November 25, 2025

Here is a clear, simple, flowing story of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s Kalyanam, exactly as described in the Puranas (mainly Shiva Purana, Skanda Purana, and Kalika Purana).
Telling in an easy Indian-accent style, like a smooth story for remembering.

⭐ Shiva–Parvati Kalyanam: The Divine Story (Puranic Version)

Long ago…

🌸 1. Parvati’s Birth & Purpose

After Sati (previous birth of Parvati) sacrifices herself at Daksha Yagna, Lord Shiva withdraws completely from the world and goes into deep meditation.
The gods become worried because Tarakasura, a powerful demon, received a boon:

“Only the son of Shiva can kill you.”

So, all devas go to Lord Brahma, saying: “Shiva will never marry now. How will we get a son to defeat Tarakasura?”
Brahma says:

“Sati will be born again as the daughter of Himavan (King of Mountains). She will marry Shiva.”

Thus Sati is reborn as Parvati.
From childhood, Parvati is deeply devoted to Shiva.

🌼 2. Parvati Meets Shiva

One day, young Parvati sees Shiva meditating in the Himalayas.
She starts serving him with respect—offering flowers, water, cleaning the ashram surroundings.
Shiva, though pleased, stays absorbed in tapas, not showing emotions.

🔥 3. The Kama Episode

The gods see that Shiva is not reacting. They panic and send Kama Deva (God of Love) to break Shiva’s meditation.
Kama shoots a flower arrow at Shiva.
Shiva opens his third eye in anger—
🔥 Kama burns to ashes instantly.
Parvati, however, stays calm and continues her devotion.
This makes Shiva admire her inner strength.

🕉️ 4. Parvati’s Great Tapas (Penance)

Parvati decides:

“I will win Lord Shiva through pure tapas.”

She performs heavy tapas for years:

Eating only leaves

Then eating nothing

Standing in sun, rain, snow

Meditating without moving

Because of her severe tapas, she earns the name Aparna (one who doesn’t even eat leaves).
Finally, Shiva appears in front of her.
But to test Parvati, Shiva disguises himself as an old Brahmin and says: “Why do you want to marry Shiva? He is a poor ascetic, no jewels, no house… what will you gain?”
Parvati smiles and says:

“My Lord is Shiva himself. No one is greater. He is everything to me.”

Shiva reveals his true form and accepts her completely.

💍 5. Devaguru Narada Arranges the Marriage

Narada Muni goes to Himavan and tells him:

“Your daughter is blessed. Lord Shiva wants to marry her.”

Himavan becomes overwhelmed with joy.
He begins grand preparations for the divine wedding.

🎉 6. The Grand Shiva Baraat (Procession)

Shiva arrives for marriage with a unique baraat:


Ghosts (bhutas, ganas)

Yogis

Sages

Nandi the bull

Bhasma-covered Shiva

Snakes as ornaments

Parvati’s relatives get scared seeing this strange procession.
But Parvati smiles because she knows Shiva’s real greatness.

🌺 7. Parvati’s Beautiful Appearance

Parvati comes fully decorated:

Golden jewelry

Silk saree

Lotus-like eyes

Radiant glow like Lakshmi herself

All gods, goddesses, rishis, and gandharvas gather to witness the divine event.

🕯️ 8. The Sacred Kalyanam

The wedding takes place at Mount Kailash (in some versions, near Himalaya palace).
Key moments:

Himavan gives Parvati’s hand to Shiva

Agni is the witness

Vishnu performs Kanyadaan (in some puranas)

Brahma chants Vedic mantras

Shiva ties the Mangalsutra

Parvati circles the sacred fire

The whole universe vibrates with joy:

Flowers rain from the sky

Gandharvas sing

Devas shower blessings

Mountains and rivers glow with divine energy

🌙 9. Life After Marriage

Shiva and Parvati return to Kailash as the ideal divine couple.
Their union brings
Balance to creation

Birth of Lord Kumara / Kartikeya, who later kills Tarakasura

Thus the purpose of destiny is fulfilled.

❤️ Essence of the Story

Parvati’s devotion shows pure love + patience + tapas

Shiva accepts only true inner dedication, not outer beauty

Their marriage represents Shakti and Shiva uniting → balance of the universe