Shiva is the god of the yogis, self-controlled and celibate, while at the same time a remarkable lover of his spouse. He is the destroyer, following Brahma the creator and Vishnu the preserver.

Shiva is responsible for change both in the form of death and destruction and in the positive sense of destroying the ego, the false identification.

Shiva has many wives, which are the symbols of feminine power. All of these goddesses are well known and worshipped. Their names are Shakti, Parvati, Uma, Durga and Kali.

Each of these goddesses stands for something significant. Parvati is the goddess of love and romance. Uma is the goddess of motherhood.

Durga is the goddess of justice and Kali, the last of the four, is known to be the goddess of death.

As a young girl Parvati was in love with Lord Shiva. In an effort to win his Love and affection she decided to visit the cave where he was meditating and started cleaning and decorating it.

However he remained unmoved by her Love and dedication. She also tried bringing fruits for him but he remained steadfast in his meditation.

In a final attempt to win his Love and affection, she decided to do penance in the forest. She did the toughest of penance with no food and clothes to shelter her.

Her penance moved Lord Brahma who promised her a blessing. She wished to become extremely beautiful. Lord Brahma granted her wish and she was blessed with immense beauty.

She walked inside the cave radiating feminine beauty and grace and Lord Shiva was enchanted with her. He fell in Love with her and they married.