Chapter 27 of 55 · Rudra Samhita - Parvati Khanda · Overall chapter 122 of 464
The Brahmachari's Deceptive Words
Still disguised, Shiva pretends to threaten to leave in mock offense, provoking Parvati to beg him to stay - then launches into an extended, deliberately cruel catalogue of every reason Shiva is supposedly unworthy of her, naming Sati's own abandonment as proof that the marriage will not even last.
Parvati said
Indra among brahmanas, Jatila, hear all of my conduct. What my friend said is the truth and not otherwise. In thought, word and deed I have regarded Shankara directly as my husband. This is true and there has been no falsehood in my conduct. I know this aim is extremely hard to reach, and how could I possibly obtain it? Even so my mind is eager, and I am tormenting myself with these austerities.
Brahma said
Having said this to him, Girija stayed there. Hearing Parvati, the brahmana replied.
The brahmana said
Until now I had a great wish to know the object Devi desires, and why she is undertaking these great austerities. Devi, having heard everything from your lotus face, I know it all. I am leaving and will go elsewhere. Do as you like. You should not say anything to me. Our friendship will be futile. But one may say that what happens depends on the deed.
Brahma said
Saying this, he prepared to go. But Devi Parvati bowed and spoke to the brahmana.
Parvati said
Indra among brahmanas, why are you leaving? Stay, and give me good advice.
Brahma said
Addressed so, the staff-bearer stayed and spoke to her.
The brahmana said
Devi, you have asked me in devotion to stay and want to hear. To make you wise I will tell you the truth of everything. By my dharma as a guru I know everything about Mahadeva and will tell it as it is. Listen carefully. Mahadeva is Vrishadhvaja. He smears himself with ashes, wears matted hair, dresses in a tiger's hide and covers himself with an elephant's. He carries a skull and has many snakes coiled around his limbs. Poison has marked him. He eats what should not be eaten. His eyes are misshapen and he is awful to see. His birth is unknown. He is always without the comforts of a home. He is naked and has ten arms, always surrounded by bhutas and pretas. Why do you want him as husband? Devi, where has your knowledge gone? Think and tell me. I have heard before of his terrible vow, and if you are inclined to hear, listen to it carefully now. Virtuous Sati was Daksha's daughter. In earlier times she took the bull-rider as her husband; their destined union is well known. Because she was Kapali's wife, Daksha cast Sati off. Shambhu was left without a share in sacrifices. Dishonoured, Sati was overwhelmed with rage, and she gave up her dear life and abandoned Shankara too. You are a jewel among women and your father is king of all mountains. You should have a worthy husband. Why do you bear fierce austerities for his sake? Handing over a gold coin, you want to take a piece of glass. Giving up pure sandal paste, you want to smear yourself with mud. Giving up the sun's brilliance you wish for a firefly. Giving up Chinese silk you want a garment of hide. Giving up life in a house, you hanker after the forest. Deveshi, giving up excellent treasures, you want a lump of iron. Giving up Indra and the other guardians of the worlds, you are devoted to Shiva. What you are doing now is plainly against the world's counsel. You have eyes like lotus petals and he has three. Your face is like the moon and Shiva is said to have five. Your braid shines like a divine serpent, and Shiva is famed for his matted hair. You have sandal paste on your limbs and Shiva has ashes. You have a lovely girdle and Shiva has an elephant's hide. You have divine ornaments and Shankara has serpents. You move with the gods; he loves to move with bhutas amid sacrifices to them. You are linked with the sound of the mridanga, he with a damaru. You go with the sweet sound of the bheri, he with the ill-omened sound of a horn, you with the dhakka, he with inauspicious yells from the throat. Your excellent beauty cannot be compared with Shiva's. If he had possessions, why would he be naked? His mount is a bull and he has nothing else. Among the qualities that make a groom bring women happiness, Virupaksha is said to have not even one. That is why Hara burned your beloved Kama. It is also clear that he showed you disrespect, leaving you and going elsewhere. His jati is unknown. One sees no learning or knowledge in him. His aides are pishachas. Poison shows in his throat. He is always alone and above all without attachment. So you should not fix your mind on Hara. Where is your necklace and where his garland of skulls? Your body has divine unguents and his is smeared with ashes. Devi, between your form and Hara's everything is opposite. Your wish does not appeal to me, but do as you please. Plainly you yourself wish for everything bad. Withdraw your mind from him. Otherwise do whatever you want.
Brahma said
Parvati heard what the brahmana said. Angry in her mind because Shiva had been so criticised, she spoke to the brahmana.
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.