JANMASHTAMI

GANESH

Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity, symbolizes wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings. As the son of Shiva and Parvati, he is venerated as the remover of obstacles and the patron of arts and sciences, embodying spiritual strength and intellect.

SHIV-PARVATI

• Lord Shiva: Known as the destroyer in the Hindu trinity (Trimurti), Shiva embodies transformation and regeneration. He is depicted as an ascetic yogi, meditating in the Himalayas, and as a householder with Parvati. Adorned with a crescent moon, the Ganga flowing from his hair, and a serpent around his neck, he symbolizes power, balance, and detachment. His trident (trishul) represents creation, preservation, and destruction.
• Goddess Parvati: The daughter of the mountain king Himavan, Parvati is a goddess of love, devotion, and fertility. She is also an incarnation of Shakti, the divine energy that drives creation. As Shiva’s consort, she complements his ascetic nature with her nurturing and compassionate qualities. Together, they are parents to Ganesha and Kartikeya. Their divine relationship signifies harmony, spiritual growth, and the perfect balance of life’s dualities.

KRISHNA-RADHA

Lord Radha-Krishna is one of the most revered divine pairs in Indian mythology, symbolizing eternal love, devotion, and unity. Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, is celebrated as the embodiment of divine joy, wisdom, and charm. Radha, his eternal consort, represents the pinnacle of devotion and unconditional love. Together, they signify the union of the soul (Radha) with the Supreme (Krishna).

Their story, deeply rooted in the Indian epic tradition, transcends mere romantic love, illustrating the pure, selfless bond between the devotee and the divine. Radha-Krishna’s lilas (divine pastimes), particularly in Vrindavan, inspire poetry, music, and art, and their relationship serves as a spiritual metaphor for longing, surrender, and divine connection.