Gaurava
(“[needless] complexity”) In Indian
logic, one of the faults to be avoided in
constructing and pursuing an argu-
ment. According to the principle of
“simplicity” (laghava), when one is pre-
sented with two equally plausible theo-
ries, one should choose the theory that
is easier to understand and makes the
fewest assumptions. The primary crite-
rion in evaluating any argument is the
validity of the argument itself, and it is
only after this has been satisfied that
one may raise objections based on com-
plexity or simplicity.
Gauri
(“fair”) Epithet of the goddess Parvati,
wife of the god Shiva. According to a
story from the Shiva Purana, a sectar-
ian text recounting the mythology of
Shiva, Parvati takes offense when
Shiva refers to her as Kali(“black”).
She performs harsh physical austeri-
ties (tapas) to accumulate the power to
rid herself of her dark complexion.
When this is accomplished, she
receives the epithet Gauri to signify
her new and lightened complexion.
This story illustrates the pervasive reli-
gious belief that physical hardship can
give one spiritual and even magical
powers, a conviction that is still found
in contemporary India. This brief story
also reveals the stigma that Indian
society attributes to people with dark
complexions—a prejudice that persists
in modern times.Gaurikund
Village and sacred site (tirtha) in the
HimalayaMountains of the state of
Uttar Pradesh. Gaurikund is located
about ten miles downstream from the
headwaters of the Mandakini River,
which is itself one of the Himalayan trib-
utaries of the Ganges. Gaurikund is the
end of the motorable road on the way to
Kedarnath, and after this pilgrims
must travel on foot. Gaurikund’s myth-
ic charter is connected with the god
Shivaand his wife Parvati. Parvati is
said to have performed harsh asceti-
cismat Gaurikund in order to gain
Shiva as her husband; after a long time
Shiva is pleased with Parvati, reveals
himself to her, and the two become
lovers in that place. According to local
geography, the place at which Parvati
lived during this time is marked by a
group of hot springs, which are another
of Gaurikund’s attractions.Gauri-Shankar
A particular variety of rudraksha, a bead
made from the dried seed of the tree
Elaeocarpus ganitrus, which is consid-
ered sacred to Shiva. The rudraksha is
often strung into garlands and worn by
Shiva’s devotees (bhakta). The Gauri-
Shankar rudraksha is made when two
seeds grow together naturally. Although
the Gauri-Shankar is not as rare as cer-
tain other beads, it is unusual enough to
command a fairly good price. The Gauri-
Shankar is revered as a natural manifes-
tation of the divine couple, the goddess
Parvati (Gauri) and the god Shiva
(Shankar). It thus represents the total
presence of divinity in its eternal and its
dynamic aspects: Shiva as knowledge
and Parvati as Shaktior power.Gautama
(6th c. B.C.E.) In Hindu mythology, one of
the seven sages whose name marks a
clan “lineage” (gotra); the others areGaurava
The Gauri-Shankar is a bead that is formed when
two seeds grow together naturally. Worn by devotees
of the god Shiva, it is believed to be a manifestation
of the union of Shiva and his wife Parvati.