The legend of Annapurna, Hindu goddess of nourishment - Antara Raychaudhuri & Iseult Gillespie

TED-Ed2 minutes read

In their divine union, Shiva and Parvati maintained balance on Earth, but when Parvati felt undervalued by Shiva, she withdrew her energy, leading to scarcity. With the realization of the importance of sustenance, Parvati, as Annapurna, restored fertility and food to the world, emphasizing the significance of sustaining the material world and the cycle of life.

Insights

  • Parvati's withdrawal of cosmic energy due to feeling undervalued by Shiva resulted in devastating scarcity, highlighting the critical role she plays in maintaining balance and abundance on Earth.
  • Shiva's humbling experience as a beggar before Parvati as Annapurna underscored the importance of sustaining the material world and recognizing the significance of nourishment for all living beings, emphasizing the cyclical nature of life and abundance.

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Recent questions

  • Who is Ardhanarishvara?

    A divine union of Shiva and Parvati.

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Summary

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Divine union restores balance and abundance

  • Shiva and Parvati, in their divine union known as Ardhanarishvara, maintained the balance between energy, growth, and transformation on Earth, with Parvati being the agent of these vital aspects. Without her, the world faced scarcity and barrenness, leading to hunger and suffering among humanity.
  • Parvati, upon feeling undervalued by Shiva, withdrew her cosmic energy from the world, causing a devastating scarcity that affected all living beings. This led to a realization for both Shiva and Parvati about the importance of sustenance and the material world.
  • Parvati, in her form as Annapurna, the Goddess of food, appeared to restore fertility and food to the world, bringing joy and abundance. Shiva, humbled by the scenes of earthly pleasure, approached her as a beggar, emphasizing the significance of sustaining the material world and the cycle of life.
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