Goddess Parvati | Mata Parvati

Goddess Parvati

Goddess Parvati is one of the most widely worshipped deities in Hinduism. Devotees commonly address Her by names such as Gauri, Gaura Devi and Mata Parvati. Parvati is a manifestation of Adi Shakti, who is revered as the Supreme Goddess in Hindu tradition. Just as Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesha together are known as the Trimurti among the Gods, in the same way Parvati, Lakshmi and Saraswati are regarded as the Tridevi among Goddesses. Goddess Parvati is the divine consort of Lord Shiva, the principal deity of Hinduism. She represents the primordial nature and is the very foundation of creation.

Across different regions of India, Goddess Parvati is worshipped in various forms and under different names. Women, in particular, worship Her on various occasions for marital bliss, the well-being and longevity of their husbands, and prosperity, offering items associated with Suhaga Samagri, i.e., marital adornments and cosmetics. From North India to South India, Goddess Parvati is worshipped through numerous festivals and rituals. During the nine-day festival of Navaratri, Her nine forms are worshipped, known as Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri.

In Uttarakhand, Goddess Parvati is worshipped as Goddess Nanda and every twelve years the sacred pilgrimage known as Nanda Devi Raj Jat is organized. The Nanda Devi Raj Jat is considered the longest religious foot pilgrimage in Asia.

Goddess Parvati Origin

In Her previous birth, Goddess Parvati incarnated as Sati, the daughter of Daksha Prajapati. Once, Daksha organized a grand sacrificial ritual, i.e., Yajna, but out of jealousy, he did not invite Lord Shiva. Despite not being invited, Sati insisted on attending the Yajna, and Lord Shiva permitted Her to go. There, Daksha insulted Lord Shiva, deeply hurting Sati, who then immolated Herself in the sacrificial fire. Upon receiving news of Sati's self-immolation, Lord Shiva became fiercely enraged and manifested Veerabhadra, sending him to destroy Daksha's Yajna. Veerabhadra devastated the ritual and severed Daksha's head. Carrying Sati's lifeless body, Lord Shiva began performing the Tandava, causing the entire universe to tremble and clouds of cosmic destruction to gather in all directions.

To save the universe from destruction, Lord Vishnu used His Sudarshana Chakra to divide Sati's body into 51 parts. Wherever these parts fell, Shakti Peethas were established, collectively known as the 51 Shakti Peethas. In due course of time, Sati was reborn as the daughter of Himavana, the King of the Mountains and became renowned throughout all Lokas, i.e., worlds as Goddess Parvati.

Goddess Parvati Family

King Himavana is the father of Goddess Parvati, and Queen Mainavati is Her mother. It is believed that Goddess Parvati was born in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. She has two sons, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya, who are worshipped throughout the world and daughters named Ashokasundari, Jyoti and Manasa Devi.

Goddess Parvati Iconography

The scriptures describe many forms of Goddess Parvati. She is often depicted with two arms, adorned in beautiful red garments and ornaments. Her beauty surpasses the radiance of a thousand moons. A gentle and enchanting smile graces Her face. She is adorned with Suhaga and Solaha Shringara, i.e., all sixteen forms of adornment. One of Her lotus-like hands is in the Varada Mudra, while the other is in the Abhaya Mudra. Goddess Parvati has countless forms and describing them fully in limited words is impossible. She is depicted riding a lion or a tiger and is also known by names such as Durga and Mahakali.

Goddess Parvati Mantras

Moola Mantra -

General Mantra -

Goddess Parvati Festivals

• Gangaur
• Maha Shivaratri
• Durgashtami
• Navaratri
• Durga Puja
• Hartalika Teej
• Gauri Pujan
• Kali Puja
• Teej
• Shitala Ashtami

Famous and prominent temples of Goddess Parvati

• The 51 Shakti Peethas of Goddess
• Mookambika Temple, Kollur, Karnataka
• Meenakshi Sundareswar Temple, Madurai, Tamil Nadu
• Girija Devi Temple, Uttarakhand