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Ram11
23 July 2014, 10:34 AM
Namaste,

I'm trying to get an image(/a painting) of Devi Parvati/Uma for my Puja altar.My search so far has been unsuccessful as I am not able to find one based on the traditional iconography.Devi is depicted with two hands,of which in one hand she holds a blue lotus(nilotpala).I request members to share images if they have similar ones.Thanks.

Some examples:
In a temple setting, she would have been draped with silks, adorned with gold and gem-studded jewels and multiple garlands of flowers that would have totally concealed the lines of the sculpture.

http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4114/5416068084_c756624dbd_z.jpg



http://www.asia.si.edu/devi/fulldevi/deviCat49B.jpg

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/images/hb/hb_57.51.3.jpg



http://anilmenon.com/blog/images/large/parvati1chola11thcent_2Large.jpg

ShivaFan
25 July 2014, 05:13 AM
Namaste

Please see this image:

http://www.speakingtree.in/files/rsz/fit_s_438x328/files/01-2014/194115/6271d41a0b17f3416f53800db24393ac_1388828351.jpg

And please see this old reply of mine from January 2014 in the "Sita is Sri Kamakshi Amman" thread of that time:

Quotes: "Shree is Lakshmi, and Bhu is relation to Bhumi. They are not exactly the same, two different manifestations, much like Parvati and Annapurna are two different manifestations of Shakti associated with Shiva." ... "Bhu Devi is the "Earth Born" Devi (on the right). Of course, Sita is also the "Earth Born" Devi. Sita was the consort of Ram."

Viraja
25 July 2014, 09:52 AM
I too have searched long time ago on information on Parvathi devi (in her 'Parvathi' form and not as Durga or Kali) and could not find much information. The best way to get a picture of her is to be able to go to one of the temples where Parvathi devi is worshiped and get a picture on the outside shops. Here is one such temple (I got details of this temple after looking for 'Neelothpala flower') - http://temple.dinamalar.com/en/new_en.php?id=1574.

Ram11
25 July 2014, 11:11 AM
I too have searched long time ago on information on Parvathi devi (in her 'Parvathi' form and not as Durga or Kali) and could not find much information. The best way to get a picture of her is to be able to go to one of the temples where Parvathi devi is worshiped and get a picture on the outside shops. Here is one such temple (I got details of this temple after looking for 'Neelothpala flower') - http://temple.dinamalar.com/en/new_en.php?id=1574.

Namaste Ji,

Even I am quite surprised,it is difficult to find information about Devi Uma Parvati.Devi is mentioned in the Kenopanishad.Since she is an ancient Vedic deity, the Rishis must have worshiped the Devi even before the Upanishad was compiled.

Most contemporary images of Devi Uma Parvati show her with the following features:

1.Holding a Trishula(Trident)
2.Wearing the moon
3.Having three eyes
4.Seated on a Lion Vahana(mount)
5.Performing Tapas(penance)
6.Green colored body

I do not know which texts describe her iconography but by reading descriptions given in various museums about the ancient statues of the Goddess I understood the following:

a.She is depicted with two arms
b.She is holding a blue lotus(Nilotpala)
c.She is the only female deity(only woman?) shown wearing the Yajnopavita (sacred thread)
d.She seems like she is meditating/contemplating and is of peaceful appearance.
e.She is relaxed and her posture shows she is at ease.

So I am totally confused whether features mentioned in points 1-6 and found in today's pictures are depicting Devi Uma Parvati or are they adding her traits from her other forms such as Devi Durga,Devi Simhavahini,Ambika Devi,Devi Maheshwari(/Matruka Sri Maheshwari),Sri Matangi Devi,Sri Lalitha Tripura Sundari Devi etc.

:headscratch::confused::banghead:

ShivaFan
25 July 2014, 11:37 AM
Sorry Prabhu I misunderstood the question.

Now I see you want a picture of Uma in alignment with aspects you state. I am running around right now about to leave for Hawaii but I always have keen interest in the matters of Devata and Devi representations, incarnations, emanations, manifestations, Their Histories and lineages, the praramparas of sampradayas as well so let me work this one give me a little time I will find you Uma picture with notation. Sorry.

When I saw the examples you shared I was just pointing out the positions, the right verse left arm holding lotus etc. are the classic distinctions between Sri Devi and Bhu Devi both consorts of Vishnu and not Shiva. Also Sri and Bhu are different manifestations but of the same Shakti.

