#goddess durga

[itsrainingcats-and-dogs]

[theweightofdivinity]

Should I step on your ego’s spine

and cause some kind of apocalypse

[hindu-mytho-critique]

🪷 Parvati

~Goddess of Love, Marriage, Devotion, Fertility, Motherhood, Desires and Prosperity~

(Pls for the love of God pronounce it Par-vuh-ti, and not Puhr-vah-ti like some Hogwarts student)

सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके।शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरि नारायणि नमोऽस्तुते ॥ 

🪷

ॐ पार्वतीपतये नमः

🪷

ॐ ह्रीं उमा देव्यै नमः

INTRODUCTION

— She's the Manifestation of Adyashakti’s Tamsik Guna Mahakali

— Daughter of Himavat and Menuka/Mainavati

— Wife of Shiva

— Reincarnation of Devi Sati

◎ Devi is also known as Gauri/Gouri, Uma, Haimavati, Girija, Ambika, Shailaputri, Bhavani and Rudrani

NAMES OF PARVATI

Gauri/Gouri

The Golden One

Named so for Her Golden Complexion

Uma

A name signifying Her strong devotion and determination

When She decided to undertake severe penance to gain Shiva’s hand in marriage, Her mother Menoka tries to dissuade Her, and calls out to Her “U, Ma” (“Oh don’t, my daughter”), from which the name came to be

Haimavati/Girija/Shailaputri

Daughter of Himavat

Daughter of the Mountains

Rudrani/Raudri

Beloved of Rudra (Shiva)/Shakti of Rudra

This is how she is mentioned in the Vedas.

Shivajaya

Beloved of Shiva

Durga

She who is insurmountable/She who cannot be overcome

Slayer of Durgamasur

The name comes from 'Durg' (Fort), symbolising that Devi protects Her devotees like how a fort protected kingdoms from enemy attacks in times of war

Ambika/Jagadamba

Mother of all

She is worshipped as a Maternity Goddess, and as the Mother of the entire Universe

Bhavani

Giver of life

FAMILY

# Parvati’s parents are Himavat, the King of the Mountains and Personification of the Himalayas, and his wife, Queen Menoka/Mainavati.

# Her siblings include Devi Ganga, the River Goddess whose powerful flow down onto Earth is controlled by Shiva’s jata, and Mainak Parvat, the Mountain Deity said to be hidden beneath the ocean’s waters by Vayu.

# Narayan Vishnu is Her brother. Kalika and Vishnu were both born from the Tamsik Guna, and He accepted Parvati as His Sister to help Her in Her mission of gaining Shiva’s hand in marriage

# She married Shiva after winning His hand in marriage by performing severe penance and austerities for thousands of years.

# As Jagat Janani, all beings of the cosmos are considered Her children. But Her children in Kailash include Devsenapati Kumar Kartikeya, Prathampujya Ganesh and Ashoka Sundari. Manasa, being born from Shiva, is also considered Her daughter. In Eastern India, Lakshmi and Saraswati are also considered Her and Shiva’s daughters. As a son of Shiva, Swami Ayyappa is also considered to be like Her child.

# Andhak was an Asuric son of Shiva and Parvati, born from the sweat of Parvati’s palms when She once covered Shiva’s eyes as He was meditating. As he was born in darkness, he was blind, and didn’t know who His parents were as He was born and raised in Patal Loka. He later on demanded Parvati’s hand in marriage, leading to a battle, which finally ended with Shiva killing Him

FORMS

Durga

Parvati is often said to take the form of Durga to destroy evil. Bhavani, Jayadurga, Jatavedasi, Mahishasurmardini, Vindhyavasini, Bipodtarini, Sarbamangala. All forms of Durga are said to be Parvati’s warrior forms who bestow valour and protection. A reminder that women aren’t just capable of nurturing, but also of defending. This form of Parvati is worshipped before wars for victory, and so is also referred to as “Jayang dehi” or “Bestower of Victory”.

