|| And It Happened Again || {IF_NC_Entry}- Chapter 3, Pg 8 - Page 7

How exactly was He supposed to matchmake for Narayana, of all Gods? The primordial, primal Lord who is the base of the entire Universe. Shiva sighed, exasperated. What had He thought when He agreed to this?

'That you can do it?' came Swayam's amused voice, in His head.

He continued. Shiva, you are as primordial as Narayana is. How can you not do it?'

'He is Narayana, Swayam. How can anyone matchmake for Narayana?'

'They can try, and you can do it.'

'You at least help me then.'

'No no. This was between Medha and you. I am not interfering.'

Medha is your wife!'

'I know!'

The mischievous tone in Swayam's voice partially worried Shiva. Mischief? Swayam? Something was happening. It made Him wonder just what mischief Narayana was up to.

'Why am I dragged into anything which remotely has the word mischief attached to it?' whined the melodious voice of Narayana, making Shiva laugh instantaneously, the Shiva Ganas looking at their Lord, puzzled.

'You are called Leeladhara, Vishnu,' deadpanned Shiva, smiling widely when Swayam laughed at Shiva's tone.

'I am Leeladhara in the next birth of mine, in Dwapara,' replied Narayana, His tone back to mischievous. Shiva could see Narayana's Lotus eyes twinkling with mischief, a necessity for the sustenance of the Universe.

'You have been Leeladhara since before Time started,' replied Shiva, mock exasperated.

'Oh yes, I have, haven't I?'

'Narayana!'

'Sorry sorry.' He replied, amusement lacing His every word, wrapping around the very meanings. Only Narayana!

'You still have not told me why you asked Medha to ask me, Hari,' said Shiva.

'As if you don't know, my Trikaaldarshi Mahadeva.'

Chiming, bell-like laughter filled Shiva's head before Vishnu decided not to answer in words, instead choosing to answer in chuckles, which meant 'you know already'. Or something along those lines.

Shaking His head, He closed His eyes, a memory of the past coming to Him, a past the Universe knew, yet a love that only few could truly understand.

"Sati! Sati!

"Revathi Jiji! Rohini Jiji! What are you both doing here?

"What are you doing here, in the Vishnu Mandir? Aren't you usually in the secret Shiva Mandir that we all built together?

Revathi's question was a valid one. Due to their father, Daksha Prajapati's dislike for Shiva, and Sati's unswerving devotion for Shiva, the twenty seven wives of Chandra, the twenty seven Nakshastras, had together with Maa Anasuya, built a secret Shiva Mandir for Sati, a place even their father could not find, due to the Vishnu Maya protecting it.

"I may be in love with Mahadeva, Sati blushed prettily at Her declaration. "But Narayana is my elder brother, and He is my support. He is also my Guru, for without Him, I could never have known anything about Mahadeva. I am here because without Bhrata Narayana's support, there is nothing I can do. Especially what I want to do.

"What is it that you want to do? questioned Rohini, her hand placed on Sati's arm.

"I am going to tell Pitashree that I am in love with Bhagavan Shiva. And only, only Bhrata can give me the strength to do this. Bhrata, and Pitamaha Brahma, who has always been encouraging me with Shiva Bhakti.

There was a time when, memories of Sati hurt His heart, the loss of Her always embedded in every vein of His, despite being God. However, since Sati came back to Him in the form of Parvati, all these memories are happy ones, ones that He rejoiced in remembering, His love dancing across the Universe.

A memory, a story opposite that of Sati's came to Shiva, a smile lightening His absolutely beautiful face, matted locks shining.

"Pitashree, I am in love with Bhagavan Shiva, and it is He that I want to marry.

Parvati stayed silent, nerves becoming her, yet not, her faith in her father winning out. Something told her that he would understand and accept her, for he always had, supporting her Bhakti for Shiva, despite their household following the Vaishnava Parampara.

"It took you this long to tell me, my dear child? Himavan asked, almost shocking Parvati with the happy smile on his face. "Well, let us find out what to do, and how to approach Mahadeva.

