 Various Hindu scriptures narrate the story of the union of Shiva and Parvati , with some variation . After the death of his first wife Sati , Shiva withdrew from society and <unk> himself in deep <unk> . Taking advantage of the situation , the <unk> ( demon ) king Tarakasura secured from the god Brahma the <unk> that he could be killed only by the son of Shiva . Believing himself effectively immortal , Tarakasura <unk> the beings of the universe and defeated the gods . Meanwhile , Parvati , the reincarnation of Sati , was born to <unk> , the god of the Himalayas and his wife the <unk> Mena . She underwent severe <unk> to <unk> Shiva to marry her . The gods , desperate to hasten the birth of Shiva 's son , sent <unk> , the god of love , to <unk> Shiva 's meditation . Though Shiva was <unk> , <unk> was burnt up by Shiva 's <unk> . <unk> by the other gods to marry , Shiva agreed , but decided to test Parvati 's devotion first . The <unk> ( the seven sages ) approached Parvati and mocked Shiva to dissuade her ; however Parvati remained resolute . Then Shiva himself , disguised as an old ascetic , visited Parvati and vilified himself in her presence . As an angry Parvati was about to leave , Shiva revealed his true form to her and promised to marry her , pleased with her love and devotion . The couple married and produced a son , Kartikeya , who subsequently <unk> Tarakasura . 
