Goddess Parvathi
Specialties: As the primordial power (Adi Parashakti), Goddess Parvathi holds a most distinguished position as the consort of Lord Parameswara and the fundamental source of all creation. Goddess Parvathi primarily manifests in two distinct forms.
Peaceful Forms: Uma/Parvati, Gauri, Annapurna.
Fierce Forms (for the punishment of evil): Durga Devi, Kali Devi.
Father: Himavantudu
Mother: Menaka Devi
Consort: Lord Shiva
Children:
Sons: Ganesha, Kumara Swamy/Subhramanya Swamy
Daughter: Asokasundari, Jyoti, Manasa Devi
Siblings: Brother Meinaakudu
Abode: Mount Kailash. According to Spiritual Science (Adhyatma Shastra) and the Devi Bhagavatam, Goddess Parvathi resides in Manidvipa in the form of 'Adi Parashakti.'
Vehicle: Lion/Tiger
Weapon: Trident, Sword, Divine wheel, The Pinaka bow, Mace, Ankusham
Birth Secret: There are primarily three reasons behind the birth of Parvathi:
Interrupting Shiva's meditation: To transform Lord Shiva, who was in a state of asceticism (detachment), back into a householder.
The union of Shiva and Shakti: The union of Prakriti (Parvathi) and Purusha (Shiva) to restore balance to the universe.
The birth of Kumaraswamy: Giving birth to the warrior (Shanmukha) who would slay the demon Tarakasura.
Death: None
Festivals of Parvathi: Devi Navaratri, Varalakshmi Vratam, Bonalu
Biography: Sati Devi, the previous incarnation of Goddess Parvathi, sacrificed her body in the fire of yoga (Yogagni) as she could not bear the insult caused by her father, Daksha. This was not a mere death; it was the relinquishing of a physical form. At that very moment, she resolved that in her next birth, she must be born to a great father who deeply reveres Lord Shiva. It was from this powerful resolve that 'Parvathi' was born.
Thus, from her childhood, Parvathi was determined to attain Lord Shiva as her husband. Since Paramashiva was already in deep meditation due to the separation from Sati Devi, Parvathi performed intense penance (Ghoratapas) to please him.
Lord Shiva, who was in a state of detachment (Vairagya) following Sati’s departure, was impressed by Parvathi's penance. He tested her by appearing in the guise of a Brahmin and eventually agreed to accept her. Their marriage was then celebrated with great grandeur.
This marriage of Shiva and Parvathi led to the welfare of the entire world (Loka Kalyanam). Their union is known as the 'Prakriti-Purusha' principle. Together, they demonstrate the balance of power (Shakti) and wisdom (Jnana) to the world.
To end the demon Tarakasura, Kumaraswamy (Kartikeya) was born from the divine radiance of Shiva and Parvathi. Additionally, Goddess Parvathi created Lord Ganesha by breathing life into a form made from the turmeric paste of her own body.
Both Kumaraswamy and Ganesha are the most beloved sons of Goddess Parvathi. She is not only the embodiment of peace (Shanta Swarupini) but also took many forms to punish evil when necessary. Among these, she took forms such as Durga Devi, Kali Devi, and Annapurna. This is why she is hailed as the Mother of the Universe (Loka Mata).