तहँहुँ सती संकरहि बिबाहीं। कथा प्रसिद्ध सकल जग माहीं।। एक बार आवत सिव संगा। देखेउ रघुकुल कमल पतंगा।। भयउ मोहु सिव कहा न कीन्हा। भ्रम बस बेषु सीय कर लीन्हा।।

taba nārada sabahi samujhāvā | pūruba kathā-prasaṅgu sunāvā || maynā satya sunahu mama bānī | jagadambā tava sutā bhavānī || ajā anādi sakti abināsini | sadā sambhu aradhaṅga nivāsini || jaga sambhava pālana laya kārini | nija icchā līlā bapu dhārini || janamīṁ prathama daccha gṛha jāī | nāmu satī sundara tanu pāī || tahāṁhuṁ satī saṅkarahi bibāhīṁ | kathā prasiddha sakala jaga māhīṁ || eka bāra āvata siva saṅgā | dekheu raghukula kamala pataṅgā || bhayu mohu siva kahā na kīnhā | bhrama basa beṣu sīya kara līnhā ||

Then Nārada made them all understand, and related an earlier episode of the tale. “O Mainā, hear my word as truth: the World-Mother—Bhavānī—is your daughter. Unborn, beginningless, Power imperishable, ever dwelling as Śambhu’s other half; She is the agent of the world’s arising, its sustaining, and its dissolution—by Her own will she assumes a body in sportive play. First she was born in Dakṣa’s house; she gained the name Satī, with a fair and lovely form. There Satī was wedded to Śaṅkara; this story is famed throughout the world. Once, coming with Śiva, she beheld the lotus of Raghu’s line, and like a moth was drawn. Delusion arose; she did not heed what Śiva said, and, under error’s sway, she took on Sītā’s guise.”

Verse 206 (छंद)

सिय बेषु सती जो कीन्ह तेहि अपराध संकर परिहरीं। हर बिरहँ जाइ बहोरि पितु कें जग्य जोगानल जरीं।। अब जनमि तुम्हरे भवन निज पति लागि दारुन तपु किया। अस जानि संसय तजहु गिरिजा सर्बदा संकर प्रिया।।

siya beṣu satī jo kīnha tehi aparādha saṅkara pariharīṁ | hari birahaṁ jāi bahori pitu keṁ jagya jogānala jarīṁ || aba janami tumhare bhavana nija pati lāgi dāruna tapu kiyā | asa jāni saṁsaya tajahu girijā sarbadā saṅkara priyā ||

When Sati assumed the guise of Sita, for that offense Shankara cast off (that body). Then, tormented by separation from Hari, she went again to her father’s sacrifice and, by the fire of yoga, burned herself away. Now, taking birth in your house, she has performed dreadful austerity for the sake of her true Lord. Knowing this, O Girija, abandon all doubt—Shankara is ever dear to you.

Verse 207 (दोहा/सोरठा)

सुनि नारद के बचन तब सब कर मिटा बिषाद। छन महुँ ब्यापेउ सकल पुर घर घर यह संबाद।।98।।

suni nārada ke bacana taba saba kara miṭā biṣāda | chana mahũ byāpeu sakala pura ghara-ghara yaha saṃbāda ||98||

नारद जी के वचन सुनते ही सबका शोक दूर हो गया। क्षण भर में यह शुभ समाचार घर-घर, नगर भर में फैल गया।

Verse 208 (चौपाई)

तब मयना हिमवंतु अनंदे। पुनि पुनि पारबती पद बंदे।। नारि पुरुष सिसु जुबा सयाने। नगर लोग सब अति हरषाने।। लगे होन पुर मंगलगाना। सजे सबहि हाटक घट नाना।। भाँति अनेक भई जेवराना। सूपसास्त्र जस कछु ब्यवहारा।। सो जेवनार कि जाइ बखानी। बसहिं भवन जेहिं मातु भवानी।। सादर बोले सकल बराती। बिष्नु बिरंचि देव सब जाती।। बिबिधि पाँति बैठी जेवनारा। लागे परुसन निपुन सुआरा।। नारिबृंद सुर जेवँत जानी। लगीं देन गारीं मृदु बानी।।

taba mainā himavantu anaṁde | puni puni pārabatī pada baṁde || nāri puruṣa sisu jubā sayāne | nagara loga saba ati haraṣāne || lage hona pura maṁgala-gānā | saje sabahi hāṭaka ghaṭa nānā || bhāṁti aneka bhaī jevar-ānā | sūpa-sāstra jasa kachu byavahārā || so jevanāra ki jāi bakhānī | basahiṁ bhavana jehiṁ mātu bhavānī || sādara bole sakala barātī | biṣṇu biraṁci deva saba jātī || bibidha pāṁti baiṭhī jevanārā | lāge parusana nipuna suārā || nāribṛṁda sur jevaṁta jānī | lagīṁ dena gārīṁ mṛdu bānī ||

Then Mainā and Himavān were filled with joy, and again and again bowed at Pārvatī’s feet. Women and men—children, youth, and elders—indeed all the townsfolk were exceedingly glad. Throughout the city auspicious songs began to rise; everywhere were set out many golden vessels. Ornaments of many kinds were brought forth; and every rite and social observance proceeded as good śāstra enjoins. How can one fully describe that banquet, in the house wherein Mother Bhavānī dwells? With reverence spoke all the wedding-guests—Viṣṇu, Brahmā, and the gods of every order. In varied rows the diners were seated; skilled cooks began to serve. Seeing the gods at table, the women’s groups began to offer gentle, playful jests in sweet speech.

