|| And It Happened Again || {IF_NC_Entry}- Chapter 3, Pg 8 - Page 3

"Namah Shivaaya! Shivaaya Namaha! Namah Shivaaya! Shivaaya Namaha!

The chants were alternately repeated throughout Kailasha, joyously sung by the Shivaganas, headed by Nandi and Bringi, both of whom were decorating a huge Shiva Linga with vilva leaves. Their devotion shone through their loving decoration and chants, their hearts completely immersed in the ocean of Shiva Bhakti.

A beautiful, radiant, dark-skinned woman smiled as she felt their pure love, Her own love for Shiva shining like the Sun as always, Her beautiful hands decorating Shiva's dance anklet adorned feet with vilva leaves, Her loving heart wanting to sooth His feet, as always. Despite knowing that Her Lord is beyond pain, beyond emotions, Parvati still yearned to take care of Him. He, who is known as the boon-giver, agreed to allow Her Her wish, His heart smiling at Her persistent love and wish.

As Parvati touched His feet, She could feel His entire being thrum in happiness, a happiness that was even beyond the start of the Tandava-Laasya. Her mind immediately settled on Her brother MahaVishnu, who is the probable cause for the happiness that vibrated through Her Lord. Or maybe it was Her brother and Pitamaha Brahma, affectionately called Swayam, both whose names alone were enough to cause joy manifold to course through her Lord. She smiled, wondering what it was. Patiently, She waited, Her eyes fasted on Her Lord's moon face, losing herself to Him completely, forever immersed. Her eyes traced His closed ones, the ashes that decorated His forehead, the matted locks that adorned His shoulders, the top knot of His hair, where Ganga rested on one side.

Chandrashekara, He was called, due to the crescent moon He bore on His beautiful locks, was smiling in abundant happiness, joy and contentment etched in every bit of His fair face.

"Rama, He whispered. "Rama.

Parvati looked at Her Lord, a wide smile on her dark face. So it was indeed her brother who had given Her Shiva such happiness. His Divya Manava Avatara Rama is what had caused such joy to awaken in Kailasha.

The beautiful eyes of Shiva opened, His eyes meeting Parvati's fish-shaped ones, and He smiled.

"My love, look. Your elder brother has been named Rama. Rama is verily a form of the Pranava Mantra, said Mahadeva, smiling at Parvati's happy expression, knowing well that She loved listening to anything He said, though many of the happiest times were when Narayana was involved. Such was the power Narayana had over all of them, His very essence their immense joy.

"Sesha is called Lakshmana, He continued, "Dakshinavarta as Bharata and Sudharshana as Shatrughana, affectionately called Ripudaman and Ripusudan by the family.

"They are born for a tough life, is that not so, Swami? Parvati questioned, Her tone soft, voice mellowed into the pain She felt even thinking of Her brother struggle at all.

"They are Priye, as you very well know, He said, gently lifting her up and seating her to His left. Despite knowing everything like He did, She loved hearing it from Him, much like the other Tridevi did with their respective Lords. "Only some can handle the most suffering and yet smile through every second of it.

Parvati nodded Her head in acceptance, even as Her mind drifting back to when Her Lord suffered after She left Him as Sati. His pain was indescribable; yet His love never stopping. His love abundantly sang through the Universe, wrapping all His devotees with His blessing.

"Swami, She said, a little while later.

"Gauri?

"Swami, are you as excited as I am for Lakshmi's incarnation? She quizzed, knowing that She had diverted His mind from pondering over the suffering Her elder brother had chosen as Fate.

"Of course I am, He replied, giving Her a gentle smile, eyes knowingly fixed on Her own. "Where will Narayana be without my little sister?

Nodding, Parvati smiled, Her eyes roaming the vast expanse of Kailash. The bond Her Lord and Lakshmi shared was a special one; they were siblings and best friends, always.

"Gauri? said Shiva, a few minutes later.

"My Lord?

"My heart yearns to see Raghava, as does Swayam's He said, a smile on His face. "Do you want to come with us?

Excited, Parvati nodded, a wide smile splitting on Her face.

"Medha will also be coming, She announced, getting up.

Shiva felt His heart melt at the glowing sight of her beautiful face, Love filling His veins. She was His true half!

Four human years later...

Music filled every nook and corner of the Divine Loka, the dancing anklet sound vibrating through the Universe. The sound of the Veena, the joy vibrant in the Divine music had the world dancing to Her tunes, She who is called Kalaivaani, the Mother of all arts. Her happiness had everything to do with the newest event that was to take place in Prithvi Loka, precisely the Kingdom of Mithila.

"The time has come! The time has come! buzzed Narada, Satya Loka vibrating even further with his energy.

The Veena stopped, though the notes still sang through the Brahmanda, everyone lost in the bliss of the Goddess' music.

"Calm down, my son, said Saraswati laughing, shaking Her head at Narada's excitement. Sons and their mothers, She thought, amused.

"How can I Maa? Maa Lakshmi is going to take birth any time soon. Prabhu told me that today is the day Maa graces Mithila with Her arrival, said Narada, happiness becoming him.

"And Bhrata is always right. But you calm down, replied Saraswati, fondly shaking Her head. Narada was always excited when Narayana Bhrata gave him news, whether good or bad. "We are all going to Kailasha, as you well know, to celebrate the coming of Lakshmi with Shiva Bhrata and Gauri, for during Rama Bhai's birth, we were with the Devas, and all of us celebrated the subsequent birthdays of Bhai with Vishnu Bhrata at Vaikunta .

"That is why Pitashree is so happy then, teased Narada, as Brahma Deva entered the chambers where the mother and son were talking. "He is going to see Mahadeva.

"Ah Pitashree, whined Narada, when Brahma walked into the room and pulled Narada's ear, instead of verbally replying to Narada's good natured teasing. The melodious laughter of Saraswati filled the chambers, every corner of Satya Loka and the Brahmanda brightening up due to the bell-like sound.

"Let us go. Mahadeva and Parvati are waiting for us.