Umiya Mata Katha – Chapter 2: Parvati's Penance and Marriage

Parvati's Penance and Marriage

In the previous chapter, we heard the story of Mother Parvati's manifestation as Uma. After Sati's self-immolation at Daksha Prajapati's yajna, Lord Shiva was plunged into deep sorrow and began to live in seclusion on Mount Kailash. Meanwhile, Uma, also known as Parvati, was born to Mount King Himalaya and his wife Mainavati. Sage Narada had prophesied that Parvati would marry Lord Shiva and that she alone would be able to alleviate Shiva's grief. Now, listen further to how Parvati performed severe penance to attain Lord Shiva as her husband.

Parvati's Severe Penance

From childhood, Parvati had enshrined Lord Shiva in her heart. She knew that her life was devoted to Shiva and that Shiva was her only Lord. As Parvati grew, her love for Shiva deepened. She had heard the glories of Lord Shiva from her mother Mainavati and longed to behold Shiva. One day, she said to her mother, "Mother, my life is dedicated to Shiva. I will perform penance to attain him as my husband." Mainavati tried to dissuade her daughter greatly, but Parvati remained steadfast in her resolve. Himalaya was also astonished by his daughter's strong will. Finally, they granted Parvati permission to perform penance. Parvati was determined to fulfill her objective.

Parvati began her penance on Gauri Shikhar. She entered deep meditation, adhering to strict vows. She gave up food and subsisted only on fruits and flowers. Gradually, she renounced even those and lived solely on air. Her penance was so rigorous that even the gods and sages were astonished. Parvati had only one thought in her mind – to please Lord Shiva. Day and night, she chanted only Shiva's name. "O Shiva, O Mahadeva, make me your servant. O Tripurari, O Neelkanth, accept me."

Shiva's Test of Parvati

Parvati's penance caused a stir in all three worlds. Lord Shiva was also impressed by Parvati's devotion and steadfastness. He decided to test Parvati. One day, Shiva appeared before Parvati in the guise of an old Brahmin. Parvati welcomed the Brahmin with respect. The Brahmin asked Parvati, "O Goddess, why are you performing such severe penance? Do you know that Shiva is a yogi, who has no home? He is naked and resides in the cremation ground. Do you wish to marry such a person?"

Parvati became angry at the Brahmin's words, but she maintained her composure and replied, "O Brahmin, you do not know Shiva. He is the truth, he is the infinite, he is my everything. Whatever his form may be, he is my Lord, and I wish to become his better half." Seeing Shiva's unwavering love for Shiva, the Brahmin, who was Shiva himself, was immensely pleased. He revealed his true form and blessed Parvati, saying, "O Parvati, your penance has been successful. I am ready to marry you." The grace of Uma Mata always remains with her devotees, and the penance performed by them is never in vain.

The Marriage of Shiva and Parvati

Lord Shiva sent the Saptarishis to Himalaya with the proposal of marriage. Himalaya and Mainavati were overjoyed to hear this. They immediately began preparations for the wedding. Gods, Gandharvas, Kinnaras, and sages were invited to the wedding. There was an atmosphere of joy and celebration on Mount Kailash. The marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati was solemnized with great pomp and splendor. The gods showered flowers, and the Gandharvas played melodious music. Parvati became the better half of Lord Shiva, and with her love and penance, she dispelled Shiva's grief. After the wedding, Shiva and Parvati lived happily on Mount Kailash. This auspicious marriage brought love and joy to the world.

Thus, Uma Mata attained Shiva through her penance and unwavering love for him, and gave the world an example of an ideal conjugal life. Her story teaches us that with true devotion and firm resolve, any goal can be achieved. In the upcoming chapter, we will learn how Uma Mata became the goddess of the Kadva Patidars and was established as their Kuldevi (family deity).