In the serene Himalayas, where the snow-capped peaks touch the azure sky, a profound narrative unfolds. It is the tale of Maa Parvati and Bhagavan Shiv—an odyssey woven with the threads of love, faith, and divine destiny. This narrative transcends time and has captivated hearts for centuries. It now invites us into a world where devotion reigns supreme, and the essence of true love is revealed.

Let us step into this spiritual realm and explore how the sacred union of Lord Shiv and Maa Parvati took place. Their story, marked by trials, triumphs, and timeless wisdom, offers lessons that continue to inspire and guide us today.

The Prophecy Unveiled

The story begins with Parvati’s birth as the daughter of Himavan, the king of the mountains (parvat), and Maina Devi. She was no ordinary child; her very name signified her divine lineage. She was also known as Shailaja, the daughter of Shail, and Girija Kumari, the one born of the mountain. It is said that from the very moment of her appearance, her presence radiated an aura of divinity, setting the stage for a legendary life ahead.

When Parvati was only four years old, the great Sage Narad visited her family. Himavan, eager to know his beloved daughter’s future, requested Sage Narad to read Parvati's palm and reveal what destiny had in store for her. What Narad revealed was both awe-inspiring and unsettling. He foretold that Parvati would grow to be an ideal woman, worshipped by people, and revered as a symbol of grace and virtue. However, there was one ominous prophecy that disturbed Himavan deeply: Parvati’s future husband would be someone who lived in forsaken places, draped in strange ornaments and rags. He would not be adorned with royal clothes, and his very appearance would be unrecognizable to the world.

This prediction caused Himavan and Maina Devi great concern, as they worried about the strange and seemingly inauspicious husband destined for their daughter. Yet, Sage Narad assured them that this fate was preordained. There was no escaping the course of her life. However, there was a glimmer of hope: Narad suggested that if Parvati practiced intense austerities with dedication, she could win the favor of Bhagavan Shiv as her husband.

Maa Parvati undertaking penance for winning Bhagavan Shiv’s heart.

Into the Crucible of Love

Determined to marry none other than Lord Shiv, Parvati embarked on a path of severe penance. She withdrew from the comforts of the royal palace and journeyed to the Himalayas, where she began her arduous spiritual practices. Her austerities were so intense that they left her body emaciated and fragile. In the beginning, she subsisted on dry leaves, but soon, even this sustenance was discarded. She stopped eating altogether and focused solely on her breath, drawing herself deeper into meditation. Years passed, and Parvati’s devotion became a beacon of inspiration for all who saw her.

An attempt to disrupt Bhagavan Shiv’s meditation.

An Arrow of Disruption

While Parvati continued her penance, the world was struck by the terror of a fierce demon named Tanaka. The celestial gods, desperate to defeat him, sought Brahma's counsel. Brahma informed them that only the son of Lord Shiv and Parvati could vanquish the demon. But Shiv ji, deep in meditation, was unreachable. It was then that the celestial gods decided to employ Kamdev, the god of love, to awaken Bhagavan Shiv from his samadhi.

Kamdev, armed with his arrows of desire, attempted to disrupt Lord Shiv’s meditation by creating an atmosphere of charm, with fragrant flowers and sweet music. Despite his best efforts, Shiv ji remained unaffected, absorbed in his deep meditative state. Frustrated, Kamdev took the extreme step of shooting an arrow directly at Shiv ji, rousing him from his trance.

For the first time in many years, Bhagavan Shiv opened his eyes, feeling the cool, soothing breeze and the fragrant aromas around him. As soon as he realized the intrusion, he opened his third eye in a flash of fiery energy and destroyed Kamdev. In that moment, Rati, Kamdev's wife, fell at Lord Shiv’s feet and begged for the life of her husband. Shiv ji, though stern, relented and granted Kamdev a boon: he would continue to live, but without a body. Since then, Kamdev has existed anang (formless).

Divine Intervention

Shiv ji’s solitude remained a testament to the enduring power of love. The absence of his beloved consort Sati had left an unfillable void, yet his penance remained unshaken. Witnessing Lord Shiv’s dedication and Parvati’s relentless efforts to win Shiv ji’s heart, the forces of divinity began to conspire.

It was during this period thatShree Ram, in his incarnation as the king of Ayodhya, sought out Bhagavan Shiv to plead her case. Shree Ram explained that Sati, who had perished in her previous birth, had been reborn as Parvati, the daughter of Himavan. Shree Ram then urged Shiv ji not to reject her, should the proposal for marriage come. Shiv ji agreed to Shree Ram's request, paving the way for a divine union.

Maa Parvati explaining the meaning of true love.

Test of True Love

In the meantime, Parvati, steadfast in her devotion, underwent further trials. The nine Yogishwars, mystic sages, came to test her resolve. They questioned her about why she chose Bhagavan Shiv as her beloved instead of the more charming and affluent Bhagavan Vishnu. Shiv ji was known for his austere and less appealing qualities, but Parvati replied with words of deep wisdom.

