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A Hindu alternative to Valentine's Day? 'Shiv-Parvati was first love marriage in Universe'

By Rajiv Shah 

The other day, I was searching on Google a quote on Maha Shivratri which I wanted to send to someone, a confirmed Shiv Bhakt, quite close to me -- with an underlying message to act positively instead of being negative. On top of the search, I chanced upon an article in, imagine!, a Nashik Corporation site which offered me something very unusual. 
I don't know who owns this site, for there is nothing on it in the About Us link. It merely says, the Nashik Corporation site  "is an educational and news website of the municipal corporation. Today, education and payment of tax are completely online."
It goes on to add, "So we provide some of the latest information about Property Tax, Water Tax, Marriage Certificate, Caste Certificate, etc. So all taxpayer can get all information of their municipal in a single place.some facts about legal and financial issues that different city corporations face, but I was least interested in them." 
Surely, this didn't interest me. I was left wondering: why was this site interested in telling its readers what's Maha Shivratri about?
I set my curiosity aside, and clicked on what interested me in the site. It was an assertion which came less than a week after the Valentine's Day -- that "Shiva and Parvati are known as the first love marriage couple in the universe, as per Hindu mythology." Apparently released on the Maha Shivratri day, which fell on February 18, it notes, "The love story of Shiv-Parvati is called Maha Shivratri, the day of love, and this union of love is called Maha Shivratri, which we celebrate every year as Mahaparv." 
Claimed to have been released "as per our readers’ demand and comments", the article defines love marriage "one which is driven solely by the couple, with or without consent of their parents, as opposed to arranged marriage." It adds, "While there is no clear definition of love marriage, the term was in common use globally during the Victorian era."
It appears to regret: that while "love marriage in European countries showed a peak from the 15-16th century, but in India and other Asian countries, it began to happen very slowly." Stating that some research (which, it does not say) "was conducted to find out when the first love marriage was conducted in India", and it was found to be that of "Shiv and Parvati".
India scored over Europe by 3500 years in originating love marriage, the article suggested, giving the date when Shiv and Parvati initiated it
The article insists, "The marriage of Lord Shiv and Mother Parvati was not a normal one but rather their definitive predetermination was to change the world’s most prominent romantic tales in a second. They couldn’t measure up to any of the affection sets... After marrying Shiv, Parvati went with him to Kailash and thus a love story going on for two lives had a happy ending."
Suggesting that India scored over Europe in originating love marriage, the article even gives the date, when, apparently, Shiv and Parvati tied into nuptial relationship -- "2350 B" (BC?, I don't know), as against Europe, where the first love marriage occurred about 3500 years later -- "in 1140 AD", about which "Rousseau wrote in his book."
It concludes, "The marriage of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati was not an ordinary one but their ultimate destiny will be to adjust the world’s greatest love stories in a moment. They cannot be compared to any of the love pairs." 
An effort to come up with an Indian (or Hindu, to be more precise) Valentine's Day? I don't know. 
Be that as it may, I found the much-desired quote elsewhere as I needed it to send across the message to think positive. This is what it says: "May Lord Shiva bless you with patience and a heart to see good in everything! Wishing you all a very happy Maha Shivratri!" 
I modified it little in order to suit my thinking a little and sent it across. Being a some sort of an atheist, instead of Lord Shiva, I said Maha Shivratri festival. Don't know how it was taken, positively or negatively. Expectedly, I didn't get a reply.

Comments

Dr Keshubhai Desai said…
Beautiful treatise
Unknown said…
Nicely explained the value of Mahashivratri with the meaning.
It should be known by all.
Indraneelmukherjee9@gmail.com said…
Pleasure reading your article. Whether we are atheists or not every lndian likes to read something which is praiseworthy and interesting your article is one like that it shud become viral !
Premkumar Gera said…
A wonderful interpretation for all to understand n appreciate it in India. There couldn’t have better way to explain the concept of Valentine’s Day celebrations for us in india. We must share a link in all social media for all of us to understand it
Ghizal Mahdi said…
Very interesting
ralph said…
Counterview.net" appears to be a platform for presenting alternative perspectives or opposing viewpoints. It may serve as a space for diverse opinions, discussions, or critiques on various subjects. Accessing counterview.net could provide users with a range of insights and analyses challenging mainstream narratives.
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ILAPUR said…
Now these hard core aandh bakths will link ADAM AND EVE to Shiv and Parvathi
Punyam said…
Very Nice Give Explanation Of Maha Shivaratri Lord Shiva.
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Scholarship said…
This was a nice read. Had no idea India had such interesting history.
bui quang thanh said…
This was a pleasant perused. Had no clue India had such fascinating history.
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hana said…
Well made sense of the worth of Mahashivratri with the significance.
It ought to be known by all.
Anonymous said…
Delight perusing your article. Regardless of whether we are agnostics each lndian likes to peruse something which is commendable and fascinating your article is one like that it shud become viral !
bui quang thanh said…
This was a nice read. Had no idea India had such interesting history.

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harperpaul said…
While Valentine's Day has become synonymous with romantic love in many parts of the world, some individuals and communities seek to celebrate love in different ways that align with their cultural and religious beliefs. In Hinduism, the story of Shiv-Parvati serves as a powerful symbol of love, devotion, and partnership, offering a compelling alternative narrative for those who wish to honor love within the framework of their faith.
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lucask110198 said…
As an alternative to Valentine's Day, "Shiv-Parvati: The Divine Love Story" honors the quintessential Hindu love story. This sacred story establishes the standard for love marriages throughout the cosmos by embodying unending love and dedication. Valentine's Day may be all about short-lived romance, but celebrating Shiv-Parvati's heavenly relationship highlights long-term devotion and spiritual connection. Hindus, inspired by the ageless wisdom of their tradition, reaffirm the sacredness of love and marriage by celebrating this epic love tale. On this day, following Shiv-Parvati's path cultivates a greater understanding of profound, unending love that knows no bounds in this world.
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BhaGujarati said…
Shatavdhani Shree R.Ganesh said this very long time ago during his 18 hours (3 hours each over 6 days) titled "Foundation of Indian Culture" but unfortunately IDIOTINDIANS can't come out of their Perfected Brown Macaulay SUIT (TIED to their neck). Merely suggest to drop SUIT+TIE to our IDIOTINDIANS and there may ba a nationwide havoc. Don't U even DARE to drop English language!
prabha said…
Nice information thanks for sharing...
Polygame Studio said…
Nicely explained the value of Mahashivratri with the meaning.
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Bk said…
Lord Shiv and Mother Parvati's marriage was and will always remain one of the most beautiful love stories of mankind.
anushiya said…
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Rigveda supports love marriages
sgi said…
Wow this is so beautiful. That means St. Valentine's Day isn't really the only Love day that should be celebrated afterall.
PM Kisan said…
thanks for share amazing blog it's really intarested
charloteequeen1 said…
"Embracing love, tradition, and joy in a new light! Celebrating the Now-Hindu Alternative to Valentine's Day is a beautiful testament to cultural richness and the power of love in all its forms. Here's to honoring timeless values with a fresh perspective!"

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prabha said…
Nice Article Thanks for Sharing

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