Goddess Parvati is revered and worshipped for her powers and as the divine consort of Lord Shiva. She is known by different names and each one of these names is a reflection of her powerful forms. When she is depicted along with Lord Shiva she is shown as having two hands with the right hand holding a lotus and the left hand by her side. When Goddess Parvati is depicted alone she is shown as having four hands. In two of her hands she is shown as holding two lotus (red and blue color) and the other two hands of her exhibiting mudras (Varada and Abhaya). The Abhaya mudra is a hand gesture that depicts fearlessness and Varada depicts beneficence. She is also shown wearing a sacred thread. There is symbolism attached to each one of the weapons that are depicted in the many forms of Goddess Parvati Although Goddess Parvati is often depicted as having a fair complexion, there are numerous stories that indicate that her skin was dark earlier. Due to her dark skin she was often shunned by Lord Shiva. In order to win the love and admiration of her Lord she did immense penance. The penance made her extremely beautiful and she radiated goodness. This attracted Lord Shiva and he fell in love with her beautiful appearance.
