Himachala's Marriage

Narada said

Brahma, after Devi Dakshayani Sati gave up her body at her father's sacrifice, how did the mother of the universe become the mountain's daughter? How did she undertake fierce austerities and win Shiva as husband? I ask this specifically; please explain it to me fully.

Brahma replied

Tiger among sages, hear Shivaa's excellent account, which is divine, supremely purifying, auspicious and destroys every sin. Devi Dakshayani Parameshvari was happily playing in the Himalayas with Hara. At that time Mena, wife of Himachala, knew she would become her daughter, and so, like a radiant mother, wished to nurture her with every kind of nourishment. Parameshvari Dakshayani went to her father's sacrifice and in anger gave up her body. Then Mena, beloved of Himachala, desired to worship Devi, who dwells in Shiva's world. Sati's own heart's wish was, "I will become her daughter." Having given up her body, her mind was set on becoming the Himalaya's daughter. When the time came, Devi Sati, praised by all the gods, happily became Menaka's daughter. Named Parvati and instructed by Narada, Devi underwent austerities impossible to bear and won Shiva again as husband.

Narada said

Wise Vidhatri, best of speakers, tell me of Menaka's origin, marriage and conduct. Devi Sati was born as Menaka's daughter, so Menaka is blessed. That lady, devoted to her husband, is blessed and should be revered by everyone.

Brahma replied

Narada, hear the origin, marriage and conduct of Parvati's mother; it is sacred and increases devotion. In the northern region lie the great Himalayas, lord of mountains, an energetic mountain who enjoys prosperity. He is famous in two forms, mobile and immobile. I will briefly describe his own subtle form. He is set firm and stationed, stretching from the eastern ocean to the western. He is beautiful and a reservoir of many jewels, like a measuring rod laid on the earth, full of many trees and varied coloured peaks, haunted by lions, tigers and other animals, with many happy beings always living there. He is fierce, a reservoir of snow, colourful and full of wonders, resorted to by gods, rishis, siddhas and sages, and loved by Shiva. There are places for austerity there. Pure in his atman, great-souled and purifying, he gives success in austerity and holds many auspicious minerals. Such is his beautiful, divine form, handsome in all his limbs. He is Vishnu's unchanging portion, emperor over all the kings among mountains and loved by the virtuous. To establish his line, spread dharma and benefit the gods and ancestors, the mountain wanted to marry.

At that time the gods thought of all their own interests, and, lord among sages, they approached the divine ancestors and spoke lovingly. The gods said: "Ancestors, be pleased and listen. If you wish to accomplish the gods' task, you must act quickly. Your eldest daughter is named Mena and she is auspicious in form. Gladly give her in marriage to the great mountain, the Himalayas. Then everyone will gain greatly, and at every step your miseries and the immortals' will be destroyed." Hearing this, the ancestors remembered how their daughters had been cursed, and agreed. By excellent rites they gave their daughter Mena to the Himalayas. The marriage was celebrated with great festivities. Hari and the other gods, the sages and everyone else came, remembering Vamadeva and fixing their minds on Bhava. They held festivities and gave many gifts, praised the divine ancestors and praised Himachala. All the gods and lords among sages were filled with great delight, and then, remembering Shiva and Shivaa, went back to their own abodes. Having received wonderful gifts and won his beloved in marriage, the lord of mountains returned happily home. Lord among sages, I have lovingly described the excellent marriage of Mena and the Himalayas, which brings happiness. What more do you want to hear?