Narada's Visit to Kashi

Suta said

Brahmanas, after Hari disappeared, the excellent sage Narada roamed the earth, devoutly seeing Shiva lingams. Two of Shambhu's ganas heard that divine-sighted Narada was wandering about and that his mood had turned gentle. They came to him, touched his feet with their heads and held on, hoping to be freed from the curse.

The two ganas said

Brahma's son, divine rishi, listen kindly. We are the ones who wronged you before; we were never really brahmanas but Hara's ganas. At the princess's svayamvara your mind was bewildered by maya sent by Paresha, and you cursed us. We knew the time was wrong and thought silence was wise. We have reaped what we did, and no one is to blame. Lord, be gracious and favour us now.

Suta continued

The sage heard the devoted ganas' loving words, and with remorse he answered kindly.

Narada said

Ganas of Mahadeva, you deserve the respect of the good. Now that my delusion is gone, hear my words; they are true and will bring you joy. It was certainly Shiva's command that bent my judgement earlier. When I was deluded on all sides, I cursed you with blades of kusha grass, and what I said will come to pass. But listen, ganas, to how you will be saved from it, and forgive my fault. By a supreme sage's seed and his command you will be born as rakshasas, with wealth, strength and great power, masters of your senses and devotees of Shiva, ruling over all the kings of the cosmic egg. When one of Shiva's manifestations brings about your death, you will be restored to your own stations.

Suta continued

Hearing the great-souled sage, both of Hara's ganas rejoiced and went happily home. Narada too was glad. With his mind on meditating on Shiva he went on, seeing many sacred places of Shiva.

He came to Kashi, which outshines every other place, dear to Shiva, a joy to Shambhu and Shambhu's very form. Having seen Kashi he reached his goal. He saw Kashinatha and worshipped him, filled with delight and supreme bliss. Content, the supreme sage lived there happily. He bowed to the god and sang his story devoutly, overcome with love. Keeping Shiva constantly in mind, he then went to Brahma's world, his heart full of devotion, wishing to ask about Shiva's principles.

Narada said

Brahma, knower of the brahman, grandfather of the universe, by your grace I know all about Vishnu's supreme greatness and the roads of devotion, knowledge, the very hard road of austerity, the road of giving and the road of pilgrimage. I have heard of these. But I do not know Shiva's principles, nor the order and rules for worshipping him. Lord, tell me also of his many kinds of conduct. Father, how is Shiva without qualities while Shankara has them? I do not know Shiva's principles and Shiva's maya has bewildered me. Before creation, how was Shambhu established in his own form? How does he play in the midst of creation? At the end, how does Maheshvara remain? How is Shankara Maheshvara, who brings auspiciousness to the worlds, pleased with his devotees or with those who follow others, and what fruits does he give? Vidhatri, tell me everything. I have heard that Bhagavan is pleased quickly, full of compassion, unable to bear his devotees' great efforts. Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesha arose as portions of the god Shiva, and of the three, Mahesha holds all the portions and so is like another Shiva. Tell me of his manifestations and above all his conduct. Lord, also tell me of Uma's manifestation and marriage, and above all their life together and their play. Faultless one, tell me whatever else is worth telling. Lord of beings, tell me especially about Shivaa's origin and wedding and about Guha's birth. I have heard all this from many people and am not satisfied, so I have come to you. Please be gracious.

Suta concluded

Hearing Narada, born of his own body, Brahma, grandfather of the worlds, answered him.