Goddess Parvati — The Most Complex Goddess in the Hindu Pantheon
When she took birth as the daughter of Parvataraja, she danced in the Himalayas, with the grace of a peacock. She is luminous like the Sun. Just as the Sun dispels darkness, the moment She enters the hearts of Her devotees, she dispels darkness.
She resides in us as Antaryami. If the hearts of Her devotees can be compared to soft-petalled lotuses, she is like a swan that resides in these lotuses. She is the embodiment of the . She is responsible for Creation, Protection and Destruction.
Parvati is the most complex of all goddesses in the Hindupantheon. She mirrors the various roles of Mahadeva, the Supreme Purusha. As Prakriti, Devi balances the male aspect addressed as Purusha. As Lord Shiva’s consort, she is Shakti.
She is the one who gives life energy or Shakti to all beings and without her, all beings are inert. Parvati is Shakti herself, who actually lives in all beings in the form of power. Without power, one can do nothing, including yoga.
Being the physical manifestation of Goddess Devi, Parvati is the Goddess of Power. Shakti is needed by all beings, whether the Trimurti, the devas, humans, animals, or even plants. Parvati is the provider of shakti.
Without her, life is completely inert. This power is required to see, to hear, to feel, to think, to inhale and exhale, to walk, to eat, and to do anything else. The goddess is worshiped by all gods, the Trimurti, rishis, and all other beings.
But in each of her roles, Parvati has a different name to represent her mild and fierce forms.
The Iconography of Parvati
Goddess Parvati, the gentle aspect of Devi Shakti, is represented as fair, beautiful, and benevolent. She typically wears a red dress (often a Sari), and may have a head-band. When depicted alongside Shiva, she generally appears with two arms, but when alone, she may be depicted having four.
These hands may hold a conch, crown, mirror, rosary, bell, dish, farming tool such as Goad, Sugarcane stalk, or flowers such as Lotus. One of her arms in front may be in the Abhaya mudra (hand gesture for ‘fear not’).
One of her children, typically Ganesha, is on her knee, while her younger son Skanda may be playing near her in her watch.
Shiva-Shakti: The Legends of Shiva and Parvati
Parvati was created to marry the god, Shiva. She was to have a son with him who would destroy the demons that were driving the gods out of the heavens. After Shiva’s first wife died, he withdrew himself from the world in mourning.
He retired to a cave in the mountains to immerse himself in constant meditation. During this time, the demons of the underworld were rising up and beginning to overturn the gods in the heavens.
So, the gods went to Shakti for help. She told them that a son of Shiva was the only one who could conquer the demons and save them. So, she manifested herself as Parvati, to seduce Shiva out of his seclusion and become his wife.
Every day, Parvati would visit Shiva’s cave dwelling to sweep the floors, and bring him fruits and flowers. But Shiva would never break his meditation. To assist the goddess in her goal, Kama decided to shoot an arrow of desire into the heart of Shiva to awaken his longing.
But Shiva was angered by this, and opened his third eye to engulf Kama in flames, reducing him to ashes. Parvati did not let this deter her, and she resolved to find another way to win Shiva’s heart.
She decided to immerse herself deeply into her own austere spiritual practice. She went into the forest to meditate, eating nothing, and wearing nothing to protect her from the elements. Shiva became impressed with her devotion, and decided to take her as his wife.
Together, Shiva and Parvati became the parents to Ganesha and Karttikeya, two powerful and auspicious Hindu deities with their independent following across the world.
Durga, Kali, Chamunda and Others: The Many Forms of Parvati in Shaktism
In Kalikula, Parvati manifests as Kali, Chandi and Durga. Durga is demon fighting form of this Goddess, and some texts suggest Parvati took the form of Goddess Durga to kill Demon Durgam.
Kali is another aspect that was assisted by Goddess Chandi while fighting with rakta bija. Goddess Chamunda comes in this list also. These goddesses share some common iconography as goddess Kali who is nobody but an aspect of Parvati in ferocious form.
Also generally, the Tantra discipline is governed by both Sri Kula and Kali Kula. Among the Kali, Tara, Bhuvaneswari and Chinnamasta are said to come under Kali Kula.
Likewise, Tripur Sundari, Bhairavi, Dhumavati, Bagalamukhi, Matangi and Kamala come under Srikula. The dividing line is a controversial one.
