Chapter 2 of 23 · Kailasa Samhita · Overall chapter 367 of 464
Devi's Questions
After her own diksha on Kailasa, Parvati asks Shiva an extensive, technical list of questions about Pranava's origin, structure and ritual use, setting up the entire teaching that follows across the rest of the Samhita.
Vyasa said
Brahmanas, you have supreme good fortune and have asked a praiseworthy question. Knowledge of Shiva, which lights the meaning of Pranava, is very hard to gain, and is available only to those with whom Bhagavan, the trident-wielder, is himself pleased. The shruti has no doubts about this, yet those without devotion to Shiva cannot ascertain the truth. You have performed a long sacrifice dedicated to Ambika's husband and worshipped, and I have seen and determined this. So I will tell you an ancient account, a conversation between Uma and Mahesha, which is very wonderful for those who believe. Earlier, over criticism of Shiva at her father's sacrifice, the mother of the universe gave up her body as Sati, Daksha's daughter. On Narada's instruction she did austerities to gain Shiva, and by their power Devi was born as the mountain's daughter. By the rules the noble mountain arranged her svayamvara. Having married the lord of the gods, Parvati was happy. Once Mahadevi was seated comfortably with her husband on that great mountain, and Gouri spoke to the divinity.
Mahadevi said
Bhagavan, Paramesha, who arranges the five acts, omniscient, easily gained through devotion, with a body of pure amrita, Mahesha: because of the criticism of you I gave up my body as Daksha's daughter. Now I am the daughter of Mount Himalaya. Paramesha, show me compassion and give me initiation by a mantra. Maheshvara, act so that my self is always pure.
Vyasa continued
Devi asked the divinity who wears the moon as ornament this, and, delighted, he replied.
Mahadeva replied
Deveshi, since your mind is so inclined you are blessed. When I reach Kailasa's summit I will do that for you.
Vyasa continued
From the Himalaya they went to Kailasa, lord among mountains. There, in order, he uttered Pranava and other mantras and gave her initiation, and so her self was made pure. Then with Devi Mahadeva went to a grove of the gods. Sumalini, foremost of Devi's beloved friends, brought blossoming flowers from wish-trees. Shankara seated Mahadevi on his lap and adorned her with them, looked at her face and was pleased. Then, for the worlds' welfare, Parvati and Paramesha held delightful talk on the meaning of the shruti. Stores of austerities, the mother of the whole universe, seated on her husband's lap, looked at his face and spoke.
Shri Devi asked
Divinity, it is known that you yourself have taught Pranava and the other mantras, so at the outset I wish to know what is determined to be Pranava's meaning. How did Pranava arise? How is it pronounced? How many matras does it have? Why is it called the beginning of the Vedas? How many deities are spoken of? What is the original conception behind the Vedas? How many kinds of action are there, and when are they pervasive and when not? Who, in order, are the five brahmans established in this mantra? How many kalas are there? What is the self of the world's display? Shiva, what is the link between the reciter and what is recited? What is the place from which utterance arises? Who has the right to know this? What is the subject? What is the link between knower and known? What is the nature of the meditator, the place of meditation, the object and the fruits of meditation? Lord, what are the rules for rites and the place of worship? Hara, what is the mandala for worship and who are the rishis? What are the rules for nyasa and who does it? In order, what are the rules of worship? Mahesha, tell me specifically about all these; since you are compassionate to me I wish to hear the truth of all this.
Vyasa concluded
Asked so by Devi, Bhagavan, with the moon as ornament, began to explain to Maheshani.
Retold in our own words from Bibek Debroy's English translation of the Shiva Purana (Penguin Classics). Names, numbers and the order of events follow the source.