Parvati
The Divine Mother
Goddess of fertility, love, and devotion. The gentle form of Shakti. Worshipped as Bhramaramba at Srisailam alongside Mallikarjuna.
- Sanskrit/Telugu name: పార్వతి
- Also known as: Uma, Gauri, Bhramaramba, Annapurna
- Vehicle (vahana): Simham (సింహం)
- Symbols: Padmam, Mirror, Trishulam (as Durga)
Story
Parvati Devi is the daughter of Himavanta, the mountain king. She performed intense tapas to win Shiva's heart after he retreated into deep dhyanam following Sati Devi's self-immolation (who was Parvati's previous birth). Her patience is legendary - she meditated for years until Shiva noticed her. At Srisailam, she is worshipped as Bhramaramba - one of the 18 Shakti Peethas - alongside Mallikarjuna Swamy. This temple on the Nallamala hills is one of the rare places where both a Jyotirlinga and Shakti Peeth exist together. She is the mother of Ganesha and Kartikeya.
Fun fact
When Parvati is angry, she transforms into fierce forms like Durga and Kali. Telugu families celebrate her in all forms during Navaratri: three days each as Durga (shakti), Lakshmi (wealth), and Saraswati (knowledge).