Parvati explained that love based on external qualities is fleeting, driven by the desire for personal satisfaction. Such love is temporary, because it is shaped by what is visible and transient. In contrast, her love for Bhagavan Shiv was pure and boundless, not rooted in selfish desire but in a profound connection that transcended the physical world. This, she revealed, was the truest form of devotion—love not for one’s own fulfillment, but for the happiness and well-being of the beloved.

Parvati’s understanding of love illuminated its deeper essence. True love is not tethered to superficial qualities or fleeting desires; it is selfless, enduring, and rises above worldly definitions. The Yogishwars, recognizing her purity of heart and firm resolve, returned to Bhagavan Shiv with their assessment, declaring Parvati to be a worthy consort for him. The divine marriage of Bhagavan Shiv and Maa Parvati was then initiated.

The Divine Union

When the time for the wedding arrived, the marriage procession was unlike any other. Shiv ji, true to his nature, did not follow the conventions of royal weddings. His procession was filled with ghosts, spirits, and beings from the underworld. The divine entourage was led by Bhagavan Vishnu, and the demigods and goddesses, though perplexed, followed the procession in awe.

As the procession arrived in Himavan’s palace, the people of the region were struck by the sight of Shiv ji, accompanied by such unconventional beings. Upon seeing the uncanny appearance of Shiv ji with skulls beaded around his chest, snakes hanging around his neck, ash smeared all over his body, the people of the royal palace fled in fear, as they were unprepared for the unsettling presence of the Lord of Destruction.

Maina Devi, Parvati’s mother, was initially horrified by the appearance of her son-in-law. But Narad Muni, ever wise, explained that Shiv ji was none other than Devon ke dev, Mahadev; that the union between Shiv ji and Parvati was destined as a divine plan. Eventually, Bhagavan Vishnu implored Shiv ji to get adorned as a groom. It is then that Shiv ji appeared in his Chandrashekhar avatar with a crescent moon and inexplicable beauty. Maina Devi was convinced, and the wedding proceeded.

Bhagavan Shiv recounting the role of faith in Divine leelas.

Faith Beyond Reason

After their wedding, Shiv ji and Maa Parvati returned to their abode in Kailash, where they lived blissfully. But Maa Parvati, ever curious and eager to understand her beloved, asked Bhagavan Shiv a question that had been in her heart for years. She asked, if He was the supreme deity, why had He not known of her fate in her previous birth? Why had He not recognized her when she was the reincarnation of his consort, Sati?

Shiv ji, in his infinite wisdom, responded by recounting the divine leelas—the divine acts and purposes—that unfold in the cosmos. He explained that everything in the universe, including their union, was part of the divine plan, governed by laws beyond human comprehension.

We too, often question the Divine leelas with our limited intellect. Whereas Shree Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita said to Arjun,

जन्म कर्म च मे दिव्यमेवं यो वेत्ति तत्त्वत: |

त्यक्त्वा देहं पुनर्जन्म नैति मामेति सोऽर्जुन || 9||

BG 4.9: Those who understand the divine nature of My birth and activities, O Arjun, upon leaving the body, do not have to take birth again, but come to My eternal abode.

Ultimately, our finite minds cannot fully comprehend the infinite wisdom of the Divine. By acknowledging the limitations of our understanding, we can cultivate faith and surrender. This allows us to transcend the boundaries of our intellect and engage our mind in love for the Divine. As we humbly recognize the vast expanse of God's creation, from the intricate Higgs boson to the majestic galaxies, we are reminded of the awe-inspiring intelligence that governs the universe.

Conclusion

In the serene peaks of the Himalayas, the story of Bhagavan Shiv and Maa Parvati continues to echo through the winds. It is a poignant reminder that faith, devotion, and love shine through when we remain committed despite the trials we face. Let us learn to trust in the divine plan, even when it surpasses our understanding, and find humility in surrender.

On this sacred night of Mahashivratri, as we honor the divine couple, may we remember that love is a choice—to surrender and devote ourselves. Maa Parvati's devotion to Bhagavan Shiv teaches us that love is not about external qualities, but a deep, unshakeable connection that goes beyond the material aspects. Reflecting on their divine odyssey, may their story illuminate and guide our own spiritual path.

Om Namah Shivay!

Call to Action

Relish the JKYog celebrations of Mahashivratri

In USA: 21^st – 26^th February at the Radha Krishna Temple, Dallas. Know more here.

In India: 26^th February at the JKYog Ashram, Banara, Cuttack, Odisha. Attend online by registering for the Holi Sadhana Shivir starting on 26^th February.

You can also top up the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri by

● Relishing an Untold Story of Bhagavan Shiv: A Heart-Melting Video

An UNTOLD Story of Lord Shiva - Watch this to Experience God | Swami Mukundananda

● Savoring the Divine Bliss: A Soul-Stirring Kirtan

Om Namah Shivaya 2021 | Mahashivratri 2021 Super Hit Bhajan of Lord Shiva | JKYog Music