The Antiquities of Orissa v2.c17.52

v2.c17.52

**Sakta story** In accordance with the sectarian tendency of the *Kapila Saṃhitā*, the story quoted above assigns pre-eminence to Viṣṇu, and makes Śiva attain the 'Mango Forest' for his residence as a boon from that divinity. This, however, could not be in keeping with the temper of such ardent Sivites as could not brook the rivalry of Viṣṇu; they had, therefore, to elaborate tales of their own in which the supremacy of Śiva would not, by any means, be impaired. The most circumstantial of these tales is that which is given in the last book of the *Śiva Purāṇa*. According to it, Pārvatī, while seated by her terrific lord in his ruby mansion at Kāśī, enquired of him whether he had any secret retreat which was like unto the city they were then dwelling in. “Tell me”, she said, “O lord, where lies a place sacred to you like unto this,—one as charming, excellent, secret and delightful as this. O Sambhu, tell me where lies such a secret place of yours, be it in heaven, on the earth, in the subterranean regions. or in the sky.” Thus said the presiding goddess of Siva’s heart, and then with a radiant smile on her lips, holding his feet, prostrated herself on the ground before him in humble salutation.