When news came that the bridegroom’s procession was close at hand, there was a stir in the city, which added to its charm. Adorning themselves and decorating their carriages of various kinds, the party of welcome proceeded in advance to receive the bridal procession with due honour.

They rejoiced to see the gathering of the immortals, and yet more so when they saw Hari (Vishnu). But when they beheld Shiva’s retinue, every animal they rode started back in panic and ran away.

The elders summoned up courage and remained where they were, but every child that came ran for its life. On their reaching home when their parents questioned them, they spoke as follows, trembling all over for fear:

‘What can we say? It’s beyond telling! We wonder whether it is a bridegroom’s procession or the army of Death. The bridegroom, a maniac, is mounted on a bull; serpents and skulls and ashes are his ornaments!

His body is smeared with ashes and adorned with serpents and skulls; he is naked, has matted hair and is dreadful to look at. With him are ghosts and spirits, goblins and witches and demons, all hideous to behold! Whoever looks on the bridegroom’s procession and survives must be a very model of virtue and he alone will see Parvati’s wedding!’ This is what the children said in every house.

But the parents smiled; for they knew that it was Shiva’s retinue. They reassured the children in every possible way, saying, ‘Be not afraid; there’s nothing to fear.’

The heralds (who had gone to receive the guests) returned with the procession and assigned magnificent lodgings to al the guests. Maina made ready the festal lamp (for waving it ceremonially about the bridegroom’s head) and the women accompanying her sang melodious songs of glad welcome.