Why Do Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati Set the Standard for Love and Relationships So High?

In many Hindu traditions, when a couple encircles the sacred fire (Agni) seven times, they symbolize the union of Shiva and Parvati, epitomizing the purity of their love. As Mahashivratri is being observed today, it’s worth contemplating why countless women aspire to emulate the bond shared between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati with their partners.

Mutual Respect

For Shiva, his whole world was Parvati. In many scriptures, he would be a nomad with ash smeared on various parts of his body. At the same time, when he is described with Parvati, he is a family man, devoted to his wife. She always enjoyed his undivided attention.

While Goddess Parvati was an incarnation of his first wife Sati, and they had a rocky start, the two always shared an unbreakable bond at every stage of their life.

Unwavering Devotion

We have heard many say they would go to any extent for their partner, but it was Shiva and Parvati (Sati), who showed what strength it takes to devote yourself completely to your partner.

Sati went uninvited to her father Daksha Prajapati’s house because he organised a yagna. When he refused to invite Shiva who was his son-in-law, Sati, in a fit of rage and as a sign of protest, burnt herself.

On the contrary, when Shiva learnt about what his wife did for him, immense grief and rage engulfed his soul. According to tales, he traversed the whole Earth bare feet, carrying her body. Other scriptures say he performed tandav (a dance form performed with great rage and anger).

Acceptance

In many renditions, Lord Shiva is described as an aghori, people who live near funeral grounds in a unkempt condition – wore skulls, wrapped flesh of tiger around his wasit, had shabby hair, kept a snake around his neck and had ash smeared in various parts of the body. He was among “uncivilised” people.

When Sati or even Parvati fell in love with Shiva (Lord Shiva mantras), both incarnations accepted him, his friends and his lifestyle. Parvati has been referred to as Shakti in many texts. She is the embodiment of nature, everything beautiful we know. It is fascinating how two people who were poles apart spent their life in the midst of the divine beauty of Kailash mountain.

Relationship Of Equals Between Shiva & Parvati

As per the Hindu law book, Manusmiriti, a woman is supposed to remain subservient to her husband. She must have no individuality of her own.

Shiva and Paravati, however, were two bodies sharing one soul. The concept of Ardhanarishvara emerged from there.

When Lord Shiva combined with Goddess Parvati, the body of a half man and half woman was called Ardhanarishvara. This signifies the equality among genders.

Despite his commanding presence and martial prowess, Shiva’s love for Parvati shines through in various ways. One notable example is his patience and unwavering devotion, as he waited for two lifetimes for Sati to be reborn and reunited with him. Their bond extends beyond mere affection, as they engage in activities like playing chess together, fostering a deep emotional connection and camaraderie rarely seen in divine relationships.

In their dynamic partnership, Shiva encourages Parvati to carve her own path in life, empowering her to vanquish demons like Mahishasura and embark on journeys to visit devotees. This support for Parvati’s autonomy underscores Shiva’s respect for her individuality and agency, setting a profound example for equality and partnership in divine unions.

Even during challenging moments, such as when Parvati assumes her fierce Kali form, Shiva employs love and compassion to soothe her, rather than resorting to violence or coercion. This demonstrates his profound understanding of his wife’s emotions and his ability to navigate conflict with empathy and tenderness.

In essence, the multifaceted portrayal of Lord Shiva in Hindu mythology offers a timeless blueprint for enduring love, mutual respect, empowerment, and equality in relationships, inspiring countless individuals to aspire to emulate the divine bond shared between Shiva and Parvati.