A determined Parvati began her penance, abstaining from food and only focusing on her chanting, which earned her the name Aparna, or ‘the girl who refuses to eat even a leaf’. With each passing day, her tapasya became more and more severe, until the entire world was aware of her meditation. Years passed, and Parvati grew powerful with the strength she obtained from her intense penance. In the meantime, Shiva came to learn about everything that had transpired- her devotion to him and his failure to notice her. He realised that she wasn’t a mere mortal, and decided to test her faith. Shiva approached Parvati disguised as a Sanyasi begging for food. Though she was deep in meditation, she sensed the sanyasi’s presence and opened her eyes. A wave of peace and calm swept over Shiva. Parvati stared at him without realising who he was, and then offered him all she had. While receiving the alms, the ascetic asked, ‘why are you performing this penance?’ ‘It is for Shiva. I wish to marry him, ‘she …