Kumara Sambhavam- The Descent of the Divine- Part XII

THE DESCENT OF THE DIVINE

Shiva turned towards Parvati and sat facing her. Parvati closed her eyes and as everyone watched, a luminous shape entered Shiva’s body. At once, the five heads of Shiva emerged. 

The third eye – the Ajna Chakra- the seat of intuition and knowledge- in each head opened.

A spark of blinding intensity shot upwards from each of the Third Eyes.

A collective gasp rose from the audience. Everyone was looking upwards.

When five such sparks were suspended in space, the five faces of Shiva merged into one and from the top of the head- the Sahasrakara Chakra- rose one more sparking ball of light, bearing the Pranava mantra. An ethereal sound of “OM” could be heard.

When the six sparks hung there, Agni and Vayu reached out and reverentially scooped the six sparks in their hands. 

As per Shiva’s instructions, they invested the sparks with breath and warmth. They carried the sparks to the river Ganga who added the water element to the sparks. The sparks floated downwards into the Sara Vana forest where amidst the thick vegetation and flowery creepers, the earth element was added to the sparks.

The waters of Ganga gently placed each spark on a lotus and each spark transformed into a human baby. A bevy of young women passing by saw the babies. Taking the babies into their laps, the young women nursed them.

Seeing the process of their creation almost complete, Shiva and Parvati arrived there. There were still six separate babies- implying that the elements had not fused perfectly together into one entity.

Parvati –the embodiment of Nature herself, encircled all the babies and merged them into one complete, flawless child.

Kumara Sambhavam was done. Skanda had been born. Divinity had manifested itself.

Kumara Sambhavam - The Perfect Creation- Part XI

THE PERFECT CREATION

Narada was in Vaikunth when he got the news of the impending arrival of Shiva’s son. “Not to be missed” remarked Vishnu, as he got up from his serpentile couch.

Narada was surprised. “Are you going to disturb their privacy Lord?” asked Narada

“What privacy?” questioned Vishnu

Narada was perplexed. “I am a brahmachari Lord, how would I know the workings of marital life? But I always thought couples preferred privacy especially when they are about to bring their child into the world.”

Vishnu snorted. “Mortals and lesser beings might, especially when the creation takes place at a physical level- by a union of bodies. But this is Mahadev and Adi Shakti that we are talking about.”

“What’s the difference Lord?” questioned Narada.

“In animals, procreation is purely driven by instinct and hence the offspring too, continues to be an animal – bound by the limitations of its nature

Amongst humans, too, where the feelings of kama and moha dominate the child so created will always be trapped in maya, unaware of its true spiritual potential

“In Mahadev’s case…..” queried Narada

Vishnu looked into the distance, his voice dropping reverentially. “Mahadev and Devi Parvati are Purusha and Prakriti. The creation of their offspring will take place at the highest level- by a merger of their consciousness, by a synergy between their divine powers.”

By the time Narada reached Kailash, a host of Devas, Gandharvas, the Sapta rishis had already gathered there. The place had acquired a sudden luster. The air was pregnant with anticipation.

Seated with Devi Parvati by his side, Lord Shiva looked the very embodiment of Sat- Chit- Ananda. Narada made his way to the front and joining his palms together murmured “Bhavam Bhavani Sahitam Namami”

The air was rent with shouts of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Om namah Shivaya”. Shiva raised his hand and silence fell. Shiva began to speak. Strong and sonorous, it was a voice no one had heard before.

“A being comes into this world when the male and female energies combine together. I, that is Shiva, represent the Purusha aspect and Parvati the prakriti tattva. No doubt, either of us is capable of producing a being independently, but in order to uphold the laws of nature and to ensure that the offspring that we are about to create is whole and stable, the Purusha and the Prakriti tattva in us have to combine.

“When our powers combine, the result will be a shining ball of light- formless- yet living. Every being on this earth is made up of the five elements.”

Shiva chanted   “ Aakashaat Vaayuhu    First there was space,  then from space came air

 Vayur Agnihi, ,    from Vayu came fire

Agnir Apaha,       from Agni came water

 Adyah Pruthivi, , from water came the Earth”

I now invite the Nature’s elements to assist in this creation. When the ball of light is created, Vayu Dev and Agni Dev will add their elements to it. They will  carry the light and deposit in the river Ganga who will add the water element. Ganga will carry the light sparks to the Sara Vana forest and thus the last, fifth element will be added. Once the five elements are combined in perfect proportion, the light sparks will assume a human shape.”

Agni and Vayu nodded to show their agreement.

