Parvati is the daughter of the Himalayan Mountains and the wife of Shiva, set apart from other Indian goddesses due to her extreme asceticism. As an embodiment of shakti (feminine power), she stands as an immensely powerful goddess, demon slayer, and creative force. Parvati often appears in the guise of Durga or Kali. The pantheon of Chinese gods and goddesses is extensive, spanning thousands of years as well as different ethnic groups and changing geographical boundaries. Some of the most enduring deities are Pangu, the Jade Emperor, Guanyin, Sun Wukong, and the Eight Immortals. The four-headed god Brahma is the creator god of the Hindu trimurti (“trinity”), alongside Shiva the destroyer and Vishnu the preserver. Known for giving blessings to those who impress him with their asceticism, Brahma’s favors often lead to nearly invulnerable enemies that the gods struggle to defeat. Karttikeya is the son of Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction, and his wife Parvati (though some versions of his myth assign him different parents). As the god of war, he is best known for leading the army of the gods in battle and defeating the demon Taraka.
