As I Know: The Lord of the Mountains – Shiv Purana: 71

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Entreaties of gods delight Shiva, the doer of karmas, who speaks of the divine objective and tells about the nature of human beings and the role of woman, the bondage of love and passion, and the wish to attain salvation disturbs

He understood feelings and thoughts of gods and smilingly said, “O Sri Hari and gods, please listen. I am rational and judicious. To get married is not a correct karma of human beings because it keeps you tied up firmly with relations, and gives rise to passions and possessions, greed and jealousy. In this universe, O gods, a number of evils and unscrupulous ties among human beings bring suffering. The company of a woman is the most powerful and strong among all bad and ill-fated relations. A man can forget relations but cannot free himself from the bondages and passionate links of love for a woman. Remember, if you tie up a man with iron chains or otherwise, he would definitely get freedom one day but strong chains of love, infatuation and passion for a woman will not liberate. Passions and bondages get stronger each day. Salvation (moksa) is difficult even in a dream for a man obsessed with passions and pleasures of the world.” Shiva tried to convince the gods of the futility of request. Gods listened but were unable to respond.

After some time, he said, “If a wise man wants comforts and pleasures, he should abandon even the thought of passions and earthly joys. Passions are poisonous many believe and kill a man finally. Even if a man talks to a man of passions obsessed with earthly joys, he feels degenerated and very soon collapses. The great Acharyas (gurus), after giving a deep thought say that worldly joys are sugary liquor.”

He resumed after a short pause, “O gods, though I know the great truth and I am aware of the flaws and sins of worldly passions in particular yet I have a deep knowledge of passions and pleasures of the senses, in view of the averments. I accept your prayer and ensure that you attain the objective. O gods, devotees invariably control me and therefore, I perform karmas right or wrong purely to satisfy devotees. I am the doer of karmas. Think over deeply.”

Shiva at last acquiesced in and agreed to fulfill earnest wishes of devotees. One observes that the devotees are simple and ordinary human beings but in truth, they are also the gods of heavens, sages, siddhas, monks and celestial beings. If one restrains feelings and emotions, one can concentrate on objectives. Shiva hints at the problems of an ordinary man, which also disturb holy souls. The generosity and grandeur of Shiva was obvious when he abandoned principles of detached life and virtues. He advocated a path of renunciation and rejection, as he knew that passions and love for anything worldly lead to miseries, sufferings and pains. However, devotees cherish diverse objectives. They also want an end to violence and atrocities. To kill a daitya or seek remedies to get rid of malice and sins is the moral obligations toward devotees and so, Shiva bowed to the genuine desires of noble devotees.

He thought for a long time and then said, “O gods, I suffered many a time for the wellbeing of devotees. I helped many monks and provided relief to many and so they were free from sufferings and agonies. Now, I have no need to say more. You know my vow and determination. I tell you the truth. Whenever any crisis or calamity visits the lives of saintly devotees, I make efforts to drive out sufferings and difficulties. I know Taraka the great asura gives you sufficient troubles and so, I shall chase him away. It is the truth I wish to share with you.”

Holy and assuring words of Shiva soothed and consoled scorched hearts of gods, who were uncertain of the mercy from Shiva. Now, the lord offered more than expected. Hopes filled celestial souls with the thought that the end of great daitya was certain. When the gods explored possibilities, Shiva said, “Though I do not wish to get married yet I shall marry Girija (Parvati – Uma) for a son. Therefore, O gods, go home fearlessly. I shall do the work and so, all must think further on the issue.”

Gods heaved a sigh of relief and went to respective heavens. They were happy at the attainment of objective for which they had worked hard. Still, they had to wait for the right and opportune time. Only the Supreme lord knew what was in the womb of future.

To be Continued