Mahashivratri is the feast of the wedding of Shiva and Parvati. Shiva’s first wife was Sati, who killed herself by jumping into a sacred fire, when her family had insulted Shiva.

Shiva was devastated and angered her death, and began to dance violently. His dance terrified the Gods, for the earth began to shake and terrified all creation. During this time Shiva was known as Rudra, the roaring. His body covered with ash, his hair long and matted he went to the Himalayas to become an ascetic.

The Gods were worried by his deep penance and decided the only way to draw Shiva out of his meditation and into creation, was by bringing Sati back to life. Sati was born as Parvati, and with Kama’s help (the God of love) she persuaded Shiva to father creation.

Parvati, transformed Rudra to Shiva and they lived as a blissful couple united in the creation of the world. Mahashivratri celebrates their wedding night.