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.
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AI-created devotional illustration · Chaupai 68
Himavan and Maina look concerned after the prediction, while Uma stands quietly with restrained inward pleasure.
Source reference and artistic choices
Gita Press code81 undated · PDF pages 88 · printed pages 86. Reader passage: bala-kanda-chaupai-068. Printed numbering may differ.
Source facts
- The parents feel distressed hearing the sage's prediction, while Uma is happy
- Narada does not know that their inward understandings differ
Artistic choices
- Select contrasting initial reception, Narada and later friend-lap event outside chosen frame; no deliberate test motive visualized
- Approved conventional Himavan/Uma appearances reused; Maina newly imagined mature mother with grey-streaked hair and sage-green sari cream/rust border, distinct from Sati's unnamed mother
- Three figures, selected ages/faces/clothes, thoughtful chin/resting and clasped hands, standing/seated positions, low bench/cushions, courtyard, sprigs, mountain outlines and coral field added; Uma's happiness portrayed as restrained inward pleasure
An imaginative interpretation, not a historical portrait or documentary evidence.
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.