The legend of marriage of Shiva and Shakti is one the most significant legends associated with the festival of Maha Shivaratri. The story lets us know how Lord Shiva got married a second time to Shakti, his divine partner. As indicated by legend of Shiva and Shakti, the day Lord Shiva got married to Parvati is celebrated as Shivaratri – the Night of Lord Shiva.
The Legend:
Legend goes that once Lord Shiva and his better half Sati or Shakti were coming back from sage Agastya’s ashram in the wake of listening to Ram Katha or story of Ram. On their way through woods, Shiva saw Lord Rama looking for his wife Sita who had been kidnapped by Ravana, the King of Lanka. Lord Shiva bowed his head in worship to Lord Rama. Sati was shocked by Lord Shiva’s conduct and asked why he was paying deference to a simple mortal. Shiva educated Sati that Rama was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Sati, be that as it may, was not fulfilled by the answer and Lord requested her go and confirms reality for her.
Utilizing her energy to change forms, Sati appeared as Sita showed up before Rama. Lord Rama promptly perceived the genuine character of the Goddess and asked, “Devi, why are only you, where′s Shiva?” At this, Sati understood reality about Lord Ram. Be that as it may, Sita resembled a mother to Lord Shiva and since Sati appeared as Sita her status had changed. From that time, Shiva withdrew himself from her as a spouse. Sati was miserable with the change of disposition of Lord Shiva however she kept focused Mount Kailash, the home Lord Shiva.
Later, Sati’s dad Daksha sorted out a yagna, yet did not welcome Sati or Shiva as he had a fight with Shiva in the court of Brahma. Yet, Sati who needed to go to the Yagna, went despite the fact that Lord Shiva did not welcome the idea. To hre awesome anguish, Daksha overlooked her presence and did not in any case offer Prasad for Shiva. Sati felt mortified and was hit with significant sorrow. She hopped into the yagna fire and immolated herself.
Lord Shiva turned out extremely furious when he heard the news of Sati’s immolation. Carrying the body of Sati, Shiva started to perform Rudra Tandava or the move of decimation and wiped out the kingdom of Daksha. Everyone was alarmed as Shiva’s Tandava had the ability to wreck the whole universe. With a specific end goal to quiet Lord Shiva, Vishnu separated Sati′s body into 12 pieces and tossed them on earth. It is said that wherever the bits of Shakti’s body fell, there raised a Shaktipeeth, incorporating the Kamaroopa Kamakhya in Assam and the Vindhyavasini in UP.
Lord Siva was presently alone attempted thorough repentance and resigned to the Himalayas. Sati took a re-birth as Parvati in the group of God Himalaya. She performed penance to break Shiva’s reflection and win his consideration. It is said that Parvati, who thought that it was difficult to break Shiva’s reflection seeked help of Kamadeva – the God of Love and Passion. Kaamadeva solicited Parvati to move in front from Shiva. At the point when Parvati moved, Kaamadeva shot his arrow of enthusiasm at Shiva breaking his penance. Shiva turned out to extremely infuriate and opening his third eye that lessened Kaamadeva to ashes. It was simply after Kamadeva’s wife Rati’s request that Lord Shiva agreed to revive Kaamadeva.
Later, Parvati attempted serious penance to win over Shiva. Through her commitment and influence by sages devas, Parvati, otherwise called Uma, and finally convinced Shiva into marriage and far from self-denial. Their marriage was solemnized a day prior Amavasya in the month of Phalgun. This day of union of God Shiva and Parvati is celebrated as Maha Shivaratri consistently every year.
Another Version:
As indicated by another form of the legend, Goddess Parvati performed tapas and prayers on the auspicious moonless night of Shivaratri to avoid any evil that may come upon her Husband. From that point forward, womenfolk started the custom of petitioning God for the prosperity of their spouses and children on Shivaratri day. Unmarried women appeal to God for a spouse like Shiva, who is thought to be the perfect husband.