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99-547: The goddess is inextricably tied to the eponymous town of Kanyakumari , situated at the southernmost tip of Tamil Nadu . The worship of Devi Kanya Kumari is also associated with the Kumari Kandam , a mythical lost continent. Kanya Kumari is regarded to be the goddess who killed the demon Banasura, who performed a continuous penance with utmost austerities. The Vaishnava Saint Vadiraja Tirtha , in his Tirtha Prabhanda , describes Kanya Kumari as Lakshmi , who descended upon

198-488: A cosmic event meant to lure Shiva out of his ascetic withdrawal and into the realm of marriage and household life. As Shiva's wife, Parvati represents the life-affirming, creative force that complements Shiva's austere, world-denying nature. Her presence in his life draws him from isolation into worldly engagement, thus balancing the two poles of asceticism and householder life in Hindu philosophy. Parvati's role as wife and mother

297-501: A few kilometres away. As per the 2011 Census , Kanyakumari town consisted of 61.16% Christians , 32.97% Hindus , and 5.47% Muslims . It had a population of 19,739, comprising 9,884 males and 9,855 females, making the sex ratio (number of females per thousand males) of the town 997. A total of 2,403 people were under six years of age and the child sex ratio (number of females per thousand males under six years of age) stood at 1,024. The town had an average literacy of 88.62%, higher than

396-476: A form of the goddess Lakshmi herself, who descended upon the earth to kill the demon Banasura, who was a devotee of Shiva. The Bhagavati Kumari Amman Temple is one of the 52 Shakta pithas . It is believed that the back spine area of Sati's corpse fell here creating the presence of Kundalini Shakti in the region. The shrine is accessed through the Western door. The eastern door is opened only on certain days of

495-763: A freedom fighter, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, and President of Indian National Congress. He is also popularly known as "Black Gandhi" among the masses. Like the Gandhi Memorial Mandapam, this monument is where Kamarajar's ashes were kept for the public to pay homage before immersion into the sea. Near Kanyakumari's southern shore stands a monument to the memory of those who died in the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami , an underwater megathrust earthquake that claimed around 230,000 lives in many countries, including India, Sri Lanka, Somalia, Thailand, Maldives, and Indonesia. The state-owned Poompuhar Shipping Corporation runs ferry services between

594-651: A goddess called Uma-Haimavati, a very common alternate name for Parvati. Sayana's commentary in Anuvaka , however, identifies Parvati in the Kena Upanishad , suggesting her to be the same as Uma and Ambika in the Upanishad, referring to Parvati is thus an embodiment of divine knowledge and the mother of the world. She appears as the shakti , or essential power, of the Supreme Brahman . Her primary role

693-401: A model devotee, and even viewed as the embodiment of Shiva's grace, playing a central role in the spiritual liberation of devotees. She is also one of the central deities in the goddess-oriented sect of Shaktism , where she is regarded as a benevolent aspect of Mahadevi , the supreme deity, and is closely associated with various manifestations of Mahadevi, including the ten Mahavidyas and

792-478: 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. 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

891-577: A part of her husband's lineage and live in his home among his relatives. That Shiva dwells in Parvati's house thus implies Her priority in their relationship. Her priority is also demonstrated in her ability, through the Mahavidyas, to thwart Shiva's will and assert her own. Parvati is portrayed as the ideal wife, mother, and householder in Indian legends. In Indian art, this vision of the ideal couple

990-464: 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). One of her arms in front may be in the Abhaya mudra (hand gesture for 'fear not'), one of her children, typically Ganesha ,

1089-558: A righteous social life. Parvati declares her family life and home are heaven in Book 13 of the Mahabharata. Rita Gross states, that the view of Parvati only as ideal wife and mother is incomplete symbolism of the power of the feminine in the mythology of India. Parvati, along with other goddesses, is involved with a broad range of culturally valued goals and activities. Her connection with motherhood and female sexuality does not confine

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1188-476: A year, as on the new moon days in the months of Thai, Aadi (Karkidaka) July, during Navaratri and in the month of Kaartikai. For the purpose of rites and rituals in the temple of Kumari is imagined as (Sankalpam) as Bālambika, the child goddess. The goddess is considered as Katyayani , one of the Navadurgas here. She is also considered as Bhadrakali by the devotees while worshipping her. Devi Kanya Kumari

1287-464: Is Navratri , in which all her manifestations are worshiped over nine days. Popular in eastern India, particularly in Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand and Assam, as well as several other parts of India such as Gujarat, with her nine forms, that is, Shailaputri , Brahmacharini , Chandraghanta , Kushmanda , Skandamata , Katyayini , Kaalratri , Mahagauri , and Siddhidatri . Another festival Gauri Tritiya

