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Goddess of power and strength who represents the Shakti (female power or active energy) of Shiva. A mother goddess who assumes many forms that complement each form of Shiva. Emergence out of the ocean of milk makes her the symbol of purity. She also embodies goodness and represents the ideal woman. Usually shown with Shiva and Ganesha or with all her manifestations, such as Durga.
Figure 15
Parvati

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The wrathful protector and a symbol of power. Durga overcomes evil and demons, including destructive elements that reside within us. Often shown with eight hands. Each hand carries a symbolic weapon to destroy weakness and evil. Usually rides a lion or tigersymbolic of the subjugation of the ego.
Figure 16
Durga

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The benevolent elephant-headed godremover of obstacles and god of auspicious beginningsis the first deity worshipped in Hindu ceremonies. He opens the doors of spiritualism. Ganesha, the son of Shiva and Parvati, represents wisdom and discretion. Always accompanied by an obedient rat, his vehicle. The rat honors Ganesha's commands and subjugates its typical behaviorsymbolizing the need to subjugate our own desires to reach the Truth.
Figure 17
Ganesha

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Lord of preservation and third deity in the Hindu Trinity. The preserver of the universe, Vishnu is filled with mercy and devotion for all creation. Vishnu represents pure consciousness. His blue color symbolizes infinity. Each of four hands carries a sacred object: the lotus, a conch shell that spreads the primordial word AUM; a discus or chakra (wheel) that represents the cycle of time; a mace that destroys evil forces that steer us from the right path. Vishnu has nine avatars (manifestations), which he sent to earth to defeat evil and protect the law of dharma at various times during the earth's existence. Rama and Krishna are avatars. His consort is Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.
Figure 18
Vishnu

 
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