Ardhanareeswara (a Form of Siva — Half Man and Half Woman)

Jagadeeswara Sastry came from Madras this morning and while discussing the greatness of Arunachala as a pilgrim centre, enquired of Bhagavan why Parvati got the second half of the body of Siva.

Jagadeeswara Sastry came from Madras this morning and while discussing the greatness of Arunachala as a pilgrim centre, enquired of Bhagavan why Parvati got the second half of the body of Siva. Bhagavan thereupon told us the following story:

“Once upon a time when Siva was seated comfortably on Mount Kailas, Parvati came from behind and closed his eyes for fun. As a result, the whole world was plunged into darkness, as the sun and the moon lost their lustre. People were terrified and shaken. Devotees prayed to Siva to save them from the catastrophe. Parameswara immediately opened his third eye and saved the people from their agony. Parvati got afraid and removed her hands. Parameswara did not say anything. But Parvati trembled with fear. The Lord said gently, ‘Devi, this was no doubt only a pastime for you, but by that the whole world was deprived of the light of the sun and the moon. See how much people suffered. You may think it is just for a moment but a minute for us is an aeon for the world. Why this childishness?’

“After listening to that mild reprimand of Parameswara, Parvati realised her mistake, felt ashamed and prayed for permission to do penance for the expiation of her sin. Parameswara said, ‘You are the Mother of the world. You have no sin. There is no need for penance.’ She was not satisfied. She said she would set an example to the whole world and so would do penance, and after obtaining his permission she started southwards. At that time, in the kingdom of Kasi, there was a drought and famine. The people

were suffering greatly, as they could not get food. Seeing this on her way and taking pity on the people, Devi created a big mansion by her mere wish, took the name of Annapurna, and with the vessel which never got empty, fed thousands of people. Before long, her fame spread throughout the country. Meanwhile, the king himself found that his granary had become empty and was wondering what to do. When he heard of the poor feeding that was being done by the lady Annapurna, he was greatly surprised at the ability of a mere woman and, to test her, asked for the loan of a few measures of rice. He got a reply to say that there was no question of lending but that he could come there and eat. With a wish to test her ability, the king and his ministers went there in disguise and ate the food that was given. When the king found the inexhaustibility of the food that was being served all round, he immediately realised that this could not happen by any human agency and must be by a divine power. And so, after the meal, he went and fell at the feet of Annapurna and said, ‘Great Mother, please live with us and grant us deliverance.’ Pleased with the devotion, the Holy Mother assumed her original form and said, ‘My son, I’m pleased with your devotion. As I have stayed here so long, your country will be relieved of the evils of draught. You will now have rains and there will be no famine. I cannot stay here any longer. I must go south for my penance. Rule the people well and be happy.’ The king said, ‘Even so, you should be available to us for our worship.’ So the Mother agreed and left. That is the reason why she manifested herself as ANNAPURNA and the place where she was is now famous as the Temple of Annapurna.

“From there she went to Kancheepuram in the South, made a Sivalinga of sand, worshipped it and, on realising that she was free from sin, and at the prayer-full requests of the people, manifested herself there as Kamakshi. After that, she got upon the Bull and saying she would go to Arunagiri, she came here. Devi went first to the Gautama Ashram at the foot of the Pravala Hill. On seeing her, Satananda, the son of Gautama, was filled with devotional fervour. He invited her into the Ashram, worshipped her as prescribed and requested her to stay on while he went to the forest to bring his father Gautama, who had gone to fetch some kusa grass. By that time Gautama had already started for home and, when Satananda saw him, he ran to his father with great excitement and told him that the Divine Mother had come to their Ashram. The whole forest in the twinkling of an eye became green and full of flowers and fruits. Gautama was surprised and asked his son if it was really so. Satananda, with a faltering voice said, ‘Mother Parvati herself has come.’ Equally thrilled and elated, Gautama hastened to the place, saw Parvati and worshipped her. After that the Devi performed penance according to the instructions of Gautama for a long time when Mahadeva presented Himself and said that He would give her whatever boon she asked for. Devi said with great respect that she would become half of Siva Himself. ‘I cannot live’, she said, ‘any longer with a separate body. If separate, I may make another mistake like this and then undergo all the hardships of penance and suffer the pangs of separation.’ Parameswara therefore acceded to her request and so became as ‘ARDHANAREESWARA’. This is how Amba the Mother of the universe became one half of Siva.”

While narrating this story, Bhagavan became visibly affected, tears welled up in his eyes and his voice faltered. On completing the narration he assumed a dignified silence.