He could never forget the beaming joy that had filled Him, a reflection of Parvati's utmost happiness, the acceptance of her father meaning the world to her. Oh He knew well, if the King of Himalayas had not agreed, Parvati would have simply left, for Her love was such. But this time, this time He could not bear seeing His beloved hurt due to her father's words and actions, and had thus, along with Narayana and Brahma Deva, deigned that she would be born in Parvata Raja's house. The fervent prayers of Menavati to Shivaa, the Eternal half of Shiva, ever present with Him, had only affirmed the beauty of the decision, and thus Parvati had come into the Universe, the daughter of Himavata and Menavati, both incredibly proud of who their daughter is.

Shiva's face lit up, as Parvati approached Him, their smiles blinding a million Suns. In love with each other, forever in each other, they resided, an ocean of pure Love. Together, their eyes turned to the happenings of Gurudeva Vasistha's Ashram near Ayodhya, and at the Vishnu Mandir in Mithila, their eyes constantly roving between the four Princes of Raghukula and the four Princesses of Mithila.

"Sama Veda is the origin of music. It is from Sama Veda that the musical notes came forward, becoming very strong in praising God as well. There are various components of the Sama Veda, as you all very well know. But I will start with explaining Naradiya Siksha, and Venu svaram.

"Notes of the flute? asked Rama, a smile on His face, His mind cooking up all the mischief his flute-bearing self would do. His eyes shone with curiosity, as He absorbed the words Mata Arundhati taught them.

"The flute is used as the most basic instrument for understanding the seven basic Saama Svaras. These seven are given different names and notes, based on the Venu Svara. The first is, Prathama, as per the Sama Svara. It is called Madhyama in Venu Svara, and is sung with the note Ma'. Repeat after me children, maaa.

Maaa,' resounded in the Ashram, the pleasing melody of the note permeating the air surrounding the Ashram.

"The second is Dwithya, called Gandhara in Venu Svaram. It is denoted by Ga, said Mata Arundhati. "Each Venu Svaram and the corresponding note will have similarities you will easily be able to identify. Now, repeat after me, Gaa.

As the Mother of the Ashram continued teaching the basics of music, the children all absorbed Madhyama, Gandhara, Rishabha, Sadja, Nishadha, Daivatha and Panchama. The sound of music flowing mellifluously in the Ashram, sung by the sweet voices of the children who followed the instructions of Guru Mata Arundhati, brought beauty and peace to the Ashram, a meditative state settling over the Ashram.

"Now, my girls, tell me. What do you know about Rasas. What are Rasas, according to you? asked Mata Maitreyani.

"Emotions Mata. The basic emotions of a human mind.

"Perfectly said, Sita. Rasa is basically emotions. In Natya, there are nine Rasas which are most commonly represented.

"But why only those nine? piped in Kirti, her innocent question making Mata Maitreyani smile.

"You four think and tell me. Why do people often talk about Navarasa alone?

"They are the most common emotions exhibited in human, chorused Mandavi and Urmila together, grinning at each other once they finished. Sita shook her head, knowing that they would use this to their advantage whenever they can.

"Exactly. But are there only nine emotions exhibited by humans?

"No GuruMata, said Sita. "Humans have a wide range of emotions, different ones exhibited at different times, as in accordance to their senses.

"But these are the easiest ones to exhibit in dancing, added Urmila. "And thus, these Rasas are called the Nava rasa.

"They bring a wide range within them itself, right Mata? questioned Mandavi.

"Why do you say so Mandavi?

"For they have sub-types, sometimes based on the situations. replied Mandavi.

"Very well said. Shrutakirti, is there anything you want to add? asked Mata Maitreyani.

"No Mata. I am eager to learn, said little Shrutakirti, seated demurely beside Sita.

"And I will teach you. What are the Navarasas?

"Haasya.

"Karuna.

"Raudra.

"Veera.

"Sringara.

"Bhayanaka.

"Vibhastu.

"Adhbuta.

"Shanta.

"Well done, girls. said Mata Maitreyani, smiling. "What is Haasya? Laughter, joy. It is a happy type of laughter; it is a pure feeling.

Melodious laughter filled her ears and Soul, giving her utmost joy.

"The next is Karuna, which is Compassion. What is Compassion? Eternal understanding and continuous forgiveness.

Lotus eyes, filled with loving understanding and gentle acceptance, Eternally loving. Till people cross lines.

