ClassX Video Lessons The legend of Annapurna, Hindu goddess of nourishment – Antara Raychaudhuri & Iseult Gillespie
Lord Shiva, the primordial destroyer of evil and protector of the universe, was known for testing the patience of his wife, Parvati. Their union was a celebrated one, maintaining the delicate balance between thought and action, crucial for the world’s well-being. Parvati, as the agent of energy, growth, and transformation, ensured that Shiva did not become a detached observer, leaving the world static. Together, they formed the divine entity known as Ardhanarishvara, a sacred union that brought fertility and connection to all living things.
Parvati was revered as the mother of the natural world, an essential counterpart to Shiva’s raw creative powers. She oversaw humanity’s material comforts and ensured that Earth’s inhabitants were bonded physically, emotionally, and spiritually. However, a rift developed between these two formidable forces. While Parvati sustained daily life with care, Shiva began to belittle her essential work, insisting on quarreling about their roles in the universe.
Shiva believed that Brahma, the Creator, had conceived the material world purely for his own amusement, viewing all material things as distractions, or māyā—a cosmic illusion. For millennia, Parvati merely smiled knowingly at Shiva’s dismissals. However, upon his latest rebuke, she decided to prove the importance of her work. She withdrew her half of the cosmic energy, plunging the world into a terrifying scarcity.
With Parvati’s departure, the land became dry and barren. Rivers shrank, crops withered, and hunger descended upon humanity. Parents struggled to console their starving children, and people withdrew from the darkening world. To his shock, Shiva also felt the profound emptiness left by Parvati’s absence. Despite his supreme power, he realized he was not immune to the need for sustenance, and his yearning became unbearable.
As Shiva despaired over the desolate Earth, he came to understand that the material world could not be so easily dismissed. Moved by her husband’s epiphany, the compassionate Parvati could no longer stand by and watch her devotees suffer. She took the form of a new avatar, Annapurna, the Goddess of food, carrying a golden bowl of porridge and a jewel-encrusted ladle.
With Annapurna’s arrival, the world blossomed anew. People rejoiced in fertility and food, gathering to give thanks. Some believe Annapurna first appeared in the sacred city of Kashi, on the banks of the Ganges, where she opened a kitchen to feed the people until they were satisfied. Even Lord Shiva, humbled by the scenes of earthly pleasure, approached the goddess with an empty bowl, seeking food and forgiveness.
In this powerful narrative, Shiva is sometimes portrayed as a beggar at the mercy of Annapurna, who holds a golden bowl in her left hand while her right forms the abhaya mudra—a gesture of safety and assurance. Through these symbols, Annapurna makes it clear that the material world is not an illusion but a cycle of life that must be sustained, from feeding open mouths to maintaining Earth’s equilibrium.
Draw a series of pictures that depict the key events in the story of Shiva and Parvati. Include captions that explain what is happening in each scene. This will help you visualize and understand the sequence of events and the relationship between the characters.
In groups, act out the story of Shiva and Parvati. Assign roles such as Shiva, Parvati, and other characters. Perform the scenes where Parvati withdraws her energy and the world falls into crisis, and then her return as Annapurna. This will help you empathize with the characters and understand their emotions and motivations.
Imagine you are either Shiva or Parvati. Write a diary entry from their perspective, describing their feelings and thoughts during the key moments of the story. This activity will help you explore the inner lives of the characters and understand their perspectives.
Create a poster that illustrates the concept of Ardhanarishvara, the union of Shiva and Parvati. Use symbols and colors to represent the balance between thought and action, and the importance of both in maintaining the world’s well-being. This will help you grasp the symbolic meaning of their union.
Research the significance of Annapurna in Hindu culture and present your findings to the class. Explain how Annapurna represents the importance of food and sustenance in the material world. This will deepen your understanding of the cultural and spiritual significance of the story.
Shiva – In Hinduism, Shiva is one of the principal deities, known as the destroyer and transformer within the Trimurti. – In the story, Shiva danced to create a new world after the old one was destroyed.
Parvati – In Hindu mythology, Parvati is the goddess of love, fertility, and devotion, and the wife of Shiva. – Parvati is often depicted as a nurturing mother figure in many ancient texts.
Energy – The strength and vitality required for sustained physical or mental activity. – The monks believed that meditation helped them channel positive energy.
Balance – A condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions. – The story taught us that balance between work and rest is essential for a happy life.
World – The earth, together with all of its countries, peoples, and natural features. – The novel described a world where magic and reality coexisted.
Goddess – A female deity in polytheistic religions. – Athena, the goddess of wisdom, was revered by the ancient Greeks.
Food – Any nutritious substance that people or animals eat or drink to maintain life and growth. – The festival included a variety of food offerings to honor the gods.
Cosmic – Relating to the universe or cosmos, especially as distinct from the earth. – The ancient texts spoke of cosmic battles between good and evil forces.
Illusion – A thing that is or is likely to be wrongly perceived or interpreted by the senses. – The magician’s tricks were mere illusions that amazed the audience.
Humanity – The human race; human beings collectively. – The story emphasized the importance of kindness and compassion towards all of humanity.
