Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 11
पार्वत्याः तपः-परीक्षा (Śiva Tests Pārvatī’s Austerity)
न बाला न च वृद्धासि तरुणी भासि शोभना । कथं पतिं विना तीक्ष्णं तपश्चरसि वै वने
na bālā na ca vṛddhāsi taruṇī bhāsi śobhanā | kathaṃ patiṃ vinā tīkṣṇaṃ tapaścarasi vai vane
你既非幼女，亦非老妪；你显现为光辉美丽的妙龄女子。为何在无夫相伴之下，你却在此林中修行如此严峻的苦行（tapas）？
Himālaya (Himavān), addressing Pārvatī
Tattva Level: pashu
Sthala Purana: Not a Jyotirliṅga episode; the verse belongs to the Pārvatī-tapas narrative where the bound soul’s worldly dharma (marriage/social protection) is contrasted with the higher aim of union with Śiva through tapas.
Significance: Frames tapas as a legitimate sādhanā even when it defies social expectation; inspires vrata-like resolve for Śiva-prāpti.
Shakti Form: Pārvatī
Role: liberating
FAQs
The verse highlights the extraordinary resolve (tapas) of Pārvatī: her inner calling toward Pati (Śiva) transcends social identity and worldly comfort, showing that sincere austerity and devotion can be pursued for union with the Supreme Lord.
Though the verse is framed as a worldly question about a husband, in the Pārvatīkhaṇḍa the “husband” ultimately points to Śiva as the supreme Pati. Pārvatī’s tapas is oriented toward attaining Saguna Śiva (the personal Lord) and thereby realizing His highest grace.
The verse itself emphasizes tīkṣṇa-tapas (disciplined austerity). In Shaiva practice this is commonly supported by japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”), along with purity disciplines such as bhasma (Tripuṇḍra) and focused meditation on Śiva.