The relationship between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is one of the most profound and iconic in Hindu scriptures. Their union represents the eternal bond of love and devotion. Their journey is rich with symbolism, demonstrating the triumph of faith over doubt and love over external appearances. The story of how Goddess Parvati, born as the daughter of Himalaya, ultimately won the love of Lord Shiva is both captivating and inspiring.
This blog takes readers on a journey through the stages of their relationship, from Goddess Parvati's early years to her rigorous austerities in the Himalayas, Lord Shiva’s meditative life, and their eventual reunion. Along the way, it sheds light on the profound lessons their story imparts to those who seek to understand devotion, spiritual discipline, and the importance of inner faith.
Goddess Parvati's Birth and Early Years
Sati, who had once destroyed herself, was born as the daughter of Himavaan, the King of the Himalaya mountains. She was given the name Parvati, the daughter of the mountain (Parvat). She is also referred to as Shailaja, the daughter of Shail, and Girija Kumari.
At four years old, Sage Narad visited her home. Himavaan welcomed Sage Narad and invited him to inspect her future by looking at the lines on her palm. Sage Narad gazed at Goddess Parvati’s palm and spoke of her remarkable qualities. He told Himavaan that Goddess Parvati would be revered by women, and temples would be built in her honor. However, he also revealed an unsettling truth. According to the lines on her palm, Goddess Parvati’s husband would be someone who lived in the most forlorn places, adorned with strange ornaments, and dressed in insufficient clothes.
Himavaan, disturbed by this prophecy, sought to change his daughter's fate. He begged Sage Narad to alter the destiny that had been foretold. However, Sage Narad reminded him that destiny could not be avoided. The qualities that he had described also existed in Lord Shiva. So if Goddess Parvati desired, she could practice austerities to get Lord Shiva as her husband. Goddess Parvati said she had a dream in which she was instructed to perform austerities. It was at this point that Goddess Parvati, under divine guidance, decided to embark on a journey to seek Lord Shiva’s hand in marriage.
Goddess Parvati’s Austerities and the Role of Lord Shiva
With the full support of her parents, Goddess Parvati left her home in the mountains to perform austere penances in the Himalayas. Her austerities were severe. Initially, she subsisted on dry leaves, and eventually, she gave up even that, surviving only by breathing in the frigid mountain air.
During this time, Lord Shiva, residing in the icy reaches of Kailash, was alone since the departure of his first wife, Sati. At one point, while deeply absorbed in meditation, Lord Ram appeared before him. Lord Ram asked Shiva for a boon: when the proposal for Goddess Parvati’s marriage comes, Lord Shiva should not reject it. Lord Shiva agreed to Lord Ram’s request, assuring him that he would indeed marry Goddess Parvati when the time arrived and returned to his mediation.
Lord Shiva’s meditation was interrupted when the celestial Gods were in distress by the demon, Tadaka, and they reached out to Lord Brahma for a solution. Lord Brahma prophesied that only the child of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati could destroy Tadaka. However, Lord Shiva was deep in meditation. The celestial Gods summoned Kamdev, cupid, to break Lord Shiva’s meditation. Kamdev, attempting to disturb Lord Shiva's meditation with beautiful weather, music, and aromas, became frustrated and shot an arrow at him. In response, Lord Shiva opened his eyes and admired the surroundings, but then, sensing the disturbance, used his third eye to destroy Kamdev. Kamdev’s wife, Rati, pleaded for her husband's revival, and Lord Shiva, in his compassion, allowed Kamdev to exist without a physical form. Thus, Kamdev became anang, residing without a body.
The Divine Marriage and Goddess Parvati's Unyielding Faith
The nine Yogishwars tested Goddess Parvati's dedication to Lord Shiva by questioning her about her austere practices. When they asked why she worshipped Lord Shiva, an ocean of defects, instead of Lord Vishnu, who was praised for his qualities and opulence, Goddess Parvati responded with wisdom. She explained that love based on qualities was for self-happiness and temporary. Goddess Parvati revealed that her love for Shiva was selfless and based on his happiness, not her own and that she would either remain unmarried or marry only him, even if it meant waiting for countless lifetimes. Impressed by her devotion, the Yogishwars acknowledged her eligibility as Lord Shiva's wife, and the marriage was finalized.