Kumara Sambhavam- The Promise Of Hope- Part X

THE PROMISE OF HOPE

As had become his practice in recent past, Indra stopped by Kailash to pay his respects to Mahadev and Parvati. It was a very different Indra.

Gone was his swagger, his arrogance and pride. Stripped of his crown, deprived of heaven’s choicest pleasures, forced to live in hiding and constant fear, Indra had been forced to learn a few harsh lessons taught by karma and destiny. In a bid to escape the harassment by Tarakasur and his cronies, Indra and other devas had taken to a life of piety and austerity. Yet, Indra could not help hoping that the kingship of Swarga would be his once again soon

Every day he would come to Kailash and from a distance offer his silent prayer. A prayer that the son of Shiva – the one destined to kill Tarakasur- will make his appearance soon. But the struggle of the last few years had also taught Indra that it is the intensity and devotion of the prayer that determines how soon it will be answered.

So, he also prayed to Mahadev to give him the strength and courage to continue and not let his faith weaken in face of adversity. Silently, he would make his obeisance and leave- without even appearing in front of Shiva. Indra had no idea whether his supplication was  being heard by Shiva.

But even Indra, preoccupied by worries and anxiety could not fail to notice that Kailash was sporting a different look the last couple of months.

The usual cold icy winds were replaced by warm mellow sunshine. The fragrance of flowers blooming in the valley below, wafted upwards on a light breeze. A flock of white anna-pakshis alighted there and were waddling noisily. Sounds of laughter and merriment could be heard. 

Indra ventured to move nearer to get a clearer look. He gasped.

Was this the same God whose anger had burnt down Kamadeva? Shiva was looking more relaxed now and surprise….surprise… was actually smiling. Parvati was holding an anna-pakshi in her lap and was stroking it. Shiva was watching her fondly. Apparently satisfied, the annapakshi flapped its wings and took flight, squawking loudly. Everyone watched as the bird flew away and their eyes fell on Indra.

“Come closer Devraj” invited Shiva kindly. “What are you doing out there?”

Hesitantly Indra walked forward, his palms joined together.

“Welcome Devraj. What brings the king of Devas  here?” asked Shiva

“I am no longer a king, Lord” answered Indra sorrowfully. “I have lost everything- my throne, my kingdom, my authority….everything.”

“You have only lost your pride, Devraj- and that’s not a bad thing to lose. Your self respect, character, and spirit remain intact. You have found the strength to let go your ego and accept humility. You had the courage to set aside your pain and rally your Devas’ morale.”

“You have proved that you are once again capable to rule over Swarga. Fear not, Indra your wait is over.” Shiva replied.

Indra hardly dared to breathe.

Shiva glanced at Parvati and announced “The time has come for Shiva and Shakti to unite and present to the world the perfect creation.”

Kailash erupted into cheers and joyous shouts.

Kumara Sambhavam - Love Re-awakened - Part IX

THE RE- AWAKENING OF LOVE

It was Rati, Kamadeva’s wife. Dressed in widow’s weeds and looking haggard and careworn, she was holding a bundle close to her heart.

She looked around listlessly and did not care to bow to Shiva.

Shiva looked at her kindly and said “Rati, what Kamadeva did to me was wrong….”

Rati looked at him defiantly.

Shiva continued “….but what I did to Kamadeva was worse. As a yogi, I thought I had conquered every human emotion, but now I realize there was still one failing in me. I fell prey to the most dangerous emotion- anger”

“However, now I am prepared to make amends. Lay the bundle that you are carrying before me”

Looking hopeful, Rati opened the bundle and laid it before Shiva. It contained ashes- collected by a grief stricken Rati when Kamadeva was burnt down by Shambhu.

Shiva closed his eyes and murmured something under his breath A vapour like substance began to emerge out of the bundle and took the form of a man.

“Rati” said Shiva, pointing to the translucent figure, “Kamadev has been brought back to life. Though he will not have a physical body, you will be able to sense and feel his presence. From today, he will also be known as Atanu and Anang.”

Addressing the reborn Kamadev, Shiva said “ Kamadev- I have not given you a corporeal body so that you remember that Love is not mere physical lust. Now, as an invisible being, you can work on the mental and emotional aspect of Love. Hence, you will also be known as Manoj.”

Turning to Rati who was looking bewildered at the ghost image beside her, he said “Don’t despair Rati. In the Dwapara Yuga, when Sri Vishnu will incarnate on earth as Krishna, Kamadeva will be born as his son and you will be his wife. Kamadeva will return to his original form then.”

