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| Om Namah Shivaya |
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Madan agreed to do as desired by Indra. When Madan reached where Shiva was meditating, spring season pervaded. Flowers began to blossom all around and a scented breeze began to blow. The season had changed. Change in the atmosphere affected Shiva's mind and he was disturbed in the meditation. He lost his concentration.
In the meanwhile, attracted by the spring season, Parvati too reached there. Shiva, who had been already disturbed, looked at Parvati. Under the influence of Madan's power, he was drawn to Parvati as if a seed-bud of love had sprouted out. When Parvati saw Shiva, she was stunned by his handsomeness and brilliance of his face. This all happened in no time. It was a case of love at first sight.
The very next moment, Shiva was alert. He realized that it could not be the spring season. He wondered how and why he was disturbed. When he looked around, he found that Madan was nearby. It was clear to him that Madan was responsible for all that had happened. Shiva opened his third eye and the flame of fire coming out of that eye burnt Madan to ashes. Shiva returned to his meditation. At this the Gods were dismayed and panicked.
With Madan's death, everything was normal again. Shiva had controlled his passion of love but Parvati's heart was afflicted with love towards Shiva. She was restless and tense. Narad, a great sage, who always wandered here and there, suddenly reached where Parvati was sitting in a very brooding mood. He asked her what the reason of her dejection was. She told Narad everything. He said, "This is not a very good problem. Appease him and get from him whatever you wish. But for this, you shall have to go in for rigorous penance. I am sure you can do this if you so desire."
Following the advice of Narad, Parvati resolved that she should worship and please Shiva. After having made up her mind, she said to her parents, "I seek your permission to appease Shiva."
Her mother was dumb-founded but her father understood that Parvati was determined to do so. Her mother said, "My dear daughter! A penance to please Shiva is not an easy task. I don't approve of it. This is not the age for you to perform such an austere penance." But Parvati did not agree. Her father Himalya gave his consent unwillingly. At last her mother Mena too agreed but half-heartedly. They wished her success in her endeavour.
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