Further, Sati manifesting in 52 Shakti peeths are expansions of Parvati. However, there are also milder incarnations such as Meenakshi and Kamakshi and a range of goddesses manifesting from Parvati.
Goddess Parvati with many forms and names
☸ Annapoorna: Representation of all that is complete and of food.
Icons of Goddess Parvati
The worship of the goddess Parvati is widespread and deeply rooted in the history of India. From the simple shrines of home to the massive temples, images of Devi Parvati are housed all over the country, creating a tradition of sculptures that capture the powers of the great goddess.
Some of the most popular icons of Parvati, worshipped and enshrined in temples and homes are-
☀ Head of Parvati : Gauri head, representing only the face of the goddess with beautiful feminine features, is a popular icon of Parvati. In regions such as Maharashtra and Karnataka, Gauri head statues are made in metal and wood, and worshipped on special occasions dedicated to the goddess.
☀ Bust of Goddess Parvati : More of a spiritual decorative element, the bust of goddess Parvati is sculpted in metal, stone, and wood and celebrates her transcendental beauty. The perfection of feminine beauty is presented through the Parvati bust, which is a divine icon bringing the auspiciousness of the goddess in any space.
☀ Parvati as Bhogashakti : Mainly bronze, but other materials as well, are used by artists to represent an aspect of the goddess known as Bhogashakti or goddess of pleasure. Parvati is shown as a youthful female, seated regally on a lotus or a throne, with one hand supporting her weight and the other raised in Katakahasta, the gesture of holding or offering a flower. This form of Parvati was popularized by the Chola bronze tradition, where Bhogashakti was an integral part of the shrine of Shiva.
☀ Parvati as Shivakami or Shivakamasundari : The beautiful woman who causes passion and love in the heart of Shiva, Shivakamasundari is Parvati’s form as the devoted and beloved wife of Shiva. This icon of Parvati is absolutely iconic, representing the peak of femininity. The goddess stands gracefully in the triple bent pose, adorned all over, as a part of the sanctum of Shiva and an example of the perfection of Chola art.
☀ Parvati with Ganesha and Karttikeya : The great mother, known as Skandamata (mother of Skanda, Karttikeya) or Jagadamba, Parvati is the supreme mother and an embodiment of maternal virtues. Her icons with Ganesha and Karttikeya are auspicious representations of her powers and love for her children, the entire creation.
☀ Kalyana-Sundaram : The marriage of Shiva and Parvati in Indian religious art is known as “The Beautiful Marriage” and is celebrated aesthetically in the metal art of Cholas. Parvati as a coy bride and Shiva as the young groom are surrounded by Brahma, Vishnu, and Lakshmi in the composition, creating a divine and fortunate vision for the devotees of Parvati.
☀ Parvati with Shiva : The Uma-Maheshwara murti, where Parvati is seated on the lap of Shiva and the Shiva-Parivaar (family of Shiva) are some of the most sacred and powerful icons of Parvati, underling her role as the mother, wife, and sustainer.
☀ Ardhanarishwara : The half-male, half-female form of Shiva and Parvati are the most powerful representations of the primordial mother and father, who are inseparable and at the core of the creation of the Universe. Accompanying Shiva as his Vaamangi (wife, she who resides in the left or Vaama, where the heart is), Parvati in Ardhanrishwara Roopa is Prakriti- the primeval female energy.
Goddess Parvati Festivals celebrated by Hindus on various occasions
In Maharastra and Karnataka, Goddess Parvati is worshiped as the goddess of harvest and protector of women. This festival is called Gauri festival and is celebrated on the seventh, eighth and nineth of Bhadrapada Shukla paksha.
In Rajasthan, the worship of Goddess Parvati is celebrated as Gangaur festival. The festival starts on the first day of the Chaitra, the day after Holi and continues for 18 days. Images are made in clay for the festival.
A very popular festival of Goddess Parvati is the Navratri Festival in which all her forms are worshiped for nine days. Her warrior appearance is of Goddess Durga and other nine forms are Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kashmunda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidaatri.
Gauri Tritiya is another Goddess Parvati festival celebrated from Chaitra shukla third to Vaishaka shukla third. This festival is popular in Maharashtra and Karnataka where it is believed that Parvati spends this month at her parent’s home.
