Parvati's Tapasya

After Kamdev was burnt, Shiv vanished from that place. Parvati understood that Shiv could not be won by beauty and charm. She resolved: I will do tapasya, and win Shiv by the truth of my heart.

Her mother Maina tried hard to stop her: my child, you are so delicate, how will you bear harsh austerities in the forest? But Parvati's mind was firm. She gave up royal clothes, wore bark garments and went into the forest. In summer she sat among fires; in winter she stood in icy water.

At first she ate fruits and flowers, then only dry leaves, and finally she gave up even leaves. That is why she is also called Aparna. The power of her tapasya grew so great that all three worlds felt it.

Shiv first sent the Saptarishis, the seven sages, to test her. Then he came himself, disguised as a young brahmachari with matted hair, and said: you are a princess, yet you do tapasya for Shiv, who lives in cremation grounds, wears snakes, and has no home or family? Parvati's face flushed with anger.

She said: you do not know Shiv. He who is the support of all, what need has he of a house? I will not listen to a single word against Shiv. Saying this, she turned to leave. In that instant, Shiv himself stood where the brahmachari had been. Smiling, he said: Devi, from today I am yours. Your tapasya has won me.