Mahashivratri celebrates the divine union of ShivJi and Parvati Ji. However, their wedding didn’t happen without challenges. Just like any special event, there were many obstacles and twists along the way. Let me share the story with you in simple words.
The Baraat Faces Challenges
When ShivJi’s baraat started, the journey was anything but smooth. A heavy storm arose, making the way foggy, and the baraatis couldn’t see ahead. Luckily, some herders nearby saw the baraat and asked, “What kind of procession is this?” The baraatis replied, “This is the baraat of ShivJi.” Hearing this, the herders became happy and offered to lead the way.
Soon after, Shukracharya, the guru of the Asuras, stopped the baraat. The gods traveling in the baraat got angry, thinking he wanted to create trouble. But Shukracharya explained, “I am not here to stop the wedding. I want to join the baraat.” The gods were still hesitant, but ShivJi said, “If the Asuras want to do something good, we should not stop them.” Shukracharya and the Asuras joined the baraat after asking ShivJi for forgiveness for their past deeds.
Arriving at Parvati Ji’s Home
When the baraat reached Parvati Ji’s home, her family came out to welcome them. But they were shocked to see ShivJi! He had ash smeared all over his body, open matted hair, and snakes around his neck. The women in the family, especially the older ones, were disappointed. They had imagined a handsome groom for Parvati Ji, but ShivJi’s appearance didn’t match their expectations.
As part of the welcoming ritual, the women asked ShivJi for shagun (an auspicious gift). ShivJi smiled, took the snake from his neck, and placed it in the aarti thali. This scared everyone, and the women screamed in fear. Parvati Ji’s mother, Maina Devi, fainted on the spot.
When she regained consciousness, she was furious. She said, “How can we let our daughter marry someone who looks so frightening? How will she live in Kailash, where life is so harsh?” Maina Devi even asked her servants to tell the baraat to leave.
Parvati Ji’s father tried to calm her, but Maina Devi was firm. She reminded Parvati Ji of her promise that ShivJi would come in a proper, dignified form for the wedding.
Parvati Ji Talks to Her Mother
Parvati Ji stepped in and spoke gently to her mother. She said, “Mother, I understand your concerns. But a marriage isn’t about looks or appearance. It is about love, respect, and the bond between the husband and wife. ShivJi may seem simple, but he is pure and innocent. Please let me speak to him about this.”
At first, Maina Devi refused to let Parvati Ji meet ShivJi, saying, “The haldi ceremony is over, and after that, the bride cannot meet her groom.” However, Parvati Ji’s father suggested a solution where Parvati Ji could speak to ShivJi without breaking the rules. Parvati Ji said, “I won’t talk to him unless my mother permits it.” Touched by her respect, Maina Devi finally gave her permission.
Parvati Ji’s Request to ShivJi
When Parvati Ji met ShivJi, they spoke with a curtain between them. She said, “Mahadev, I love you just as you are. But my family has certain expectations for this wedding. They wish to see you in a grand and handsome form. Please, for their happiness, could you appear in that form for our wedding?”
ShivJi replied, “Parvati, this is my true form. I live like this on Kailash, and this is how you accepted me. What’s wrong with this appearance?”
Parvati Ji explained, “Mahadev, it’s not about me. It’s about my family’s feelings. They are worried and need reassurance. I know you are the most beautiful being, but I request you to show your divine form for their peace of mind.”
ShivJi’s Transformation
Hearing this, Krishna Ji appeared and assured Parvati Ji, “Don’t worry, Sister Parvati. I will prepare ShivJi in a form that will amaze everyone. He will be the most handsome man in the world, and your family will happily accept him.”
When ShivJi returned in his divine Chandrashekhar form, glowing with beauty and grace, Parvati Ji’s family was overjoyed. Maina Devi happily accepted him as her son-in-law, and the wedding continued with great celebration. The varmala ceremony was full of joy and love.
The Reason Behind the Obstacles
All the challenges faced by ShivJi and Parvati Ji were due to a curse by Rishi Durvasa, the son of Rishi Atri. However, their love and faith overcame all obstacles, proving that true love always finds its way.
Did You Know?
ShivJi has over 1,000 names, each representing something unique about him:
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Jatadhari: Because of his long, matted hair.
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Neelkanth: Because his throat turned blue after drinking the poison during the churning of the ocean.
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Kailashnath: Because he lives on Mount Kailash.
Similarly, Krishna Ji has many names too. For instance:
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Gopal: Because he used to graze cows as a child.
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Radha Vallabha: Representing his love for Radha Ji.
Conclusion
The story of ShivJi and Parvati Ji is a timeless reminder that true love knows no boundaries. Despite countless obstacles—storms, doubts, and even societal expectations—their bond remained unshaken. Their love stood as a testament that when two souls are destined to be together, no force can keep them apart.
True love is not about appearances, riches, or grand gestures; it is about acceptance, trust, and unwavering faith in each other. Challenges may come, but they only strengthen the bond when the love is pure and genuine.
So, no matter how difficult the journey may seem, if your love is true, it will find a way. As ShivJi and Parvati Ji showed us, love that is honest and pure has the power to conquer all.
