Lord Shiva, renouncing all bondages, emotions and feelings went into to a rigorous trance atop Mount Kailas. Satidevi, in the meantime, took her rebirth as the daughter of Mount Himavan and his consort Mena. Mena was the virtuous daughter of Mount Meru. The godly Mount Himavan, the king of mountains, was the treasure trove of minerals, precious pearls gems , wild animals like and variety of trees. Silver cascades and rivulets originated from the mountain king, attracted all the animals and birds alike.When strong wind or mild breeze blew, fragrance of flowers like rose, devadaru, parijata and ripe fruits like jackfruits and mangos permeated all around. With roars of lions, elephants, tigers and bulls, the mountain echoed fear unto the valley. The chirping of rare birds including peacocks, storks, swan and cuckoos and the chanting of the Vedic mantras of the saints sent the rhapsodic messages from the heavens.
Himavan and Mena led a conjugal life with perfect bliss. They were the custodians of all worldly wealth. The saint-like Himavan and Mena were eventually blessed with the birth of a cherub that captivated the hearts of not only its parents but all the onlookers as well. A thousand moons shone simultaneously as she smiled. Her dark blue eyes and protruded forehead proclaimed her matchless intelligence. She was so soothing like a white lotus freshly blossomed in a large and tranquil pond. All the knowledge in Shastras and arts spontaneously sprang up in her. She displayed an amazing skill and grace in her learning.
She grew up a little and started walking with her infirm steps and as she started speaking in her unclear syllabi, both her parents forgot the world around. Both mount Himavan and Mena knew that their child was a rare prodigy and a gift of God but the secret of her birth was unknown to them. As they were very eager to learn of her special mission of birth, one day, saint Narad came to the palace of Himavan. The king with utmost reverence greeted and hosted the worthiest guest. He said:“Bhagavan, with your arrival and setting foot here, my abode and family have become the most blessed. Where are you coming from and what shall I do for you?”
Narad replied: “Narayan…Narayan…Mount Himalaya, as you are aware I have been ceaselessly travelling throughout the world. On my way I thought I must visit you too. Nothing else.” Receiving Himavan’s entertainment the saint looked very happy. Finding the guest a little relaxed, Himavan asked of him:“Brahmarshe, Our daughter gives us perennial happiness in each of her movement and action. She is very uncommon in nature and wit. What should be the secret behind her birth?”
Saint Narad replied: “Narayan…Narayan…, Himavan, your spouse and you are the most blessed couple in the world.”Then he narrated the biography of Sati, erstwhile wife of Lord Shiva and her self- imposed quietus. “Now, she is reborn as your daughter. She will, with her severe penance, achieve Shiva as her husband again. Narayan…Narayan…” Mena, the mother of the girl standing nearby uttered in amazement and shock: “U, Ma…” means “Oh, No.” Later on the girls name became “Uma”. Having revealed this divine truth, saint Narad left Himavan. From that very moment, the father’s love towards his child turned into adoration and admiration. Uma gradually grew up as nectar to her parents’ eyes. Knowing that Lord Shiva had settled in the Himalaya precincts for penance, Himavan bade his daughter Parvati alias Uma for the services of the Lord. She, with relentless enthusiasm, collected flowers, water and other ingredients for him. From dawn to dusk she served the Lord and waited eagerly for any commands. Shiva unmindful of her presence continued his trance.
Parvati eventually became adolescent. A special charm and beauty adorned her from top to toe. Her voice became sweeter. Eyes became half-closed with shyness. She breathed the fragrance of spring time mangrove. An aura of unalloyed gold radiated from her person. Two lotus buds freshly bloomed on her chest. Her long, thick hairs unfurled and covered her feet. The swans gazed at her in wonderment as she walked gracefully. She became a feast to any eyes that looked at her.
KK Shanmukhan (To be concluded ) (The writer can be contacted at [email protected] )
