Parvati

==Iconography and symbolism==
[[File:WLA_lacma_Hindu_Goddess_Parvati_Orissa.jpg|thumb|12th century Parvati sculpture from [[Odisha]].]]{{multiple image
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Parvati, the gentle aspect of Devi Shakti, is usually represented as fair, beautiful, and benevolent.{{sfn|Wilkins|2001|p=247}}<ref>Harry Judge (1993), ''Devi'', Oxford Illustrated Encyclopedia, Oxford University Press, pp 10</ref> She typically wears a red dress (often a [[sari]]), and may have a head-band. When depicted alongside Shiva she generally appears with two arms, but when alone she may be depicted having four. These hands may hold a trident, mirror, rosary, bell, dish, goad, sugarcane stalk, or flowers (such as a lotus).<ref name=suchan>Suresh Chandra (1998), Encyclopedia of Hindu Gods and Goddesses, {{ISBN|978-8176250399}}, pp 245–246</ref> One of her arms in front may be in the Abhaya [[mudra]] (hand gesture for 'fear not'), one of her children, typically [[Ganesha]], is on her knee, while her younger son Skanda may be playing near her in her watch. In ancient temples, Parvati's sculpture is often depicted near a calf or cow. Bronze has been the chief metal for her sculpture, while stone is the next most common material.<ref name=suchan/>

Parvati and Shiva are often symbolized by a [[yoni]] and a [[linga]], respectively. In ancient literature, ''yoni'' means ''womb'' and ''place of gestation'', the yoni-linga metaphor represents ''origin, source or regenerative power''.<ref>James Lochtefeld (2005), "Yoni" in The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Vol. 2: N–Z, pp. 784, Rosen Publishing, {{ISBN|0-8239-2287-1}}</ref> The linga-yoni icon is widespread, found in Shaivite Hindu temples of South Asia and Southeast Asia. Often called ''Shivalinga'', it almost always has both linga and the yoni.<ref name="rmg286">Rita M. Gross (1978), Hindu Female Deities as a Resource for the Contemporary Rediscovery of the Goddess, Journal of the American Academy of Religion, Vol. 46, No. 3 (Sep. 1978), pp. 269–291</ref> The icon represents the interdependence and union of feminine and masculine energies in recreation and regeneration of all life. In some depictions, Parvati and Shiva are shown in various forms of sexual union.<ref name="rmg286"/>

In some iconography, Parvati's hands may symbolically express many mudras (symbolic hand gestures). For example, Kataka — representing fascination and enchantment, Hirana — representing the antelope, the symbolism for nature and the elusive, Tarjani by the left hand—representing the gesture of menace, and Chandrakal — representing the moon, a symbol of intelligence. {{citation needed|date=December 2014}} Kataka is expressed by hands closer to the devotee; Tarjani mudra with the left hand, but far from the devotee.

If Parvati is depicted with two hands, Kataka mudra—also called Katyavalambita or Katisamsthita hasta—is common, as well as Abhaya (fearlessness, fear not) and Varada (beneficence) are representational in Parvati's iconography. Parvati's right hand in Abhaya mudra symbolizes "do not fear anyone or anything", while her Varada mudra symbolizes "wish-fulfilling".<ref>Caroll and Caroll (2013), Mudras of India, {{ISBN|978-1848191099}}, pp 34, 266</ref> In Indian dance, ''Parvatimudra'' is dedicated to her, symbolizing divine mother. It is a joint hand gesture, and is one of sixteen ''Deva Hastas'', denoting the most important deities described in ''Abhinaya Darpana''. The hands mimic motherly gesture, and when included in a dance, the dancer symbolically expresses Parvati.<ref>Caroll and Caroll (2013), Mudras of India, {{ISBN|978-1848191099}}, pp 184</ref> Alternatively, if both hands of the dancer are in ''Ardhachandra'' mudra, it symbolizes an alternate aspect of Parvati.<ref>Caroll and Caroll (2013), Mudras of India, {{ISBN|978-1848191099}}, pp 303, 48</ref>

Parvati is sometimes shown with golden or yellow color skin, particularly as goddess Gauri, symbolizing her as the goddess of ripened harvests.<ref>''The Shaktas: an introductory comparative study'' Payne A.E. 1933 pp. 7, 83</ref>

In some manifestations, particularly as angry, ferocious aspects of Shakti such as [[Kali]], she has eight or ten arms, and is astride on a tiger or lion, wearing a garland of severed heads and skirt of disembodied hands. In benevolent manifestations such as Kamakshi or Meenakshi, a parrot sits near her right shoulder symbolizing cheerful love talk, seeds, and fertility. A parrot is found with Parvati's form as Kamakshi – the goddess of love, as well as ''Kama'' – the cupid god of desire who shoots arrows to trigger infatuation.<ref>Devdutt Pattanaik (2014), Pashu: Animal Tales from Hindu Mythology, Penguin, {{ISBN|978-0143332473}}, pp 40–42</ref> A crescent moon is sometimes included near the head of Parvati particularly the Kamakshi icons, for her being half of Shiva. In South Indian legends, her association with the parrot began when she won a bet with her husband and asked for his loincloth as victory payment; Shiva keeps his word but first transforms her into a parrot. She flies off and takes refuge in the mountain ranges of south India, appearing as Meenakshi (also spelled Minakshi).<ref>Sally Kempton (2013), Awakening Shakti: The Transformative Power of the Goddesses of Yoga, {{ISBN|978-1604078916}}, pp 165–167</ref>

Parvati is expressed in many roles, moods, epithets, and aspects. In Hindu mythology, she is an active agent of the universe, the power of Shiva. She is expressed in nurturing and benevolent aspects, as well as destructive and ferocious aspects.<ref name=egold>Ellen Goldberg (2002), The Lord Who Is Half Woman: Ardhanarisvara in Indian and Feminist Perspective, State University of New York Press, {{ISBN|978-0791453254}}, pp. 133–153</ref> She is the voice of encouragement, reason, freedom, and strength, as well as of resistance, power, action and retributive justice. This paradox symbolizes her willingness to realign to ''Pratima'' (reality) and adapts to the needs of circumstances in her role as the universal mother.<ref name=egold/> She identifies and destroys evil to protect (Mahakali), as well as creates food and abundance to nourish (Annapurna).

From being born as a human, showing determination and perseverance in marrying Shiva (who preferred being an ascetic), to realizing with the great effort her true power and potential, awakening the Adishakti in herself, and becoming a goddess venerated by the [[Trimurti]] and the rest of the entire universe, Parvati inspires a person to embrace their human strengths and flaws, and utilize them to achieve their highest potential, to live life with their head held up high.