Goddess of power, fertility, love, and devotion. Consort of Shiva and mother of Ganesha and Kartikeya. Represents Shakti, the divine feminine creative power.
Parvati is the goddess of power, fertility, love, and devotion. She is the consort of Shiva and mother of Ganesha and Kartikeya. As the embodiment of Shakti (divine feminine energy), she represents the active, creative power of the universe.
Daughter of the Mountains
Born as the daughter of Himavan (the personification of the Himalayas) and Mena, Parvati is called Parvati ("she of the mountains"). She is the reincarnation of Sati, Shiva's first wife, who immolated herself when her father insulted Shiva.
The Great Penance
To win Shiva's love after his grief over Sati's death, Parvati performed severe austerities (tapas) for years. Her devotion eventually awakened Shiva from his meditation, and they were married. Their union represents the perfect balance of consciousness (Shiva) and energy (Shakti).
Many Forms
Parvati manifests in both gentle and fierce forms. Her gentle aspects include Uma and Gauri. Her fierce warrior forms include Durga and Kali, who emerge when cosmic order is threatened by demons. The festival Navratri celebrates her nine forms.
Origin Story
Parvati is the reincarnation of Sati, who immolated herself when her father insulted Shiva. Born as the daughter of the mountain king Himavan, she performed severe penance to win Shiva's love.
Primary Sources
Historical texts and references
“Rudra took to his wife Sati, and through Daksha's ire, Sati renounced her person. And then she became the daughter of Himavat by name Uma. Then the reverend Bhava again married Uma, who was his solely.”
