PARBATI (PARVATI) My Guru is only Shiva, Gorakh (Vishnu), Brahma, Parbati, Lakshrni and Sarasvati. (Japu, p. 2) The Lord Himself creates Shiva and Shakti (Parbati)….. (Ramkali M. 3, Anand, p. 920) The goddesses do not know the secret of the Lord. The Unknowable Para Brahman (Transcendental Lord) is above all. (Ramkali M. 5, p. 894) Millions of Durgas (Parbatis) massage the Lord. (Bhairo Kabir, p. 1162) Parbati is the consort of Shiva.
As the Shakti (female energy) of Shiva, she has two aspects, the mild one and the fierce one. In her milder form she is Uma, Gauri, Parvati, Haimavati, Jaganmata and Bhavani. In her terrible aspect she is Durga, Kali, Chandi and Bhairavi. See : Durga and Bhavani (Ad Bhavani).
References :
1. Kohli,Surindar Singh ed,Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib 1993
Parvati, also known as Uma, Gauri, Durga, and Shakti, is a central figure in Hindu mythology. As the divine consort of Lord Shiva, she embodies the ideal of power, devotion, and balance. Parvati is also revered as a mother goddess and the universal source of energy (Shakti) that sustains the cosmos.
Key Aspects of Parvati:
Origins:
- Parvati is believed to be a reincarnation of Sati, the first consort of Shiva, who immolated herself in protest of her father Daksha’s disrespect toward her husband.
- Born as the daughter of Himavan, the king of mountains, and his queen Mena, Parvati’s name signifies “daughter of the mountains.”
Marriage to Shiva:
- Parvati’s unwavering devotion and intense penance won the love of Lord Shiva, who initially distanced himself after Sati’s death. Their union represents the perfect balance of asceticism (Shiva) and worldly energy (Shakti).
- Together, they symbolize the union of Prakriti (nature) and Purusha (spirit), essential for creation and cosmic harmony.
Role as Mother Goddess:
- Parvati is the mother of Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, and Kartikeya, the god of war. She is revered as the Divine Mother, nurturing and protecting her devotees.
Dual Aspects:
- Parvati represents both gentleness and fierceness, depending on her form:
- As Gauri, she embodies purity, beauty, and benevolence.
- As Durga or Kali, she manifests as a fierce warrior goddess, protecting the righteous and vanquishing evil.
Symbolism:
- Parvati epitomizes devotion, love, fertility, and balance. Her union with Shiva teaches the importance of harmony in relationships and the integration of opposites.
- As Shakti, she is the dynamic energy of the universe, representing creation, preservation, and destruction.
Worship and Festivals:
- Parvati is honored in various forms and festivals, such as Navaratri, dedicated to her fierce and benevolent aspects, and Teej, celebrating her devotion to Shiva.
- Temples dedicated to Parvati and her forms are found throughout India, reflecting her widespread worship.
Parvati’s multifaceted nature and her stories of devotion, power, and balance make her a central figure in Hindu mythology.
