There the seers saw Parvati as if she were Austerity herself. The sages said, ‘Listen, O daughter of Himachala! Why are you practising this rigorous penance?

Whom do you worship and what is it you seek? Why not tell us the whole secret truly? ‘I feel very shy in making my submission, for you will smile at my folly when you hear it.

Yet my mind is stubbornly set and heeds no advice, but would build a wall on water. Relying on the truth of Narada’s prophecy, I long to fly even without wings!

Now mark, O sages, the extent of my madness. I ever long for Shiva as my husband!’

When they heard her words, the sages laughed and said, ‘After all your body owes its existence to a mountain! Tell us, who ever listened to Narada’s advice and had a home (to live in)?

He gave advice to Daksha’s sons and they never saw their home again. It was he who ruined Chitraketu’s family, and did the same to Hiranyakashipu (the father of Prahlada).

Men and women who listen to Narada’s advice are sure to leave home and become (homeless) beggars. Deceitful at heart, he bears on his person the marks of a pious man, but would make everyone like himself.