Verse 209 (छंद)

गारीं मधुर स्वर देहिं सुंदरि बिंग्य बचन सुनावहीं। भोजनु करहिं सुर अति बिलंबु बिनोदु सुनि सचु पावहीं।। जेवँत जो बढ्यो अनंदु सो मुख कोटिहूँ न परै कह्यो। अचवाँइ दीन्हे पान गवने बास जहँ जाको रह्यो।।

gārīṁ madhura svara dehiṁ sundari biṅgya bacana sunāvahīṁ | bhojanu karahiṁ sura ati bilaṁbu binodu suni sacu pāvahīṁ || jevaṁta jo baḍhyo anaṁdu so mukha koṭihūṁ na parai kahyo | acavāṁi dīnhe pāna gavane bāsa jahaṁ jāko rahyo ||

With sweet voices the fair ladies uttered playful taunts and spoke words full of delicate suggestion. The gods prolonged their meal, for by hearing such sportive talk they found true delight. The joy that rose while they ate could not be told, though one had a million mouths to speak it. When they had rinsed their mouths they were given betel, and then each departed to the dwelling where he was to lodge.

Verse 210 (दोहा/सोरठा)

बहुरि मुनिन्ह हिमवंत कहुँ लगन सुनाई आइ। समय बिलोकि बिबाह कर पठए देव बोलाइ।।99।।

bahuri muninh himavanta kahũ lagana sunāī āi | samaya biloki bibāha kara paṭhae deva bolāi ||99||

तदनंतर ऋषिगण हिमवान् के पास आए और शुभ विवाह-मुहूर्त का उद्घोष किया। उचित समय उपस्थित जानकर उन्होंने विवाह की तैयारी की और देवताओं को बुलावा भेजकर, उन्हें पधारने का निमंत्रण दिया।

Verse 211 (चौपाई)

बोलि सकल सुर सादर लीन्हे। सबहि जथोचित आसन दीन्हे।। बेदी बेद बिधान सँवारी। सुभग सुमंगल गावहिं नारी।। सिंघासनु अति दिब्य सुहावा। जाइ न बरनि बिरंचि बनावा।। बैठे सिव बिप्रन्ह सिरु नाई। हृदयँ सुमिरि निज प्रभु रघुराई।। बहुरि मुनीसन्ह उमा बोलाई। करि सिंगारु सखीं लै आई।। देखत रूपु सकल सुर मोहे। बरनै छबि अस जग कबि को है।। जगदंबिका जानि भव भामा। सुरन्ह मनहिं मन कीन्ह प्रनामा।। सुंदरता मरजाद भवानी। जाइ न कोटिहुँ बदन बखानी।।

boli sakala sura sādara līnhe | sabahi jathocita āsana dīnhe || bedī beda bidhāna saṁvārī | subhaga sumaṅgala gāvahiṁ nārī || siṅghāsanu ati dibya suhāvā | jāi na barani birañci banāvā || baiṭhe siva bipranha siru nāī | hṛdayaṁ sumiri nija prabhu raghurāī || bahuri munīsanha umā bolāī | kari siṅgāru sakhīṁ lai āī || dekhat rūpu sakala sura mohe | baranai chabi asa jaga kavi ko hai || jagadambikā jāni bhava bhāmā | suranha manahiṁ mana kīnha pranāmā || sundaratā marajāda bhavānī | jāi na koṭihuṁ badana bakhānī ||

Calling them, he received all the gods with due reverence, and gave each a seat befitting his station. The altar was set in order and the Vedic ordinances were duly arranged; fair women sang auspicious, fortunate songs. A lion-throne, exceedingly radiant and lovely, was there—Brahmā himself had fashioned it, yet its splendor could not be fully described. Śiva took his seat, bowing his head before the brāhmaṇas; within his heart he remembered his own Lord, Raghurāī. Then the chief sages summoned Umā; adorned, she came with her companions. At the sight of her beauty all the gods were enchanted—what poet in this world could ever set such loveliness into words? Knowing her as the Mother of the universe, the gods offered homage to Bhava’s beloved, silently within their minds. Bhavānī was the very measure of beauty; even with millions of mouths, none could exhaust her praise.

Verse 212 (छंद)

कोटिहुँ बदन नहिं बनै बरनत जग जननि सोभा महा। सकुचहिं कहत श्रुति सेष सारद मंदमति तुलसी कहा।। छबिखानि मातु भवानि गवनी मध्य मंडप सिव जहाँ।। अवलोकि सकहिं न सकुच पति पद कमल मनु मधुकरु तहाँ।।

koṭihuṁ badana nahiṁ banai baranata jaga-janani sobhā mahā | sakucahiṁ kahata śruti seṣa sāradā manda-mati tulasī kahā || chabi-khāni mātu bhavānī gavanī madhya maṇḍapa siva jahāṁ || avaloki sakahiṁ na sakuca pati pada-kamala manu madhukaru tahāṁ ||

Even with countless mouths one cannot complete the telling of the great splendor of the World-Mother. The Vedas, Śeṣa, and Sarasvatī themselves speak of her with hesitation—what then can dull-witted Tulsī say? That mine of beauty, Mother Bhavānī, went into the very midst of the pavilion where Śiva sat; and Śiva, on beholding her, could not restrain himself—his mind, like a bee, clung there to her lotus-feet.

Verse 213 (दोहा/सोरठा)

मुनि अनुसासन गनपतिहि पूजेउ संभु भवानि। कोउ सुनि संसय करै जनि सुर अनादि जियँ जानि।।100।।

muni anusāsana gaṇapatihi pūjeu sambhu bhavāni | kou suni saṁsaya karai jani sur anādi jiyã jāni ||100||

ऋषि की आज्ञा मानि शंभु-भवानी। गणपति पूजि कीन्हीं सुखदानी॥ सुनि यह कोउ संदेह न धरै। देव अनादि हैं, मन में धरै॥