This 18th incarnation of Mahadev was a part of an important story, in which he decided to test Mother Parvati. The initial story of this incident is that this incarnation of Mahadev begins after the sacrifice of Mother Sati.
Mata Sati, the princess of Himachal, could not tolerate the insult of her husband Mahadev and decided to sacrifice her life in the Havan Kund. Giving up his life was a difficult and important step towards the beginning of a new birth.
In this birth, as Mother Parvati, it was her wish to get Mahadev again. Therefore, he spent his time in deep penance to attain Mahadev.
During the penance of Mata Parvati, Mahadev gave her the opportunity to face various trials. He tested Mother Parvati for her loyalty, dedication, and love.
Mother Parvati passed this test and accepted Mahadev’s marriage proposal and thus her wish was fulfilled. This incident paved the way for Goddess Parvati’s unique connection with Mahadev, securing her journey of rebirth. Furthermore, this story teaches us important principles of devotion and dedication through this incarnation.
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This story is related to the profound story of the much admired and tragic rebirth of Mother Sati. Mother Sati was the daughter of Prajapati Daksh, who was deeply loved by her father. One day, to test his devotion and dedication to Prajapati Daksha, Maharishi Durvasa gave him a special garland which would never fade. Prajapati Daksh handed over this garland to his beloved daughter Sati, thereby showing his respect and love.
However, due to the anger generated by Maharishi Durvasa’s remarks, Prajapati Daksh got insulted by him and received a curse that one day he would be embarrassed in his love for his daughter. This curse later proved to be true when Prajapati Daksh did not show the ability to call Mother Sati in the Maha Yagya and insulted her.
Mother Sati could not bear the humiliation of her husband and sacrificed her life in the Havan Kund present there. In this prayer, his soul transformed into a fierce and volcanic being. This incident deeply saddened Mahadev after the sacrifice of Mother Sati and made him associated with the reincarnation of his unique wife.
This story full of love, sacrifice, and devotion towards one’s husband gives us a unique opportunity to learn important principles of devotion and dedication.
Incarnation
The story of Shiva’s incarnation as Brahmachari is deeply intertwined with the narrative of Parvati’s unwavering devotion and the aftermath of Sati’s sacrifice. After Sati’s tragic end, where she immolated herself due to the disrespect shown towards Shiva by her father Daksha, Shiva became grief-stricken and withdrew into intense meditation.
Parvati, in her next birth, was born as the daughter of Himalaya, named Uma or Gauri. She grew up with a deep desire to attain Shiva as her husband. Understanding the magnitude of this desire, Parvati embarked on rigorous penance and severe austerities to win Shiva’s heart.
Witnessing Parvati’s unwavering devotion, Shiva decided to test the depth of her reverence. He took the form of a Brahmachari (an unmarried ascetic) and appeared before her. The Brahmachari avatar of Shiva was marked by ascetic simplicity, clad in a simple loincloth with matted hair, exemplifying the renunciant’s way of life.
Undeterred by Shiva’s austere appearance, Parvati continued her penance with utmost dedication. She endured harsh weather conditions, remained steadfast in her resolve, and persisted in her devotion to win Shiva as her husband. Shiva, pleased with her unwavering commitment, revealed his true form and blessed her. The Brahmachari avatar served as a means for Shiva to assess the depth of Parvati’s love and devotion, reaffirming their destined union.
This divine episode symbolizes the significance of devotion and the divine play between Shiva and Parvati, emphasizing that true love and unwavering faith can transcend even the most challenging tests. Shiva’s Brahmachari avatar stands as a testament to the enduring power of love and the divine orchestration of destiny in the cosmic realm.
Place of Avatar
After sacrificing her life in Daksh’s yagya, Sati took birth in the house of Himalayas and performed extremely deep penance there to get Lord Shiva as her husband. Parvati, desirous of getting Lord Shiva for her examination, assumed the form of a celibate to call him.
Lord Shiva appeared before Parvati in the celibate form and worshiped her. Parvati taught Brahmachari the proper way of worshiping her and appeared near him and felicitated him. He pleased Lord Shiva in the celibate form with his utmost devotion and dedication.
During this complete puja, Parvati gave proof of her true devotion and love, seeing which Lord Shiva revealed his true nature and he accepted Parvati’s devotion. Thus, Lord Shiva in the celibate form tested Parvati and promoted her unique spirit of filial piety.
Purpose
Once upon a time, on the banks of the river, Mother Parvati witnessed the penance of Lord Shiva. On this Lord Shiva assumed the form of a celibate and went to Mother Parvati. Seeing Mother Parvati in penance, Brahmachari asked her the reason for her penance.
Mother Parvati told that the purpose of her penance was to attain Lord Shiva. On this, the Brahmachari condemned Lord Shiva and said that he is unlucky, inauspicious and has matted hair, and it is inappropriate to marry him. He did not advise Mother Parvati to marry Shiva, rather he recommended her to give up meditation and forget Shiva. But, Mother Parvati did not take it as negativity while remaining firm in her love and dedication.
Seeing the unique devotion and love of Mother Parvati, Mahadev revealed her in her true form and promised to make her his wife. This incident promoted Parvati’s ordeal and her unparalleled devotion to Shiva.
