सनातन पुस्तकालय Sanatan Cultural Library

Parvati is Shakti in her gentlest and most complete form — the Mother through whom the ascetic Shiva becomes householder, father and teacher of the world. She is the rebirth of Sati, born as the daughter of the mountain king Himavan; her very names tell her story: Parvati, daughter of the mountain; Uma, whom her mother begged “u mā!” (“oh, don't!”) when she chose harsh tapasya; Aparna, who in her austerity gave up even fallen leaves. All the great forms of the Devi — Durga's valour, Kali's fury, Annapurna's nourishment, Lalita's beauty — are understood in tradition as her own expressions. As Ardhanarishvara she is the left half of Shiva's own body: Shiva and Shakti inseparable, consciousness and energy as one.

Her defining story is her tapasya. Advised by Narada that only austerity could win Shiva — withdrawn into meditation after Sati's death — the princess left her palace for the mountain forests, standing through summer fires and winter streams, eating ever less until she ate nothing at all. When Shiva came disguised as a young brahmin and mocked the ash-smeared ascetic she sought, she defended him with such fire that the disguise fell away — and the Lord who cannot be moved was moved. Their wedding, with Vishnu giving the bride away and all creation in procession, is sung in the Shiva Purana as the model of every Hindu marriage. As mother, she shaped Ganesha from her own body; as Annapurna she fed Shiva himself when he came begging, teaching that even renunciation depends on the Mother's food; and as Chauth Mata and Gauri she guards the fasts that women keep for their families.

Parvati is worshipped above all by women, for sowbhagya — the well-being of husband, children and home. Hariyali Teej and Hartalika Teej in the monsoon celebrate her tapasya and union with Shiva with swings, green bangles, mehndi and nirjala fasting. Karva Chauth's arghya is offered to Chauth Mata — Gauri herself — and in Navratri she is Shailaputri of the first day and Mahagauri of the eighth. Mangala Gauri vrats are kept on Shravan Tuesdays, and new brides in many regions worship Gauri before entering their new home. Her offerings are green — bangles, saris, mehndi — with sixteen shringar items, sweets and red flowers.