How many wives did Shiva have?

Lord Shiva is traditionally considered to have two primary wives: Sati and Parvati.

The Primary Consorts: Sati and Parvati

Shiva's most recognized consorts are Sati and Parvati, who represent different manifestations of the same divine feminine energy.

• Sati: She is traditionally known as the first wife of Lord Shiva. Her story is pivotal in Hindu mythology, leading to the establishment of Shakti Peethas (places of power) across the Indian subcontinent after her self-immolation.
• Parvati: Following Sati's demise, she was reborn as Parvati, the daughter of Himavan (the personification of the Himalayas) and Mena. Parvati is thus considered the reincarnation of Sati. She is known by several other significant names, including Uma, Durga, and Kali, each representing different aspects of her divine power and personality. Her union with Shiva signifies the balance between the masculine and feminine energies in the cosmos.

Understanding the Connection Between Sati and Parvati

While presented as two distinct individuals, Sati and Parvati are essentially one and the same divine being, reflecting the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth in Hindu cosmology. Parvati's reappearance as Shiva's consort after Sati's death re-establishes the cosmic balance and harmony, emphasizing that the divine feminine (Shakti) is eternal and ever-present.

Other Mentions: The Case of Ganga

There are some scriptures that mention Ganga (the sacred river goddess) as a wife of Lord Shiva. However, this perspective is not widely accepted in mainstream Hinduism. Ganga is more commonly revered as an embodiment of purity and is often depicted in Shiva's iconography as residing in his matted locks, signifying her descent to Earth through his grace, rather than as a marital consort.

Overview of Shiva's Consorts

To summarize the traditional understanding of Shiva's wives: