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
Who is in it
Where to read
Every verse that tells the story, book by book.