Shiva's Return to Kailasa

Brahma said

The brahmana lady taught Devi the vow, and then she asked Mena's leave to begin the journey. Though overwhelmed by love, Mena spoke words of assent. Suffering from the coming parting, she held to her fortitude, gathered herself, called Kali and embraced her, embracing her again and again and weeping loudly. Parvati too spoke piteous words and wept loudly, and in the grief the mountain's beloved and Shivaa lost their senses. At Parvati's weeping the wives of the gods lost their senses, and all the women cried and fainted. At the moment of departure even the supreme lord, lord of yoga, wept. Meanwhile Himalaya quickly came there with all his sons, advisers and other brahmanas. Confused, he too wept, clasping his daughter to his breast and crying again and again, "Where are you going, leaving the house empty?" The priest and other brahmanas knew adhyatma and, full of compassion and relying on knowledge, made everyone understand. Parvati bowed devotedly to her mother, her father and the guru. Following the world's custom, Mahamaya wept again and again, and when Parvati wept all the other women wept, her mother Mena above all, and her sisters and brothers. Out of their love and firm bonds of affection, Shivaa's mother, sisters, the other women, her brothers and her father cried again and again. The brahmanas came and lovingly made them understand, telling them the lagna for a happy journey had come. At this Himalaya and Mena held to their fortitude. They had the palanquin brought for Shivaa to mount, and the brahmana women helped her climb in. Her mother, father, the brahmanas and all the others pronounced blessings. Mena and the mountain gave her royal gifts, a collection of auspicious articles very hard for others to obtain. Shivaa bowed to all the gurus, her mother and father, the brahmanas, the priest, her sisters and the other women present, and then set out. Out of affection Himachala followed her with his sons. They reached the spot where the lord waited happily with the immortals. All were glad and there were great festivities. Bowing devotedly to the lord and praising him, they returned to the city.

Shiva said

You always remember your past life, but I am reminding you; if you remember, speak. Deveshi, in my pastimes I always love you more than my own life.

Brahma said

Parvati heard Mahesha, her husband. The virtuous lady is always Shankara's beloved; she smiled and replied.

Parvati said

Lord of my life, I remember everything, and that you became silent. I bow to you. Please propose that every requisite task now be done.

Brahma said

His beloved's words were like hundreds of streams of nectar, and hearing them Vishvesha was very happy. But he was devoted to worldly custom, so he had many agreeable things collected. The gods, with Narayana at their head, were fed. The lord lovingly fed all the others who had come to his marriage with many delicious foods. After eating, the gods were adorned with many kinds of ornaments. With their wives, all the ganas bowed to Chandrashekhara, praised him with eloquent words and gladly walked round him. They praised the marriage and went to their own abodes. Sage, Shiva bowed to Narayana and to me, following worldly custom as Vishnu bows to Kashyapa. Shiva stood before me and I embraced him and blessed him; but knowing he was the supreme brahman I also extolled him with supreme hymns. Then Vishnu and I joined our hands and happily took leave of Shiva and Shivaa. Praising the marriage, we went to our own excellent abodes.

On his own mountain Shiva happily played with Parvati. All the ganas were delighted and worshipped Shiva and Shivaa. Son, I have thus described Shiva's extremely auspicious marriage. It destroys grief and creates happiness, grants long life and increases wealth. A man who purifies himself, is devoted in mind and keeps the niyamas, and constantly hears it or has it heard, gains Shiva's world. This narrative is called wonderful and brings everything auspicious. It destroys all obstacles and ailments, and grants fame, heaven, long life, sons, grandsons and every desire in this world. It always gives objects of pleasure and liberation and dispels accidental death. It is auspicious and brings great serenity, and destroys all bad dreams. It is a means to intelligence and wisdom. People who desire the auspicious should read it at every festival for Shiva; it pleases and satisfies Shiva. In particular it should be read when the gods and others are installed. One should read it lovingly before any rite for Shiva. After purifying oneself, one who hears the conduct of Shiva and Shivaa succeeds in all endeavours. This is the truth, without doubt.