Parvati
पार्वती • Pārvatī
"Daughter of the Mountains (Parvata - Himalaya)"
Category & Classification
Iconography
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
Mudras
- Varada mudra
- Abhaya mudra
Ornaments
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
Om Hreem
Om Parvatyai Namah
Om Girija Devyai Vidmahe Shivapriyayai Dhimahi Tanno Parvati Prachodayat
Stotras & Hymns
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
Astrological Connection
Symbolism & Philosophy
Cosmic Role: Divine Mother; Shakti (power) of Shiva; source of all creation and transformation
Represents Para Prakriti (supreme nature); the active principle that enables Shiva to create; devotion as path to divine
