Who is Goddess Parvati or Durga, why is she worshipped as divine Mother and power of the Universe?
By Subhalakshmi's Sanatan World
Introduction
Goddess Parvati is one of the most revered and powerful goddesses in Hinduism. She is the consort of Lord Shiva, the mother of Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya, and the embodiment of Shakti—the supreme feminine energy that sustains, nurtures, and transforms the universe. Parvati represents love, devotion, fertility, strength, patience, and spiritual power, making her both a gentle mother and a fierce protector.
Origin and Birth of Goddess Parvati
According to Hindu scriptures, Goddess Parvati is the reincarnation of Goddess Sati, the first wife of Lord Shiva. After Sati immolated herself in the yajna of her father King Daksha, Shiva went into deep meditation, withdrawing from the world.
To reunite Shiva with worldly life and restore cosmic balance, Sati was reborn as Parvati, the daughter of King Himavan (the personification of the Himalayas) and Queen Mena. Hence, she is also known as Haimavati and Girija (daughter of the mountains).
From childhood, Parvati was devoted to Lord Shiva and performed intense penance (tapasya) to win him as her husband. Her devotion and perseverance ultimately pleased Shiva, and their divine marriage symbolizes the union of Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (nature).
Marriage of Parvati and Shiva
The marriage of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva is one of the most sacred events in Hindu mythology. It represents the balance between asceticism and household life, spirituality and material existence. Their union signifies that detachment and devotion can coexist with love and responsibility.
The divine wedding was attended by gods, sages, celestial beings, and even spirits and ghosts. This marriage is celebrated across India, especially during festivals like Maha Shivaratri and Teej.
Parvati as Shakti – The Supreme Feminine Power
Goddess Parvati is the personification of Shakti, without whom Shiva is considered inactive. The famous belief states:
“Shiva without Shakti is Shava (a corpse).”
She is the source of energy, creativity, and transformation. Parvati governs both material prosperity and spiritual liberation. She is the nurturing mother as well as the cosmic force that destroys evil.
Different Forms of Goddess Parvati
Goddess Parvati manifests in numerous forms, each symbolizing a different aspect of divine femininity:
1. Gauri
The gentle and fair form of Parvati
Symbol of purity, peace, and marital bliss
2. Uma
Represents spiritual knowledge and ascetic power
Often associated with her role as a teacher
3. Durga
The warrior goddess who destroys demons like Mahishasura
Symbol of courage, righteousness, and protection
4. Kali
The fierce and terrifying form of Parvati
Represents time, destruction of ego, and liberation
5. Annapurna
Goddess of nourishment and food
Symbol of abundance and sustenance
6. Shailaputri
The first form of Navadurga
Daughter of the mountains
7. Mahagauri
Represents purity, peace, and serenity
These forms show that Parvati is both compassionate and fearsome, gentle and powerful.
Goddess Parvati as a Mother
Goddess Parvati is the loving mother of:
Created by Parvati from sandalwood paste
The remover of obstacles and god of wisdom
Lord Kartikeya (Skanda/Murugan)
God of war and commander of the celestial army
Her maternal aspect highlights unconditional love, protection, and guidance.
Symbolism and Iconography
Goddess Parvati is usually depicted as:
A beautiful woman wearing a red or green sari
Holding a lotus, trident (trishul), or mirror
Seated beside Lord Shiva on Mount Kailash
Symbolic Meanings:
Lotus – purity and spiritual awakening
Trishul – control over past, present, and future
Mount Kailash – spiritual elevation and stability
Parvati in Hindu Scriptures
Goddess Parvati is mentioned extensively in:
Skanda Purana
Devi Bhagavata Purana
Markandeya Purana
Vedas and Upanishads (as Shakti)
The Devi Mahatmya glorifies her as the Supreme Goddess who creates, preserves, and dissolves the universe.
Worship and Festivals
Major Festivals Dedicated to Parvati:
Navratri – Worship of her nine forms
Teej – Celebrated by married women for marital bliss
Gauri Tritiya
Maha Shivaratri
Women especially worship Parvati for happy marriage, fertility, family harmony, and inner strength.
Spiritual Significance of Goddess Parvati
Goddess Parvati teaches:
Devotion and perseverance
Balance between spiritual life and worldly duties
The power of feminine energy
Transformation through discipline and love
She inspires devotees to embrace strength with compassion and wisdom with humility.
Conclusion
Goddess Parvati is not just the wife of Lord Shiva but the eternal source of energy that sustains the cosmos. She embodies the ideals of love,. sacrifice, courage, motherhood, and divine power. Through her countless forms, Parvati guides humanity from ignorance to enlightenment and from fear to fearlessness.
She is the Divine Mother, ever-compassionate and ever-powerful, nurturing the universe while protecting it from evil.
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