Baal Kaanda
26 - Siva's peculiar marriage procession and preparations for the wedding (undertaken by the other party)
Chaupais
Description
The party which had gone ahead to receive the bridegrooms procession returned with the procession and assigned beautiful lodgings to all the guests. Men (Parvatis mother) kindled auspicious lights for waving round the bridegroom and the women accompanying her sang melodious songs of rejoicing. A salver of gold adorned Mens fair hands and she proceeded to welcome Lord Hara with great delight. The women were seized with excessive fear when they saw Rudra (Siva) in frightful accoutrements. They fled in great panic and entered the house; while the great Lord Siva repaired to the lodgings of the bridegrooms party. Men was sore distressed at heart and sent for Parvati. With great affection she seated her in her lap; and tears rushed to her eyes; which resembled a pair of blue lotuses. To think that the Creator, who has made you so beautiful, should have been stupid enough to give you such a raving madman for a bridegroom! (1-4)