Goddess Parvati

 Goddess Parvati

Paramar Dynasty,11th Century AD

            A highly well preserved statue, but for the two upper broken hands. The sculpture depicts the goddess as a stout woman, holding a pitcher of holy water, a rosary,  carrying Lord Ganesh in her upper left hand and a Shiva Linga in her upper right hand. Since Parvati created Ganesh from herself, of the two children, he is her favorite.  But the sculpture is not just limited to that: Parvati is the symbol of Nature. Nature also includes the creative and destructive powers. While the Shiva Ling is the symbol for creativity, the mongoose at her feet is the symbol of the destructive power. For, the mongoose can kill even a snake. But both the powers have to be used with wisdom--hence, Lord Ganesh.  Wisdom doesn't come easily. It comes from right thoughts--the pitcher of Holy water, and with deep meditation--the rosary.  Nature is mysterious, but beautiful,  like the Goddess herself.