Uma

Epithet of the goddess Parvati, wife of
the god Shiva. The name supposedly
comes from the exclamation uttered by
Parvati’s mother, Mena, when Parvati
announces that she intends to perform
asceticism to win Shiva as a husband.
According to the story, Mena covers her
ears with her hands and replies “U Ma!”
(Oh, don’t!) As with all forms of Parvati
(and all married goddesses), Uma is
a beneficent and benevolent presence,
maternal and life affirming, although
at times she can be capricious and
spiteful if insulted. For more information on Uma and all the goddesses
of Hinduism, see David R. Kinsley,
Hindu Goddesses, 1986.