Shitala

Parvati’s Disease-ridding form worshipped to protect from Cholera, Poxes, pustules, and other diseases, but is mostly associated with diseases like Smallpox that affect young children. She is similar to other Devis like Olai Chandi and Mariamman, and is also known as a Goddess of Fertility and Wellfare, and is said to prevent floods, droughts and even cattle diseases. She is depicted with a broom, a hand fan, and a pot of healing water, while riding Her Donkey Vahana, which is said to be Jvarasur, who spreads diseases. This depiction symbolises Her control over what spreads ailments, and Her power to cure the sick and provide relief to them in their time of need. She is also called Ujali (The Bright One), Thakurani (The Queen Goddess) and Dayamayi (The Compassionate One). She is mentioned in Tantric and Puranic texts, as well as one of the Mangal Kavyas, the Sheetala Mangal Kavya. She is worshipped in the month of Chaitra (March-April) on Shitala Saptami and Shitala Ashtami.

Mhalsa

A form of Parvati worshipped mainly in Maharashtra and Karnataka, worshipped alongside Shiva’s avatar Khandoba, in the region’s Khandoba Sect’s traditions. She is worshipped as a Guardian Deity of villages, and also the Kuldevi of some families in Western and Southern states. It is believed that She got married after Her father, Timmaseth, a wealthy Lingayat Merchant, was visited by Khandoba in his dream. They were married on Poush Purnima in Pali (Pembar). Mhalsa and Khandoba are worshipped as having slain the Asurs, Mani and Malla. She is depicted with Khandoba, with a spear in Her hand and on horseback, or often with Khandoba and His other wife Banai

Meenakshi

The form of Parvati worshipped in Madurai, as being born to its king Malayadhwaja Pandya and his wife Kanchanamalai, after they performed a yajna to obtain a son. She came out of the fire as a three-year-old, with three breasts. Her parents were commanded to raise Her like a son, and that Her third breast would fall off when She meets Her husband. Her consort is Shiva’s form of Sundareswar, and Vishnu’s form of Alagar is considered Her brother. She is always depicted with a Parakeet with Her. Her name translates to “Fish-eyed”, but the reasoning has multiple interpretations. These range from Her eyes being as big as a fish, to the shape resembling a fish, to even beliefs of fish being able to never close their eyes or feed their children just by looking. In fact, another name of Hers, Meenatchi, can mean “Rule of the Fish”, possibly due to the Pandyas’ flag bearing a fish pair

Kanyakumari

The Maiden Goddess, a form associated with Bhadrakali as well, and also known as Shri Bāla Bhadra, Shri Bāla, Kanya Devi, and Devi Kumari. It is believed that Bhagavati manifested Herself as a kumari (maiden), who has deeply devoted to Shiva and sought to marry Him. However, this form of Devi had to be a maiden (unmarried) in order to defeat Banasur, according to local legends. Their wedding’s Brahma Muhurta was set before sunrise, but before Shiva could reach the wedding location, Narada made a rooster crow out, making Shiva think the Sun was rising. Thus, thinking He was too late, left for Kailash dejectedly. However, Kanyakumari Devi who was waiting for Him, felt betrayed and in a fit of rage, destroyed and threw away everything She saw. It is believed that the food for the wedding that She threw out became the colourful sand of the region. It was after the defeat of Banasur that She was able to marry Shiva and attain Her true Divine form again.

Annapurna

The Goddess of food and nourishment, who presides over Kashi Dham (Varanasi). One of Her major literary appearances is in the Annada Mangal, one of the Mangal Kavyas. Her legend talks about an argument between Shiva and Parvati, regarding the material world. Shiva claimed that all material things, including food, to be merely Maya. Illusions that only keep souls from truly realizing the truth of Moksha. Parvati, being Mahamaya, became furious and decided to take leave immediately, saying that if Shiva felt Maya was unnecessary, if not outright obstruction, then He had no need to be with Her. Soon, the world changed, as all that was Maya vanished. No love, no joy, no nourishment. Humans, animals, Gods, all began to roam aimlessly, desperate for some way out. Shiva Himself had to roam the world, reduced to a mere beggar, until He reached the city of Kashi, where a kitchen was still open and serving food to all. There He saw Annapurna, a form of Parvati, with Three eyes, Crescent Moon adorning Her head, holding a bowl of rice and a ladle. She decided to forgive Him and served Him rice to finally free Him and all the world of the famine. Thus, She made Him realise that Maya isn’t just mere spiritual obstacle. But the force that preserves Life itself.

