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Parvati

पार्वती • Pārvatī

"Daughter of the Mountains (Parvata - Himalaya)"

Tridevi Goddess of Fertility, Love, Devotion, and Divine Power Shaivism; Shaktism
Uma Gauri Shakti Durga Ambika Bhavani Haimavati Girija
Epithets
Shivakanta (Beloved of Shiva) Shivapriya (Dear to Shiva) Jagadamba (Mother of World) Annapurna (Giver of Food)

Category & Classification

Type
Tridevi
Position
Goddess of Fertility, Love, Devotion, and Divine Power
Tradition
Shaivism; Shaktism

Iconography

Form
Beautiful goddess, often with Shiva; serene and maternal
Complexion
Fair/golden (Gauri); can be dark as Kali
Faces
1
Arms
Usually 2; sometimes 4
Posture
Seated beside Shiva; with children; independent standing
Dress
Red or green sari; bridal attire
Vahana
Lion/Tiger (as Durga); Nandi with Shiva
Attributes & Weapons
  • Lotus (One hand) - Purity and grace
  • Mirror (Sometimes) - Self-knowledge; nature of reality
  • Rosary (Sometimes) - Devotion and meditation
  • Trident (As Durga/Shakti) - Power over three gunas
Lion/Tiger (as Durga); Nandi with Shiva — Power, courage, and dharma
Mudras
  • Varada mudra
  • Abhaya mudra
Ornaments
Full jewelry Mangalsutra Sindoor Bangles

Family & Relations

Origin Reincarnation of Sati; born as daughter of Himavan (Himalaya) and Mena
Consort Shiva (Lord of Destruction/Transformation)
Children Ganesha (elephant-headed god), Kartikeya (war god), Ashokasundari (in some texts)
Abode Mount Kailash with Shiva

Mythology & Stories

Reincarnation of Sati; born as daughter of Himavan (Himalaya) and Mena

Sati's Self-Immolation

In her previous birth as Sati, she immolated herself when her father Daksha insulted Shiva. She was reborn as Parvati to reunite with Shiva.

Source: Shiva Purana

Parvati's Penance

To win the grieving Shiva, Parvati performed intense penance (tapas), earning the name 'Aparna' (one who didn't eat even leaves). Shiva, impressed, accepted her.

Source: Shiva Purana

Testing by Shiva

Shiva tested Parvati's devotion by appearing as a Brahmin and criticizing himself. Parvati's unwavering love convinced him.

Source: Shiva Purana

Creation of Ganesha

Parvati created Ganesha from her body to guard her privacy. When Shiva beheaded him unknowingly, he restored him with an elephant head.

Source: Shiva Purana

Annapurna's Gift

When Shiva said food was insignificant (maya), Parvati as Annapurna disappeared, causing famine. She only returned when Shiva came begging, acknowledging food's importance.

Source: Skanda Purana

Worship & Mantras

Mantras

Beej Mantra

Om Hreem

Mool Mantra

Om Parvatyai Namah

Gayatri Mantra

Om Girija Devyai Vidmahe Shivapriyayai Dhimahi Tanno Parvati Prachodayat

Stotras & Hymns
Parvati Ashtakam Uma Maheshwara Stotram Gauri Stotram
Auspicious Days
Friday Monday (with Shiva) Navratri
Offerings
  • Red flowers
  • Sindoor
  • Turmeric
  • Sweets
  • Fruits

Temples

Kamakhya Temple

Guwahati, Assam

Major Shakti Peetha; menstruation of goddess celebrated

Vaishno Devi

Jammu & Kashmir

One of most visited shrines; Shakti form

Meenakshi Temple

Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Parvati as Meenakshi (fish-eyed); major temple

Associated Festivals

Navratri Hartalika Teej Gauri Tritiya Gangaur

Astrological Connection

Planet
Moon (as gentle Uma); Mars (as fierce Durga)
Nakshatra
Associated with various nakshatras in different forms
Day
Friday; Monday with Shiva
Remedial For
Marriage issues Fertility problems Family discord Need for strength

Symbolism & Philosophy

Cosmic Role: Divine Mother; Shakti (power) of Shiva; source of all creation and transformation

Devotion Love Fertility Determination Martial prowess (as Durga) Motherhood

Represents Para Prakriti (supreme nature); the active principle that enables Shiva to create; devotion as path to divine