Stories and romance are in the air everywhere. However, the timeless tragic love story of Shiva and Sati never ceases to fascinate its readers, young and old, alike. Regarded as one of the oldest and greatest love stories of all times, the sufferings of Shiva and Sati and later the marriage of Shiva with Parvati, who is the reincarnation of Sati, inspire and guide us towards happiness and marital fulfilment in life.

Every time, it is read or listened to, interesting inference of philosophical and spiritual teachings are revealed and exciting secrets hidden in these legendary tales emerge, shedding light to novel perspectives. Even during modern times, this story from the pages of Hindu mythology has a magnificent charm and appeal. Himavan, symbolising the mighty Himalayas from where the glaciers melt forming turbulent rivers, that flow away to join the boundless ocean, its final destination, is given the status of the father of Parvati. Fascinatingly, there are mentions of a river Parvati flowing across the north of India from the Himalayas in ancient scriptures.

In South India, a very similar parallel love story of Shiva is famed at the plundered city of Hampi, the capital of the empire Vijayanagara. Here, Parvati is known as Pampa, the name of a tributary of the river Tungabhadara. Shiva is popular as Pampapathi, meaning “husband of Pampa”. The Hemakuta hills near the Virupaksha temple dedicated to lord Shiva, adorning the banks of Tungabhadra is believed to be the place where the splendid marriage ceremony of Shiva and Pampa took place.

This book narrates the beautiful yet different, passionate love story of Pampa and Shiva, set at the hilly forest of Anegundi in South India.