Marriage of Shiva and Parvati
The above narrative is definitely recognizable as an episode from the wedding of Shiva and Parvati. The latter’s mom was adamant that she wouldn’t give away her daughter to an individual of such hideous look.
Lord Vishnu tried to calm her by saying: Expensive girl you have no idea Shiva. He’s each possessed and devoid of attributes. He’s hideous in addition to comely.” (Shiva Purana: Rudrasamhita III.44.90)
The Profound Symbolic Message of Shiva
For many who want to transcend the bodily type, Shiva’s outward look is a continuing reminder of many elementary truths. He’s an embodiment of the three principal themes of Indian philosophy, which have to be inculcated in our lives earlier than any progress may be made on the non secular path.
Kailashpati on Kailash (Meditating Shiva)
1). Bhakti (Devotion): The Ganges flowing from his hair represents the stream of bhakti.
2). Gyan (Information): Shiva is continually engaged in inward contemplation, completely oblivious to what’s taking place exterior, a lot that he even seems intoxicated to these not initiated into his thriller.
3). Vairagya (Indifference and disenchantment with all worldly issues): Shiva typically frequents the cremation grounds and smears himself with ashes. What higher instance may there be of disenchantment with the dwelling world? Vairagya means sacrificing every little thing, and the one who even whereas dwelling, provides himself as much as the funeral grounds, not needing nor anticipating something from the world, is probably the perfect instance.
As for the bull Shiva rides upon, historical texts heap reward on it, calling it the Bull of Dharma:
Nandi (The Mount of Lord Shiva)
‘The bull of dharma has forgiveness for its horns, management of the senses for its ears, the eyes of religion and the Vedas as its breath. (Shiva Purana Vidyeshvarasamhita:17.86).
The Auspicious Great thing about Shiva
Later Shiva, for the pleasure of Parvati’s mom, reworked himself right into a supremely good-looking male, dressed richly in response to social norms:
‘Each a part of his physique was beautiful. He grew to become honest, good-looking and shone with a divine radiance. Embellished with many ornaments and a garland of recent jasmine flowers, he smiled with delight, capturing his mom in legislation’s coronary heart, who stood shocked at this fascinating view of magnificence.’
Kalyansundaram (Marriage Scene of Lord Shiva)
Shiva had the truth is reworked himself into ‘Sundaramurti,’ or the embodiment of all masculine magnificence on this earth. Certainly, the supremely auspicious picture of Shiva marrying Parvati is aptly titled “Kalyana Sundaram,” or the sweetness which grants welfare, the latter characteristic being inherent in Shiva’s epithet Shankara,, actually which means ‘one who grants welfare (sham).
The Unusual Courtship
The wedding of Shiva and Parvati was preceded by a protracted interval of courtship. It was no strange engagement nevertheless. The initiative was solely Parvati’s who was spurred on by a dream the place she stood by Shiva as his spouse. Quickly after, by a cheerful coincidence it so transpired that Shiva stopped close by on a mountain vary to meditate and she or he went along with her father to pay homage. The latter, realizing his daughter’s want, requested Shiva to allow her to handle his every day wants whereas he meditated. Though Shiva realized this may be an obstacle to his pursuits, he agreed on Parvati’s fervent enchantment.
Thus did Parvati first achieve entry to Shiva, and served him as he misplaced himself in inward contemplation, oblivious to the skin world. A younger and charming maiden, alone with the male she adored, the circumstances have been simply ideally suited for Kamadeva, the god of affection, to make his presence felt, and stoke ardour between the 2. Someday, as she neared Shiva, Kamadeva fired his dart. Shiva instantly opened his eyes, which fell on Parvati, whose magnificence affected him for the primary time, prompting him to say:
Is that this face or the moon? Are these eyes or petals of a lotus? Is that this your nostril or the beak of a parrot? No matter is sleek and candy on this creation has been integrated right here. There is no such thing as a girl equal to your magnificence on the planet.”
Shiva was tempted sufficient to the touch her, and Parvati, tantalizing him, withdrew, and slightly distance away forged significant glances at him. (Shiva Purana: Rudrasamhita III.18)
http://www.drikpanchang.com/festivals/maha-shivaratri/maha-shivaratri-date-time.html
Maha Shivaratri
seventh
March 2016
(Monday)
source
