Mena's Wish and the Goddess's Promise

Long before Parvati Devi was born, Himavan and his wife Mena desired a daughter. Mena worshipped the Divine Mother and performed austerities for many years.

Pleased with her devotion, the Goddess appeared before her and invited her to ask for a boon. Mena prayed for a hundred heroic sons and requested that the Goddess herself might be born as her daughter, become the wife of Rudra, and fulfil the wishes of the gods.

The Goddess granted her request and promised that she would indeed be born in her house. In due course, Mena gave birth to a son named Mainaka, who would later become famous among mountains. Afterwards, remembering her own promise, the Goddess chose to be born as the daughter of Himavan and Mena.

The Birth of Parvati Devi

Before taking the form of an infant, the Goddess briefly revealed her divine form to her mother and reminded her of the boon that had been granted. Then she assumed the form of a newborn child and cried like an ordinary infant. The radiance coming from the child lit up the chamber and dimmed the light of the lamps. News of her birth quickly spread throughout the mountain kingdom. Accompanied by priests and learned brahmins, Himavan entered the chamber and beheld his daughter, whose dark complexion resembled a blue lotus. Festivities were celebrated throughout the city. Auspicious songs were sung, musical instruments were played, and gifts were distributed among brahmins and mendicants.

The child received several pleasing names and, in time, came to be widely known as Parvati, the daughter of the mountain.

The Childhood of Parvati Devi

As the years passed, Parvati Devi grew in beauty and wisdom, just as the moon gradually waxes during the bright fortnight. When she studied under her teachers, the knowledge acquired in her previous birth seemed to return to her naturally. She was dearly loved by her parents, and her presence brought joy to everyone around her.

Narada Visits Himavan

One day, Narada visited the home of Himavan. The lord of mountains welcomed him with great honour, called his daughter before him, and requested the sage to reveal her future.

Narada declared that Parvati Devi possessed every auspicious sign, but he also noticed an unusual indication.

He said that her future husband would be a yogin, free from desire and worldly attachments. He would have neither mother nor father, would remain indifferent to honour, and his dress and outward conduct would appear inauspicious to ordinary people.

Hearing these words, Mena and Himavan became deeply distressed. Parvati Devi, however, understood that Narada's description referred to Mahadeva, and she was inwardly delighted. Seeing their anxiety, Narada comforted them and explained that there was indeed such a bridegroom—Mahadeva himself, who had assumed a physical form through his own divine play. In him, qualities that appear inauspicious elsewhere become auspicious.

Narada advised Himavan to give his daughter only to Mahadeva, for Shiva could quickly be pleased through penance and would certainly accept her. He further declared that no union like theirs had ever been seen in the past, exists in the present, or would occur in the future. Together they would fulfil the work of the gods.

Even so, Himavan remained troubled. He said that he had heard Mahadeva was detached from worldly ties, absorbed in meditation, and beyond the reach of even the gods. Moreover, Shiva had once promised Sati Devi that he would never take another woman as his wife. Since Sati Devi had departed from the world, Himavan wondered how Mahadeva could now marry again.

Parvati Devi's Previous Birth

Narada then revealed that Parvati Devi was none other than Sati Devi herself, the daughter of Daksha Prajapati and the beloved wife of Rudra. Unable to bear the insult shown to Mahadeva at her father's sacrifice, she had given up her body. She had now taken birth in the house of Himavan in fulfilment of her own promise and to fulfil the wishes of the gods.Hearing this account, Himavan, Mena, and their family were freed from all doubt. Parvati Devi lowered her head in shyness, while a gentle smile brightened her face.

Himavan lovingly placed his hand upon her head, kissed her, and seated her beside him.

Narada Speaks of Her Future

Narada then said that she would one day occupy a seat greater than that, for Shiva's thigh would be her permanent abode. Having attained that place beside Mahadeva, she would reach a realm beyond the grasp of mind and sight.

After speaking these words, Narada departed, while Himavan returned joyfully to his palace.

Parvati Devi Begins Serving Mahadeva

In course of time, Mahadeva himself came to the Himalayas accompanied by a few attendants and began practising austerities there. Remembering Narada's words, Himavan permitted Parvati Devi to visit the great ascetic. Accompanied by two companions, she served Mahadeva with reverence and devotion.

Thus, Parvati Devi, who had once been Sati Devi, began serving Mahadeva with devotion. In time, her desire to attain him would lead her to perform great austerities and once again become the wife of Mahadeva.

Note to Readers

This account principally follows the Shiva Purana, Rudra Samhita, Parvati Khanda, Chapters 5–12. The brief account of Sati Devi's previous birth has been included only to provide continuity with earlier narratives. Chapter numbering and wording may vary among editions of the Shiva Purana. Corrections and suggestions from learned readers are gratefully welcomed.