Uma is a manifestation of Parvati directly, but is a manifestation. Let me find for you a picture of Uma approximate to your desire for one of Her presence prior to the events of leelas which the form is more common but not matching your search but I am pretty sure just from my my mind that what you seek and the truth are not exactly the same perfectly and so you might be disappointed. The sister of Ganga is also a leela of Uma, give me a bit of time as I need to go to Hawaii.

Om Namah Sivaya

Ram11
25 July 2014, 11:47 AM
Prabhu

Namaste,

I am younger than you Ji,I don't deserve Prabhu.



I always have keen interest in the matters of Devata and Devi representations, incarnations, emanations, manifestations, Their Histories and lineages, the praramparas of sampradayas as well



Me too Ji as these are subjects deserving detailed study and impart a lot of knowledge.:)

ShivaFan
14 August 2014, 11:23 PM
I am sorry I have not followed up yet. I will dedicate time because this also has my attention. Let me say, I have already come to some ideas on this but you may not like what seems to me to be a correct reply. I am carefully reassessing how. A few more days.

Viraja
15 August 2014, 05:46 AM
The great text 'Soundarya Lahari' verses 41-100 is said to contain description of Parvati Devi's beauty/external features. I presume someone could decipher them to a good artist to construct the picture of 1st ever Parvati Devi! :) Because I too have searched in vain for Parvati Devi's picture.

Ram11
15 August 2014, 10:41 PM
I am sorry I have not followed up yet. I will dedicate time because this also has my attention. Let me say, I have already come to some ideas on this but you may not like what seems to me to be a correct reply. I am carefully reassessing how. A few more days.

Namaste Ji,

Thanks.:)


The great text 'Soundarya Lahari' verses 41-100 is said to contain description of Parvati Devi's beauty/external features.

Namaste Ji,

Thanks for mentioning about Soundarya Lahiri.I have seen this book many times but never bought it as the few pages I looked at contained Tantra/Chakra information,it seems this part is known as Ananda Lahari and from the 41st stanza Soundarya Lahiri starts.I saw an online translation,I will purchase one soon.


Because I too have searched in vain for Parvati Devi's picture.

Yes,I request members if possible do help us.

ShivaFan
17 August 2014, 12:36 AM
Namaste Ram116040

Well, I admire your earnest to find a traditional art depiction of two armed Uma holding the Lotus (blue) and you are correct in your assessment of original murtis of this form. Yes, like you I am familiar with metal murtis of Uma that pose Her beauty as you seek to admire anr worship.

And like you, I am perplexed to now realize that art of this same in color, is not to be found. Amazing to me, actually. Perhaps there is, but I have failed to find such a treasure. It must be there. Perhaps painted on some temple wall in South India, spared of non-Hindu assault. Perhaps on parchment of native regional tradition. Somewhere. I made a good effort, even checking major libraries that chronicle "Indian Art".

When Parvati holds the Blue Lotus and gestures the Abhaya Mudra, then She has just come out of Meditation and She first wishes to see Shiva. Her wishes are the command of the Universe and come true.

But is there no depiction as you seek in this Universe? For the first time, despite my passion for the history and lineage of the Devatas and Devi, I have failed.

But now I am inspired as well. I will continue to look, perhaps it is beyond my reach, but I do have one idea. That I will draw and paint this Figure myself.

Time came and past, I did not find it. Perhaps another member still will, I will be so happy if so. In the meantime, I will draw. But that will take time.

For what it is worth, I do want to mention a Devi to all members, yet another form that needs to be displayed in art.

Have you heard of Ashoka Sundari? I may have failed in finding this image of Uma, yet perhaps this mention will provide a little forgiveness, because it is very nice.

Ashoka Sundari is the Daughter of the Great Goddess Parvati, Parvati is the Consort of Shiva and Parashakti. However Devi Ashoka Sundari is not directly from Shiva with Parvati as Mother but from the Wishing Tree which the Great Goddess cast Her Vision Upon and Devi said to give Her a Daughter.

Devi as Ashoka Sundari is thus linked to Wishes. She is considered the Daughter of Shiv Parvati.

When Devi is directly on the Side of Shiva, and not Standing on Shiva, She is seen with two arms as many have seen. Now imagine Ashoka Sundari. Ashoka Sundari is Divine Devi emanation. As Daughter when next to Shiva then She has two arms.

So where is Her temple? Where is Her image? What is Her mantra? When is Her time?

Om Namah Sivaya

Ram11
17 August 2014, 05:12 AM
Namaste Ram116040

And like you, I am perplexed to now realize that art of this same in color, is not to be found. Amazing to me, actually. Perhaps there is, but I have failed to find such a treasure. It must be there. Perhaps painted on some temple wall in South India, spared of non-Hindu assault. Perhaps on parchment of native regional tradition.



