Arjuna and Shiva – Applied Indology
Shiva and Parvati observed Arjuna’s devotion and they felt compelled to grant him his desire. However, Shiva was not about to impart the knowledge of His potent Asthra / missile to the human without first testing him for his worthiness. Lord Shiva disguised himself as a Kirata Chief ( Kirata is a clan of mountain dwellers), and asked Goddess Parvati and some of his Ganas to dress up as Kirata women.