The Feast Where Gods Are Teased
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 99
Doha 99 · Movement 1 of 3
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Maina and Himavan rejoice and bow repeatedly at Parvati's feet. Women, men, children, youth, and elders fill the city with happiness. Auspicious songs return, golden vessels shine, and cooks prepare innumerable dishes according to tradition and sacred rule.
How can anyone describe a feast in the house where Bhavani dwells? Vishnu, Brahma, and gods of every order sit in long rows while skilled servers move among them with food.
The women of the bride's household begin the affectionate wedding custom of teasing the guests through song. Celestial rank offers no protection from their wit. Heaven eats in Himavan's house while human playfulness makes the divine assembly feel like family.
Brahma and Vishnu sit among the diners while the women of the mountain sing teasing songs.
Read the passage from the Manas
तब मयना हिमवंतु अनंदे। पुनि पुनि पारबती पद बंदे।। नारि पुरुष सिसु जुबा सयाने। नगर लोग सब अति हरषाने।। लगे होन पुर मंगलगाना। सजे सबहि हाटक घट नाना।। भाँति अनेक भई जेवराना। सूपसास्त्र जस कछु ब्यवहारा।। सो जेवनार कि जाइ बखानी। बसहिं भवन जेहिं मातु भवानी।। सादर बोले सकल बराती। बिष्नु बिरंचि देव सब जाती।। बिबिधि पाँति बैठी जेवनारा। लागे परुसन निपुन सुआरा।। नारिबृंद सुर जेवँत जानी। लगीं देन गारीं मृदु बानी।।
Then Maina and Himavant were filled with joy. Again and again they bowed at Parvati's feet. Women and men, children, youth, and elders, all the people of the city were supremely delighted.