1386-539: Is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport , 90 km (56 mi) from Kanyakumari town and 70 km (43 mi) from Nagercoil. Kanyakumari is 744 km (462 mi) from Chennai. Kanyakumari has heliports for VVIP visitors at the Tri Sea Hotel on Beach Road. Parvati Parvati ( Sanskrit : पार्वती , IAST : Pārvatī ), also known as Uma ( Sanskrit : उमा , IAST : Umā ) and Gauri ( Sanskrit : गौरी , IAST : Gaurī ),

1485-432: Is 'Shrī Bhagavati' and Vaama (left method) rites is called 'Maha Devi' similar to Maha Vidya . The story dates back to the pre- Vedic Tamil period. Banasura, a demon by birth, was the ruler of the land of Kanyakumari. He was a very powerful king. He practiced tapasya and obtained a boon from Brahma that his death could only be caused by an adolescent girl. With this powerful boon, he became fearless and wreaked havoc on

1584-446: Is also referred to as Ambika ('dear mother'), Shakti ('power'), Mataji ('revered mother'), Maheshwari ('great goddess'), Durga (invincible), Bhairavi ('ferocious'), Bhavani ('fertility and birthing'), Shivaradni ('Queen of Shiva'), Urvi or Renu , and many hundreds of others. Parvati is also the goddess of love and devotion, or Kamakshi (the goddess of fertility), abundance and food/nourishment, or Annapurna . She

1683-524: Is also the ferocious Mahakali that wields a sword, wears a garland of severed heads, and protects her devotees and destroys all evil that plagues the world and its beings. The apparent contradiction that Parvati is addressed as the golden one, Gauri, as well as the dark one, Kali or Shyama, as a calm and placid wife Parvati mentioned as Gauri and as a goddess who destroys evil she is Kali. Regional stories of Gauri suggest an alternate origin for Gauri's name and complexion. In parts of India, Gauri's skin color

1782-524: Is as a mediator who reveals the knowledge of Brahman to the Vedic Trideva of Agni , Vayu , and Varuna , who were boasting about their recent defeat of a group of demons. But Kinsley notes: "it is little more than conjecture to identify her with the later goddess Satī-Pārvatī, although [..] later texts that extol Śiva and Pārvatī retell the episode in such a way to leave no doubt that it was Śiva's spouse.." [IAST original]. Sati-Parvati appears in

1881-711: Is celebrated from Chaitra Shukla third to Vaishakha Shukla third. This festival is popular in Maharashtra and Karnataka, less observed in North India, and unknown in Bengal. The unwidowed women of the household erect a series of platforms in a pyramidal shape with the image of the goddess at the top and a collection of ornaments, images of other Hindu deities, pictures, shells, etc. below. Neighbors are invited and presented with turmeric, fruits, flowers, etc. as gifts. At night, prayers are held with singing and dancing. In south Indian states such as Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh,

1980-419: Is central to her mythological persona, where she embodies the ideal of the devoted spouse who both supports and expands her husband's realm of influence. Parvati is also noted for her motherhood, being the mother of the prominent Hindu deities Ganesha and Kartikeya . Philosophically, Parvati is regarded as Shiva’s shakti (divine energy or power), the personification of the creative force that sustains

2079-536: Is closely associated with the festival of her son Ganesha ( Ganesh Chaturthi ). The festival is popular in Maharashtra and Karnataka . In Rajasthan, the worship of Gauri happens during the Gangaur festival. The festival starts on the first day of Chaitra the day after Holi and continues for 18 days. Images of Issar and Gauri are made from Clay for the festival. Another popular festival in reverence of Parvati

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2178-544: 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. Alternatively, if both hands of the dancer are in Ardhachandra mudra, it symbolizes an alternate aspect of Parvati. Parvati

2277-421: Is derived from Shiva and Parvati as being half of the other, represented as Ardhanarisvara . This concept is represented as an androgynous image that is half man and half woman, Siva and Parvati, respectively. In Hindu Epic the Mahabharata, she as Umā suggests that the duties of wife and mother are as follows – being of a good disposition, endued with sweet speech, sweet conduct, and sweet features. Her husband

2376-463: Is described as calming him or complementing his violence by slow, creative steps of her own Lasya dance. In many myths, Parvati is not as much his complement as his rival, tricking, seducing, or luring him away from his ascetic practices. Three images are central to the mythology, iconography, and philosophy of Parvati: the image of Shiva - Shakti , the image of Shiva as Ardhanarishvara (the Lord who

2475-483: Is golden or yellow in honor of her being the goddess of ripened corn/harvest and fertility. The divine hymns such as Lalita Sahasranama and Mahalakshmi Ashtakam give many Traditional epithets to the goddess based on the demons she had won over such as Mahishasuramardini (‘the One who killed demon Mahishasura ’), Raktabeejasamharini (‘the One who killed demon Raktabeeja ’), Chamundi (‘the One who killed

