The Father Walks Beside the Departing Procession
Bala Kanda, Doha 102
Doha 102 · Movement 3 of 3
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Himavan walks beside the departing party, unable to let formal farewell end his service. Deep affection carries the father beyond the gates and along the road with his daughter.
The bull bannered Shiva honours him in many ways, giving consolation until the moment of separation can no longer be postponed.
At last Vrishaketu bids Himavan return. The mountain king stops while the procession continues, and the distance between Parvati's old home and new home begins to open. Love remains standing where duty turns back. The road continues without him now.
Himavan stands upon the road until the wedding procession passes beyond the reach of a father's steps.
Read the passage from the Manas
चले संग हिमवंतु तब पहुँचावन अति हेतु। बिबिध भाँति परितोषु करि बिदा कीन्ह बृषकेतु।।102।।
Himavan then walked alongside them, escorting the party out of deep love. Vrishaketu (Shiva, whose banner bears the bull) satisfied him in many ways, then bade him farewell.