Parnashvari

Parnashvari

The Leaf-Clad Lady

ALSO KNOWN AS:

Parnashavari; Loma Gyunma; Logyonma

ORIGIN:

India

Originally a forest goddess, Parnashvari was absorbed into the Tantric Buddhist pantheon, where she is considered an emanation of Buddha and a manifestation of Avalokiteshvara.

• Ön her original incarnation, Parnashvari is a goddess of healing leaves.

• As a Buddhist deity, she pacifies negative forces while simultaneously increasing and enhancing the powers of righteousness.

Parnashvari is invoked to make peace with angered Nagas. She is propitiated to prevent, heal, and end epidemics.

ICONOGRAPHY:

Parnashvari has three faces and six arms. She wears a skirt and a garland made of medicinal leaves. She wears one poisonous snake as a necklace and another as a hair band. (Snake venom is an ingredient in traditional Indian and Tibetan medicine.)

SEE ALSO:

Avalokiteshvara; Buddha; Nagas; Osain

SOURCE:

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses – Written by : Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.