Lord Shiva asked for an announcement to be made, summoning all the celestial Gods and Goddesses to participate in the wedding procession. They were busy preparing themselves in wedding celebration attire, not giving attention to the decoration of the groom, Lord Shiva. Observing this, Lord Shiva called upon the Bhoot-Prets (ghosts and spirits) to join the procession and help decorate him, resulting in a very unconventional wedding procession, with Lord Shiva adorned with scorpion earrings, a garland of snakes, and ashes, making for an eerie sight. The celestial Gods and Goddesses feeling embarrassed by Lord Shiva's appearance, initially planned to walk ahead of him but were advised by Lord Brahma that doing so could lead Lord Shiva into meditation again, causing complications.
As the procession started, Lord Vishnu and the celestial Gods and Goddesses walked ahead while Lord Shiva followed with the Bhoot-Prets creating a strange and mismatched parade. The people of Himachal, seeing Lord Vishnu, were curious about the groom’s appearance and he explained that the groom was behind. Upon seeing Lord Shiva accompanied by the spirits and ghosts, the people fled in fear. Maina Devi, Goddess Parvati's mother, was horrified by Lord Shiva’s appearance and initially refused to allow her daughter to marry him. Despite attempts to convince her, Maina Devi remained resolute in her objection, fearing her daughter’s future.
Sage Narad intervened, explaining that Lord Shiva, was none other than Mahadev, and this was all part of divine will. He reassured Maina Devi and Himavaan that the union between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati was destined and eternal. Eventually, Maina Devi was convinced and agreed to proceed with the wedding. A new auspicious time was chosen for the marriage, which was attended by the celestial Gods and Goddesses. After the wedding, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati moved to Kailash, where they lived together in bliss and harmony, united after many years.
Conclusion
The union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is not just a divine love story but a metaphor for devotion, perseverance, and spiritual fulfillment. Goddess Parvati’s journey from a young girl to a determined seeker of Lord Shiva’s love teaches us that true devotion is not bound by external appearances, social status, or earthly desires. It is a profound connection that transcends physical form and is rooted in the soul’s quest for the divine.
The story of their marriage is a testament to the power of faith and austerity. It reminds us that when one is steadfast in their devotion and purpose, even the seemingly insurmountable obstacles of life can be overcome. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati's union continues to inspire millions around the world, encouraging them to look beyond the surface and find the deeper meaning of love, faith, devotion, and divine union.
Call to Action
Increased your devotion by attending the upcoming Mahashivratri celebration at the Radha Krishna Temple of Dallas. To learn the best way to worship Lord Shiva read the blog and watch the video below.
FAQs
- Why did Goddess Parvati perform austerities? Goddess Parvati performed austerities to win the love and acceptance of Lord Shiva as her husband. Her devotion was so pure that she gave up all comforts to please him.
- What was the prophecy about Goddess Parvati’s husband? Sage Narad predicted that Goddess Parvati’s husband would be someone who lived in forlorn places, wore minimal clothing, and adorned himself with strange ornaments. This person turned out to be Lord Shiva.
- How did Lord Shiva react when Kamdev disturbed his meditation? Shiva opened his third eye and reduced Kamdev to ashes in a moment of anger, as Kamdev’s arrow disturbed his deep meditation.
- What did Goddess Parvati say about love based on qualities? Goddess Parvati explained that love based on external qualities, such as beauty or wealth, is fleeting. True love is unconditional and not dependent on the qualities of the beloved.
Resources
Specific Video
Specific Blog
The Story of Sati, Daksha, and Lord Shiv: A Journey of Devotion, Conflict, and Justice