2574-508: Is half-woman), and the image of the linga and the yoni. These images that combine the masculine and feminine energies, Shiva and Parvati, yield a vision of reconciliation, interdependence, and harmony between the way of the ascetic and that of a householder. The couple is often depicted in the Puranas as engaged in "dalliance" or seated on Mount Kailash debating concepts in Hindu theology. They are also depicted as quarreling. In stories of

2673-492: Is her friend, refuge, and god. She finds happiness in her husband's and her children's physical and emotional nourishment and development. Their happiness is her happiness. She is cheerful even when her husband or children are angry; she is with them in adversity or sickness. She takes an interest in worldly affairs beyond her husband and family. She is cheerful and humble before family, friends, and relatives; she helps them if she can. She welcomes guests, feeds them, and encourages

2772-492: Is known by many names in Hindu literature. Other names which associate her with mountains are Shailaja (Daughter of the mountains), Shailaputri (Daughter of Mountains), Haimavati (Daughter of Himavan ), Maheshvari (Maheshvara’s wife) , Girirajaputri (Daughter of king of the mountains) and Girija (Daughter of the mountains). Shaktas consider the Parvati as an incarnation of Lalita Tripurasundari . Two of Parvati's most famous epithets are Uma and Aparna. The name Uma

2871-525: Is located at 8°05′N 77°34′E  /  8.08°N 77.57°E  / 8.08; 77.57 and has an average elevation of 30 metres. The peninsular tip of Kanyakumari is bordered on three sides by the Laccadive Sea . It is located at the confluence of the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats . The nearest city is Thiruvananthapuram , Kerala (85 km (53 mi) away), and

2970-490: Is not a limiting condition. Parvati is seen as the mother of two widely worshipped deities — Ganesha and Kartikeya . Hindu literature, including the Matsya Purana , Shiva Purana , and Skanda Purana , dedicates many stories to Parvati and Shiva and their children. For example, one about Ganesha is: Teej is a significant festival for Hindu women, particularly in the northern and western states of India. Parvati

3069-409: 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. Parvati and Shiva are often symbolized by a yoni and a linga , respectively. In ancient literature, yoni means womb and place of gestation ,

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3168-518: Is one of the principal goddesses in Hinduism , revered as the goddess of power, energy, nourishment, harmony, love, beauty, devotion, and motherhood. Along with Lakshmi and Sarasvati , she forms the trinity, known as the Tridevi . From her first appearance as a goddess during the epic period (400 BCE – 400 CE), Parvati is primarily depicted as the chief consort of the ascetic god Shiva . She

3267-401: Is recognised as the reincarnation of Sati , Shiva's first wife, who immolated herself after her father insulted Shiva. Parvati is often equated with the other goddesses such as Sati, Uma, Kali and Durga and due to this close connection, they are often treated as one and the same, with their stories frequently overlapping. In Hindu mythology , the birth of Parvati is primarily understood as

3366-418: Is sometimes shown with golden or yellow color skin, particularly as goddess Gauri, symbolizing her as the goddess of ripened harvests. 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,

3465-521: Is sported in standing posture with an Akshamala in her hands. There is an image of a lion in her pedestal indicating that she is the form of Adi Parashakti . There is a four-pillar hall in the temple, each of which gives out sounds of Veena (a string instrument), Mridangam (a percussion instrument), flute and Jalatarang (porcelain instrument). The Gayatri mantra of Devi Kanyakumari is: "kātyayanāya vidmahe kanyakumāri dhīmahi tanno durgiḥ prachodayāt" Red Sarees and Ghee wick lamps are offered to

3564-541: Is the first Durga temple created by Lord Parasurama and one of the 108 Shakthi Peethas. It is mentioned in the Ramayana , Mahabharata , and Purananuru . The Gandhi Memorial Mandapam has been built on the spot where the urn containing the Mahatma 's ashes was kept for public viewing before immersion. Resembling central Indian Hindu temples in form,the memorial was designed such that on Gandhi's birthday, 2 October,

3663-552: Is the goddess of virginity and penance. It is a practice that people choose to receive the Diksha of Sanyasa from here in olden times. The rites and rituals of the temple are organized and classified according to Sankaracharya 's treatise. The other attractions inside the temple are the Pathala Ganga Tirtha, Kalabhairava Shrine. Kalabhairava is a ferocious form of Shiva who annihilates kala, or time itself. Each of

3762-438: Is the lineal progenitor of all other goddesses. She is worshiped as one with many forms and names. Her form or incarnation depends on her mood. The Puranas tell the tale of Sati 's marriage to Shiva against her father Daksha 's wishes. The conflict between Daksha and Shiva gets to a point where Daksha does not invite Shiva to his yagna (fire-sacrifice). Daksha insults Shiva when Sati comes on her own. She immolates herself at

