Having spoken thus, the sage departed to the abode of Brahma. Now hear what happened after that. Finding her husband alone, Maina (Himalaya’s wife) said to him, ‘My lord, I did not follow the words of the sage.

If the bridegroom, his house and his family be noble and worthy of our daughter, then arrange the marriage; but if not, the girl had better remain a maiden: for, my lord, Parvati is as dear to me as life itself!

If we fail to get a spouse worthy of Girija, everyone will say the Mountain King is himself an utter fool. Keep this in mind, my lord, and so arrange to marriage that there may be no heart-burning later.

So saying, Maina laid herself prostrate with her head at his feet. The mountain King, Himalaya, affectionately replied, ‘Sooner shall the moon emit flames of fire than the prophecy of Narada should prove untrue!

Lay aside all anxiety, my dear, and fix your thoughts on the Lord. He who created Parvati will bring all to good effect.

Now if you cherish any love for your daughter, then go and advise her to practise such austerity as will bring about her union with Shiva; there is no other way of escaping sorrow.

Narada’s words are pregnant and full of deep meaning. Shiva (on whose banner is blazoned the bull) is handsome and a treasure-house of all virtues; recognizing this truth do not entertain any misgiving. Shiva is irreproachable in every way.’