Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 21
गिरिजातपः-परीक्षा तथा सप्तर्षि-आह्वानम्
Girijā’s Austerity-Test and the Summoning of the Seven Sages
ऋषय ऊचुः । शृणु शैलसुते देवी किमर्थं तप्यते तपः । इच्छसि त्वं सुरं कं च किं फलं तद्वदाधुना
ṛṣaya ūcuḥ | śṛṇu śailasute devī kimarthaṃ tapyate tapaḥ | icchasi tvaṃ suraṃ kaṃ ca kiṃ phalaṃ tadvadādhunā
仙人たちは言った。「聞きなさい、山の娘なる女神よ——何のためにこの苦行（タパス）を行っているのか。いかなる神を望み、いかなる果報を求めるのか。いま我らに告げよ。」
The sages (ṛṣis), addressing Goddess Parvati
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Umāpati
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: teaching
FAQs
The verse frames tapas as intentional, purpose-driven spiritual discipline: the sages ask Parvati to clarify her aim, highlighting that right intention and a clear spiritual goal are essential for receiving divine grace.
In the Parvati narrative, the goal of her austerity is ultimately union with Shiva—the supreme Pati—often approached through Saguna worship (forms, names, rituals) that matures the devotee toward the highest realization.
The verse points to tapas (austerity) guided by sankalpa (clear resolve). In Shaiva practice this commonly aligns with steady japa (e.g., Panchakshara), disciplined worship, and inward concentration to seek Shiva’s grace.