Sati was reborn as Parvati, the daughter of Himavan (the King of Mountains). Since her childhood, she was devoted to Shiva. To win Him back, she underwent thousands of years of the most difficult penance. She survived on only fruits, then dry leaves, and finally nothing at all, earning her the name 'Aparna'.

The gods, worried about the demon Tarakasura, sent Kamadeva (God of Love) to disturb Shiva's meditation and create a desire for Parvati. Shiva opened His third eye and burnt Kamadeva to ashes. However, impressed by Parvati's sincere devotion and not her external beauty, Shiva finally agreed to marry her. This chapter teaches that God is attained through sacrifice and internal purity.