shiva parvati relationshipLord Shiva is one of the most popular and loved deities in the Hindu puranam. His first wife was Sati and his second wife was Goddess Parvati.The Shiv-Parvati relationship is thought be a model of perfection and Lord Shiva is often considered to be an ideal husband. Unmarried women keep a fast commonly known as the ‘16 somvar vrat’ and pray to Lord Shiva and ask for a husband like him. Lord Shiva is known to be an ascetic who often meditated on the top of Mount Kailash, he is simultaneously known to be a householder, deeply involved with his wife and his two sons. Historical texts say that Lord Shiva and Parvati share a very loving and cordial relationship. He is mostly seen in ‘shamshaan ghaats’ or funeral grounds with ash smeared all over his body, when however, he is with his wife, she has his undivided attention and love. Lord Shiva holds that for the sustenance of the world men and women need to be interdependent.
Lord Shiva is known for his martial prowess while Goddess Parvati is known to be soft hearted. This made them a couple that truly complimented each other. When Shivji performs the destructive ‘Tandav’ dance, his wife matches steps with him but in a slow and subtle manner to cool his temper. It was her deep desire to become a mother but Lord Shiva was not ready to take the responsibility of fatherhood because he felt it would distract him from his ascetic pursuits. With the passage of time, Parvarti ji’s motherly desire won the battle against Lord Shiva’s resistance and they became parents to two sons. After their marriage, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati had moved to Mount Kailash to lead their married life. It was there, amidst the cold mountains that their love blossomed and their passion soared unchecked. Lord Shiva is known to be a zestful lover and his love was so intense and passionate that it shook the cosmos and frightened the other Gods at times.
The Shiva-Parvati relationship represents the union of the male and female energies in the form of ecstasy and sexual happiness. It is mentioned in some of the ancient texts that Parvati ji tames Lord Shiva’s sexual prowess and his immense sexual vitality. Shiva taught his wife transcendent knowledge while she gave him the knowledge of the cosmos.
Sometimes the Shiva-Parvati relationship is also given adjectives like ‘offbeat’. The prime reason for this can be the setting (snowy mountains and sometimes dense forests) in which they lived and the way their relationship evolved. Since Goddess Parvati is Lord Shiva’s second wife it took some time after their marriage for love to blossom between the two of them, but once it did there was no looking back. It is said that there is a divine strength that connects them and thus in Indian culture they are referred to as the ideal couple. When an elder in the family calls a couple ‘Shiv – Parvati’ Jodi, it means that that couple is a balanced example of love and understanding like Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It was due to Parvati ji’s strong will power that Lord Shiva was transformed from an ascetic to a complete householder.
The couple together symbolise renunciation and marital bliss. They are at most times depicted as the happy couple, either meditating in the mountains or deep in discussion. In most of their pictures, one may note that Goddess Parvati is either seen standing next to Lord Shiva which depicts equality or she is seen sitting near him, which is considered to be an ideal family pose.
From all that has been discussed here it can be gathered that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are a happily married couple with an ever enduring bond of love binding them through all of time. When one has such a loving companion the journey of life automatically becomes more enjoyable. So do enjoy your life with your partner along the lines of the Shiv-Parvati relationship and keep seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Om Namah Shivaya!!!
Sri Eswaran
