For any effort to get its proper reward, the effort has to be evaluated. Such evaluation depends on the test. The moment approached for testing the strength and essence of Parvati's penannce. Her tapas had this effect:
Siva's heart melted towardsParvati. His Sakti is really making him submit before her undaunted love for him.
kindness did blossom in Shiva. His mind was softened. Still he wanted to test her mind. He sent the seven sages known as the 'Saptarishis' to find out her firmness.
Parvati saluted the sages who went to her. Her friends Jaya and Vijaya rendered hospitality. The sages asked of Parvati the reason for her tapas and who herpreceptor was. She narrated everything.
And 'the sages replied "Well, listening to the words of Narada, you went the wrong way. Don't do this penance for Shiva. Nor should you marry him."
But she did not heed their words.She had already decided that qualities mattered more than appearance. She told them of her resolve thus - "I feel that I am already married to Shiva. If he does not accept me, I'm not going to marry any other person. There cannot be two marriages for me."
The sages were pleased with her firmness. They blessed her by saying "May your wish succeed!" and went to Kailasa. They narrated all this to Shiva. They said that it would not be proper to subject her to any more pain with the pretext of testing her mind. But Shiva thought that he should himself test her firmness.
He changed his real form for that, purpose. He disguised himself as a young celibate and went to Parvati's penance- grove. He sat in the shade of a small mango tree near her. Thinking that a Brahman youth had come as a guest, Parvati's friends went to him and bowed before him. They gave him water to wash his feet and then some good fruits to eat.
Then the youth pointed at Parvati and asked them, "Who is she? Why is she performing this penance though so young? Is there none to stop her penance? None to check her and advise her?"
Hearing these words of his, Parvati became angry. She stopped her meditation, put aside the rosary, and stared at the youth.
Then the young man, pretending to be sympathetic, began asking several questions. "At the prime of your youth, why are you engaged in this penance in this forest, ignoring cold and heat and rain, hunger and thirst?" he asked.
With Parvati's permission Vijaya told him everything and said, "My friend thus desires to wed Shiva and hence she is doing penance."
Thedisguised youth laughed loudly and said. "O, I understand. What more can I say? It's your will and pleasure. So let me go."
When he started to go, Parvati went near him and saluting him, asked thus "Please wait. Can you not give good advice to me in this matter? Can you not guide me as to how I can win Shiva's favour?"
"Listen then," the youth said. "You are innocent. Though a young maiden you have no wisdom. Why do you wish to marry that three-eyed person? What an ill fated person you are!
His home, his appearance,his nature are all peculiar. He lives in the burial-ground. His ornament is the snake! The garland he wears is of skulls. His weapon is a trident and he wears only animal skin.
Most of his hairs are s catered in the sky and the rest are matted locks. He smears ash all over the body! With Ganga and the moon fixed on his head he is severely cold.
He moves about on a bull , with demons and spirits as his companions. He is also a beggar. You are beautiful and tender, whereas he is ugly and inauspicious. Think properly and don't marry him."
Hearing these words, Parvati got angry. Her brows were knit in a frown and eyes were red. Not able to hear this abuse of Shiva, with trembling lips she said, "Vily man, you do not know anything about Shiva.
Of course the conduct of great persons will not be like that of the common men.Ignorant persons who cannot understand it criticize like this. Shiva's glory cannot be had by anyone else. Those who trust Him escape from sins.
Though Shiva looks a destitute, he can confer upon others all the riches. What if he lives in the burial-ground? He is the lord of all three worlds. His looks may differ from others.But he is the abode of beauty.His name itself is endowed with auspiciousness.
He is the universal Lord. Though he sits on a bullock, his feet are touched by Indra mounted on his elephant, Airavata. There is no need for so much talk. My mind is firmly rooted in Shiva. None can change it. I am fully aware of Shiva's form, qualities and greatness. He has neither deformity nor any defect."
On hearing Parvati say thus the young man's lips moved as if he would again speak. Parvati called her friend and said, "those who abuse great ones are sinners, people who listen to that abuse become sinners too. This wicked man is about to speak bad wordsagain about Siva.Send him away. Or I myself will leave this place."
So saying, Parvati started to leave the place. Suddenly the youth in disguise assumed Shiva's form, and held Parvati's hand.
The form Parvati saw in her dreams stood smiling at her. She blushed and bowed her head. Shiva told her, "0 thou bowed beauty, I am pleased with your penance and your love. You have won over my mind. I have caused you much pain by testing you in many ways. You must pardon that.
You won me with your devotion. I am enslaved to you. Now come, let's go to our abode, Kailasa."
To be continued.
Edited by ltelidevara - 8 years ago
Fan Fictions
Kabhi Neem Neem Kabhi Shahad Shahad
