Residence

Satyaloka was Brahma’s abode, rising out of Vishnu's deep and fragrant navel. Vishnu, the preserver, was in Vaikuntha, flanked by his wives and saints. He was the most pleasant, the most accommodating of the divine trinity, which went well with his job as protector of all creation. Shiva stayed at Mount Kailash, a gift from his doting father-in-law, Himavaan. In the patriarchal northern territory of India, it was unheard of for a husband to live with his wife’s family. ‘Jamai raja’ was the scornful epithet that was bandied about for such spouses. As though he cared!