Uma is the epithet of the goddess Parvati, Shiva's bride.
The term is said to be derived from Parvati's mother,
Mena's, outcry when Parvati declares her intention to practice austerity in
order to gain Shiva as a spouse.
Mena covers her ears with her hands and responds, "U
Ma!" according to the account.
(Please don't!) Uma is a benign and kind presence, maternal
and life affirming, as are all aspects of Parvati (and all married deities),
however she may be fickle and vengeful if offended.
See David R. Kinsley's Hindu Deities, 1986, for further
information about Uma and all the Hindu goddesses.
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