Baal Kaanda
26 - Siva's peculiar marriage procession and preparations for the wedding (undertaken by the other party)
Chaupais
Description
Then Mena and her consort Himavan rejoiced and bowed at Parvati's feet again and again. All the citizens, including men, women and children, youngmen as well as elderly people, were immensely delighted. Festive songs began to be sung in the city; vases of gold of every pattern were displayed by all. Dishes of various kinds were prepared in accordance with the processes given in gastrological works. Is it ever possible to describe the varieties of dishes prepared in the house where lived Mother Bhavani? Himacala respectfully summoned all the members of the bridegroom's party, including Visnu, Brahma and other gods of all classes. The dinner guests sat in many rows; and expert cooks began to serve. Finding the gods dining, batches of women began to banter and rail at them in pleasant strains. (1-4)