Rama and Lakshmana Discover Uma's Divine Wrath

Rama and Lakshmana learn from sage Viswamitra about Shiva and Uma's marriage, the birth of Kartikeya, and Uma's curse on the devatas and Earth. 

Rama and Lakshmana's Inquiry (Shlokas 1.36.1 - 1.36.4)

After sage Viswamitra finished narrating the story of Ganga, the heroic brothers Rama and Lakshmana praised his tale and asked:

"O divine sage, you have shared an excellent story filled with righteousness. Since you are knowledgeable about such matters, please tell us in detail about the eldest daughter of the mountain king Himavan and the events that occurred in both the celestial and mortal worlds.

Why does Ganga, the purifier of worlds, flow in three paths? O knower of dharma (righteousness), how did Ganga become known as Tripathaga (flowing in three directions) and gain fame as the holiest of all rivers in the three worlds?"

Viswamitra Begins the Tale (Shlokas 1.36.5 - 1.36.9)

Hearing Rama's words, Viswamitra, rich in ascetic power, began to reveal the complete story in the presence of the sages:

"O Rama, in ancient times, the great ascetic Nilakantha (Shiva, literally 'blue-throated') married Uma (Parvati). Captivated by her beauty, he began to indulge in marital bliss with intense passion. Consider the following events:

1. A hundred celestial years passed, but no son was born to Shiva and Uma.

2. The devatas (celestial beings), led by Pitamaha (Brahma), became extremely worried.

3. They thought, 'Who will be able to bear the power of the offspring if it is born now?'

4. All the devatas approached Shiva, bowed before him, and said:

'O God of gods, O Mahadeva (great god), you who are engaged in the welfare of all worlds, please accept our salutations and be merciful to us.'"

The Devatas' Request to Shiva (Shlokas 1.36.10 - 1.36.14)

The devatas continued their plea to Shiva:

"O best among gods, the worlds cannot contain your energy. We request that you:

1. Engage in penance with your consort Parvati in accordance with the Vedas.

2. Retain your energy within yourself for the welfare of the three worlds."

Mahadeva (Shiva), the ruler of all worlds, heard the words of the devatas and replied, "So be it." He further said:

"I shall preserve my vital energy within my body, together with Uma. May the devatas and the earth find peace. However, if this excellent vital fluid of mine is disturbed from its place, who will contain it? O best of devatas, tell me."

The Earth's Role and Shiva's Release (Shlokas 1.36.15 - 1.36.18)

All the devatas replied to Vrishabhadhvaja (Shiva, literally 'he who has a bull on his flag'), "The earth will contain the disturbed vital fluid."

Upon hearing this, Shiva released his vital fluid on the earth. The following events then occurred:

1. The vital fluid pervaded the entire earth, including mountains and forests.

2. The devatas spoke to Hutashana (the fire god): "Enter this mighty energy related to Rudra (Shiva), followed by the wind god."

3. The energy, pervaded by fire, transformed into the celestial White Mountain.

4. It turned the forest of reeds (Saravana) as resplendent as fire or the sun.

5. From that fire was born the glorious Kartikeya, son of the Krittikas.

Uma's Anger and Curse (Shlokas 1.36.19 - 1.36.26)

After these events:

1. The devatas and saints, highly pleased, worshipped Shiva and Uma with deep devotion.

2. However, Uma, daughter of the mountain Himavan, became enraged.

3. With eyes red with anger, she cursed all the devatas:

"Because you prevented my union with Mahadeva out of a desire for a son, from today onwards:

• Your wives will become childless.

• You will not be able to produce offspring with your wives."

After cursing the devatas, Uma also cursed the Earth:

"O Earth, you will not have a single form but will become the wife of many masters. O evil-minded one, because you did not want me to bear a son:

• You will not have the pleasure of having a son.

• You have been fouled by my anger."

Seeing all the devatas humiliated, Mahesvara (Shiva) began to depart towards the western direction, presided over by Varuna. He then:

1. Went to the northern side of the Himavat mountain.

2. Performed penance on a peak, along with goddess Uma.

Conclusion (Shloka 1.36.27)

Viswamitra concluded: "O Rama, this extensive story about the daughter of the mountain (Uma) has been narrated to you. Now, listen with Lakshmana to the tale of the birth of Ganga."

Thus ends the thirty sixth sarga (chapter) of Balakanda (The Book of Youth) of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.