Then Vedashira the sage came and consoled them all. They were comforted when they heard of Parvati’s greatness.

Cherishing in her heart the feet of her dear lord, Parvati went into the forest and began to practise penance. Though her delicate frame was not made for austerities, yet she abandoned all delights and fixed her mind on the feet of her lord.

Her devotion to Shiva’s feet presented a new phase everyday; and she got so absorbed in penance that she took no heed of her body. For a thousand years she lived on roots and fruit alone; and then for another hundred years she ate vegetables.

For some days her only sustenance was water and air and for a few days she observed a yet more strict fast. For three thousand years she maintained herself only on dry leaves of the bel tree that fell to the ground.

Then she gave up eating even dry leaves, and so she came to acquire the name of Aparna (‘the leafless’). Seeing her body emaciated by self-mortification, Brahma’s deep voice resounded trough the heavens:

“Listen, O daughter of the Mountain King! Your desire is accomplished. Abandon all your rigorous penance; the slayer of Tripura will soon be yours.

There have been many self-possessed and illumined anchorites; but not one, Bhavani, has performed such penance as this. Now cherish in your heart this supreme word of Brahma, knowing it to be ever true and eternally sacred.