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| Om Namah Shivaya |
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Parvati put on the robes of an ascetic at one of the peaks of the Himalaya mountain. She wore a deer-skin and took off all the ornaments. The performance of the penance, which Parvati had vowed was so difficult and trying that Gods and sages were surprised. Animals and birds were frightened to go near her.
The Gods and the sages decided to pray to Shiva in their attempt to save Parvati from the unbearable practice of such a penance. They submitted to him, "O Lord! please just have a look at this Goddess-like lady who may not survive this self mortification. We have never seen or heard of any person trying this. We cannot believe that anyone will ever be able to surpass her. Therefore, O Mahadeva ! It is our humble request that her wish be fulfilled. You are the Giver. Listen to her prayers, please."
Shiva listened to the Gods and though over what they said. He changed his guise to that of a Brahman and came to the hut of Parvati. Parvati saw a Brahman standing at the door of her hut. She welcomed him and offered some fruits to eat. Shiva, in the guise of a Brahman, said, "God bless you. Why are you undergoing such a severe penance at this young age? Could you tell me the reason for this."
Parvati replied, "I am striving to please Shiva so that he agrees to marry me."
The Brahman said, "What are you saying? You wish to marry Shiva who is no better than a stone. You should aspire for a jewel instead of him. None in one's senses, would apply mud on the forehead in place of Sandal-wood paste."
Parvati was infuriated by the anti-Shiva utterances of the Brahman. She could not control her anger. She said, "O Brahman! you are respectable but I regret that you don't know how great Shiva is. I am surprised that you speak ill of the Creator of this universe. Please forgive me and leave this place. I cannot tolerate a single word against him." Saying so, Parvati tried to get back in her hut. Then, Shiva dropped his disguise and said, "Halt! Where are you going! I was under the impression that you were practising this penance for my sake. Now, you cannot get away from me. Tell what you want."
Parvati turned back and found Shiva standing in front of her. She said, O Lord! I wish to marry you." Shiva agreed without saying a single word.
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