Tales froM Indian Mythology

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

Page 24

Tales from Indian Mythology
and turned her face from him with contempt. After a little while, she looked around to make sure that he was gone. No, he was still there, but in a different form. Now she saw the Lord Shiva himself. He drew near her and tried to clasp her hand. But she evaded him. She stood before him blushing.. "Parvati,” he said, "you have conquered me with your penance. May I seek your hand?"
"My Lord,” she replied. "I love you, but it is my parents who can make me your own. So you must obtain their consent."
"Be it so ! Arundhati and the Seven Sages shall see your parents on my behalf.”
He vanished, leaving Parvati with the thrill of her greatest triumph.
The moment the Seven Sages accompanied by Arundhati arrived in Oshadhiprastha with a message from Mahadev, the whole city was aflutter with excitement. Parvateswara received them with great pomp and splendour. He said: "Great sages, your visit to my kingdom has the sweetness of showers unheralded by clouds. Pray, what is your command to me?" "King of Mountains!” replied the Sage Angirasa, "we have a proposal from the Lord Shiva. He desires to marry your daughter. Have you any objection?” Without answering the question, Parvateswara turned to his daughter and said in great ecstasy: "My child, your penance has borne fruit at last. Prostrate yourself before our holy guests.” Parvati obeyed her father blushingly.
The city of Oshadhiprastha began to prepare itself for the great day. Roads were strewn with flowers, and overhead hung