“Kamadeva and Rati- go and weave your magic once again in the world. I have realized that the world needs passion and ardor as much as it does renunciation and restraint. Go forth and make the world, the beautiful place it once was.”

With gratitude and happiness in their hearts, Kamadeva and Rati left the place.

Shiva also got up and began walking away. Nagaraja returned to his serpentine form and prepared to coil himself around his master’s shoulders.

Shiva looked surprised. “Er…Nagaraja- why don’t you take a break? Your wives may be missing you. And you too Chandra Dev….Rohini and the rest will be wondering where I have vanished you.” Shiva gave an awkward laugh.

Nagaraja and Chandra Dev looked at each other and smiled knowingly.

Chandra Dev replied, “We understand Lord. Kamadeva has started his work. You won’t be needing us anymore.”

Both of them bowed to Shiva  and began to walk away. Just before vanishing, Nagaraja nudged Chandra Dev to look behind. They smiled as they saw Shiva materializing a bunch of pink lotuses and walking purposefully towards Manasarovar. 

Kumara Sambhavam- The Unexpected Solution- Part VIII

THE UNEXPECTED SOLUTION

“But that should not be a problem at all for you Mahadev” commented Nagaraja. “After all, you can read anyone’s mind. Why don’t you just peep into Mother Parvati’s mind to know what exactly she wants.”

“Excellent idea, Nagaraja” said Chandra Dev, thumping his colleague on his back.

“You really think so?” questioned Shiva, his eyes lighting up.

“Indeed Lord. Our thoughts were never hidden from you.”

Shiva closed his eyes and went into meditation. Chandra dev and Nagaraja looked on expectantly. Shiva’s face seemed to brighten up for a few moments but soon became crestfallen Shiva opened his eyes.

“Well, Lord? Were you able to read Mother Parvati’s mind?”queried Chandra Dev

“Yes, yes Lord- What did you see?” questioned Nagaraja, excitedly

Shiva replied “Nothing….much. I only saw myself in her mind”

Chandra Dev and Nagaraja looked at each other delightedly. “That means, Lord, Mother Parvati only wants you. Your problem is solved.”

“Then why is she annoyed with me?” asked Shiva, still puzzled

“Because you don’t want her the way she wants you to want her” explained Chandra Dev.

“Eh….? What was it? Could you repeat ?”

Chandra Dev and Nagaraja began to speak slowly as if explaining to a child.

“Mother Parvati is angry with you because….” Nagaraja began

“You don’t want her…”

“The way she wants you…”

“To want her” finished Chandra Dev

Shiva still looked bewildered.

Chandra Dev sighed. “My Lord, you need to express your love to Mother Parvati. Please go and cajole her. Tell her how much you love her.”

Reluctantly Shiva got up and began walking away.

“Do you think Mahadev call pull it off? asked Nagaraja in a whisper to Chandra Dev

“Not a chance. He is sure to make a mess. Let’s follow discreetly”

Shiva reached the banks of the Manasarovar where Parvati was sitting, throwing pebbles into the lake.

Shiva cleared his throat to let her know he was there. Parvati’s only acknowledgement was to look stubbornly away.

“Parvati….I know you are angry with me. And I think I know the reason” Shiva said with confidence

Parvati looked at him expectantly.

Shiva began “Parvati…I have not wanted you the way you want me to want ….No no…wait…. You want me to want you but I have not wanted….Wait…not that”. Mahadev’s voice trailed away as he racked his memory furiously to recollect what Chandra and Nagaraja had said.

Parvati responded by turning her face away and throwing a stone into the lake with more force than necessary.

“Psst…psst…” Shiva heard a familiar hissing sound. Looking down he saw Nagaraja slithering near his feet in his serpent form. Shiva lowered his hand and the snake crawled up to his shoulder.

The snake whispered into his ears “ Forget all that. Tell her I love you….”

Shiva cleared his throat again and began “Er…Parvati….Nagaraja would like me to tell you that… he loves me”

Parvati gave him a look of total incredulity.

“No…no” winced Nagaraja  “Say.. you love her”

“Oh” comprehension dawned on Shiva’s face. He began once again “Er…Parvati…Nagaraja tells me I should tell you that I love you.”

Chandra Dev slapped his hand on his forehead. He knew his master was called Bhole-nath, but was he really so naïve?

Seeing Parvati getting furious, Chandra Dev and Nagaraja decided that it would be prudent to remove Shiva from the scene. They grabbed an arm on either side and began leading him away.

Shiva was too worried to protest. Back at Kailash, Chandra and Nagaraja seated Shiva on his seat while they stood in front of him.

