||Sri Ram Jayram Jaya Jaya Ram||

Chapter – 44 – Dhoha – 43

The grand celestial wedding of Lord Mahadeva and Goddess Bhavani -2

The mesmerizing beauty of Devi Jagamba was beyond description even for the thousand-tongued Adishesha, Veda and Goddess Sharada, hence how could I describe them? How dull-minded people like me able to describe the beauty of Jaganmatha? Devi Bhavani who is the epitome of beauty shyly approached Lord Mahadeva, her eyes were already fixed upon the beauty of the red lotus-like feet of that supreme Lord, it was taking great pleasure in it like a honey bee, the overflowing shyness did not let her take pleasure in it. Lord Shambhu and Goddess Bhavani worshiped LordGanesha at the instruction of Maharishis. Oh! Listeners, do not get confused, deities are Anadhi and have already existed at the beginning of the creation.

The wedding procedures were conducted strictly based on the scriptures and Veda, Himavan was holding the Dharbha/sacred grass and his daughter’s hand together, and offered them to Lord Shankara. Devi Bhavani who is the inseparable consort of Lord Shankara was offered into his hands, Lord Sureshwara took hold of her hands, the deities were immensely pleased, and Maharishis recited Vedic chants. Devaganas cheered in bliss ‘Hail Shankara! Hail Bhavani!’, various divine instruments echoed in the atmosphere, sky showered flowers on the newly wedded couple. In this way, that glorious celestial wedding of Lord Shankara and Goddess Bhavani took place. The entire house filled in happiness and joy.  The gifts offered to Devi Bhavani was beyond description, Himavan offered numerous Dasi/female and Dasa/male attendants to serve the couple, horses, chariots, elephants, cows, royal garments, ornaments, and various accessories, an abundance of grains, and golden vessels, etc. Himavan stood with folded hands before his son-in-law and spoke “Oh! Shankara, I have nothing to offer you, you are benevolent and bountiful.” Himavan took hold of the feet of Lod Shankara and searched for words to pronounce. The compassionate Lord pacified his father-in-law with sweet words. Devi Mena prostrated before Lord Shankara and shed tears on his feet, further spoke “Oh! Prabho, Uma is dear as life to me, kindly accepts her as your sincere servant, and forgive all her mistakes, kindly offer this boon to me. Lord Shambhu pacified his mother-in-law; once again she prostrated before Lord and went inside the palace. ”