Shiva and Parvati's Wedding

After his first wife Sati's self-immolation, Lord Shiva retreated into deep meditation and turned away from the world. Sati was reborn as Parvati in the home of Himavan, the king of mountains. From childhood, Parvati loved Shiva and wished to marry him. Parvati began intense penance to win Shiva's heart. She endured cold, heat, and rain for years. The gods sent Kamadeva, the god of love, to break Shiva's meditation. Kamadeva shot his arrow of love, but Shiva opened his third eye in anger and reduced Kamadeva to ashes. Yet Parvati did not give up. Her devotion was so powerful that Shiva was finally moved. He tested Parvati by appearing as an old Brahmin and speaking ill of himself. But Parvati showed her unshakable devotion to Shiva. Pleased, Shiva agreed to marry her. Their wedding was celebrated with grand splendor. All the gods, sages, and celestial beings attended. Shiva arrived on his bull Nandi, and the entire universe rejoiced in celebration.