Maa Parvati
Mother Goddess
Parvati means 'Daughter of the Mountain' (Parvata), symbolizing strength and spiritual elevation.. Maa Parvati is the embodiment of Shakti – divine feminine energy that animates the universe. She balances Shiva’s detached stillness with dynamic nurturing energy. She represents the path of devotion (Bhakti) and austerity (Tapas).
Core Attributes
Consort: Lord Shiva (Mahadeva)
Alternative Names
Key Mantras
Gender: Female
Nature: Mother Goddess, Consort of Shiva, Embodiment of Love and Devotion
Energy Type: Shakti (Nurturing and Transformative Energy)
Planet: Moon (often associated)
Skin Color: Golden or fair (Gauri), sometimes dark (as in Kali or Durga forms)
Number of Arms: 2
Mount: Lion, Tiger, Nandi (the bull)
Posture: Lotus or with Shiva on Mount Kailash
Expressions: Serene, Loving, Determined
- Trident: Control over the three gunas (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas)
- Mirror: Self-reflection and inner awareness
- Lion/ Tiger: Courage and righteous strength
- Lotus: Spiritual blossoming and purity
Meenakshi Amman Temple
Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Major temple dedicated to Meenakshi (Parvati).
Kamakhya Temple
Assam, India
Shakti Peetha also associated with Parvati's forms.
Mangaladevi Temple
Kerala, India
Temple dedicated to Mangaladevi (a form of Parvati).
Annapurna Devi Mandir
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Temple for Annapurna, Parvati as goddess of food.
Divine Feminine: Maa Parvati is the embodiment of Shakti – divine feminine energy that animates the universe. She balances Shiva’s detached stillness with dynamic nurturing energy. She represents the path of devotion (Bhakti) and austerity (Tapas).
Relation To Tridevi: She is the aspect of Power and Destruction in the Tridevi, alongside Lakshmi (Wealth) and Saraswati (Wisdom).
Associated Concept: Adi Shakti – The primal energy and universal mother from whom all goddesses and creation originate.
Inner Battle: Symbolizes the power of devotion and tapasya (austerity) to overcome obstacles and achieve divine union.
Liberation: Path of Bhakti (devotion) and Dharma as means to spiritual growth.
Related Deities: Shiva (Consort), Ganesha (Son), Kartikeya (Son), Durga (Form), Kali (Form).
Associated Animals: Lion, Tiger, Nandi (the bull).
Women Empowerment: Represents feminine strength, devotion, and the power of transformation through perseverance.
Spiritual Balance: Embodies the balance of asceticism and worldly duties, divine love, and fierce protection.
Festivals & Unity: Festivals like Navratri and Teej celebrate her various aspects, fostering community and devotion. Symbol of divine motherhood and marital devotion in Indian culture. Worshipped widely across India and Nepal in both peaceful and warrior forms.
The essence of Maa Parvati reveals profound truths about the cosmos and the divine feminine. May your exploration be enlightening.