The Wedding Is On

The Devtas being very pleased with themselves proceeded to Baikunth (heaven) and then along with Vishnu and Bramha went to visit Shiva. Each of them sang hymns to please him. The one who wears half a crescent moon on his head as a crown was really pleased. He asked his visitors what he could do for them. Bramha answered that Shiva could read everybodys' mind. All the Devtas wanted to see him get married with their presence. Bramha told Shankar (another name of Shiva) that everybody knew that he put Kaamdev's ego in its place and now they all wanted to see a celebration. Also Parvati had done so much tup and she needed to be rewarded. Shankar heard all these requests from Bramha, the Devtas and he remembered the promise to Shri Ram so he happily said "so be it". Upon hearing this, the Devtas in their excitement started playing celestial music, showering rose petals and crying Jai Ho, Jai Ho (glory to you) to the Swami of the Devtas!

As soon as they could, the seven Rishis (Sapt Rishi) came along and Bramha directed them to go to see Himanchal, the father of Parvati. However on their way they made a diversion to see Parvati to have a little fun and merriment with her regarding the good news. They talked about Kaamdev, his plight and how they had warned her to look for a better husband. When the Rishis were reassured yet again, how much love and faith she had in Shankar, they bowed and went onwards.

From the seven Rishis, Himanchal heard all about Kaamdev and how Rati had got a boon from Shiva, and he was very pleased. After hearing the good news about Shiva and Parvati, Himanchal summoned the Supreme Sages, to look at all their astrological charts and fix the right time and date for the upcoming wedding. Himanchal got all that written down according to the Vedas and then sent these charts along with the Rishis to Bramha. All the Devtas and Munis started rejoicing. The heavens started showering flowers, pretty girls were dancing and in all the ten directions festive kalashs (pots) were put.
There were good omens everywhere while the Devtas tried to decorate their different vehicles and planes they would use for traveling to the wedding.

The marriage was on. The attendants of Shiva were in charge of dressing the groom. Shiva was in a good mood and all had this sense of comedy and humour. To be dramatic, Shiva was made to wear dreadlocks as a crown with serpents encircling in the form of a peacocks feathers. Snakes adorned his ears and were wound as bangles around his arms. And as for a tux he had vibhuti (sacred ash) on his body and deer skin around his chest ! Then to top it all, he had the half crescent moon on his forehead, the Ganga (river ) on his head, three eyes, snakes around his neck as janeyoo (baptismal thread) poison in his throat and above all a string of skulls as a garland around his neck for added glory. A true groom coming straight from the cemetery that was the theme!!

This was the setting for a comic affair. The mood was light and the wedding party wanted to have fun and frolic. That was exactly what they would get when the marriage party would reach the brides home. Lets see what happens next!!

In Ram Rajya fun is an important ingredient. Shankarji is telling us that we should be able to laugh at ourselves if we want to be happy. That is exactly what we are going to do. To find humour in little things is our task today. JAI HO!

Bramha's Solution

Shiva was overjoyed when he heard from the Sapt Rishis about the profound love Parvati had for him. This new found bliss relaxed him enough for him to go into deep meditation.

The same time this was going on, Tarak a demon became very strong and powerful and started reeking havoc on the three Loks and their respective bodyguards. Tarak also waged wars with the Devtas and took all their wealth and peace of mind.

They ran to Bramha for help, who told them that their miseries will only be over, when, through the semen of Shiva, a son will be born. He will be the one who will kill Tarak in a war. Bramha told them to find a way, so that God can help them in their endeavors. He reminded them that Sati had now been born in Himanchal's house and had done immense penance, so she could marry Shiva.

However Shiva was in Samadhi again, and the only person to wake him at this time was Kamdev. So they all should go to him. When Shiva is woken up by Kamdev then, all of them could go and beg him to marry Parvati. This was the only way Bramha told the Devtas, that he could think of, that might work.Everybody liked this idea and so they went and sang hymns in praise of Kamdev. One who bears five bows and arrows and carries a flag with a fish as an emblem, appeared in front of them.

Kamdev is an interesting character in the R.C.M. who plays a small but significant role at this point.There is a small similarity to Cupid here maybe, I am not sure. The only reason I would say that, is perhaps Cupid initiates romance in a couples life, but Kamdev did more than that. For a few seconds he played the sex card in the whole universe - so everyone, the Devtas, humans, birds, animals, even the rishis and munis were thinking only of sex.

It sounds quite strange. But that is the beauty of this epic. It deals with all aspects of life. At this time for the sake of procreation Kamdev was made to introduce this brief illusion. Therefore for Ram Rajya, we have to decide what is good for us.. JAI HO!