Origin: Hinduism
Title: Goddess of Love, Marriage, Power, Devotion, and Motherhood
Attributes:
- Appearance: Parvati is often depicted with a calm and serene face, symbolizing her inner peace. She has two or four arms, holding various items:
- A trident or a blue flower, symbolizing her connection with Shiva.
- Sometimes, a mirror for self-realization or a rosary for spiritual practices.
- Vehicle: Unlike many Hindu deities, Parvati doesn't have a specific vehicle of her own, but she's often associated with the lion or tiger when depicted as Durga, symbolizing her power.
Mythology:
- Incarnation: Parvati is considered the reincarnation of Sati, Shiva's first consort, who immolated herself due to her father Daksha's disrespect towards Shiva. Parvati was born to win Shiva's love again, showcasing her dedication and devotion.
- Union with Shiva: Her marriage to Shiva after intense penance and overcoming many obstacles signifies the divine union of power (Shakti) with consciousness (Shiva).
Symbols:
- Tantras: Parvati is associated with Tantra, where she is seen as the female principle of divine energy or Shakti.
- The Moon: Sometimes, Shiva's crescent moon is transferred to Parvati's forehead, symbolizing the balance between masculine and feminine energies.
Worship:
- Temples: There are numerous temples dedicated to Parvati across India, often alongside Shiva. Key temples include the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai (where Parvati is worshipped as Meenakshi) and the Kamakhya Temple in Assam.
- Festivals: Festivals like Teej, Karva Chauth, and Navratri (where she is worshipped as Durga) celebrate her.
Legends:
- The Birth of Ganesha: Parvati created Ganesha from the turmeric paste she used for her bath to guard her privacy. This act underscores her role as a creator and protector.
- Her Various Forms: Parvati has many forms, each representing different aspects of her power:
- Durga: The warrior goddess who battles demons.
- Kali: The fierce aspect dealing with time and destruction.
- Annapurna: The goddess of food and nourishment.
Cultural Impact: Parvati's portrayal as both the gentle, nurturing mother (like Uma or Gauri) and the fierce, protective warrior (Durga) reflects the multifaceted roles of women in society. Her stories emphasize themes of love, commitment, the power of devotion (bhakti), and the balance of power dynamics within a divine couple.
Interesting Fact: Parvati's name means 'daughter of the mountain', as she is the daughter of Himavat, the personification of the Himalayas. Her association with mountains signifies steadiness, strength, and the ability to withstand the test of time, much like her character in Hindu mythology.