The married women of the household erect a series of platforms in a pyramidal shape with the images of gods and goddesses, collection of ornaments, and pictures shells. Friends are invited and presented with turmeric, fruits, flowers and some eatables as prasadam. Special prayers are held at night along with singing and dancing.
This is a festival celebrated by women in North India, particularly in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, in honor of Parvati Mata. It is celebrated during the monsoon season and is marked by fasting, praying, and offering flowers to the goddess.
This is a festival celebrated by married women in North India, where they Mata.
This is fast and pray for the long life and well-being of their husbands, seeking the blessings of Parvati a festival celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva, who is believed to be the husband of Parvati Mata. It is celebrated in the month of February or March and is marked by fasting, praying, and offering flowers and fruits to Lord Shiva.
Worship of the divine goddess Parvati is said to bring about marriage, resolve conflicts between couples and help prevent miscarriage. She is also worshipped for fertility, marital felicity, and devotion to the spouse, asceticism and power.
Navratri is the season in which all nine forms of Parvati are worshiped. Durga, Shakti, and Kali are also worshiped during Navratri. The festival of Teej celebrates married life and family ties. It also celebrates the onset of the monsoon.
Unmarried maidens pray to Goddess Parvati for a suitable groom, while married women pray for the well-being of their husbands. Goddess Parvati is said to be fond of all flowers offered to Lord Shiva. Apart from them, Champa, Bela/Mogra, Palash are the flowers that are offered to the Goddess.
Are Goddess Durga and Parvati the Same?
In Hindu scriptures, Durga and Parvati are two distinct goddesses, although they are sometimes considered to be different aspects of the same divine feminine energy. Parvati is the wife of Lord Shiva, and she is associated with fertility, love, and devotion.
She is often depicted as a gentle and nurturing goddess, who is also a fierce warrior when necessary. In some stories, Parvati takes on the form of Durga to defeat powerful demons and protect the gods.
Durga, on the other hand, is a powerful warrior goddess who is often depicted riding a lion or tiger and holding weapons in her multiple arms. She is associated with courage, strength, and victory over evil.
Durga is celebrated during the festival of Navratri, which commemorates her victory over the demon Mahishasura. So, while Durga and Parvati are two distinct goddesses, they are sometimes seen as two sides of the same divine energy.
Parvati represents the gentle and nurturing aspect of the goddess, while Durga represents the fierce and protective aspect.
Characteristics of Parvati Mata
Here are some of the key characteristics of Parvati Mata along with examples:
☀ Motherly Love : Parvati Mata is known for her motherly love and affection towards her devotees. She is often depicted holding her children, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya, in her arms.
Example : In the Hindu festival of Navratri, which is dedicated to the divine mother, devotees pray to Parvati Mata to seek her blessings for happiness and well-being.
☀ Patience and Endurance : Parvati Mata is also known for her patience and endurance. She is believed to have undergone many challenges and obstacles in her life, including winning the love of Lord Shiva, and to have emerged victorious through her perseverance.
Example : In the story of the marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati Mata, Parvati Mata is shown to have performed intense austerities and penances to win the love of Lord Shiva.
☀ Wisdom and Knowledge : Parvati Mata is also considered to be the embodiment of wisdom and knowledge.
Example : In the Hindu scripture, the Shiva Purana, there are stories of how Parvati Mata taught Lord Shiva various forms of knowledge, including music, dance, and meditation.
☀ Devotion and Loyalty : Parvati Mata is known for her devotion and loyalty towards Lord Shiva.
Example: In the Hindu festival of Karwa Chauth, married women fast and pray for the long life and well-being of their husbands, seeking the blessings of Parvati Mata.
In Conclusion
One of the most powerful yet enigmatic goddesses in Hinduism, Parvati is the symbol of femininity that is complete. She is the nurturing Annapurna and Jagadammba, but she is also the ferocious Kali and Chandi. She is the wife, devoted to Shiva, and she is also Rajarajeshwari, who creates Kameshwara-Shiva out of her own body.
Beyond all wisdom of sages and learned ones and yet motherly and approachable, Parvati is the ideal companion to Mahadeva, who is auster and omnipresent and above all, she is the mother, who create, nourishes and destroys, reigning over the Srishti (creation) for eternity.
Originally published at https://www.exoticindiaart.com.
