I like the Haritalika fast a lot because it is dedicated to Devi Parvati who is the incomparable icon of a woman's choice. She is the daughter of the most powerful conduit to the Gods. Her parents want her to marry apparently Lord Vishnu, every which way the perfect husband material. Her choice is clear though. She wants a union, thereafter celebrated in each and every art, with Lord Shiva. She is ready for any hardships to get the husband of her dreams even when the whole world is against it. The others may have their opinions about him, but she is steadfast to her choice.
After a very happy marriage, she chooses to go the yadnya as her duty to her parents. When her husband is insulted, she does not take it lying down. She chooses to confront her mighty father, given the insult to her husband. Out of that conflict, she chooses to jump into the holy fire. Lord Shiva's tandava creates her shakti peetham.
In her second reincarnation as well, she is equally determined regarding her choice, She stands by it, wins him over and it is a perfect union which is celebrated as the parenthood of the entire universe by Kalidasa in the beginning of Kumarsambhavam. Even the formation of Lord Ganesha shows her agency. Does that mean that she is a meanie, the dominating, possessive harridan? Not at all. She is love personified not only in her marriage. But even for the entire retinue of Lord Shiv, she is a dedicated mother figure. She is the destroyer of all that is evil, too.
The perfect consort. the ideal mother figure, the trinity of buddhi, laxmi and health, Parvati is the ultimate. She is always depicted as a delicate damsel, but her all her resolves are rock solid, and she stands by them despite all the difficulties. Remembrance of Parvati is acceptance of all that is good within oneself as a woman.
pratima@the delicate strength of gentleness
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