In today’s world, the conversation about gender equality is everywhere—at workplaces, in homes, in education, and in leadership. Many people believe that equality between men and women is a modern concept, something that society has only recently started to understand and implement. But the truth is, this wisdom is not new at all. Thousands of years ago, our ancient scriptures and mythologies already taught us the concept of equality through the tale of Lord shiva and Parvati.
In Hindu mythology, the relationship between Shiva and Shakti (Parvati) represents the perfect balance of masculine and feminine energies in the universe. The story of Rishi Bhringi is a powerful lesson on devotion, ego, and the importance of respecting both aspects of divine energy. So, on this auspicious day of Mahashivaratri, let’s delve into a powerful story from our scriptures—the story of Rishi Bhringi, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Parvati.
This story teaches us a timeless lesson: It teaches us that men and women, wisdom and power, structure and energy—are all interconnected and equally important.
Who Was Rishi Bhringi?
Rishi Bhringi was a great sage and an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. He spent all his time meditating and worshiping Shiva, believing that only Shiva was the Supreme Being.
However, Bhringi did not acknowledge Goddess Parvati, the divine consort of Shiva. He believed that only Shiva was worthy of worship and refused to offer prayers to Parvati, thinking that Shiva alone was enough. His devotion was pure but one-sided.
Bhringi’s Visit to Kailash
One day, Rishi Bhringi decided to visit Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, to perform a special circumambulation (pradakshina)—a practice where devotees walk around the deity as a sign of respect and devotion.
When he arrived, he saw Shiva and Parvati sitting together. As always, Bhringi bowed deeply to Shiva but completely ignored Parvati. He then attempted to walk around Shiva alone, but Parvati stopped him.
“Bhringi, Shiva and I are one,” she said. “You cannot worship one and ignore the other. We are two halves of the same divine energy.”
But Bhringi was stubborn. He still wanted to worship only Shiva and refused to acknowledge Parvati’s presence.
The Test of Ardhanarishvara
Seeing Bhringi’s ego and ignorance, Shiva and Parvati decided to teach him the truth.
Shiva and Parvati merged into a single form called Ardhanarishvara—half Shiva, half Parvati. This divine form symbolized the unity of masculine and feminine energies, showing that neither could exist without the other.
Now, Bhringi could not separate them!
However, determined to worship only Shiva, he transformed into a tiny bee and attempted to fly around only Shiva’s half of the body. He still refused to accept the importance of Parvati’s energy.
Seeing this, Parvati decided to teach him a lesson.
Parvati’s Lesson and Bhringi’s Weakness
Goddess Parvati, who represents energy and power, withdrew her energy from him. As a result, all the flesh and blood from Bhringi’s body disappeared, leaving only his bones.
According to the ancient scriptures, bones come from Shiva (symbolizing structure and stability), and flesh and blood come from Shakti (symbolizing energy and vitality), Bhringi became extremely weak. He could no longer stand or move properly.
At that moment, Bhringi realized his mistake. He had ignored Shakti, the very energy that gives life and strength. Without Parvati’s grace, he was powerless. Realizing the truth, Bhringi asked for forgiveness.
Shiva’s Blessing – The Third Leg
Lord Shiva, being merciful and compassionate, blessed Bhringi. Since Bhringi had lost his flesh, Shiva gave him a third leg to help him stand again. This blessing symbolized the lesson of balance—that both Shiva (masculine) and Shakti (feminine) are equally necessary for strength and stability.
From that day on, Rishi Bhringi worshiped both Shiva and Parvati, understanding that masculine and feminine energies are inseparable and must always be honored together.
Ancient Wisdom on Masculine and Feminine Energies
Hindu scriptures and traditions, Tantric philosophy, and Ayurveda, describe the human body as a reflection of the balance between Shiva and Shakti.
The Divine Composition of the Human Body:
“From the form of Shiva arises the frame, unyielding and firm—the bones that stand as the pillars of life, the nerves that weave the fabric of movement. He is the silent witness, the unshaken foundation upon which all life rests.”
“From the grace of Shakti flows the essence of being—the warmth of flesh, the fluidity of blood, the energy that gives motion and form. She is the breath of life, the nourishment of existence, the gentle force that sustains and nurtures.”
Thus, it is said:
- Bones, nerves, and the rigid structure of the body come from Shiva, representing stability, endurance, and the unchanging core of existence.
- Flesh, blood, and the vital fluids come from Shakti, symbolizing energy, movement, and the power of creation.
Just as Shiva without Shakti is lifeless, and Shakti without Shiva is without form, the body and universe require both firmness and fluidity to be whole.
Insights and Teachings from the Tale
1. Shiva and Shakti Are One
- Shiva represents consciousness, wisdom, and stability.
- Parvati represents energy, action, and power.
- Without consciousness, energy is uncontrolled, and without energy, wisdom is lifeless. Together, they create harmony in the universe.
2. Ego and One-Sided Devotion Can Blind Us
- Bhringi’s mistake was believing only one part of divinity was important.
- Just like day and night, sun and moon, strength and kindness, one cannot exist without the other. Balance is necessary.
3. Respect for Both Men and Women
- This story teaches that men and women are equal and complementary.
- Just as Shiva and Parvati together create the universe, men and women together create harmony in life.
4. Power and Strength Come from Unity
- When Bhringi ignored Shakti, he lost all his strength.
- This shows that power and energy are not separate from wisdom—both are needed to succeed.
5. Divine Forgiveness and Second Chances
- Even though Bhringi made a mistake, Shiva and Parvati forgave him and gave him a solution (the third leg).
- Learning from mistakes and growing beyond them leads to true wisdom.
The True Meaning of Equality – Lessons for Modern Life
At Home
- A family needs both stability (Shiva) and nurturing (Shakti).
- If a father provides discipline but has no love, the home becomes cold.
- If a mother gives love but lacks structure, there is no order.
- Balance creates a happy family.
At Work
- Men and Women must go together.
- If only logic is used, work becomes mechanical.
- If only emotions are used, decisions become weak.
- Success comes when both strengths are valued.
In Society
- Men and women are not meant to compete, but to complement each other.
- A society that respects both will always progress faster.
Conclusion:
When we ignore the contribution of one gender, we create imbalance. The world thrives not when men dominate, nor when women overpower, but when both walk together, respecting and supporting each other.
Just as Shiva and Shakti are two halves of the same whole, men and women are equal, powerful, and essential.
You might also like: Bridging the Parent-Child Gap: Love and Understanding Please read here to bridge the Parent Child Relationship with understanding over judgement.