Baal Kaanda
20 - Descent of Goddess Parvati and Her penance
Chaupais
Description
Recognizing the truth of Nradas words go and practise austerity, O mountainmaid; the idea has commended itself to your father and mother as well. Austerity is conducive to joy and puts an end to sorrow and evils. By virtue of penance the Creator creats the universe. By virtue of penance Visnu protects the whole world. By virtue of penance Sambhu brings about dissolution. By virtue of penance, again, Sesa (the serpent-god) bears the burden of the earth on his head. In fact, the entire creation rests on penance, Bhavns. Bearing this in mind, go and practise austerity. Hearing these words the mother was filled with wonder. She sent for Himlaya and communicated the vision to him. Consoling her parents in many ways Um set out for penance in a joyous mood. Her loving household and parents felt miserable and none could speak a word. (1-4)