The Wedding of Shiv and Parvati

Shiv sent the Saptarishis to Himalaya with a marriage proposal. Himalaya and Maina accepted with joy. An auspicious time was set, and the whole mountain city was decorated. Devas, sages and gandharvas all came crowding to see the wedding.

Then came Shiv's baraat, the wedding procession. In front were Brahma, Vishnu and the devas in fine clothes. But behind them danced Shiv's ganas: ghosts, spirits and goblins, some headless, some with many eyes, singing as they went. In the middle rode Shiv on his bull, smeared with ash, snakes around his neck, matted hair on his head.

Maina eagerly climbed to the palace roof to see the groom. When she saw Shiv in this form, she fainted from fear and sorrow. Coming round, she said: I will not give my gentle daughter to someone who looks like this. Narad and the devas tried hard to persuade her, but she would not agree.

Then, at Parvati's request and on Vishnu's advice, Shiv took on a form of supreme beauty: more handsome than countless Kamdevs, the moon on his brow, divine robes and ornaments. Maina gazed at him in wonder. Tears filled her eyes, and with folded hands she welcomed Shiv.

With Vedic mantras, Shiv and Parvati were married. Himalaya performed the kanyadaan, giving his daughter's hand. Joy spread through all three worlds. Tradition sees this wedding as the union of Shiv and Shakti, and in many places Mahashivratri is also celebrated as the festival of this marriage.