“My Lord… you were certainly remarkable” commented Nagaraja sarcastically.

“Don’t rub it in Nagaraja” replied Shiva quietly

 Nagaraja shook his head in disbelief. “My Lord…the words of love which come naturally to every man, on seeing his wife, didn’t even occur to you? We had to prompt you? ”

Shiva buried his head in his hands.

All three were silent

“My lord” began Chandra Dev in his soft voice, “it’s not your fault. Ever since Kamadeva was burnt by you, feelings of love and desire have evaporated. You may not have noticed, but the world has not been the same since. The plaintive call of the cuckoo is not heard, the peacock does not unfurl his feathers and dance for his peahen anymore and young men and women pass by each other without as much as a glance.”

“My lord, Kamadeva’s presence would spread a magical enchantment. Under his influence, despair would turn into hope, past would give way to future, ugliness would transform into beauty.

The feelings of love, passion and desire are essential for existence. “Without them”, concluded Chandra dev “the bliss in marriage, the joy of union, is lost.”

“As you have, no doubt, discovered by now” remarked Nagaraja icily.

Shiva’s face became inscrutable. Chandra Dev trembled, wondering whether he had overstepped his limits. “Forgive me Lord…if I have…”

Shiva held up his hand, “you are right Chandra Dev.” Shiva closed his eyes. Nagaraja and Chandra Dev watched with bated breaths. They realized Shiva was summoning someone.

Kumara Sambhavam- The Unexpected Problem - Part VII

AN UNEXPECTED PROBLEM

A week after Shiva's marriage to Parvati

Shiva was sitting in a corner, his brows furrowed and his fingers drumming on his knees. Nandi was looking on, distressed. Something was surely troubling his master, Nandi thought. 

Perhaps a cataclysmic problem which if not solved will threaten the existence of the three worlds. Nandi felt it was extremely unfair that whenever the world was faced with a problem his master was expected to provide the solution. It seemed particularly unfair now- given that it was only a week since his Lord’s marriage to Mother Parvati.  

Nandi had offered to help, but he was only a bull. Nandi wondered why Shiva had not shared the problem that was vexing him with Parvati, but probably he didn’t want to bother his newlywed wife. His master was so wonderful, Nandi thought. If only someone came along to help him. Nandi’s hopes were raised when he heard the familiar chant of ‘Narayana… Narayana….’

Narada appeared and folding his hands before Shiva wished “Greetings, O Lord”

“Blessings Narada,” Shiva replied, raising his right palm ever so slightly. “Where are you coming from?”

“From where else, O Lord, but Vaikunth” replied Narada.

“Is Sri Hari Vishnu in good spirits?” enquired Shiva

“With Sesha Naag providing shelter and mother Lakshmi gently pressing his feet, Sri Hari Vishnu was in tranquil bliss, O Lord. Mother Lakshmi was talking and Lord Narayan was smiling with his eyes closed” replied Narada

Shiva sighed. Then he asked “and what was it they were conversing about?”

Narada looked startled. “When Narayan and his consort are engaged, I take care to keep my distance, Lord. Intrusions to domestic privacy are not kindly taken” said Narada and added slyly 

“You too would be knowing about it by now, Lord”

Shiva sighed again.

Narada realizing that Shiva seemed disturbed, asked “My Lord….you seem troubled. Can I know the reason?”

Shiva answered “N….No…. Narada. Maybe I will ask Sri Hari Vishnu himself. You may leave now”

Narada realizing that Shiva wanted to be left alone departed after bowing.

Shiva too realized that it was time he swallowed his pride and sought help. After all, he would have to swallow worse things in future. But first he would ask his aides – the Moon God on his head and serpent on his neck for advice.

He closed his eyes and summoned Chandra Dev and Nagaraja. They appeared in front of him in their human forms, wondering why Mahadev had asked them to appear. Summons like this usually meant they were about to get a dressing down from their master for some misdemeanor or the other. Nargaraja especially had been at the receiving end too often. Trembling, they folded their hands.

Shiva nodded his head to acknowledge their presence and spoke in rather constrained voice 

“Er… I have called you because I….er…..need your help.”

Relieved that he was not going to be upbraided, Nagaraja fell prostrate on the ground, mumbling incoherently about ‘gratitude’ and ‘privilege’.

Chandra Dev spoke more composedly “Lord, you are our master. We owe our lives to you. We are honoured that you even thought us worthy of helping you. Please tell us what is troubling you.”

Shiva averted his eyes and taking in a deep breath said “Mywifeisangrywithmeandwillnotspeaktome”

Chandra Dev and Nagaraja stood open mouthed trying to make sense of the torrent of words.

