A Wedding Like No Other - Lord Shiva and Ma Parvati’s Divine Union

The Unique Wedding Procession

After winning back Lord Shiva with her severe austerities, Devi Parvati returned to her father, King Himavan's palace. Her parents were overjoyed to see her return victorious.

Days flew by, and soon, it was the wedding day of Lord Shiva and Ma Parvati. Lord Shiva's Ganas were thrilled and decided to accompany him in the wedding procession. They lived under his constant grace and protection, and his marriage was indeed a special occasion. 

Lord Shiva, whose very name means ‘auspiciousness,’ does not care for appearance and formality. He proceeded in his wedding procession just as he was, wearing dreaded snakes like Vasuki and Takshak as garlands, bracelets,  waist belt, and earrings. He carried his trident, and the tiger skin barely covered his yogic body smeared in cremation ash.

Mahadev’s hair was matted, and he revealed his five heads; he looked fierce and powerful. Unlike other regal bridegrooms who rode majestic horses, he was seated on his bull, Nandi.  

The wedding procession was one of its kind with Lord Brahma, Sri Vishnu, the Devas, as well as ghosts, demons, ghouls, aghoris, and social outcasts. The cries of ‘Bam Bam, Bhole filled the air,’ creating waves of worry and panic for Queen Mena, who waited at the gate to receive the groom chosen by her beloved daughter.  

A Mother’s Worry and a Daughter’s Response

The Ganas were too excited to observe decorum. Queen Mena was worried how her tender, regal daughter would live among such unruly people. To add to that, Lord Shiva, looked terrifying. Unable to bear this shock and contrast, Queen Mena fainted.

However, having deeply absorbed the essence of Lord Shiva—the Shiva Tatva—Ma Parvati was much more than his consort. As seen in her Brahmacharini form, she was also the Guru of the Shiva Siddhanta and had guided even the Saptarishis (the seven revered sages). Yet, as a daughter, she understood her mother’s fears. To reassure Queen Mena, she decided to persuade Lord Shiva to adopt a gentler form. Therefore, Devi Parvati momentarily assumed a fierce form.

With ten arms holding various weapons and a crescent-shaped bell resting on her crown, Maa Parvati mirrored Shiva’s intense energy. This radiant form came to be known as Ma Chandraghanta. Thus, she quieted the wild Ganas, softening Shiva’s fierce side, and requested him for a pleasant appearance.

Chandraghanta and Chandrashekhar

Lord Shiva was touched; he gave up his fearsome look, allowing Lord Vishnu to adorn him as a charming bridegroom. In this form, he was worshipped as Chandrashekhar (bearer of the moon) or Sundareshwar (the beautiful one). 

As a gesture of her love and devotion, Devi Parvati adorned her forehead with a crescent moon, mirroring the one on Lord Shiva’s matted locks.

After the grand wedding, Ma Parvati accompanied Lord Shiva to Kailash Parvat, where she began her new life. While Lord Shiva remained immersed in deep meditation, Devi Parvati lovingly took care of everything, slowly transforming their cave into a home filled with warmth and beauty.

Did this peace last for very long? What dangers awaited the newly wedded Ma Parvati? Read on in the next post.

Nav Durga Sadhana

In the potent Nav Durga Sadhana, Ma Chandraghanta is invoked as the third form of Ma Durga. She symbolises our inner power that helps us overcome difficult circumstances with a steady mind.

The Sanskrit word ‘Durg’ means a ‘fort.’ The one who seeks Devi Ma is ever-protected by the strongest of forts —her grace and protection. She becomes the Sadhak’s Durg, a fort that would never fail them.

Wish to start the Nav Durga Sadhana? Don’t worry. Sadhana App has you covered! To Start Nav Durga Sadhana, follow these steps:

• Download Sadhana App. (100% Free. No hidden subscription! No pesky Ads. All features unlocked & available.)
• Click on the lion icon on 26 June '25 to know all the details.
• Follow the day-wise instructions in the app.
• Begin your sadhana by doing the first Japa on 26 June’ 25 and the first yagna on 27 June ‘25.
• The mantra of the day will get updated everyday.
• For the next ten days (26 June- 5 July), perform the Devi japa every evening and yagna in the morning.

All the rituals are completely guided. Grab the opportunity to seek the love and blessings of Mother Divine!

Sadhana Se Sambhav Hai!