Marriage to Parvati

The Marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati A Divine Love Story.

The story of Lord Shiva marriage to Goddess Parvati is one of the most celebrated and captivating legends in Hindu mythology. It is a tale of divine love, devotion, and the union of two powerful deities. Parvati, the daughter of the mountain king Himavan and queen Mena, was the reincarnation of Sati, Lord Shiva first wife.

The Rebirth of Sati as Parvati : 

Sati, the first consort of Lord Shiva, was deeply devoted to him. However, her father, Daksha, did not approve of their marriage. During a grand yagna (sacrificial ritual) organized by Daksha, Sati felt insulted by her fathers disdain for her husband and self-immolated in protest. Grief-stricken, Lord Shiva withdrew from worldly affairs and immersed himself in deep meditation.

To restore balance and harmony, the goddess was reborn as Parvati. From a young age, Parvati showed a deep affection and unwavering devotion towards Lord Shiva, determined to win his heart and marry him.

Parvati Penances :

Parvati undertook severe penances to gain Lord Shiva attention and favor. She left her palace and adopted an ascetic life in the mountains, enduring extreme hardships and performing rigorous tapas (austerities). Her dedication impressed the gods and sages, but Lord Shiva remained unmoved, still mourning the loss of Sati.

Intervention of the Gods :

The gods, particularly Brahma and Vishnu, were concerned about the balance of the cosmos, which could only be restored through the union of Shiva and Parvati. They sought the help of Kamadeva, the god of love, to awaken love in Shiva heart. Kamadeva shot his flower-tipped arrows at Shiva, disrupting his meditation. Angered by the intrusion, Shiva opened his third eye and incinerated Kamadeva into ashes.

Parvati Devotion Recognized :

Despite Kamadevas sacrifice, Parvati unwavering devotion eventually melted Shiva heart. Realizing her dedication and the divine purpose of their union, Shiva accepted Parvati's love. He appeared before her, acknowledging her penance and devotion, and agreed to marry her.

The Divine Wedding :

The wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati was a grand and celestial event, attended by gods, sages, and celestial beings. The sacred rituals were performed with great splendor, symbolizing the union of the cosmic male and female energies, Purusha and Prakriti.

The Journey to Kailash : Parvati was escorted to Mount Kailash, Lord Shiva abode, in a grand procession. The gods and goddesses, led by Lord Vishnu, accompanied her, and the atmosphere was filled with joy and divine music.

The Wedding Ceremony : The wedding rituals were conducted with great pomp and ceremony. Brahma officiated the wedding, while Vishnu gave away the bride. The holy fire bore witness to their vows, and the heavens rejoiced at their union.

Significance :

The marriage of Shiva and Parvati holds profound symbolic meaning. It represents the harmonious balance between asceticism and worldly life, spiritual devotion and material existence, and the fusion of male and female principles in the universe. Their union also signifies the importance of devotion, perseverance, and the divine plan in overcoming obstacles and achieving spiritual fulfillment.

Aftermath :

After their marriage, Parvati became an integral part of Shiva life and shared his divine responsibilities. They had two sons, Kartikeya (Skanda), the god of war, and Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Together, Shiva and Parvati continue to be revered as the epitome of divine love, balance, and harmony, inspiring countless devotees and spiritual seekers.

The story of Shiva and Parvati marriage is celebrated in various festivals, such as Shivaratri and Teej, and is a central theme in many religious texts, art, and cultural traditions.