Parvati is a Hindu goddess, who is the consort of the god Shiva. She is also known by many other names such as Uma, Gauri, and Durga.
Parvati is a Hindu goddess, who is the consort of the god Shiva. She is also known by many other names such as Uma, Gauri, and Durga.
She is considered to be the embodiment of energy, power, and fertility and is the mother of the Hindu gods Ganesha and Kartikeya. She is also considered to be the embodiment of shakti, the female energy and power, and the goddess of devotion and love. In Hinduism, she is seen as the source of life, and as the mother of the universe.
In Hindu mythology, Parvati is depicted as a beautiful and devoted wife and companion to Shiva, and as a caring and loving mother to their children. She is also seen as a powerful goddess in her own right, and is associated with many different forms and aspects.
As Durga, she is depicted as a warrior goddess, who is able to defeat demons and evil forces, and protect her devotees from harm. As Kali, she is depicted as a fierce and terrifying goddess, who is able to destroy evil and negative energy.
In many Hindu traditions, Parvati is considered to be the ideal wife and partner and her devotion to her husband Shiva is seen as the ultimate example of devotion and love. Many Hindus pray to her for blessings of love and devotion in their relationships. Her worship is very common in Hinduism, particularly in the Himalayan regions and is celebrated in various festivals such as Navaratri and Hariyali Teej.
Yagna by Parvati’s Father
In Hindu mythology, there is a story about the yagna (a sacred fire ritual) that was performed by Parvati’s father, the king Himavan. The story goes that king Himavan, also known as the king of the mountains, wanted to perform a powerful yagna in order to attain the blessings of the gods and gain power and prosperity for his kingdom.
He sought the help of the sage Narada to conduct the yagna, but Narada told him that the yagna would only be successful if it was performed by a person who had no desires or personal motivations. King Himavan, not having anyone like that among his family or retainers, decided to perform the yagna himself, and invited all the gods to attend.
During the yagna, the gods appeared and gave king Himavan many blessings and boons. However, when they asked him what he desired most, he replied that he had no desires, as he had performed the yagna solely for the benefit of his kingdom and people.
As a result of his selfless act, the gods were so pleased with king Himavan’s devotion and lack of ego that they decided to grant him the greatest boon of all: a daughter who would be an incarnation of the goddess Parvati, and who would become the consort of the god Shiva.
This story highlights the power of selfless actions, and the importance of performing actions without any desires or personal motivations. It also tells of the divine powers and blessings that can be attained through devotion and faith. King Himavan’s actions demonstrate the principle of ‘Nishkama Karma’ in Hindu philosophy, where actions are performed without any desire for personal gain or benefit.
Austerities / Tapasya
In Hindu mythology, Parvati is known for performing severe austerities, or penances, in order to win the hand of the god Shiva. These austerities, or Tapas, were a way for her to demonstrate her deep devotion and love for Shiva, as well as to prove her worthiness as his consort.
One famous legend tells how Parvati, wishing to marry Shiva, left her family and went to live in the Himalayas, where she performed austerities for many years. She meditated and did yoga, and also observed strict fasting and celibacy. She was determined to win over Shiva’s heart, and to prove herself to be a suitable companion for him.
One specific penance that is often depicted in Hindu art is known as “Anusuya Tapasya” where Parvati is said to have performed severe austerities in the forest, after receiving the boon from lord Brahma that whoever performs the penance first will get Shiva as her husband.
In another legend, it is said that Parvati performed austerities in order to acquire the power to kill the demon king Mahishasura, she performed austerities for several years and was granted the powers to become Durga, a powerful goddess who destroyed the demon king.
In Hinduism, the concept of Tapasya is seen as a way to purify the mind and body, and also as a way to attain spiritual power and blessings. The austerities that Parvati performed are seen as an exemplar of this practice, and are often celebrated and revered in Hindu tradition.
Worshipping Parvati
In Hinduism, there are various ways to worship the goddess Parvati. One of the main ways to worship her is through puja, which is a ritual that involves offerings of flowers, fruits, incense, and other items to the deity, along with recitation of mantras and prayers. Another way to worship her is through meditation and yoga, which are considered to be important aspects of her worship.
One specific way of worshiping her is through the recitation of her mantras and stotras (Hymns of praise) such as the “Shree Suktam”, “Durga Suktam” and “Durga Saptashati” or “Devi Mahatmyam”
Devotees also perform her abhishekam (bathing ritual) with various materials such as milk, yogurt, honey, and rose water. This ritual is performed on a regular basis or during festivals such as Navaratri or Teej
Parvati is also worshipped in the form of her incarnation, Durga, during the Navaratri festival. The festival lasts for nine days and during this time, Durga puja is performed, where Durga is invoked and worshipped in her many forms, including the powerful Kali and the benevolent Gauri.
Devotees also visit her temples throughout India, such as the Kamakshi Amman Temple in Kanchipuram, the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai and the Jwalamukhi Temple in Himachal Pradesh. In these temples, she is worshipped in her different forms and devotees offer their prayers and perform rituals in her honor.
In short, Parvati is worshipped through various rituals, hymns, and ceremonies, and by visiting her temples, meditating on her and by performing daily puja to her. She is revered by devotees as the embodiment of energy, power and fertility, and as the ultimate mother and companion to Lord Shiva.
