Praying to Goddess Parvati, the Hindu goddess of love, fertility, and devotion, is a sacred practice in Hinduism. She is a revered deity known for her compassion, strength, and maternal qualities. Parvati is also the consort of Lord Shiva and is often worshiped in tandem with him. Here's a detailed guide on how to pray to Goddess Parvati, including prayers, puja steps, ideal deities to worship alongside, mantras, and the benefits of her worship.
How to Pray to Goddess Parvati
1. Preparing for the Puja (Worship)
- Select an Auspicious Day: Mondays and Fridays are considered auspicious for worshiping Goddess Parvati. Festivals such as Navratri and Maha Shivaratri are also ideal times for her worship.
- Cleanse Yourself and the Puja Area: Take a bath and wear clean clothes before performing the puja. Clean the space where the puja will be performed.
- Gather Puja Materials: You will need a picture or idol of Goddess Parvati, fresh flowers (especially red roses or lotus), fruits, incense sticks, lamps, turmeric, vermilion (kumkum), sandalwood paste, and offerings such as sweets.
2. Puja Steps to Worship Goddess Parvati
Invoke Ganesha: Before starting any puja, it's customary to invoke Lord Ganesha, the son of Parvati, to remove any obstacles. You can chant:
- Mantra: "Om Gan Ganapataye Namah"
- Meaning: "I offer my salutations to Lord Ganesha."
Dhyana (Meditation): Sit comfortably and close your eyes. Meditate on the form of Goddess Parvati, imagining her divine qualities such as compassion, love, and strength. Visualize her seated on a lotus or alongside Lord Shiva.
Lighting the Lamp and Incense: Light a diya (lamp) with ghee or oil and some incense sticks. This signifies the removal of darkness and ignorance and is an offering to the goddess.
Offering Flowers and Fruits: Offer fresh flowers, especially red flowers, to the deity. Fruits and sweets like jaggery, coconut, and kheer are also commonly offered.
Apply Tilak: Use turmeric and vermilion (kumkum) to apply a tilak (mark) on the idol or image of Goddess Parvati and on your forehead.
Recite Parvati Mantras and Prayers: Chant specific mantras dedicated to Goddess Parvati to invoke her blessings. Some powerful mantras include:
- Om Parvatyai Namah
- Om Gauri Shankara Ardhangini Yai Namah
- Om Hreem Shreem Parvathyai Namah
- Durga Chalisa or Devi Suktam from the Rigveda can also be recited.
Perform Aarti: Conclude the puja with an aarti (a ceremonial prayer involving light). Use a lamp with multiple wicks and rotate it in front of the deity in a circular motion while singing aarti songs or reciting the Parvati Aarti.
Offer Prasad: Distribute the prasad (food offerings) to those present as it is considered blessed by the goddess.
Concluding Prayer: Offer a final prayer seeking forgiveness for any mistakes during the worship and ask for the goddess's blessings for health, prosperity, and peace.
3. Ideal Gods or Goddesses to Worship Alongside Parvati
- Lord Shiva: As the consort of Parvati, worshiping Shiva alongside her is highly auspicious. Together, they represent the ideal divine couple and balance of masculine and feminine energies.
- Lord Ganesha: Their son, and the remover of obstacles, worshiping Ganesha first is a common practice before any Hindu ritual.
- Kartikeya (Murugan): Another son of Parvati, also worshiped for valor and protection.
4. Mantras for Goddess Parvati
Mantra for Devotion and Strength:
"Om Hreem Shreem Kleem Parameshwari Parvati Maai Namah"
Meaning: A mantra invoking Goddess Parvati’s blessings for inner strength and devotion.Parvati Ashtakshara Mantra:
"Om Namah Chandikayai"
Meaning: A mantra for protection and to invoke the fierce aspect of Parvati as Chandi.Mantra for Marital Bliss and Harmony:
"Om Hreem Hreem Parvati Prema Priya Swaha"
Meaning: This mantra is particularly chanted by those seeking a harmonious marital relationship or wishing to find a suitable life partner.
5. Rare Facts about Goddess Parvati
- Manifestations: Goddess Parvati is known for her various forms, such as Durga, Kali, and Annapurna, each representing different aspects of her nature from nurturing to warrior-like.
- Meditation and Penances: Parvati is believed to have undergone severe penances (Tapasya) to marry Lord Shiva, symbolizing perseverance and devotion.
- Symbol of Fertility and Motherhood: As the mother of Ganesha and Kartikeya, she is revered as a symbol of fertility, motherhood, and familial harmony.
6. Benefits of Worshiping Goddess Parvati
- Marital Bliss and Harmony: Parvati is often worshiped for a happy and harmonious marital life. Unmarried women pray to her for finding a suitable partner.
- Strength and Courage: Her devotees seek her blessings for inner strength, courage, and resilience in the face of challenges.
- Fertility and Parenthood: Parvati is also worshiped for blessings related to fertility and successful childbirth.
- Spiritual Growth: Regular worship of Goddess Parvati helps in attaining spiritual wisdom, inner peace, and connection with the divine feminine energy.
Worshiping Goddess Parvati can be a deeply fulfilling spiritual practice, filled with devotion and reverence. By following these steps and understanding the importance of each aspect of the puja, devotees can feel a closer connection to this powerful goddess, inviting her blessings of love, strength, and spiritual growth into their lives.