Shiva did his best to reassure his mother-in-law; then she bowed her head at his feet and went home. There she sent for Uma, and taking her on her lap gave her this excellent instruction:

‘Always worship Shankara’s feet; this is the duty of a wife, for her husband is her deity, and there is no other god for her.’ As she spoke these words, her eyes filled with tears and once more she clasped the girl to her bosom.

‘Why did God create women in the world?’ she said. ‘One who is always in a state of subjection can never even dream of happiness.’ Though utterly distracted by her exceeding love, she knew it was no time to display it, and composed herself.

Maina embraced Parvati again and again and fell down before her, clasping her feet in a transport of affection beyond all words. Bhavani said goodbye to all the ladies, and then went again and clung to her mother’s heart.

Again she went and took leave of her mother, and they all blessed her as was due. She often turned back to have a look at her mother as her companions led her away to Shiva. Having satisfied all the beggars, Shankara proceeded with Uma to his home (Mount Kailasa). All the divinities delightfully rained down flowers and played their kettledrums in the sky.

Then with them went Himavan most lovingly to escort them; Shiva, however, consoled him in various ways and bade him farewell.

Straightaway Himachala the Mountain King returned home and summoned all other mountains and lakes, and with due respect and gifts and polite words and great honour gave them leave to depart.