3861-407: Is the primary deity of the festival, and it ritually celebrates married life and family ties. It also celebrates the monsoon. The festival is marked with swings hung from trees, girls playing on these swings typically in a green dress (seasonal color of crop planting season), while singing regional songs. Historically, unmarried maidens prayed to Parvati for a good mate, while married women prayed for

3960-528: Is used for Sati (Shiva's wife, who is the incarnation of Parvati) in earlier texts, but in the Ramayana, it is used as a synonym for Parvati. In the Harivamsa , Parvati is referred to as Aparna ('One who took no sustenance') and then addressed as Uma, who was dissuaded by her mother from severe austerity by saying u mā ('oh, don't'). Uma also means that "the One born out of Om ( The Pranava Mantra) She

4059-516: The Government of Tamil Nadu . Kanyakumari Kanyakumari ( UK : / k ə n ˈ j ʌ k ʊ m æ r iː / ; lit.   ' The Virgin (or Kanya) Princess ' referring to Devi Kanya Kumari , officially known as Kanniyakumari , formerly known as Cape Comorin ) is a city in Kanyakumari district in the state of Tamil Nadu , India . It is the southernmost tip of

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4158-552: The Indian subcontinent and the southernmost city in mainland India , and thus referred to as "The Land's End". The city is situated 90 kilometres (56 mi) south of Thiruvananthapuram city, and about 20 kilometres (12 mi) south of Nagercoil , the headquarters of Kanyakumari district. Kanyakumari is a popular tourist destination and pilgrimage centre in India. Notable tourist spots include its unique sunrise and sunset points,

4257-464: The Navadurgas . Parvati is found extensively in ancient Puranic literature, and her statues and iconography are present in Hindu temples all over South Asia and Southeast Asia . In Hindu temples dedicated to her and Shiva, she is symbolically represented as the yoni . Parvata ( पर्वत ) is one of the Sanskrit words for "mountain"; "Parvati" derives her name from being incarnated as

4356-511: The Portuguese East Indies , and the name eventually corrupted to "Comorin" and was called "Cape Comorin" during British rule in India . In 2016, the town and its district were renamed to "Kanniyakumari" by the Government of India and the Government of Madras . According to a Hindu legend, Kanya Devi , an avatar of Parvati , was to marry Shiva , who failed to show up on his wedding day. Rice and other grains meant for

4455-618: The Shaktism tradition of Hinduism. According to another Hindu legend, Hanuman dropped a piece of earth near Kanyakumari as he was carrying a mountain with his life-saving herb, Mrita Sanjivani, from the Himalayas to Lanka ( Sri Lanka ) during the Ramayana War . The fallen earth formed an area called Marunthuvazh Malai , literally "hills where medicine lives". This legend explains the abundance of unique native medicinal plants in

4554-669: The mandapa incorporates different styles of temple architecture from all over India. It houses a statue of Vivekananda. The memorial consists of two main structures: the Vivekananda Mandapam and the Shripada Mandapam. Bhagavathy Amman Temple is a 3,000-year-old temple dedicated to Goddess Kumari Amman located at Kanyakumari on the shore of the Laccadive Sea. Kumari Amman is one of the forms of Devi, popularly known as "Kumari Bhagavathy Amman". The temple

4653-418: The 41-metre (133 ft) Thiruvalluvar Statue , and Vivekananda Rock Memorial off the coast. Lying at the tip of peninsular India, the town is bordered on the west, south, and east by the Laccadive Sea . It has a coastline of 71.5 kilometres (44.4 mi) stretched along these three sides. On the shores of the city is a temple dedicated to the goddess Kanya Kumari (the virgin goddess), after which

4752-751: The 51 Shakta pitha has a Kalabhairava shrine within the temple meant for the protection of the temple. The name of the Kalabhairava in Kanyakumari temple is 'Nimish' and the Shakti is 'Sarvani' and in the Shakta pitha of Shuchindram the Kalabhairava is 'Samhāra' and the Shakti is 'Narayani'. These are two Shakta pithas out of the 51 Shakta pithas all over South Asia. There are also shrines to Vijayasundari and Balasundari, friends and playmates of

4851-571: The British until 1947, when India became independent. Travancore joined the independent India in 1947. Later in the state partition, Kanyakumari became part of Tamil Nadu . The feminine aspects of Adi Parashakti (in its manifested and un-manifested forms) are called as Prakriti, and the male aspects are called as Purusha. The Prakriti is addressed in different names by different Hindu communities as Adi-parashakti, Bhadra, Shakti, Devi, Bhagavati, Amman, Rajarajeshwari, Shodashi; in different locations. All

4950-465: The Goddess in her youthful form. Navarathri Mandapam is a hall where devotees can display their artistic ability in music as a dedication to the goddess, Shri Pāda Pāra is a rock in the shape of Kumari's feet. This is now famous as Vivekananda Paara, where Swami Vivekananda got enlightenment to dedicate his life as an active Sanyasi rather than the usual practice of being passive. The presiding image

