From the Archives of Swami Jyotirmayananda
The marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati is one of the most celebrated events in Hindu mythology. However, beyond the festivities and the narrative of the Ramcharitmanas, there lies a profound Vedantic allegory. As Sri Swami Jyotirmayananda explains in Lesson 57 of the Tulsi Ramayana series, this divine union is not merely a mythological event but a description of what occurs within the heart of a seeker.
In the spiritual sense, Lord Shiva represents the Jiva (the Soul potential within you). Parvati represents Viveka Buddhi (the Intuitive Intellect). When the soul is wedded to the intuitive intellect, it discovers its true identity as Shiva—the Absolute Self.
Parvati, previously Sati, symbolizes the purification of the intellect. When the intellect becomes highly purified, it transforms into intuition, capable of leading the soul to enlightenment.
The Esoteric Meaning of “Stri” (Woman)
A point of great confusion often arises from verses discussing “Nari Dharma” or the duties of women. Swamiji clarifies that Tulsidas is not speaking literally of gender. The Sanskrit word Stri (Woman) relates to the “Triad.”
“Consciousness that is trapped by the triad—Seer, Seen, and Sight—is called Stri.”
In the dream state, you are trapped by the dream subject, the dream object, and the act of seeing. Similarly, in the waking state, if you are bound by relative consciousness, you are spiritually “female” or dependent (Paradhina), regardless of your physical gender. To become independent (Svadhina), this consciousness must be wedded to the Purusha (God), the only One who is truly independent.
The Birth of Kartikeya (Subrahmanya)
The ultimate purpose of this divine marriage is the birth of Kartikeya (also known as Subrahmanya or Murugan). Kartikeya represents the dawn of Supreme Wisdom that destroys the demon Tarakasura (Ignorance).
The Six Faces of Divine Wisdom
Kartikeya is described as having six faces (Shanmukha), representing the six attributes of God (Bhaga):
- Jnana (Wisdom)
- Vairagya (Dispassion)
- Bala (Strength)
- Kirti (Fame)
- Sri (Prosperity)
- Aishvarya (Lordliness)
He holds the Vel (Spear), which symbolizes Jnana Shakti (the Power of Wisdom), piercing through the veil of illusion and ignorance.
Scholar’s Corner
Scriptural Citations
- Rama Dhyana Mantra: Om Nīlāmbujashyāmalakomalāṅgam… (Invocation to Lord Rama).
- Ramcharitmanas, Bala Kanda (Doha 101-111): The verses detailing the farewell of Parvati, the grief of Maina, and the birth of Kartikeya.
- Yajur Veda 3.60: Om Tryambakaṁ yajāmahe… (Mahamrityunjaya Mantra).
Glossary of Terms
- Jiva:
- The individual soul, the divine spark within each being.
- Viveka Buddhi:
- Discriminative, intuitive intellect; the faculty to discern truth from illusion.
- Nirankusha Tripti:
- Absolute, unrestricted contentment or bliss.
- Ashutosha:
- A beautiful name for Shiva, meaning “One who is easily pleased” or “one who is readily satisfied.”
- Tarakasura:
- The demon representing the darkness of ignorance that prevents the soul from crossing the ocean of Samsara (the cycle of birth and death).
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