The Hindu deity Parvati performing austerities

Parvati, before she and the great god Shiva were married, worshipped her future husband by undergoing severe self-denial. While she was absorbed in this religious practice, a handsome young nobleman approached and questioned her about what she was doing. After receiving an explanation, the young man tried to persuade Parvati to give up her devotions because Shiva was not worthy of her sacrifices. Parvati angrily contradicted the young man's negative words and praised Shiva as the supreme being. Finally the young man revealed that he himself was Shiva in disguise, and that he was just testing the sincerity of her devotion. They were then married. Here Parvati is shown at worship. Her vehicle, the tiger, is depicted on the base of the pedestal.