Amusements

Brahma said

Narada, at Shiva's order I and the sages gladly completed the remaining rites of the marriage of Shiva and Shivaa. Their heads were sprinkled with affection, and the brahmanas had them look at the pole star Dhruva. Then came the hridayalambhana rite, and blessings were recited with great zest. As the brahmanas directed, Shambhu put sindura on Shivaa's forehead, and Girija's colour at that moment is beyond description. At the brahmanas' bidding the two sat on one seat, radiant and a joy to their devotees' hearts. Sage, they were absorbed in their wonderful play, so when they went back to their lodgings they did as instructed and gladly observed samsrava-prashanam. So Shiva's wedding was completed with every rule followed. The lord gave me, the creator of the worlds, a full vessel; by the norms Shambhu gave the acharya a cow, made great auspicious gifts, and gave each brahmana hundreds of gold pieces, besides crores of jewels and other things. All the immortals and every being, moving or still, were delighted and shouted "Victory"; auspicious songs rose in every direction and the music heightened everyone's joy. Hari, I, the gods, the sages and the rest happily took leave of the mountain and went swiftly to our own abodes.

In the mountain's city the women led Shiva and Shivaa gladly to the fine chamber set aside for the games of a wedding, and lovingly carried out the customs there. Joy and zeal were everywhere. When the pair, who bring good to people, reached the house, the women of the Indra among mountains' city did all the auspicious rites, called out "Victory", untied the knot and did what else was due. Glad in body and mind, they smiled and glanced sidelong. The finest of them entered, gazed at Parameshvara, were enchanted and blessed their own luck: he was handsome and charming in every part, in the full bloom of youth, and he captivated the ladies' minds. Pleased, he gave a little smile and enchanting looks, in fine garments and shining with many jewels.

Sixteen divine women then came to see the couple with respect: Sarasvati, Lakshmi, Savitri, Jahnavi, Aditi, Shachi, Lopamudra, Arundhati, Ahalya, Tulasi, Svaha, Rohini, Vasundhara, Shatarupa, Samjna and Rati, along with many lovely daughters of gods, nagas and sages; who could count all who gathered? They gave Shiva a jewelled throne, and he sat gladly. One after another, smiling, they teased him in sweet words. Sarasvati told him he had loved Sati more than his life and should spend his time in her embrace and give up his torment, since by her wish there would be no more parting. Lakshmi told him to put away his shyness and hold Sati to his chest, since without her he would lose his very breath. Savitri urged him to feed Sati and eat himself, to rinse her mouth and offer her camphor wrapped in betel. Jahnavi told him to take his wife's golden hand and comb her hair, since a woman has no greater happiness than her husband's affection. Aditi told him to give her water to rinse her mouth after eating, and called such love between husband and wife rare. Shachi asked why, after wandering day and night in confusion lamenting her, he should now be shy of his beloved. Lopamudra reminded him of the bedchamber duty that follows a meal, and bade him give Shivaa betel before sleep. Arundhati reminded him that she had talked Mena round by many methods, though it had not been in Mena's mind, and said he should enjoy his wife. Ahalya told him to shed his age and become young, for Mena was tormented and should be made to approve of him. Tulasi asked how, having once abandoned Sati and burned Kama, he had now sent Vasishtha as a go-between. Svaha told him to stay steady, since these were only women's remarks, and the women of the inner rooms are expected to chatter at a wedding. Rohini bade him use his skill in the science of love to satisfy Parvati and carry her over desire's ocean. Vasundhara said he knew the feelings of a woman full of longing, who wanted him not only as husband but as Ishvara. Shatarupa compared a hungry man, not satisfied until he eats divine food, to a woman, and bade him satisfy hers. Samjna told them to send Parvati and Shankara off quickly, with betel and a jewelled lamp, make the bed and leave them alone.

Brahma said

Hearing the women, Shiva himself replied, changeless Bhagavan, guru of the gurus who are Indras among yogis.

Shankara said

Goddesses, do not speak such words in front of me. You are the virtuous mothers of the worlds; how can you say such frivolous things to your son?

Brahma said

Hearing Shankara the divine women were ashamed. They fell silent and uneasy, like puppets pulled back on their strings. Pleased, Mahesha ate sweetmeats, rinsed his mouth and with his wife chewed betel with camphor.