When we think of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s children, the names Lord Ganesha and Kartikeya immediately come to mind. But very few know that Shiva and Parvati also had a daughter!
Her name is Goddess Ashok Sundari, who is revered as the sister of Lord Ganesha.
Who Is Ashok Sundari?
The name Ashok Sundari comes from two Sanskrit words: Ashok meaning “freedom from sorrow” and Sundari meaning “beautiful.” She was created by Goddess Parvati from the wish-fulfilling Kalpavriksha tree, to give her company when Lord Shiva was away in deep meditation.
According to legends, Ashok Sundari was later married to Nahusha, who went on to become a king of the heavens for a time. The story of Ashok Sundari also finds a connection with the epic Mahabharata through her husband. Nahusha, who was once a mortal king, later became the temporary ruler of the heavens when Indra was cursed. However, his arrogance led to his downfall, and he was cursed to become a serpent until freed by the Pandavas in the Mahabharata. Nahusha and Ashok Sundari, as per popular legends related to Padma Purana, were also parents to Yayati, who was a predecessor of the Mahabharata’s Pandavas and Kauravas.
Though not as widely worshipped as her brothers, she is still remembered in scriptures and folklore as the bringer of happiness. Ashok Sundari beautifully complements her brother Lord Ganesha. While Ganesha removes obstacles from the path of devotees, Ashok Sundari is believed to remove sorrows from their hearts.
Do Poeple Worship Goddess Ashok Sundari?
Unlike Ganesha and Kartikeya, Goddess Ashok Sundari is not worshipped in every household. However, she does have a strong following in certain parts of India, especially among devotees who honour the entire Shiva-Parvati family. There are some temples in Gujarat and South India, where she is worshipped alongside Lord Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya.