“Parvati’s themes are fertility, femininity, cleansing and devotion. Her symbols are lotus, elephants and dance. The celebrated Hindu Goddess of women is the center of festivities in Nepal today. Parvati’s domain is that of faithful companionship and fertility as She is the consort of Shiva. Art often shows Parvati dancing in the company of Shiva or with an elephant’s head.
Try following Nepalese custom. Wash your hands and feet with henna (or henna-based soap product) for Parvati’s productive energy. Or, go out and swing on a swing set singing sacred songs; this draws Parvati to you.
Another way to invoke Parvati is by giving a special woman in your life (a friend, lover, relative, etc.) a gift of thankfulness for her companionship. The Goddess exists within that friendship and will bless the relationship. Take a ritual bath to cleanse yourself of negativity and problems of the last year. Water offerings are also a suitable gift to the Goddess. Pour a little bit on the ground and then drink some to internalize any of Her qualities that you need.
Wearing fine clothing and flowers is also customary, because all things of beauty please Parvati. So get out your finery for your celebrations and put on a boutonniere! Or wear something with a flower pattern to draw Parvati close to your side.”
(Patricia Telesco, “365 Goddess: a daily guide to the magic and inspiration of the goddess”.)
“One of the greatest Goddesses of India is the daughter of the Himalayas, known as Uma, Gauri, and sometimes Shakti (‘energy’). She was the consort and enlivening force of Shiva, the lord of life’s dance, and many myths surround Her.
She gained Shiva’s attention by practicing magical asceticism until She had such power that he could not resist Her. Thereafter he spent this time sexually pleasing the Goddess. Once, when interrupted before She was satisfied, Parvati cursed the gods so that their consorts were barren but they themselves were pregnant. They were most miserable with the affliction, until Shiva allowed them to vomit up the semen that had impregnated them.
Parvati had one son of Her own. It was no thanks to Her spouse, for Shiva did not want to be bothered with children. As they argued about it one day, Parvati cried out that She wanted a child to hold and caress. Shiva teased Her, ripping a piece of Her skirt and handing it to Her, telling Her to fondle that. Hurt and betrayed, Parvati grasped the red cloth to Her breast, and – touching the nipples of the mother Goddess – the cloth took form and began to nurse. Thus was Ganesha, the benevolent god, born. But Shiva, angry and jealous, found an excuse to behead the child, saying that he had slept in a ritually incorrect way. Parvati was desperate with grief, and Shiva, ashamed, told Her he would find the boy another head. The only one he was able to locate – Parvati must have received this news suspiciously – was an elephant’s. And so Ganesha was reborn half human, half elephant.
Shiva’s Shakti is also called Kali and Durga, for She is at times a fierce form of femininity. One legend explains how the Goddess divided Herself. Originally, it seems, She had dark skin, about which Shiva teased Her once too often. Furious at him – for She felt less than beautiful, wishing that Her skin was golden like his – She set off for the mountains, intending again to practice asceticism until She gained Her desire. Ganesha accompanied Her; She left Viraka, Shiva’s attendant, to guard his bedroom so that he didn’t enjoy other women’s company during Her absence. But a demon disguised as Parvati attempted to kill Shiva. He lured the god to bed after loading his illusory vagina with real nails. Shiva recognizing the deceit, put a sword on his penis and dispatched the demon.
Parvati’s informants spread the word that a woman had been seen entering Shiva’s bedroom, and Parvati exploded with anger. Her anger shot out of Her mouth in the form of a lion; She cursed the false guardian Viraka to become a rock. Then She continued practicing yoga until Brahma took pity on Her and asked Her what She wished. When She said She wanted a pure golden skin, he blessed Her. From Her body sprang another Goddess, one ugly and black, usually named Kali.
Now golden and beautiful, Parvati started home. Viraka, still on guard, refused to let Her enter, not recognizing the Goddess in Her new skin. Realizing that She made a mistake in cursing him – but unable, so powerful are a Goddess’ words, to recall Her ill wish – Parvati mitigated it by allowing him to be reborn as a girl named Rock” (Monaghan, p. 248 – 249).
“Parvati represents the part of ourselves that creatively brings forth nourishment even in the midst of what seems to be rejection and disapproval. She is a wonderful affirmation that there are no limits to what a woman can do when she uses her spiritual energy in the pursuit of any goal she chooses. When we embrace love, Parvati is there to bless us.” [1]
Sources:
Goddessgift.com, “Parvati: The Hindu Goddess of Love and Devotion“.
Monaghan, Patricia. The New Book of Goddesses and Heroines, “Parvati”.
Suggested Links:
Goddessparvati.com, “Goddess Parvati“.
Kumar, Nitin. Exoticindiaart.com, “Parvati the Love Goddess: Tales of Marriage and Devotion in Art and Mythology“.
Lotussculpture.com, “Hindu Goddess Parvati – Daughter of the Mountain“.
Soulcurrymagazine.com, “Goddess Parvati – Wife of Lord Shiva“.
Wikipedia, “Parvati“.
Journeying to the Goddess 