Baal Kaanda
20 - Descent of Goddess Parvati and Her penance
Chaupais
Description
Cherishing in her heart the feet of her dear lord, Um went to the forest and began her penance. Her delicate frame was little fit for austerities; yet she renounced all luxuries fixing her mind on the feet of her lord. Her devotion to the feet of her lord presented a new phase everyday; and she got so absorbed in penance that she lost all consciousness of her body. For a thousand years she lived on roots and fruits alone; while for another hundred years she subsisted on vegetables. For some days her only sustenance was water and air; while for a few days she observed a rigorous fast. For three thousand years she maintained herself on the withered leaves of the Bela* tree that dropped on the ground. Finally she gave up even dry leaves; Um then came to be known by the name of Aparn (living without leaves). Seeing her body emaciated through self-mortification the deep voice of Brahm (the Creator) resounded through the heavens: (1-4)