What Can Be Given to the One Who Lacks Nothing?
Bala Kanda, Chhand 15
Doha 101 · Movement 2 of 3
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Himavan offers dowry of every kind, then stands with joined palms before the bridegroom. Mountains, gems, animals, vessels, and wealth cannot enrich one already complete in every desire.
The father recognizes the limit of giving. His only true offering is to hold Shankara's lotus feet and surrender the heart that wished to provide everything for Parvati.
Shiva, ocean of compassion, consoles and satisfies his father-in-law in every way. Mena then approaches and clings to his lotus feet with a heart overflowing in love. Grace receives both parents' surrender.
The mountain lays down his treasures and discovers that surrender is the only gift Shiva can receive.
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AI-created devotional illustration · Chhand 15
Himavan's joined-hand question after giving gifts; subsequent foot-holding, Shiva consolation and Maina foot-holding retained outside portrait.
Source reference and artistic choices
Gita Press code81 undated · PDF pages 118 · printed pages 116. Reader passage: bala-kanda-chhand-015. Printed numbering may differ.
Source facts
- After giving many kinds of daij/wedding gifts, Himavan spoke with joined hands.
- He asked what he could give the all-fulfilled Shankara and held Shiva's lotus feet; holding feet is narrated action, not an invented first-person 'I can only cling' line.
- Shiva, ocean of compassion, satisfied his father-in-law in every way.
- Then Maina, her heart full of love, held Shiva's lotus feet; the actor has changed to Maina.
Artistic choices
- Approved imaginative Himavan appearance reused. Joined-hand question selected before subsequent foot-holding and consolation; Maina later becomes the feet-holding actor. Exact age, face, crown/pearls, pose and pastoral pavilion are artist choices.
- Complete source facts retained in metadata; source and existing translations unchanged.
- More elaborate gold crown filigree and pearl strands, three pale forehead bands and small central gold mark, bough, cream column, terrace and distant temple are artist choices; no historical clothing or ritual certificate.
An imaginative interpretation, not a historical portrait or documentary evidence.
दाइज दियो बहु भाँति पुनि कर जोरि हिमभूधर कह्यो। का देउँ पूरनकाम संकर चरन पंकज गहि रह्यो।। सिवँ कृपासागर ससुर कर संतोषु सब भाँतिहिं कियो। पुनि गहे पद पाथोज मयनाँ प्रेम परिपूरन हियो।।
Himachal gave dahej of many kinds. Then, with joined palms, the mountain king spoke: "What can I offer to one who is already complete in every desire? I can only cling to Shankara's lotus feet."