5049-786: The Kethara Gauri Vritham festival is celebrated on the new moon day of Diwali and married women fast for the day, prepare sweets and worship Parvati for the well-being of the family. Thiruvathira is a festival observed in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It is believed that on this day, Parvati met Shiva after her long penance and Shiva took her as his wife. On this day Hindu women perform the Thiruvathirakali accompanied by Thiruvathira paattu (folk songs about Parvati and her longing and penance for Lord Shiva's affection). From sculpture to dance, many Indian arts explore and express

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5148-404: The Laccadive Sea, located about 500 metres (1,600 ft) east of the mainland of Vavathurai. It was built in 1970 in honour of Swami Vivekananda who is said to have attained enlightenment on the rock. According to local legends, it was on this rock that Goddess Kumari performed austerity. A meditation hall (Dhyana Mandapam) is also attached to the memorial for visitors to meditate. The design of

5247-612: The Shiva's submissive and obedient wife. However, Shaktas focus on Parvati's equality or even superiority to her consort. The story of the birth of the ten Mahavidyas (Wisdom Goddesses) of Shakta Tantrism . This event occurs while Shiva is living with Parvati in her father's house. Following an argument, he attempts to walk out on her. Her rage at Shiva's attempt to walk out manifests in the form of ten terrifying goddesses who block Shiva's every exit. David Kinsley states, The fact that [Parvati] can physically restrain Shiva dramatically makes

5346-693: 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. 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". In Indian dance, Parvatimudra

5445-463: The area. Marunthuvazh Malai is located near Kottaram, about 7 km (4 mi) from Kanyakumari town on the Kanyakumari–Nagercoil highway. The sage Agasthya , who was an expert in medicinal herbs, is believed to have lived around this site in ancient days. There is an ashram on the middle of the hillside; tourists trek up to visit the ashram and to glimpse the sea near Kanyakumari town,

5544-460: The birth of Kartikeya, the couple is described as love-making; generating the seed of Shiva. Parvati's union with Shiva symbolizes the union of a male and female in "ecstasy and sexual bliss". In art, Parvati is depicted seated on Shiva's knee or standing beside him (together the couple is referred to as Uma-Maheshvara or Hara-Gauri ) or as Annapurna (the goddess of grain) giving alms to Shiva. Shaiva's approaches tend to look upon Parvati as

5643-666: The birth of Parvati and how she married Shiva. In the Harivamsa, for example, Parvati has two younger sisters called Ekaparna and Ekapatala. According to Devi Bhagavata Purana and Shiva Purana mount Himalaya and his wife Mena appease goddess Adi Parashakti . Pleased, Adi Parashakti herself is born as their daughter Parvati. Each major story about Parvati's birth and marriage to Shiva has regional variations, suggesting creative local adaptations. The stories go through many ups and downs until Parvati and Shiva are finally married. Kalidasa's epic Kumarasambhavam ("Birth of Kumara") describes

5742-416: The ceremony. This shocks Shiva, who is so grief-stricken that he loses interest in worldly affairs, retires, and isolates himself in the mountains, in meditation and austerity. Sati is then reborn as Parvati, the daughter of Himavat and Mainavati, and is named Parvati, or "she from the mountains", after her father Himavant who is also called king Parvat . According to different versions of her chronicles,

5841-478: The consecration of the temple. The goddess is said to remove rigidity of the mind; devotees usually feel the tears in their eyes or even inside their mind when they pray to the goddess in devotion and contemplation. The temple is opened for darshan from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of

5940-416: The cosmos. In this role, she becomes not only a mother and nurturer but also the embodiment of cosmic energy and fertility. She is the source of power that energises Shiva, who without her is incomplete. Parvati's mythology, therefore, is not just about her role as a wife but also about her cosmic function as the force that activates and sustains life. In various Shaiva traditions , Parvati is also regarded as

6039-534: The daughter of king Himavan (also called Himavata, Parvata ) and mother Menavati . King Parvata is considered lord of the mountains and the personification of the Himalayas ; Parvati implies "she of the mountain". Aparneshara Temple of Yama, Udhampur in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is considered as the birthplace of Parvati and site of Shiva-Parvati Vivaha. Parvati

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6138-587: The demon brothers Chanda and Munda ’), Mookambika (‘the killer of Mookasura’), Kolasurabhayankari (‘the killer of Kolasura’), Bhandasuravibedhini (‘the killer of Bhandasura ) and many more. The word Parvati does not explicitly appear in Vedic literature . Instead, Ambika, Rudrani and others are found in the Rigveda . The verse 3.12 of the Kena Upanishad dated to mid-1st millennium BCE contains