“Er… Could you repeat what you said?” asked Chandra Dev

Shiva composed himself and tried to speak slowly “My….wife….is angry with me ….and …will not speak to me.”

Nagaraja and Chandra Dev gaped at Mahadev as if unable to believe their ears. Then suddenly Chandra Dev turned to one side and buried his face in his uttariya, trying to muffle his laughter.  Nagaraja however abandoned all restrained and rolled on the floor clutching his stomach, unable to control his laughter.

 Chandra Dev who still hiding his face in his uttariya was making strange stifling sounds.At length, however he calmed himself and gave a swift kick to Nagaraja. 

Nagaraja got up and wiping his eyes asked weakly “You, too Lord?”

Shiva nodded.

Both of them were overcome with laughter once again.

Shiva, suspecting that they were enjoying themselves at his expense, raised his hand to silence them. “Quiet. That is why I have called you. How to cajole an angry wife”

“You” Shiva said jabbing a finger at Chandra Dev, “You have a wife, right?”

“Wrong, Sir” Chandra replied “I have wives…not one, but many”

“Then what do you do when one of them is not on speaking terms with you?” asked Shiva

“Simple. Move in with another wife. For instance, if Rohini is angry with me, I go to Revathi and when she is annoyed, I move in with Ashwini and if she too stops speaking with me, I call Pushya….With 27 wives, I am spoilt for choice” answered Chandra with a smug smile.

Nagaraja grinned approvingly.

“I see” said Shiva, icily. “But tell me, what happens if all of them stop speaking with you?”

Chandra closed his eyes and replied “I enjoy the peace”

‘Wonderful”, commented Shiva, his voice heavy with sarcasm. “And you Nagaraja, I can scarcely expect a more gentlemanly behavior from you. How many wives do you have?”

“Only three…”

Shiva breathed easy.

“....Three…..hundred”,   finished Nagaraja. “…..approximately” Chandra Dev gave a low whistle.

“Disgusting” Shiva replied and continued “It may have escaped your notice but I happen to have only one wife” and added forcefully, “And she will continue to remain my only wife. Now I need to cajole her. Do either of you have any suggestions?”

Chandra  Dev answered “ My Lord, this situation is certainly without precedent”

“Which situation? A wife who is angry with her husband?”

“No. Us having to advise you…” answered Nagaraja gleefully

Chandra thought for a minute and suggested “I have heard women like it when they are compared with me” he said, pointing to his face. “Maybe you can suggest Mother Parvati is more beautiful than me”

Nagaraja nodded. “Yes, it works. That’s how I cajoled my Nagini yesterday. In fact I even sang this to her….” Nagaraja began singing in his hissing voice

Oh my beloved, with face like the moon

Won’t you speak to me soon?

Your moods wax and wane like the moon

Won’t you come to me and croon?

So engrossed was Nagaraja in his singing that he did not notice Chandra Dev swelling in anger. By the time Nagaraj had finished his ditty, red splotches had appeared on Chandra’s face.

“How dare you compare your Nagini with me….you black hooded…slimy…..netherworld creature…” spitted Chandra

“Now don’t you dare to say anything about my Nagini…..” retorted Nagaja

“Peace, Gentlemen…” Shiva raised his hand, indicating he wanted silence. “We are here to discuss my problem. You can settle your scores later. Anyway it won’t work. My Parvati is thousand times more beautiful than you, Chandra Dev, get that?”

It was Nagaraja’s turn to offer a solution “Maybe Mother Parvati is homesick. Maybe you can offer to send her to her parents’ home for a few days.”

“Nah” Shiva replied. “That would be cowardice. She must be made to feel happy here, in Kailash.”

Both Nagaraja and Chandra Dev pondered on this deeply. At length Chandra Dev asked "But why is Mata Parvati annoyed with you?"

Shiva shrugged his shoulders "Beats me"

Nagaraja was flabbergasted "She also beats you?" Chandra whacked Nagaraja on the back of his head.

"Maybe you did something, that's why she is angry with you" suggested Chandra Dev.

"Or maybe, you did not do something, that's why she is angry with you" added Nagaraja helpfully.

Shiva was stumped. "She will get offended if I do something and she will get offended if I don't do something also?" he queried

"That's how women are" both answered in chorus.

"Why don't you ask Mother Parvati herself?" asked Nagaraja.

"How can I do that when she is not on talking terms with me?" answered Shiva.

"So the problem is to find what it is that has upset Mother Parvati so much" summarized Chandra Dev.