Story

Parvati's Austerity to Win Shiva

verses
399
book
1
chapters
7

What the texts say

In the Shiva Purana, Parvati, daughter of the mountain king Himavan, resolves to win Shiva through tapas, or austerity. Shiva Purana 2.3.22.1, 2.3.26.34 Parvati lives on fruits, then leaves, then gives up even those, and the gods call her Aparna, she who is without leaves. Shiva Purana 2.3.22.47, 2.3.22.49 Shiva comes in the form of a matted-haired ascetic to test her. Shiva Purana 2.3.26.2 When the ascetic reviles Shiva, Parvati answers in anger that the wicked do not know Shiva, who is beyond all qualities. Shiva Purana 2.3.27.39, 2.3.28.24 In the end Shiva shows her his auspicious form, tells her he is pleased and will not leave her again, and Parvati asks him to accept her hand in marriage. Shiva Purana 2.3.28.42, 2.3.28.43, 2.3.29.10

Where the story is told

Shiva Purana 2.3.22-2.3.29

Begins at 2.3.22.1
  1. 2.3.22
  2. 2.3.23
  3. 2.3.24
  4. 2.3.25
  5. 2.3.26
  6. 2.3.27
  7. 2.3.28
  8. 2.3.29

Who is in it

Where to read

Every verse that tells the story, book by book.

  1. Shiva Purana

    399 verses · 7 chapters

    All 399 verses in the Shiva Purana
    • 2.3.22.1

      Brahmā said: “When you, O divine sage, had departed, Pārvatī—her mind filled with joy—considered Lord Hara to be attainable through tapas (austerity). Therefore she resolved in her heart to undertake austerities for that purpose.”

    • 2.3.22.2

      Then, taking along her two companions—Jaya and Vijaya—she, through those friends, inquired of her mother and father as well.

    • 2.3.22.3

      First she went to her father Himavān, the lord of mountains; and, bowing down properly, she respectfully questioned him with humble courtesy.