6237-413: The demon, Kali's wrath could not be controlled. To lower Kali's rage, Shiva appeared as a crying baby. The cries of the baby arouse the maternal instinct of Kali who reverts to her benign form as Parvati. Lord Shiva, in this baby form is Kshethra Balaka (who becomes Rudra Savarni Manu in future). In Skanda Purana , Parvati assumes the form of a warrior-goddess and defeats a demon called Durg who assumes

6336-694: The earth to slay Banasura. Devi Kanya Kumari has been mentioned in Ramayana , Mahabharata , and the Sangam works Manimekalai , Purananuru and the Nārāyaṇa (Mahānārāyaṇa) Upanishad, a Vaishnava Upanishad in the Taittiriya Samhita of Krishna Yajur Veda . The author of Periplus of the Erythraean Sea (60-80 CE) has written about the prevalence of the propitiation of the deity Kanyakumari in

6435-476: The entire world. He went on to conquer and oust Indra from his throne. He banished all the devas from their abode. The devas, who were the personification of the basic natural elements, Agni (fire), Varuna (water), Vayu (air) became uncoordinated, and havoc spread in the universe, because Indra (ether) was not able to administer and coordinate the Pancha Bhoota . According to local folklore, It

6534-485: The epic period (400 BCE–400 CE), as both the Ramayana and the Mahabharata present Parvati as Shiva's wife. However, it is not until the plays of Kalidasa (5th–6th centuries) and the Puranas (4th through the 13th centuries) that the stories of Sati-Parvati and Shiva acquire more comprehensive details. Kinsley adds that Parvati may have emerged from legends of non- aryan goddesses that lived in mountains. While

6633-487: The extreme southern part of India; "There is another place called Comori and a harbour, hither come those men who wish to consecrate themselves for the rest of their lives, and bath and dwell in celibacy and women also do the same; for it is told that a goddess once dwelt here and bathed." Kanyakumari was under the rule of the Chera Dynasty followed by the rulers and kings of Travancore under the overall suzerainty of

6732-422: The feminine or exhaust their significance and activities in Hindu literature. She is balanced by Durga, who is strong and capable without compromising her femaleness. She manifests in every activity, from water to mountains, from arts to inspiring warriors, from agriculture to dance. Parvati's numerous aspects state Gross, reflects the Hindu belief that the feminine has a universal range of activities, and her gender

6831-449: The ferocious, violent aspect as Shakti and related forms. Shakti is pure energy, untamed, unchecked, and chaotic. Her wrath crystallizes into a dark, blood-thirsty, tangled-hair Goddess with an open mouth and a drooping tongue. This goddess is usually identified as the terrible Mahakali (time). In Linga Purana , Parvati undergoes a metamorphosis into Kali, at the request of Shiva, to destroy an asura (demon) Daruk. Even after destroying

6930-579: The first rays of the sun fall on the exact place where his ashes were kept. Kanyakumari Pier or Sunset View Point is considered one of the iconic locations in Kanyakumari. It is situated at a point where three oceans meet: the Bay of Bengal , the Laccadive Sea , which is connected to the Indian Ocean , and the Arabian Sea . Kamarajar Mani Mantapa Monument was raised and dedicated to K. Kamarajar ,

7029-416: The food and broke her bangles. The food particles she scattered around are said to be the source of the colourful sands of Kanyakumari. When she finally gained her composure, she undertook continuous penance. Ages later, Banasura tried to lure and approach Kumari, without realising who she was. The infuriated Kumari slaughtered Banasura at once. Moments before his death, Banasura realised that the one before him

7128-526: The form of a buffalo. In this aspect, she is known by the name Durga . Although Parvati is considered another aspect of Shakti, just like Kali, Durga, Kamakshi , Meenakshi , Gauri and many others in modern-day Hinduism, many of these "forms" or aspects originated from regional legends and traditions, and the distinctions from Parvati are pertinent. According to Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, and also in Devi Bhagavata Purana , Parvati

7227-409: The goddess by devotees. Reciting Lalita Sahasranama while approaching and circumambulating the temple is considered auspicious. The Bhagavati Kumari Amman Temple in Kanyakumari , Tamil Nadu is dedicated to her. It is located at the southern tip of main land India, on the confluence of the Bay of Bengal , the Arabian Sea , and the Indian Ocean . Legend attributes Sage Parashurama for performing

7326-501: The goddess-oriented Shakta texts, that she is said to transcend even Shiva, and is identified as the Supreme Being. Just as Shiva is at once the presiding deity of destruction and regeneration, the couple jointly symbolize at once both the power of renunciation and asceticism and the blessings of marital felicity. Parvati thus symbolizes many different virtues esteemed by Hindu tradition: fertility, marital felicity, devotion to

