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About How Parvati Won the Heart of Shiva
The magical story of how the princess Parvati opens the heart of her eternal husband Shiva
• The courtship story of one of the central couples in Indian lore, Parvati and Shiva, made accessible for Western children
• Illustrated throughout with paintings from the classic Indian tradition
In the Hindu pantheon the great mother goddess Adishakti is the heavenly wife of Shiva, Lord of All Gods. Whenever Shiva or Adishakti come to Earth in human form, they are fated to marry each other again--but that’s no guarantee that all will go smoothly with their courtship. In this story Adishakti comes to Earth as the mountain princess Parvati, who has her work cut out for her when she tries to win the affections of Shiva. Shiva spends all his time meditating on a remote mountainside in the Himalayas and has no interest in marriage. Parvati washes his feet, wipes his brow, and lays sixteen offerings before him, but he won’t even look at her. Sage Narada advises her to invoke Shiva’s name--Om Namah Shivaya--over and over again as a mantra. So in the heat of the sun, in the driving rain, in snow up to her neck Parvati sits and repeats her beloved’s name until the focused power of her intent opens his heart and persuades him to ask for her hand in marriage.
Parvati’s timeless story teaches children that with enough love and perseverance even the seemingly impossible can be achieved. Accompanied by rich, color illustrations prepared according to the traditional Hindu canon, How Parvati Won the Heart of Shiva will transport children to a magical world filled with ancient wisdom.
• The courtship story of one of the central couples in Indian lore, Parvati and Shiva, made accessible for Western children
• Illustrated throughout with paintings from the classic Indian tradition
In the Hindu pantheon the great mother goddess Adishakti is the heavenly wife of Shiva, Lord of All Gods. Whenever Shiva or Adishakti come to Earth in human form, they are fated to marry each other again--but that’s no guarantee that all will go smoothly with their courtship. In this story Adishakti comes to Earth as the mountain princess Parvati, who has her work cut out for her when she tries to win the affections of Shiva. Shiva spends all his time meditating on a remote mountainside in the Himalayas and has no interest in marriage. Parvati washes his feet, wipes his brow, and lays sixteen offerings before him, but he won’t even look at her. Sage Narada advises her to invoke Shiva’s name--Om Namah Shivaya--over and over again as a mantra. So in the heat of the sun, in the driving rain, in snow up to her neck Parvati sits and repeats her beloved’s name until the focused power of her intent opens his heart and persuades him to ask for her hand in marriage.
Parvati’s timeless story teaches children that with enough love and perseverance even the seemingly impossible can be achieved. Accompanied by rich, color illustrations prepared according to the traditional Hindu canon, How Parvati Won the Heart of Shiva will transport children to a magical world filled with ancient wisdom.
About the Author(s) of How Parvati Won the Heart of Shiva
Harish Johari (1934-1999) authored many books that bring Eastern spiritual traditions to Western audiences. Vatsala Sperling, a native of India, is a clinical microbiologist and she learned these stories at her mother’s feet. She is the coauthor of A Marriage Made in Heaven and How Ganesh Got His Elephant Head and lives in Vermont with her husband and son. Pieter Weltevrede began his artistic studies with Harish Johari in 1977 and also studied with Shri Chandra Bal. He lives in Holland with his wife and two children and travels to India annually.
Praise for How Parvati Won the Heart of Shiva
“The richness and depth of Pieter Weltevrede’s illustrations make this classic Indian tale of love and devotion a page turner. . . . a great resource for elementary school teachers. . .”
Rachel Fischer Gladson, Altar Magazine, July 2005
Rachel Fischer Gladson, Altar Magazine, July 2005
"Beautiful illustrations and great story-telling combine to create a tale children and adults will love reading over and over again."
The Blessed Bee, Issue #24, Spring 2005
The Blessed Bee, Issue #24, Spring 2005
"Entertaining, enjoyable, and clearly written, . . . will share with readers very important themes in Hindu culture."
Ghostvillage.com, Oct 21, 2005
Ghostvillage.com, Oct 21, 2005
