Words of the Saptarshis

Brahma said

Hearing Vasishtha, Himalaya, his wife and his companions were amazed. The lord of mountains spoke to the other mountains.

Himalaya said

Meru, king of mountains, Sahya, Gandhamadana, Mandara, Mainaka, Vindhya and all you Indras among mountains, listen. This is what Vasishtha has said. We must reflect on what to do. Decide everything in your minds and tell me.

Brahma said

Hearing him, the mountains gladly made their decision. With Sumeru foremost they spoke to Himalaya.

The mountains said

What is the point of consultation now? One should act. The most fortunate one has been born to accomplish a task for the gods. Shivaa, who has taken an avatara, must be given to Shiva. She has worshipped Rudra and Rudra has also said so.

Brahma said

Hearing Meru and the others, Himachala was very happy, and within her heart Girija smiled. Arundhati made Mena understand with many arguments, many words and many ancient accounts. At last Menaka, the mountain's wife, understood and was pleased. She fed the sages, Arundhati and the mountains, and then ate. Having gained knowledge, the supreme mountain served the sages, pleased and happy, his confusion destroyed. He joined his hands and spoke.

Himachala said

Fortunate seven sages, listen. Hearing the whole account of Shiva and Shivaa has cleared my confusion. All that I have, my body, my wife Mena, my sons and my daughter, my prosperity and success, belong to Shiva and to no one else.

Brahma said

With these words he gazed fondly at his daughter, dressed her in ornaments, and laid them in the rishis' laps. The mountain king, delighted, told them: "This is the portion I have decided to give him." The rishis answered: "Mountain, Shankara is the beggar and you are the giver, and the alms are Devi Parvati; what could be more wonderful? Your peaks will be remembered for it. Lord of all mountains, you are supreme in every way, and blessed." Then the blameless sages blessed the maiden: "May you bring joy to Shiva." Touching her with their hands they said, "May good fortune be yours, and may your virtues grow as the moon grows in the bright half." Then they gladly handed the mountain flowers and fruit, to seal the agreement.

Pleasant-faced Arundhati delighted Mena. The very virtuous lady spoke to her of Shiva's qualities and drew her on. Following the world's custom, excellent auspicious rites were performed, smearing the mountain's beard with turmeric paste and kumkuma. An excellent lagna was fixed for the fourth day, and the contented sages congratulated each other and went to Shiva. There they bowed and praised Shiva with many hymns. Vasishtha and the other sages spoke to Parameshvara.

The rishis said

Lord of the gods, great Mahadeva, hear with pleasure what your servants have done. Using many hymns and old stories we have persuaded the king of mountains and Mena, beyond doubt. The Indra among mountains has pledged Parvati to you and his word will not be broken. Set out for the wedding with the gods and ganas; go quickly to Himachala's house, and for the sake of a son marry Parvati by the rules.

Brahma said

Mahesha, intent on following worldly custom, was pleased to hear them. He smiled and said:

Mahesha said

Fortunate ones, I have never heard of a marriage ceremony or seen one. You should tell me specially of the norms for it.

Brahma said

They heard Mahesha's auspicious words, which agreed with worldly custom, smiled, and answered Sadashiva, lord of the gods.

The rishis said

Invite Vishnu and his attendants specially. Cheerfully invite Brahma and his sons, the deva Shatakratu, all the host of rishis, yakshas, gandharvas, kinnaras, siddhas, vidyadharas and the many apsaras. Lord, invite all the others affectionately; they will certainly accomplish everything.

Brahma said

Having said this, the seven rishis cheerfully took leave and went to their own abodes, praising Shankara's conduct.