7425-501: The maiden Parvati resolves to marry Shiva. Her parents learn of her desire, discourage her, but she pursues what she wants. Indra sends the god Kama – the Hindu god of desire, erotic love, attraction, and affection, to awake Shiva from meditation. Kama reaches Shiva and shoots an arrow of desire. Shiva opens his third eye in his forehead and burns the cupid Kama to ashes. Parvati does not lose her hope or her resolve to win over Shiva. She begins to live in mountains like Shiva, engage in

7524-707: The material manifested aspects the Nature is classified as feminine and is the Prakriti or Mother Goddess and also the un-manifested forms Knowledge, Prosperity and Power are considered as feminine Prakriti, and it is source of energy for Creation, Sustain and Control, which is the male aspect (Purusha) of Prabrahma. In Tantra , the worship of Prakriti is done in different methods: Dakshinachara (Right-Hand Path) (Sātvika rites), Vamachara (Left-Hand Path) (Rajas rites) and Madhyama (Mixed) (Tamasa rites) in different temples. The name of Devi in temples during Sātvika or Dakshina rites

7623-461: The more ferocious, destructive Kali, Gauri, Nirriti in another aspect. Tate suggests Parvati is a mixture of the Vedic goddesses Aditi and Nirriti, and being a mountain goddess herself, was associated with other mountain goddesses like Durga and Kali in later traditions. Parvati, the gentle aspect of Devi Shakti, is usually represented as fair, beautiful, and benevolent. She typically wears

7722-415: The mountains with no interest in social life, while Parvati is portrayed as the ideal householder keen on nurturing worldly life and society. Numerous chapters, stories, and legends revolve around their mutual devotion as well as disagreements, their debates on Hindu philosophy as well as the proper life. Parvati tames Shiva with her presence. When Shiva does his violent, destructive Tandava dance, Parvati

7821-436: The national average of 59.5%. There were a total of 4,236 households in the town. As of 2001, Kanyakumari had a total of 5,929 main workers: 11 cultivators, 78 agricultural labourers , 66 in household industries, and 5,774 other workers. There were a total of 119 marginal workers: 4 marginal cultivators, 3 marginal agricultural labourers, 11 marginal workers in household industries, and 101 other marginal workers. Kanyakumari

7920-402: The nearest town is Nagercoil , the administrative headquarters of Kanyakumari district (22 km (14 mi) away). Kanyakumari is at the southern tip and is the southernmost point of the contiguous Indian Subcontinent . As such, it is part of the common Hindustani phrase used to describe the length of India: "Kashmir se Kanyakumari"; before the partition, the phrase in undivided India

8019-408: 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). Parvati is expressed in many roles, moods, epithets, and aspects. In Hindu mythology, she is an active agent of the universe,

8118-460: The point that she is superior in power. The theme of the superiority of the goddess over male deities is common in Shakta texts, [and] so the story is stressing a central Shakta theological principle. ... The fact that Shiva and Parvati are living in her father's house in itself makes this point, as it is traditional in many parts of India for the wife to leave her father's home upon marriage and become

8217-606: The power of Shiva. She is expressed in nurturing and benevolent aspects, as well as destructive and ferocious aspects. 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. As Mahakali , she identifies and destroys evil for protection, and as Annapurna , she creates food and abundance for nourishment. Several Hindu stories present alternate aspects of Parvati, such as

8316-566: The rock represents wealth and pleasures, signifying that wealth and love be earned and enjoyed on the foundation of solid virtue. The combined height of the statue and pedestal is 133 ft (40.5 m), denoting the 133 chapters in the Thirukkural . The statue is reminiscent of a dancing pose of Nataraja . It was sculpted by the Indian sculptor V. Ganapati Sthapati , who also created the Iraivan Temple , and its opening ceremony

8415-410: The same activities as Shiva, one of asceticism, yogin and tapas . This draws the attention of Shiva and awakens his interest. He meets her in disguised form, tries to discourage her, telling her Shiva's weaknesses and personality problems. Parvati refuses to listen and insists on her resolve. Shiva finally accepts her and they get married. Shiva dedicates the following hymn in Parvati's honor, I am

8514-406: The sea and you the wave, You are Prakṛti , and I Purusha . – Translated by Stella Kramrisch After the marriage, Parvati moves to Mount Kailash , the residence of Shiva. To them are born Kartikeya (also known as Skanda and Murugan) – the leader of celestial armies, and Ganesha – the god of wisdom that prevents problems and removes obstacles. There are many alternate Hindu legends about

8613-486: The spouse, asceticism, and power. Parvati represents the householder ideal in the perennial tension in Hinduism in the household ideal and the ascetic ideal, the latter represented by Shiva. Renunciation and asceticism is highly valued in Hinduism, as is the householder's life – both feature as Ashramas of ethical and proper life. Shiva is portrayed in Hindu legends as the ideal ascetic withdrawn in his personal pursuit in

