Parvati

Goddess Parvati and her son Ganesha

Huvishka with Ommo and Oesho

WLA lacma Hindu Goddess Parvati Orissa

Ellora-caves-1

Family of Shiva

Uma Maheshvara, central India, probably late 1000s to 1100s AD, buff sandstone - Dallas Museum of Art - DSC05053

Parvati is a principal and revered deity in Hinduism, known for her role as the mother of Ganesha and Kartikeya, and as the consort of Shiva, the destroyer and regenerator of the universe. Her worship is integral to the fabric of Hindu culture and religion, embodying the concept of Shakti, the feminine principle of divine energy and power. Parvati is celebrated across various texts, myths, and rituals, making her an essential figure in the Hindu pantheon.

Origins and History

Parvati's origins can be traced back to the ancient Vedic texts, where she is not directly mentioned but is believed to have evolved from the goddess Adi Parashakti and the Vedic goddesses like Usha and Prithvi. Her emergence as a central deity in Hinduism is closely linked to the Puranic texts, especially the Shiva Purana, where her tales and significance are elaborately described. Parvati, in her various forms, represents the benign and nurturing aspects of the goddess, contrasting with her fierce and destructive emanations like Kali and Durga.

Iconography and Symbolism

In Hindu art and iconography, Parvati is depicted as a beautiful, serene woman, often with two or four arms, symbolizing her multifaceted nature. She is shown wearing red, which signifies action, vigor, and the marital status of Hindu women. Parvati is frequently depicted alongside Shiva, and sometimes with her sons, Ganesha and Kartikeya, highlighting her roles as wife and mother. Her representations also include symbols associated with fertility, marital felicity, and devotion.

Worship and Festivals

Parvati is worshipped throughout India and in parts of Nepal and Sri Lanka, with numerous temples dedicated to her. Her worship practices vary, ranging from simple offerings of flowers and prayers at home altars to elaborate rituals and celebrations in temples. Significant festivals dedicated to Parvati include Navaratri, a nine-night festival celebrating the divine feminine, and Teej, a monsoon festival where women fast and pray for marital bliss and the well-being of their families.

Philosophical and Cultural Impact

Parvati's influence extends beyond religious practices into the philosophical and cultural realms of Hindu society. She embodies the ideal of the devoted wife and nurturing mother, playing a crucial role in shaping the concepts of marriage and family in Hindu culture. Additionally, Parvati's stories and attributes emphasize the importance of strength, resilience, and compassion, serving as a source of inspiration for devotees.

See Also

• Shiva
• Ganesha
• Kartikeya
• Hindu Mythology
• Shaktism