The Prophecy That Makes Parvati Rejoice
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 68
Doha 68 · Movement 1 of 2
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Himavan and Mena hear Narada's description and sorrow enters their faces. Parvati hears the same words and joy rises secretly within her. Where they imagine an unsuitable husband, she recognizes every sign of the Lord she has always loved.
Even Narada does not fully perceive the hidden movement. The companions of Girija thrill and weep, while Uma places the divine sage's unfailing words deep inside her heart. Love for Shiva's lotus feet awakens with renewed force, joined by one concern: how difficult will the union be to attain?
The hour is not suited for revelation, so she conceals her love and returns to a companion's lap. Around her, parents and wise attendants ponder the prophecy anxiously. Himavan gathers courage and asks Narada what remedy may still be possible.
The household grieves, and Parvati hides a joy that already knows the name of her bridegroom.
Read the passage from the Manas
सुनि मुनि गिरा सत्य जियँ जानी। दुख दंपतिहि उमा हरषानी।। नारदहुँ यह भेदु न जाना। दसा एक समुझब बिलगाना।। सकल सखीं गिरिजा गिरि मैना। पुलक सरीर भरे जल नैना।। होइ न मृषा देवरिषि भाषा। उमा सो बचनु हृदयँ धरि राखा।। उपजेउ सिव पद कमल सनेहू। मिलन कठिन मन भा संदेहू।। जानि कुअवसरु प्रीति दुराई। सखी उछँग बैठी पुनि जाई।। झूठि न होइ देवरिषि बानी। सोचहि दंपति सखीं सयानी।। उर धरि धीर कहइ गिरिराऊ। कहहु नाथ का करिअ उपाऊ।।
Hearing the sage's words and knowing them to be true, the royal couple was filled with sorrow, but Uma was delighted. Even Narada did not perceive this secret: that in a state of single-minded resolve, even fate loses its claim to knowledge.