Shiv - Shakti, The First Love Story - Dakshayani

The Moon Also Shines

A few months had passed since the wedding of Shiva and Sati. Their new life was filled with joy and happiness. The union of Shiva and Shakti had brought back peace in the universe. But that couldn't last long...

It was a calm night and Shiva and Sati were enjoying each other's company. The environment was chill yet comfortable. Sati had her head on his shoulder and his arm was around her. The moon was shining as they were in their own world.

"Mahadev, the nature looks so beautiful today" Sati said. Shiva smiled.

"Of course it does, Sati. It's because you are nature yourself and you are the epitome of beauty. Your mood reflects on the nature. That's why I try to keep you happy!" Sati chuckled at Shiva's words.

"If you really want to make me happy, then I want to ask for something."

"Of course Sati. Ask anything you want, atleast something that your ascetic of a husband can offer."

Sati smiled and shook her head, "I've been here for so long and you haven't once played your veena for me. Why have I been denied the pleasure of your music?"

"As you wish, my love" Shiva went up and brought his Rudra veena. He sat down beside Sati and pulled the strings. The sound of the veena filled the entire environment with unspeakable joy. The breeze danced with every rhythm of the strings. His fingers plucked the strings of the veena like the waves in the sea. Sati had her eyes closed, listening to the beautiful tune. Suddenly Shiva stopped. Sati opened her eyes and looked at him. His face was grim. She was about to ask what happened when the surroundings became dark. The moon had dissappeared.

"What happened Mahadev? Where did the moon disappear?" Sati asked, bewildered.

"Sati whatever happened isn't good. Chandra dev has done something that has put the universe in trouble."

"But what did he do?" Sati questioned.

"Your father had warned him to treat all his wives equally but he didn't. He still favoured Rohini so all of your sisters went to your father to complain. An angry Daksha has cursed Chandra dev to dissimate."

Sati was dumbfounded. She tried to get in the information.

"But... But... Father is as just as much at fault as is Chandra dev. Father knew that Rohini Didi and Chandra dev already loved each other but still he married all my 27 sisters to him. None of this is fair!"

"It maybe Sati but the consequences will affect the universe."

"So you won't do anything?" Sati asked.

"Sati it's not my time to intervene. If I'm needed I'll definitely help. Don't worry."

Sati nodded but she couldn't be at peace. The next day, Sati was roaming in the mountains when she noticed her sister.

"Rohini didi!" seeing her sister, she ran to her. They embraced each other.

"Oh Sati! How are you my sister?"

"I'm good Didi but..."

"I know. You must have known. Whatever happened Sati it's my fault. I should have stood up to him. Should have defended our sisters but I was so blinded by love that I chose to unsee it and now...." Rohini started to cry. Sati comforted her.

"Don't worry Didi everything will be fine. Please don't blame yourself. It's not your fault. Where is Chandra dev?"

"He went to Lord Shiva" Rohini said, wiping her tears.

"Okay then let's go" Sati guided them towards where Shiva was. They reached to see Chandra kneeling in front of Shiva. He was chanting the Shiva Panchakshari mantra. Finally Shiva came out of his meditation and opened his eyes.

"Chandra dev"

"Hey Mahadev, please help me. I've realised my mistake and I'm extremely ashamed of my deeds. I would have gladly accepted my punishment but my decimation will destroy the balance of the universe" the moon god cried.

"He is right, Rudra" Brahma said appearing at that moment. "The universe needs the moon or else there will be extreme imbalance"

Shiva stood up. "Chandra, you have genuine regret and true devotion in your words so I will help you. I cannot lift your curse because that is your punishment but I will reduce it's effects to save the world. From today, I will bear you in my jata and you will get your power from me. For 15 days you will wane and this time period will be known as Krishna - paksha and the end of it will be Amavasya when the moon will disappear. For the next 15 days you will start gaining your powers which will be known as Shukla - paksha and the end will be known as Purnima when the moon will be full. From this day onwards, you will reside in my head in crescent form. And the place where you had built my Shiva Linga for worship before coming here will be known as Somnath" Shiva declared."

"Thank you. Thank you so much for your kindness my lord. You are genuinely the greatest. Thank you for saving my life" Chandra said.

"Shiva as you have adorned the moon on your head, from today you will be known as 'Chandrashekhar' and 'Chandramouli' " announced Brahma. Everyone joined their hands in salutation to Shiva. Soon the gods left.

Sati was looking at Shiva when he noticed.

"What are you looking at, Sati?"

" Hmm? Nothing. Today I felt why you are Mahadev. "

Shiva smiled, " Sati I am what I am is for you. You are my Shakti and without Shakti this Shiva is nothing more than a lifeless corpse. But Sati.."

"What Mahadev?"

"I have opposed your father's curse and this might fuel his hatred towards me even more"

Sati went grim. She knew he was right.