Shivaduti

One of Parvati’s more terrifying aspects, this is the form She takes during the battle between Kaushiki and Shumbha and Nishumbha. In this form She sends Shiva as Her personal messenger (Doot) to convince Shumbha and Nishumbha to forfeit the war, lest they lose their lives and all they had managed to conquer. She is described as having dark skin, three eyes, a sword in one of Her hands, one leg on Her Jackal Vahana and the other on a corpse.

FESTIVALS

Gauri Habba

Celebration in Karnataka where Gauri is worshipped by married women.

It takes place the day before Ganesh Chaturthi

An idol is made of Turmeric or clay, and placed in a plate with rice in it.

A gauridara (thread with 16 knots) is tied on the right arm of women, as Devi’s blessings and part of the vrata, each knot of which is worshipped.

Gangaur

Festival in Rajasthan celebrating the marriage of Shiva and Parvati

It takes place during the month of Chaitra (March-April)

Idols of Gauri are made and worshipped by women, both married and unmarried, before being immersed with processions

Sharadiya Durga Puja

While it is mainly seen as the celebration of Mahishasurmardini Durga, in East India, it is seen as the time when Uma comes down to Earth from Kailash, with Her four children, and is venerated as a daughter coming back to Her father’s home from Her in-laws.

Mahalaya marks the beginning of the Matripokkho period, and it is believed the Neelkantha bird goes to Shiva to announce that it’s time for Maa to leave Kailash for Her Parents’ home.

She is said to arrive at Her home on Mahashashthi, when Her idols’ boron is done, and leaves on Vijaya Dashami, with the immersion of Her idols.

Teej

A festival celebrated by married women in the monsoon season, to celebrate the marriage of Shiva-Parvati. This festival lasts for three days and a fast is kept for the long life of husbands by wives. Unmarried women also keep fasts in hopes of getting a husband like Shiva.

Navratri

While Durga Puja worships Uma, Navratri worships Parvati in the form of the Navadurga. Nine manifestations of Durga, each worshipped every day of the festival, starting from Shailaputri, daughter of Himavat, on Prathama and ending with Siddhidatri, the bestower of Siddhis to Her worshippers, on Navami.

Madhushravani

A festival for married women, especially new brides, celebrated in Mithila. This is a fifteen day long festival, in the month of Shravana (June-August). It is believed that Parvati observed this puja and fasted to obtain Shiva as her husband. The women worship Shiva and Parvati, praying for a happy married life and a long life for their husband

[dazaicoree]

Jai Mata Di🌸🌸

[tomorrowwithme]

Thread on Goddess Durga - myths and truths

William Dalrymple claimed that the origin of Durga is in ancient Persian goddess Anahita. He isn't the only one, this claim has been going on for a while. Let's see if it's true.

First, let's look at the iconography of Durga. For the purpose of this post, let's focus on Mahishasuramardini - the slayer of Mahish asura.

Generally, Mahishasuramardini is dashabhuja (10 -armed), trinetri (3 -eyed), has jatamukuta (crowned by matted hair), is adorned with chandrakala (crescent) on Her head. She is pinonnatapayodhara (plump and high breasted) and should be in tribhanga position (three bends on Her body). She is usually depicted with various weapons in Her hands, such as Trishula (Shiva's trident), Sudarshana Chakra (Vishnu's discus), Vajra (Indra's thunderbolt), Shankha (Varuna's conch) Khadga /Kukri /Taravar (curved blade sacrificial sword or short or a long sword), Dhanus, Ishu (Vayu's bow and arrow), Shula/Shakti/Bharji (Agni's spear or javelin), Gada (Hanuman's mace), Pasha (noose), Ankusha (elephant goad), Parashu (Vishwakarma's axe), Naga (snake), Khetaka (Brahma's shield), and Padma or Kamandala (Brahma's lotus or water pot). The weapons or items or the mudra Durga holds may vary slightly, depending on the tradition of the shilpin (craftsman). Her vahana (divine mount) lion or tiger should be at her feet and the severed body of Mahisha (buffalo) should also be there, with the Asura coming out of the slain buffalo. All the weapons and the vahana too are extensions of the deity. There are also other forms of Durga, but this dashabhuja form of goddess, standing on buffalo and riding a feline is the most common form of Durga today.

