Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva, holds a special place in Hindu mythology as the embodiment of divine energy, devotion, and cosmic balance. Beyond her role as a wife and mother, her story is filled with remarkable facets that reflect her profound significance.
As Shiva’s shakti (divine energy), Parvati is the driving force behind his cosmic potential. Together, they represent the union of creation and destruction, essential for the sustenance of the universe.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Parvati is her nine divine avatars, collectively known as the Navadurgas, worshipped during Dashain, one of the biggest Nepali Hindu festivals. Each avatar has a unique attribute of her power. They all individually indicate various roles females embody within themselves.
These forms include
Shailaputri, the daughter of the mountains, represents strength;
Brahmacharini, the ascetic embodying discipline;
Chandraghanta, the warrior goddess of courage;
Kushmanda, the creator of the universe;
Skandamata, the nurturing mother of Kartikeya;
Katyayani, the fierce destroyer of evil;
Kalaratri, the remover of ignorance;
Mahagauri, the epitome of purity and beauty, and
Siddhidatri, the granter of spiritual fulfilment
Devotees also revere Parvati as the reincarnation of Sati, Shiva’s first wife. According to mythology, Sati immolated herself after her father insulted Shiva, leading to her rebirth as Parvati. Her return to life was a destiny: lure Shiva out of his self-denial into worldly engagement and family life. She compliments Shiva’s austere nature, and their reunion signifies the balance of asceticism and responsibilities, a central theme in Hindu philosophy.
As the saying goes, Shiva himself is Shakti, encapsulating the significance of feminine and masculine energies in life. Goddess Parvati is not merely Shiva’s consort but his equal, embodying the divine balance that sustains the cosmos.
