Uma, in Hindu Puranic texts, is a form of Parvati.and identified as the consort of Chandrashekhara, a form of Shiva that includes the moon among his attributes.

The meaning of Uma is uncertain, but possibly it has maternal connotations.

As Uma Maheshvara she fought with demons including Mahisha. Her attributes include the lotus, mirror, rosary, and water jar.

She was first mentioned in the Kena Upanisad, where she mediates between Brahma and the other gods. She is the daughter of Himavan, ruler of the Himalayas, so she is the highest point of being.

As the spouse of Shiva (hence his name Umapati, Uma’s spouse), she became identified with many goddesses ParvatiDurga, and so on. A.G.H.