Did this really come from Persia though? No, it didn't. The claim that the Persian goddess (which Dalrymple mistakenly identifies as Anahita, when, actually, the Persian lion riding goddess is Nana) influenced the iconography of Durga comes from the assumption that Durga's iconography started emerging after the Kushana empire period. Kushana empire encompassed the areas of modern day Afghanistan, eastern Iran, Pakistan, parts of Nepal, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and India. It was a multicultural empire where the main religions were Hinduism, Buddhism, and Zoroastrianism, with some Hellenic influence. This empire ruled from the 1st century BCE to 4th century CE. Their administrative languages were Greek, the eastern Iranian Bactrian language, and Sanskrit, while the commoners conversed largely in the Gandhari Prakrit. The Kushana empire fell after the Iranian Sasanian empire conquered it from the west, the Guptas conquered it from the east and the Huns from the north. It is true that the Eastern Iranian goddess Nana was usually 4-armed and rode a lion, and that buffaloes were sacrificed to her.

The first image depicts a four-armed goddess Nana from Panjakent, Tajikistan, holding the celestial bodies and riding a lion (from around 600 CE). The second image is of goddess Nana holding the sun, moon and a sceptre and mounted on a lion, from Kafir-kala, Uzbekistan (yes, that's right, Kafir-kala means the "fortress of the kafirs, and I suspect it was one of the last bastions of the ancient peoples before the Muhammedans came and killed them, destroyed their temples and forcibly converted the remaining to Islam).

Take a look at this image below. This is from Nagar, Rajasthan, from the Shunga empire period, which ruled from 185 BCE to 73 BCE. This terracotta plaque is dated to 100 BCE. This is one of the earliest surviving depictions of a lion riding, buffalo killing goddess. It is a proof of the rudimentary form of Mahishasuramardini from pre-Gupta and even pre-Kushana era. Obviously, the iconography of Mahishasuramardini becomes more complex and widespread in the Gupta empire, because that is also the time when the Devi Mahatmya part of the Markandeya Purana was written down, and that was when Ancient India amassed considerable wealth and power. 

Also, Atharvaveda kanda 6 sukta 038, Ambika is associated with simha (lion) vyaghra (tiger), and even hasti (elephant) and dvipin (leopard), and Atharvaveda is estimated to have been composed in 1200 BCE.

The Goddess mounted on a lion -trope was quite common in ancient civilisations, for example the Mesopotamian Inanna / Ishtar / Ashtart, Greek Rhea-Cybele, Arabic Al-Lat, Hepat, and of course the Iranian Nana were all mounted on lions. Ancient civilisations we're probably more connected than we can ever think, and the ancient peoples probably saw similarities between their deities. Nevertheless, to claim that "Anahita (correction, Nana) later became known as Durga" has no basis. Also, goddess Anahita is the Persian equivalent of Saraswati because Anahita was the goddess of waters.

Take a look at this image. Another very popular claim is that Durga was "a tribal goddess of the "Sabara, Barbara and Pulinda" tribes inhabiting around the Vindhya mountains, which was "adopted by the Aryans". It is true that the fully developed idea of Durga can be found in the Puranas (Markandeya Purana, as mentioned above), but in no way did "Aryans adopt" Durga. The sentence "as can be discerned from her characteristics" makes no sense. Even in the Vedas, Ambika was associated with forests, wilderness (Aranyani, the predecessor of Vanadurga). The notion propagated in academia that the Vedic peoples were less connected to nature is false. How can people claim that the religion that has hymns for sun, dawn, night, forest, waters and fire is not nature worshipping? There's a constant attempt to disconnect Vedas from India.

I'll conclude this with Jai Mata Di

[memoirofananya]

May Her grace guide us through the barbed paths of life, shield us from manipulators and adversaries—both within and beyond our home—and give us the strength to rise after every fall. May we, the gullible souls, never remain fallen into trenches that harm our faith. May we grow resilient against life’s blows, never succumb to atrocities, nor let them corrode our identity. May we stay true to our roots, and in our devotion to our Mother.

[wherepetalsbecomeprayer]

Durga 🦁

[aahanna]

It's finally that time of the year 🪘🥁💃🪔🛕