"The epitome being Hari Himself, added Sita, unable to help herself.

"Exactly. Karunanidhan, the One who is Karuna Himself. But even He punishes those who make huge mistakes. What did He do to Hiranyaksha when Prithvi was kidnapped? What did He do to Hiranyakashipu, who tried killing his own son due to Prahlada's Hari Bhakti? Hurting those who love Him, His devotees is the biggest mistake. For He will come to protect them. Those who are true to Him, will always have Him.

Sita's eyes closed, memories coming to her easily.

She could feel herself being lifted up, seated on His palms and held on His snout, His eyes smiling lovingly at her.

A loud roar ripped through Vaikunta, as she, in Her three forms, watched Her Lord disappear to Asura Loka, knowing that Hiranyakashipu's destruction was imminent.

"Raudra, continued Mata Maitreyani, "is the basic, raw anger. Anger in its most terrible form

The anger of MahaVishnu when Hiranyaksha dragged Prithvi by her hair to kidnap her.

"Veera, the power of bravery, in simple words.

She, along with Medha and Parvati, along with all the Deva Shaktis, as Durga, struck down Mahishasura, whose boon from ParamPita Brahma had now come to fruit.

"Srringara, the expression of love.

"Vishnu, Vishnu, Vishnu.

"Bhayanaka, the fear of an enemy.

Madhu and Kaitabha's fearful expressions when they saw MahaVishnu easily growing in size, a smile on His face.

"Vibhastu, feeling disgusted at someone. Or rather, at a particular behaviour.

The Asuras staring at Her lustily made Her want to roll her eyes, and simultaneously leave, for She had no intention of being ogled at by any.

"Adhbuta, the wonder you feel when you see something ethereal.

Those beautiful Lotus feet, parama padam of Sriman Narayana, the Supreme Lord of the Universe.

"Shanta, peaceful.

"The name of the Lord Himself, said Urmila, Mandavi and Shrutakirti together, Sita's mind travelling again, so lost was she.

Shantakaram Shantakaram, Shantakaram Bhujagasayanam.

"Shantakaram Bhujagasayanam Padmanabham Suresham /

Veda Purusham Veda Naatham Veda Priyam Naarayanam //

Sita's voice echoed across the entire chambers, her hands folded in prayer, as she faced the Vishnu idol, her eyes at His feet, then His own eyes, as a bright light engulfed her, she who was lost in Vishnu.

Mata Maitreyani smiled knowingly and in awe, as she saw the beautiful Ashtabhuja form of Mahalakshmi in Sita, bowing her head discreetly to the Param Prakriti of the Universe, the Mother who carries all on Her, the womb of the Universe.

The entire chambers was filled with powerful Bhakti, the purity of Lakshmi's Surrender to Narayana and Narayana's devotion to Lakshmi, love dancing.

A young boy sat under the tree, His greenish blue skin glowing radiantly, His mind on Mithila, His aura containing Lakshmi, the Ashram lighting up, as pure love and devotion wove itself between the Ashram and the Narayana chambers in Mithila.

In Kailasha, the Divine couple watched on, unable to move their eyes from the utter beauty of the scene in front of them, Narayana in love, Lakshmi in love, Raghava seeing Sita, Sita dancing for Raghava.

"Swami, your idea to GuruMata Maitreyani to teach Sita, Mandavi, urmila and Shrutakirti dance worked out as you had planned.

"Everything is Narayana's chosen path, Gauri, said Shiva, His eyes turning to Parvati, whose form was sparking joy, Her happiness at LakshmiNarayana's love unique, like Parvati Herself.

A beautiful, dark-skinned girl danced and danced, the Veena of Saraswati filling melody to every inch of the palace, and to every inch of the Universe, Shivardhangini in every step Parvati took, every expression She displayed, every Rasa she portrayed.

Her dance fueled His own, as His heart danced, the love that is His was Hers before She knew it. Yet, yet.. Yet She had to go through a different type of suffering, for isn't that the way the world learnt?

The beauty of Parvati shone radiantly, Shiva's heart filling with Love repeatedly. Together, the parents of the Universe watched, the Love of Rama and Sita enhancing their own Love for each other.