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.

Parvati with her son Ganesha. Jaganmata, form of Parvati, is the mother of the universe.

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

• Jagdamba

References

1. Rachel Fell McDermott (2001). Singing to the Goddess: Poems to Kali and Uma from Bengal.
2. Sirona Knight (2003). Goddess Bless!: Divine Affirmations, Prayers, and Blessings. Red Wheel. p. 84.