Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c9.140

c9.140

14) *Test by Parameśvara (Śiva) and Pārvatī.* Parameśvara and Pārvatī, who knew that many tricky changes would occur in the thirteenth year of the life of Rāma and Sītā there, decided to submit them to a test. The object of the test was to see whether Rāma and Sītā would recognise each other under all circumstances. When Sītā one day entered the river Godāvarī to fetch water, she saw two swans enjoying themselves in a lotus pool in the middle of a sand-shoal in the river. When Sītā went near the pool she saw Rāma bathing in it. But on a closer look she recognised that it was not Rāma, but Śiva, in the guise of Rāma, who was bathing there. To befool Sītā Śiva, who was disguised as Rāma, told her :—Dear one! Please come to me quickly. Why were you so late? Sītā :—Oh, Deva! salutations. Why did you alone come to the bath? Rāma :—I had to come alone as Devī did not come with me at once and was late in coming. Sītā :—Why did not the Devī come? You two are unique. Devī might be alone at Kailāsa just now. It was not good that you did not bring her also with you. Śiva : Oh great Devī! salutations to your divine greatness. Let me return to Kailāsa after saluting Śrī Rāma. Hail unto thee.