Gauri Kalyana Vaibhogame- Shiva's play.

Just as King Himavān left the palace to take bath in the Ganges for worshipping lord Nārāyaṇa, an enchanting voice, singing sweet songs was heard by everyone. Pārvatī, by hearing the voice figured out who the singer is, she emerged from her room to see him, Menakā joined her halfway. They saw an attractive young man dancing excellently by playing his drums. He was clad in red and held Śṛṅgi and Ḍamaru in both of his hands. He was no ordinary dancer but Naṭarāja himself. Śiva saw Pārvatī and smiled innocently. Pārvatī was unable to stop looking at him. A sweet smile appeared on her face.

The blessed residents of Auṣadhiprāsta, without any efforts, had the vision of the dance of Naṭarāja, to behold which, Patañjali and Vyāgrapādar had to perform severe penance. All the credits go to Umā alone. Menakā was very delighted by the dance and gifted various gems and pearls to the dancer, but he refused to accept it and requested for Pārvatī's hand instead. After hearing this, Menā was stunned and became extremely furious. The dancer laughed and began dancing again. Before Menakā could utter a word in anger, Himavanta returned after worshipping Viṣṇu. After knowing everything by Menakā, The Mountain King was very angry. He immediately ordered his attendants to throw the dancer out of the city but none could even touch him.

Shocked by this, Himavān with confused mind looked at the dancer. The dancer unexpectedly transformed into four-handed Nārāyaṇa. He was dark-hued, dressed in silken yellow garments. He was wearing the flower garland offered by Himavān at the time of worship. As Himavān was watching, he became Brahmā and then Sūrya, then he turned into Sadāśiva who was accompanied by Umā. Himavān then saw him as Lord Paraśiva, who was a formless mass splendour. It vanished as the king was watching. Himavān and Menāvati realised that it was none other than Mahādeva, who had come to request Pārvatī's hand as a dancer. They bowed down to him with devotion.

Meanwhile, all the Devās were worried. "If Himavata gives his daughter to Śiva with devotion, He will attain Śivaloka and leave the earth." said one of the Devās. Indra continued "Himālayan mountains are the storehouse of innumerable gems if it vanished the epithet for the earth as 'Ratnagarbha' will become inaccurate." All of them consulted Bṛhaspati and said "O Lord, please go to the palace of Himavān and criticize Śiva, so that Himavata disapproves to give his daughter in union with Śiva. If the Mountain gives Pārvatī to Śiva without willingness he will remain on this earth forever and the gems will be preserved. O blessed one, no one but you can help us now.".
Bṛhaspati on hearing this widened his eyes and closed his ears with his palms. He said "Śiva! Śiva! O selfish Devās, I would choose to suffer in Naraka rather than disgracing Śiva." After constantly being pleaded by the celestial Devās, Bṛhaspati asked them to go to Lord Brahmā. After hearing what the Devās said, Brahmā too disapproved to demean Hara. He asked them to go to Kailāśa, only the Lord, who held Pināka could help them now.

The Devās thanked Brahmā and rushed to Kailāśa where Śiva was seen meditating on his form. All of them eulogised Mahādeva, even before they could explain, Maheśvara said "Dear children, the reason why you are here is already known to me. Do not worry, I shall go to the royal residence of Himavān right away." Thus, Śaṅkara consoled the gods with pleasant words and made them return joyously. Nandi and other attendants were infuriated but remained silent. 

Śiva assumed the form a Brāhmaṇa. He went to the royal assembly of the king by chanting Hari's names. Himavān stood up in reverence and welcomed the guest. Pārvatī bowed down with devotion to her sweetheart in the appearance of a Brāhmaṇa, Śiva blessed everyone present in the assembly. The Brāhmaṇa said, "O king, I've heard that you are giving your daughter in union with Śiva, is that true?". "Yes, O Brāhmaṇa Deva, what you have heard is true." Answered the king. On hearing this, Śiva in the guise of Brāhmaṇa, with a strange expression on his face started criticising himself in front of the Mountain. Pārvatī was stunned and then understood everything, she then started enjoying his divine play. The king of Himālayas was greatly disturbed, a sensation of objection rose in his mind. The Brāhmaṇa then had food offered by Pārvatī and left to Kailāśa. 

Menakā on hearing all this was shattered, she asked her lord to consult Śiva devotees regarding what has been said by the Brāhmaṇa. She chose to not offer Pārvatī to Śiva, and if she needed to, she would drown herself along with Pārvatī instead of offering her to Śiva. With great pain, Menakā entered the chamber of anger. She cast off her necklaces and lay down on the ground crying. 

Saptarṣi and Arundhatī were sent to Auṣadhiprāsta by Śiva to convince Menā and Himavata. The sages admired the city and praised its beauty. They were revered and worship by Himavān, He served them with devotion. Arundhatī brings back Menā after pacifying her. The sages then glorified Śiva by describing his qualities. The sages explained to them how Śiva and Pārvatī are inseparable. They were somehow successful in convincing them. All the sages said, "O king, After a week there is a very auspicious hour very rare to meet with. The presiding planet of the lagna is in the lagna. The moon is in conjunction with his son, Mercury as well as the constellation Rohiṇī. The moon and the stars occupy pure positions. The month is Mārgaśīrṣa and the day is Monday which is very dear to Mahādeva and free from all defects. All the planets are in favourable combination. They are not aspected by the malicious planets. The Jupiter is in a position that is conducive to the birth of a good child and all good fortune to the bridegroom. O lord of mountains, give your daughter Pārvatī, the mother of the universe to Śiva, the father of the universe. You will then get quiet and contentment."

The mountain king asked the suggestion of his other mountain friends, who were present there in their divine form. The mountains said, "Your daughter, Pārvatī is born for Śiva and should be given to Śiva." Himāncala was delighted while Pārvatī laughed within herself. Himāncala's moustache was smeared with saffron and turmeric powder as an auspicious custom.

Hara! Hara!

Yours,

Śivapādahṛdaya.