Parvati is the goddess of the mountain, consort of Shiva and mother of Ganesha and Kartikeya. Reborn from Sati, daughter of Himavan and Mena, she won Shiva through intense penance. She is the gentle form of the Goddess, who also appears as Durga and Kali.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Parvati?
Parvati is the consort of Shiva and the mother of Ganesha and Kartikeya, the daughter of Himavan, king of the Himalaya.
Are Sati and Parvati the same?
Yes. Sati, Shiva's first wife, gave up her life at Daksha's sacrifice and was reborn as Parvati.
Is Durga a form of Parvati?
In most traditions, yes. Durga, Kali, Annapurna and others are forms of the same Goddess.
Why is Parvati called Aparna?
Because during her penance to win Shiva she gave up even eating leaves (parna).
Which festivals honour Parvati?
Teej, Gangaur, Mangala Gauri, Navratri and Maha Shivaratri.
Sources
- Shiva Purana, Rudra Samhita (Parvati Khanda)
- Kalidasa, Kumarasambhava
- Skanda Purana
- Devi Bhagavata Purana
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