Sri Parvati

Manifestation

Parvati is a manifestation and another form of Sati (Shiva’s first wife), Durga, Shakti, and Kali. She is wife/consort of Shiva and mother of Ganesh and Kartikeya (Subramanya).  Her bond with Shiva is such that together they create a whole: “Ardhanareeshwara.” 

Physical Attributes

• Shown in an Emerald body with a dagger on her waist band

• Shown in a stylish walking pose

• Holding a parrot or suka, symbol of Kama, the god of love

• Uses Lion as her mount

Qualities

• Queen & Leader

• All Pervasive Power

• Valor & Bravery

• Strength

• Might for Right

• Beauty

• Love and Kindness

• Mother Earth (Parvati was born as daughter of Himalaya)

• Family oriented (often shown with young Ganesha on her lap, with Shiva at her side)

Ways of Worship and Types of Devotees

In the form of Meenakshi: Meenakshi Abhishekam (devotional ritual of pouring over) is a sought-after event by devotees. During abhishekam, devotees chant vedic hymns of Rudram & Chamakam and Purusha & Durga Sukthams. Also, before final “Arathi”, devotees chant “Lalitha Sahasranamam” and “Meenakshi Potri” slokas as it is done at Sri Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.

Hartalika Teej is also a well-known festival where married women celebrate and pray to Parvati for blessings of a happy married life. In this festival, her perseverance and penance for Shiva is celebrated. 

Avatar of/Related to

Meenakshi is an Avatar of Goddess Parvati, the consort of Sundareswarar (Shiva). She is also known as Vaishnavi, sister of Vishnu. She is called “Mohini” symbolizing kama as Kamakshi, the lover of Lord Shiva. 

Regions most worshiped

Parvati is a very popular deity in all regions of India, the universal mother Devi (Durga or Meenakshi) brings solace to her devotees world-wide.

Meenakshi is the primary deity in the world-famous Sri Meenakshi Temple in the city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu and is one of the main Shakti Peeth temples. The vimanas (objects) above the garbhagrihas (sanctums) of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar are gilded with gold.

Well-Known Stories

• After Sati’s demise, Shiva returned to a life where he withdrew from the material world and meditated alone as an ascetic. Parvati, Sati reborn, was insistent upon winning Shiva’s love. All materialistic ventures (beautifying his home, getting dressed up, bringing him gifts) fell flat. She realized that to gain his love and affection, she would have to show him what she was made of. She began severe penance and austerities, meditating and eating nothing. Her power and intensity were matched only by Shiva, the ultimate ascetic. Through her hard work, she impressed Shiva and he accepted her as his partner, equal, and wife. 

• Another popular story relating to Parvati is of Ganesha’s birth. Once when Shiva was away, she was alone and wanted to take a bath. With no one to guard her, she created a little boy from clay and gave it life through her powers and instructed him to guard the door no matter what. When Shiva returned, he was furious that the boy would not let him pass. In his moment of rage, he cut off the boy’s head. Parvati was distraught and horrified at Shiva’s actions, as he didn’t know that the boy was his son. With remorse, Shiva took the head of the first creature he could find, which was a young elephant. He attached that head to the boy and brought him back to life as Bhagwan Ganesha. 

Fascinating Facts

Parvati serves as an inspiration for young girls and women. The story of this goddess shows that females need not be bound by gender norms and can aspire to take on roles associated with males, and even excel in such roles. 

She shows her power and potential through various forms: Durga, Mother Earth, Kali, Meenakshi, etc. Each form specific to the needs of the society and situation. She embodies female strength, vitality, and versatility.

The wedding ceremony of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar is being celebrated in Madurai even today on the Tamil month of Chithirai on the full moon day. It is celebrated as a month-long festival culminating on the wedding day and Meenakshi and Sundareswarar go around the city streets on an exquisite Ratha.

Other Popular Names

• Meenakshi – fish eyed

• Uma – one who did sever austerity

• Shakti – power

• Maheshwari – great goddess

• Bhavani – of fertility

• Shivaradni – queen of Shiva

• Bhairavi – ferocious 

• Aparna – one who took no sustenance

• Gauri – the golden/calm one 

• Kali – the dark/fierce one

Popular/Well-known Prayers

• Lalitha Sahasranamam Sthothram

• Durga Suktham

• Meenakshi Pancharatnam Sthothram (Five Jewels of Meenakshi) composed by Sri Adi Sankaracharya

• Meenakshi Potri Sthothram

• Various bhajans in all languages