Chapter 29 of 55 · Rudra Samhita - Parvati Khanda · Overall chapter 124 of 464
Conversation between Shiva and Shivaa
Parvati insists that Shiva approach her father formally and follow the proper marriage rites this time, rather than simply accepting her, since the earlier Daksha-Sati marriage had skipped the planetary and ceremonial rites and this must not happen again. Shiva, after briefly resisting the idea of asking for anything, agrees to follow the rites fully.
Narada said
Vidhatri, most fortunate, what happened after that? I wish to hear everything. Tell me of Shivaa's glory.
Brahma replied
Devarshi, listen; I will gladly tell you everything. This account destroys great sins and increases devotion to Shiva. Brahmana, hearing Hara the paramatman and beholding his form, which caused bliss, Parvati rejoiced. The very virtuous one spoke to the lord who stood near her. Devi Shivaa was extremely happy and her eyes widened with joy.
Parvati said
Devesha, you are my lord. Have you forgotten how you wrecked Daksha's sacrifice, held in deceit? I was born of Mena to accomplish a task for the gods, whom Taraka has made miserable. Lord Ishana, if you are pleased with me and mean to show me kindness, become my husband as I ask. I will take your leave and go back to my father's house, and let your pure, supreme fame be known there. Protector, go to Himachala; you are skilled in pastimes, so come as a mendicant and ask him for me. Do this to spread your fame in the worlds. When my father has agreed to all, take on the part of a householder. Lovingly urged by the rishis and surrounded by his relatives, he will surely do as you say. When I was Daksha's daughter my father gave me to you, but you did not marry me by the rites. Daksha did not honour the planets, and so there was a serious lapse in respect of them. So, lord, you should follow the proper marriage rites. Mahadeva, this is to accomplish the gods' task, and the rites must be followed. Let Himalaya also know that his daughter has successfully finished her austerities.
Brahma said
Hearing her, Sadashiva was extremely pleased. He seemed to smile as he lovingly spoke to Girija.
Shiva said
Devi, Maheshani, hear my highest word. Let every proper, auspicious rite be done without lapse. Fair-faced one, Brahma and all other beings are temporary; know that all that is seen is liable to destruction. The absolute is one, without qualities, yet takes on qualities; it shines by itself, and others borrow its light as they do the moon's. Devi, I am self-ruling, but you have made me subject to you. You are Prakriti Mahamaya, who does everything, and the whole universe has been made out of maya. By his own intellect the supreme atman supports it all; he is the paramatman, in every atman, and since his atman becomes attached, he creates this excellent creation amid the ganas. What are planets? What are seasons? What are these other planets you mention? Devi, Shivaa, fair one, the two of us made these differences of qualities and tasks. We created the universe for the sake of devotees, moved by affection for them. You are subtle Prakriti, with sattva, rajas and tamas in you, accomplished and pervasive, always with and without qualities. Slender-waisted one, I am in the atman of all beings, without attachment or desire, and I take an image to suit what a devotee wishes. Mountain's daughter, I will not go to your father Himalaya and I will never beg for you as a mendicant. Even a great-souled man with great and superior qualities becomes small once he says, "Please give." Fortunate one, knowing this, tell me what is good for us. I will follow your word. Do as you wish.
Brahma said
Thus addressed, the virtuous lotus-eyed Mahadevi, full of devotion, bowed again and again to Shankara and spoke.
Parvati said
You are the atman and I am Prakriti; there is no need to reflect on it. We are self-ruling but subject to our devotees. We are both with and without qualities. Shambhu, lord, you should act on my words. Shankara, if you ask for me from Mount Himalaya you will bestow good fortune on him. Mahesha, show me compassion. I am always your devotee. Lord, from one birth to another I am always your wife. You are the brahman, the paramatman, without qualities, beyond Prakriti, without attachment and desire, the self-ruling Parameshvara. Even so, intent on saving your devotees, you take on qualities. You are skilled in many pastimes and your atman always plays. Mahadeva, Maheshvara, I know you in every way. Omniscient one, what is the use of saying much? Show me compassion. Perform your great and wonderful pastimes and spread your fame in this world. Lord, people will sing of it and cross this ocean that is the world.
Brahma said
Girija bowed once more and ended there, shoulders lowered and hands joined before Mahesha. Addressed so, great-souled Maheshvara decided to copy the world's ways and agreed, laughing and glad. Delighted, Shambhu disappeared and went to Kailasa, aching from parting with Kali. There Mahesha told Nandi and the others all that had happened, full of great joy. Hearing it, Bhairava and all the other ganas were very happy and held great festivities. Brahmana Narada, all was auspicious there, every sorrow gone, everything full of joy.
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.