Parvati’s Love for Shiva Tested by the Sapta-Rishis

* Parvati’s Love for Shiva Tested by the Sapta-Rishis *

After the deities went back, lord Shiva summoned the Saptarishis (Vashishtha etc) and instructed them to test Parvati'slove for him. The Saptarishis went to Parvati and tested her resolve to marry lord Shiva. They tried to deter her by all means, but Parvati was firm in her resolve. They went back to lord Shiva and narrated the whole story.
Lord Shiva then himself went to Parvati in the guise of a brahmin. Parvati on seeing a brahmin welcomed her with full honor.
Shiva asked Parvati as to why was she doing penance. Parvati told him that shewanted to have Shiva as her husband. Lord Shiva, who was in the guise of a brahmin started cursing Shiva to see how Parvati reacted to it.
Parvati replied that inspite of her penance Shiva did not appear, so she has decided to give up her life in burning pyre. After saying like this Parvati requested the Brahmin to go back and she herself entered into the burning pyre but remained unharmed Lord Shiva was very pleased to see her firm resolve and devotion. He again asked her as to what was the purpose behind doing such a tremendous penance.
Parvati told the brahmin; who in reality was Shiva himself that, she wanted to have Shiva as her husband at any cost. She said-
"You say that lord Shiva does not possess anything - not even wealth. He does not put on clothes on his body. Youalso say that he is not fit to be a bridegroom of me. But all of your utterances prove your mean intelligence."
Parvati continuing with her statements said that Shiva was the most capable deity in all the three worlds. "There is nosin greater than condemning Shiva." said Parvati.
As Shiva, who was in the guise of Brahmin was about to say something Parvati said to one of her companions-
"This condemner should be killed, if this is not possible then we must leave this place at once."
As she was about to leave that place, lord Shiva revealed his true identity and by holding her hand said- "You have been my wife since time immemorial where are you going?"
Parvati became very pleased and her heart was filled up with extreme joy. Sherequested him to take to her father regarding their marriage. Lord Shiva agreed. He went back to Kailash mountain and narrated the whole story to his Ganas - Nandi, Bhairav etc. Everyone became very happy and awaited eagerly for the day Shiva wouldmarry Parvati.