8712-537: The story of the maiden Parvati who has made up her mind to marry Shiva and get him out of his recluse, intellectual, austere world of aloofness. Her devotions aimed at gaining the favor of Shiva, the subsequent annihilation of Kamadeva , the consequent fall of the universe into barren lifelessness, regeneration of life, the subsequent marriage of Parvati and Shiva, the birth of Kartikeya, and the eventual resurrection of Kamadeva after Parvati intercedes for him to Shiva. Parvati's legends are intrinsically related to Shiva. In

8811-576: The town and the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue , both situated on rocky islets off the coast. The operation of the ferry service began in 1984. Two ferries were used until June 2013, after which a third ferry was added to the service on the occasion of 150th birth anniversary of Swamy Vivekananda . The Kanyakumari railway station and nearby Nagercoil railway station offer direct connection by rail to almost all metropolitan cities in India. The nearest airport

8910-591: The town is named. Kanyakumari has been a town since the Sangam period and was referred to in old Malayalam literature and in the accounts of Ptolemy and Marco Polo . The place derives its name from the goddess Kanya Kumari , considered to be the sister of Krishna . The goddess is believed to remove the rigidity from the mind, and women pray for marriage at her temple. In 1656, the Dutch East India Company conquered Portuguese Ceylon from

9009-410: The wedding feast remained uncooked and unused. The uncooked grains turned into stones as time went by. Some believe that the small stones on the shore today, which look like rice, are indeed grains from the wedding that was never solemnised. Kanya Devi is now considered a virgin goddess who blesses pilgrims and tourists who flock to the town. Her temple in Kanyakumari is a Shakta pitha : a holy shrine in

9108-501: The well-being of their husbands and visited their relatives. In Nepal, Teej is a three-day festival marked with visits to Shiva-Parvati temples and offerings to linga. Teej is celebrated as Teeyan in Punjab. The Gowri Habba , or Gauri Festival, is celebrated on the seventh, eighth, and ninth of Bhadrapada ( Shukla paksha ). Parvati is worshipped as the goddess of harvest and protector of women. Her festival, chiefly observed by women,

9207-491: The word Uma appears in earlier Upanisads, Hopkins notes that the earliest known explicit use of the name Pārvatī occurs in late Hamsa Upanishad . Weber suggests that just like Shiva is a combination of various Vedic gods Rudra and Agni, Parvati in Puranas text is a combination of wives of Rudra. In other words, the symbolism, legends, and characteristics of Parvati evolved fusing Uma, Haimavati, Ambika in one aspect and

9306-714: The yoni-linga metaphor represents origin, source or regenerative power . 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. 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. In some iconography, Parvati's hands may symbolically express many mudras (symbolic hand gestures). For example, Kataka — representing fascination and enchantment, Hirana — representing

9405-488: Was "Khyber se Kanyakumari". However, the southernmost point of Republic of India is at Indira Point on Great Nicobar Island , at 6°45’10″N and 93°49’36″E. The Thiruvalluvar Statue is a 7,000-ton stone statue of poet and philosopher Valluvar . It has a height of 29 metres (95 feet) and stands upon an 11.5-metre (38 ft) rock that represents the 38 chapters of virtue in the Thirukkural . The statue standing on

9504-484: Was Adi Parashakti, the Goddess herself. He prayed her to absolve him of his sins. After killing Banasura, Kumari assumed her original form of Parvati , and reunited with her husband, Shiva . Kumari maintained her divine presence in the place, in the Bhagavati Kumari Amman Temple. According to Vaishnavism , the saint Vadiraja Tirtha states in his Tirtha Prabandha that Devi Kanya Kumari is

9603-433: Was believed that only Bhagavati would be able to restore order. Bhagavati manifested herself in the southern tip of the subcontinent as Kumari, to kill Banasura and restore the balance of nature. As an adolescent girl, she had immense devotion towards the deity Shiva . Shiva decided to marry her. All arrangements were made for the wedding. Shiva started the journey from Shuchindram. The wedding muhurtam, or auspicious time,

9702-530: Was during the Brahma muhurtam, which was pre-morning. The sage Narada , observing that only a virgin goddess would be able to slay Banasura, caused a rooster to crow, indicating that the auspicious time for the wedding had passed. Thus, he was able to interrupt Shiva 's marriage to Kanya Kumari. Kumari waited for Shiva, and finally, she assumed that she had been snubbed. With unbearable insult, pain, grief, and anger, she destroyed everything she saw. She threw away all

9801-475: Was on 1 January 2000. The monument was hit by the Indian Ocean tsunami on 26 December 2004, but stood unaffected. The statue is designed to survive earthquakes of high magnitude. During maintenance work, as well as during rough sea, entry is restricted for tourists. The Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a popular tourist monument in Vavathurai, Kanyakumari, India. The memorial stands on one of two rocks in

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