Shiva, Parvati And The Bull

Shiva, Parvati And The Bull
Once lord shiva and his consort, Parvati, were travelling with their
vehicle - the Bull. The Lord had taken the form of an old man,
while, Parvatiji remained young and beautiful. On the road all
passers-by looked on with amazement at this odd couple of an old
man and a young woman.
On the way, Shiva said, ''Parvatiji, my dear, please sit and ride on
the bull durig this journey.'' She obeyed and mounted the bull
while Shiva walked alongside. The village folk and other strangers
bitterly criticised, ''What a selfish woman! She is young and
healthy and yet she chooses to comfortably ride while forcing the
old man to walk.'' Shiva changed his mind. ''Parvatidevi, the
people are mocking you. It is wiser that I sit and you walk.'' So
saying, Shiva sat on the bull's back. Further along, other
strangers came with sharper comments, ''O look at this mean,
bully of a man. He's fat and robust, and evil too. He enjoys the
ride while forcing this young and gentle lady to walk on foot.''
Hearing this both of them climbed the bull. At least, this would
ward off the criticisms. But they were gravely mistaken and no
sooner had they come to the next village, people sneered and
jeered. ''Look at this nasty couple. Both of them have mercilessly
climbed upon the bull. They'll kill the poor creature!''
Now there was only one option left. They dismounted and allowed
the bull to walk freely. They accompanied it on either side. While
they walked, they met new people with new bitterness. They
laughed at them, shouting ''What foolishness! They have taken a
bull as a vehicle and neither of them is using it.'' Straight away
Shiva told Parvati, ''Come let us do what we think is right, and
live the way we want to. The world will never appreciate or see
what we do as correct.''
In this world, even if we perform a good deed not everyone will
like it and support it. The problem lies with the nature of our
world. If a Sadhu shows miracles people say, ''He's into black
magic and possesses evil powers.'' And if a Sadhu avoids miracles,
some will mutter complaints, ''O! He shows no miracles. He's
ordinary and is of no use.'' This is the line of thinking our world
works on. It is crooked from both ends and whatever you do, the
world will never see you straight. Therefore, pay no attention to
the words of the worldly people and continue to devoutly worship
God.
JAI MAHAKAAL....