Chapter 26 of 55 · Rudra Samhita - Parvati Khanda · Overall chapter 121 of 464
Shivaa's Conversation with Jatila
Shiva, wishing to see Parvati himself under the pretext of a further test, disguises himself as an aged brahmana (Jatila) and visits her hermitage directly. Asked why she performs such austerities, Parvati answers honestly and, when the disguised Shiva keeps pressing, attempts to enter a sacrificial fire rather than continue being doubted - at which point the fire itself turns harmless around her.
Brahma said
The sages went back to their own world. Shankara, giver of prosperity, now wished to test Devi's austerities himself. Under the pretext of a test, and with a glad heart, Shambhu wanted to see her, so he took the shape of a Jatila, an ascetic with matted locks, and went to Parvati's forest. He appeared as a very old brahmana, pleased in mind and blazing with energy, carrying an umbrella and a staff. He saw Devi standing among her friends. Pure Shivaa stood on the platform like the phases of the moon. Shambhu, in the form of a brahmachari, looked at Devi, and, kind to his devotees and pleased, went up to her. Shivaa Devi saw the brahmana come, extraordinary in energy, and worshipped him with every article of worship, in full joy and by the rules. Cheerfully and respectfully Parvati asked after the brahmana's welfare.
Parvati said
You have the form of a brahmachari. Who are you, and why have you come? Tell me. Supreme among those who know the Vedas, you have lit up the forest with your radiance.
The brahmana said
I am a shrewd old brahmana who wanders at will and has come this way. I am an ascetic who brings happiness and does good to others; of that there is no doubt. Who are you, and whose daughter? Why do you perform austerities that even sages cannot manage in this lonely forest? You are neither child nor old woman but a lovely, radiant young woman. Why, husbandless, do you do such fierce austerities in the forest? Fortunate ascetic lady, are you the companion of some ascetic who neglects you in the forest and has gone elsewhere? Tell me. In what family were you born, who is your father, what is your conduct? Your form promises great fortune, so why waste yourself on austerities? Are you the one from whom the Vedas came, or does your lovely form belong to Lakshmi or Sarasvati? Which of them are you? I do not care to argue.
Parvati said
Brahmana, I am not she from whom the Vedas came. I am neither Lakshmi nor Sarasvati. I am Himachala's daughter and my name now is Parvati. In an earlier birth I was born as Daksha's daughter and named Sati. Since my father abused my husband, I gave up my body through yoga. In this birth I found Shiva, but by destiny he did not accept me. He left me, and after reducing Manmatha to ashes, went away. When Shankara left, I could not overcome my torment. Brahmana, I left my father's house and came to the bank of this heavenly river to do very firm austerities. I have practised hard austerities for a very long time and have not won the one I love more than my life. I was about to enter the fire, but seeing you I stopped for a short while. Please go. Since Shiva has not accepted me, I will enter the fire. Wherever I am born, I will accept only Shiva as groom.
Brahma said
So saying, Parvati entered the fire before her. The brahmana, standing before her, tried again and again to hold her back. As soon as she entered it, by Parvati's power the fire at once turned cool as sandal paste. She stood inside it a while and then leapt up into the air. Shiva, in the brahmana's form, suddenly laughed and spoke to the lovely-formed one.
The brahmana said
Fortunate one, your austerities are wonderful, and I have understood nothing. The fire has not burned your body, nor have you won what your mind desired. Devi, plainly your wish has not been fulfilled. Tell me what is in your mind. The noble brahmana before you can grant every kind of happiness. Devi, tell me everything properly. Since a friendship has grown between us you should keep no secret. What boon do you desire? I ask; tell me your wish. Devi, since austerities are inside you, all their fruits should show. Whether your austerities are for someone else or some other aim, you have thrown away jewels piled in your hand and stored scraps of glass. Having such beauty, why have you made it useless? Having cast aside many garments you wear hides. Tell me the reason. What is the truth behind your austerities? A noble brahmana like me will be glad to hear it.
Brahma said
Asked so by him, Ambika urged her friend. She was excellent in vows, and bade her tell everything. Parvati sent her friend Vijaya, whom she loved more than her life and who knew her excellent vows, to speak to Jatila.
The friend said
Virtuous one, listen. I will tell you of Parvati's supreme conduct. If you wish to hear it, I will tell you everything about the reason for her austerities. I am the friend of the daughter of the mountain king Himachala. She is Menaka's daughter, known as Parvati, and she has been named Kali. She has married no one and desires no one but Shiva. The virtuous lady has kept austerities for three thousand years. Virtuous one, supreme among brahmanas, I will tell you why my friend began such austerities. Listen. Ignoring the gods, Indra first, and Hari and Brahma, Parvati desires the wielder of Pinaka as husband. Long ago my friend planted many trees. Brahmana, all of them have grown and given flowers and fruit. To make her beauty successful, to be an ornament to her father's line, to favour Kama and for Mahesha's sake, on Narada's instruction, my friend has tormented herself with these terrible austerities. Ascetic, why has her wish not been fulfilled? Best of brahmanas, I have told you the wish in my friend's mind. To please you I have described it. What more do you wish to hear?
Brahma said
Sage, hearing Vijaya's true words, Jatila Rudra laughed and said:
Jatila said
The friend has said this, but I imagine it must be in jest. Devi, if it is true, you should tell me with your own mouth.
Brahma said
The brahmana Jatila said this, and Devi Parvati answered him in her own words.
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.