Story
Goddess Parvati, also known as Uma, Gauri, and Girija, is the gentle and nurturing form of the Divine Mother. As the daughter of the Himalayas (Himavan), she represents the earth's fertility, maternal love, and devoted companionship. Parvati is the beloved consort of Lord Shiva and the mother of Ganesha and Kartikeya. Through intense penance and unwavering devotion, she won Shiva's heart and became his eternal partner in the cosmic dance of creation.
Sacred Iconography
Mountain Connection
गिरिजा (Girija)
Born of the mountain, daughter of Himavan
Represents stability, strength, and the grounding force of nature
Lotus Hands
पद्महस्ता (Padmahasta)
Hands holding lotus flowers
Symbolizes purity, beauty, and the unfolding of spiritual consciousness
Golden Complexion
गौरी (Gauri)
The fair one with golden radiance
Represents the illuminating power of pure love and devotion
Maternal Aspect
जगन्माता (Jaganmata)
Mother of the universe
Embodies the nurturing, protective, and loving aspect of the Divine Mother
Sacred Stories
The Devoted Wife
Parvati performed severe penance to win Lord Shiva's love after Sati's death. Her unwavering devotion and spiritual discipline eventually melted Shiva's heart, demonstrating that true love requires patience, dedication, and spiritual evolution.
Mother of Ganesha
Parvati created Ganesha from turmeric paste to guard her privacy while bathing. When Shiva unknowingly beheaded him, Parvati's maternal fury forced Shiva to restore him with an elephant head, showing a mother's protective power.
The Half of Shiva
As Ardhanarishvara, Parvati became the left half of Shiva's body, representing the inseparable unity of masculine and feminine principles in creation, and showing that the divine is both transcendent and immanent.
Divine Symbolism
Divine Feminine Power
Parvati represents Shakti in her gentle, nurturing form. She shows that spiritual power can be expressed through love, compassion, and devotion rather than only through fierce energy.
Perfect Devotion
Her love for Shiva exemplifies the highest form of bhakti (devotion). She teaches that through pure love and surrender, one can unite with the divine consciousness.
Mother Nature
As the daughter of mountains, Parvati embodies the fertile, life-giving aspect of nature. She represents the earth's capacity to nurture and sustain all life forms.
Festivals & Celebrations
Teej Festivals
July-September (Monsoon season)
Various Teej festivals celebrate Parvati's devotion to Shiva and her role as the ideal wife. Women observe fasts and pray for marital happiness and their husbands' well-being.
Gauri Festival
August/September (Bhadrapada)
Celebrated especially in Maharashtra and Karnataka, honoring Parvati as Gauri. Married women invite the goddess into their homes for three days, seeking blessings for family welfare.
Navratri (Devi Paksha)
September/October
During the nine nights of Navratri, Parvati is worshipped in her various forms. She represents the divine mother who protects and blesses her devotees with love and prosperity.
Famous/Sacred Temples
Maa Vaishno Devi, Jammu
Sacred cave shrine where Parvati is worshipped as the Divine Mother. Millions of pilgrims undertake the challenging journey to seek her blessings for family welfare and spiritual growth.
Kamakhya Temple, Assam
One of the most important Shakti Pithas where Parvati is revered as the bleeding goddess. The temple celebrates the divine feminine creative power and fertility.
Meenakshi Temple, Madurai
Dedicated to Parvati as Meenakshi (fish-eyed goddess), showcasing her as the divine consort of Shiva. Famous for its architectural beauty and elaborate festivals celebrating divine love.
Sacred Mantras and Prayers
ॐ पार्वत्यै नमः
Om Parvatyai Namah
Salutations to Goddess Parvati
Simple mantra for seeking blessings of love, fertility, family harmony, and devotional strength. Invokes the gentle, nurturing aspect of the Divine Mother.
ॐ गिरिजायै विद्महे शिवप्रियायै धीमहि तन्नो पार्वती प्रचोदयात्
Om Girijayai Vidmahe Shivapriyayai Dhimahi Tanno Parvati Prachodayat
We meditate on the daughter of the mountain, beloved of Shiva. May Parvati inspire our consciousness
Parvati Gayatri Mantra for developing devotional qualities, patience in love, and spiritual steadfastness
Essential Facts
Parvati is the daughter of the Himalayas and represents the gentle aspect of Shakti
She is the devoted wife of Lord Shiva and mother of Ganesha and Kartikeya
Her other names include Uma, Gauri, Girija, and Jagadamba
She embodies the ideal of devoted wife and loving mother in Hindu tradition
Teej festivals are primarily celebrated in her honor by married women