Shiva appeared at the
home of Parvati’s father, Himavan as a beggar, naked with only a
drum in his hand and a dog by his side. He danced to the rhythm of
the drum. Even without any clothes and completely disheveled he was
beautiful to behold. Appearing as
Bhikshantana, the supreme mendicant, Shiva asked the king
if he could marry his daughter.