Tales froM Indian Mythology

Author(s): A S Raman
Publisher: Kutub Popular

Page 20

Tales from Indian Mythology "You know everything!" squeaked a cheeky squirrel and slipped into the bole of a pipal tree.
Parvati's parents, Parvateswara and Mena, were discussing the question of her marriage when Narada entered the palace. "Narayana! Narayana!” he began. "So Parvati will no longer play on the banks of the Mandakini! O King of Mountains! I have news for you. Parvati's destiny is that her husband shall be no other than the Lord Mahesha himself. So give no thought to her marriage. Narayana! Narayana!” Having fulfilled his mission, the emissary between the celestial world and the terrestrial disappeared.
There was great rejoicing in the palace. And her sakhis (companions) began to tease Parvati that it would be easier for them to have their prayers granted, when she became a goddess. They now ran towards the Mandakini for play, and Nature at once resumed her smiles and songs.
Shiva at the time had assumed the role of Mahayogin (supreme ascetic) and was in the midst of a great penance in the deodar forest at the foot of the Himalayas. He was unapproachable. One day Parvateswara beckoned to his daughter and said, "Parvati, you are a child, and you don't know the wrath of Shiva. But if it is your destiny that he shall become your lord, you alone have access to him—through devotion. So can you go and serve him during his tapas ?” Parvati started on her dangerous mission.
Her presence at his feet enraged Shankar, but only momentarily. He allowed her to attend on him, but not a word passed between them.