A Mother's Fear After Narada Departs
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 71
Doha 71 · Movement 1 of 2
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Narada leaves for Brahma's abode, and the mountain palace grows quiet around his prophecy. Mena finds Himavan alone. She cannot reconcile the sage's praise of Uma with the unsettling portrait of the destined groom.
If an excellent household, lineage, and husband suitable for their daughter can be found, let the marriage proceed. Otherwise, Mena would rather keep Uma unmarried. The girl is dearer to her than life, and no fear of worldly opinion can make a mother's heart willingly send her toward regret.
She bows at her husband's feet and asks him to choose so that no later anguish burns within them. Himavan answers with affection and certainty. Fire may appear within the moon before Narada's words prove false.
The sage has vanished into the sky, but his prophecy remains seated between the anxious parents.
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AI-created devotional illustration · Chaupai 71
Maina privately speaks to Himavan about finding a fitting marriage for their cherished daughter; Himavan listens attentively.
Source reference and artistic choices
Gita Press code81 undated · PDF pages 90, 91 · printed pages 88, 89. Reader passage: bala-kanda-chaupai-071. Printed numbering may differ.
Source facts
- After Narada leaves, Maina privately tells Himavan she does not understand the sage's words
- She wants a fitting household, husband and family for their cherished daughter; otherwise she would prefer daughter remain unmarried, and asks Himavan to consider carefully
Artistic choices
- Select Maina's private concerns before later bow at husband's feet; no Brahma-realm flight or literal moon-fire metaphor
- Conventional imaginative Himavan/Maina appearances reused, chosen seated forms, open speaking and resting hands, low benches/cushions, private curtain/alcove, floral glass framing and mountain window added; no actual marriage arrangement/transaction or daughter pressure depicted
An imaginative interpretation, not a historical portrait or documentary evidence.
कहि अस ब्रह्मभवन मुनि गयऊ। आगिल चरित सुनहु जस भयऊ।। पतिहि एकांत पाइ कह मैना। नाथ न मैं समुझे मुनि बैना।। जौं घरु बरु कुलु होइ अनूपा। करिअ बिबाहु सुता अनुरुपा।। न त कन्या बरु रहउ कुआरी। कंत उमा मम प्रानपिआरी।। जौं न मिलहि बरु गिरिजहि जोगू। गिरि जड़ सहज कहिहि सबु लोगू।। सोइ बिचारि पति करेहु बिबाहू। जेहिं न बहोरि होइ उर दाहू।। अस कहि परि चरन धरि सीसा। बोले सहित सनेह गिरीसा।। बरु पावक प्रगटै ससि माहीं। नारद बचनु अन्यथा नाहीं।।
Having spoken so, the muni (sage) departed for Brahmaloka (the abode of Brahma). Now hear what happened next. Finding her husband alone, Maina (Parvati's mother) said: "My lord, Uma's entreaty knows no end."