“Shiva without shakti is just Shava (corpse); shakti completes the Shiva.”
The famous poet Kalidas imagined Parvati’s beauty as “the collection of all the world’s perfections.” She has the glow of a thousand moons and the power of thousands of arms. She is divine yet simple, a paradox in herself. Artists of the Chola period have done justice to the Kalidas visualization by capturing this beauty in stone.
Chola sculptures are known for their naturalism and realism. This was the Indian Renaissance in art, way before the one that happened in Italy. Parvati in Chola sculptures exudes divinity by maintaining a naturalistic pose and expression.
How does Parvati represent the divine feminine?
Femininity is often associated with fertility and healing. It is intertwined with the power of creation. Creation is divine! Parvati is the Prakriti that gives form to the Purusha. Their union results in the creation of the universe. Thus, Parvati is a life-giving force that combines with pure consciousness to begin life.
By marrying Shiva, she has domesticated the infinite and brought him into the world of a householder. Thus, she is the bridge between detachment (Vairagya) and social duty (dharma). Parvati is the “universal mother" who nurtures the world. She is a provider of unconditional love and nourishment.
Why is Parvati the most revered goddess in Hinduism?
According to Hindu mythology, Parvati is the wife of Lord Shiva. Thus, she is manifested in various forms. In her more furious and independent form, she is Durga and Kali, while her calm and motherly manifestation is in the form of Gauri and Ambika. She has diverse roles according to her form.
She is the goddess who lives in all beings as power. She grants beauty and motherhood to all females. She looks after the well-being of the mother and child during childbirth. Her multifaceted persona makes her the most revered goddess in Hinduism.
What makes Parvati of the Chola period distinct?
The Chola period is often remembered for its bronze sculptures and grand temples. But we can’t overlook stone sculptures crafted on temple walls, pillars, or pavilions. The importance of naturalism and realism is evident in Chola sculptures. It is celebrated for its detailed and lifelike depiction. Chola artists have observed humans with great accuracy and have successfully captured naturalistic expressions. This attention to realism allowed them to create figures that appeared dynamic and full of life.
This Parvati sculpture also has a sense of realism. It is the perfect balance of idealization and naturalistic elements. That’s why Chola-era Parvati sculptures reflect beauty and divinity.