Jaganmata
In Hinduism, Jaganmata ("Mother of the Universe"; jagat = "world" + mata = "mother") is considered to be an incarnation of the goddess Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva. Jaganmata is also considered to be a form of Bhuvaneshvari, another incarnation of Parvati.
Symbolism
It is said that Jaganmata is the mother of the entire cosmic world.[1][2] From a tiny virus to entire universe, from the non-living to the living world, the mother is Jaganmata. It is believed that she holds a lotus in one hand and other hand in a position of blessing the devotee (straightening the palm towards the devotee). It is also said that if there is a threat to the cosmic creation, she transforms into Durga/Mahakali/Bhairavi/Chamundeshwari to destroy the threat. She is also called Akhilandeshwari, Vishveshwari, Lokeshwari, etc.
See also
References
- Rachel Fell McDermott (2001). Singing to the Goddess: Poems to Kali and Uma from Bengal.
- Sirona Knight (2003). Goddess Bless!: Divine Affirmations, Prayers, and Blessings. Red Wheel. p. 84.