A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.552

c5.552

EKA-PARNĀ, EKA-PĀTALĀ. These, with their sister Aparnā, were, according to the Hari-vansa, daughters of Himavat and Menā. They performed austerities surpassing the powers of gods and Dānavas, and alarmed both worlds. Eka-parnā took only one leaf for food, and Eka-pātalā only one pātalā (Bignonia). Aparnā took no sustenance at all and lived a-parna, ‘without a leaf.’ Her mother being distressed at her abstinence, exclaimed in her anxiety, “U-mā”—“O don’t.” Through this she became manifest as the lovely goddess Umā, the wife of Siva.