Namaste Ji,

Indeed it is really strange that in the land of innumerable temples and paintings Devi Uma Parvati's image is missing.As you say she must be there somewhere,just hidden.


But is there no depiction as you seek in this Universe? For the first time, despite my passion for the history and lineage of the Devatas and Devi, I have failed.

But now I am inspired as well. I will continue to look, perhaps it is beyond my reach, but I do have one idea. That I will draw and paint this Figure myself.

Time came and past, I did not find it. Perhaps another member still will, I will be so happy if so. In the meantime, I will draw. But that will take time.

ShivaFan Ji, I do not consider this as your failure.It is wonderful that you have decided to help us by painting the Goddess yourself.(I did not know you are an artist:),if possible can we see your works?)



When Parvati holds the Blue Lotus and gestures the Abhaya Mudra, then She has just come out of Meditation and She first wishes to see Shiva. Her wishes are the command of the Universe and come true.

There are many pictures in the internet that depict the Goddess performing penance to attain Lord Shiva(before the celestial wedding).

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yYYmN48PFso/SnqVcIROfZI/AAAAAAAAAHg/0FNnUunRdXA/s320/shakti_tapas.gif

http://static.c2w.com/uploads/question/image/25/38/15/N253815/file.jpg


I would like to know why the Goddess is said to meditate even after attaining Lord Shiva?

I do not know about Ashoka Sundari Devi.I hope members can shed some light on her.

P.S.There are a few ancient paintings of the Goddess I found during the search but I feel they are inappropriate depictions and not at all suitable for worship or spiritual pursuits.If anyone wants those paintings for purely historical/art information purpose I'll post the links.

Ram11
16 November 2014, 07:50 PM
Namaste,

I am yet to find an image of Devi Uma Parvati.

Recently,I went to a book store and found a copy of Sri Saundarya Lahari.I opened a random page and found this shloka:

(No 92)
"Thy functionaries Brahma, Vishnu,Rudra and Ishvara have taken the shape of the four legs of Thy cot in order to serve Thee very closely. And Sadashiva has formed Himself into Thy bedspread"

I am confused now,the above verse seems to be taking about the Goddess based on Sri Vidya Sampradaya.Few verses seemed to be about Devi in her two armed form but overall it seems like a Shakta tantric manual.Is Sri Saundarya Lahari about Goddess Uma Parvathi or is it a purely Shakta( i.e. Sri Vidya/Sri Lalitha Maha Tripurasundari Devi) work?

Ram11
26 November 2014, 09:00 PM
Namaste,

On the holy occasion of Sri Skanda Shasti,I would like to share this beautiful image I found in the internet of the mother of the universe with her son.:)

http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/e4/96/31/e49631738b75d652adb2647f313de4bc.jpg

I am not sure if this Devi Uma Parvati or one of the Nava Durgas Sri Skanda Mata Devi but it is excellent.

saswathy
27 November 2014, 08:08 AM
Dear friends , I remember seeing Parvathi's pictures in old Kalki Tamil magzine long back , that is some 50 years back . If you trace out the issues of Kalki magazine of that time , you could get those pictures , which would help you to get the idols made.

smaranam
24 January 2015, 08:13 AM
Namaste

It seems you haven't found Ma Uma a.k.a. Parvati because you are searching for a stand-alone image of Her. She is easily found as Parvati, consort of Shiva, and not as Durga, in the image of the whole parivAr (family).

Either Shiv-PArvati
or Shiv-PArvati-GaNesh
or Shiv-PArvati-GaNesh-Murugan

Look up at Temple domes, the sculptures just above the main door will typically have either dashAvatAr of VishNu (10 avatArs) or just avatArs, or the Shiva family.

The famous DagDusheTh HalwAi GaNpati temple in Pune has the Shiva family sculpted on top like that.

As far as inside temples, it would be as rare as finding Shivji or even rarer because you do have temples of Shivji in tapascharyA, hence alone.


**Note the diference between worshipping Shakti Devi as a stand-alone devatA versus as a consort of the ShaktimAn.
VaishNav and VedAntins always recommend worshipping Lakshmi WITH NArAyaN, never as stand-alone Lakshmi.
The stand-alone Lakshmi puja is for bestowing material benefits (which is more popular and common) or may fall in the shAkta category, but the Lakshmi which accompanies NArAyaN is His alhAdini, and worshipped together will take the sAdhak further on the spiritual pAth towards NArAyaN, and bhakti will grow. It will be nishkAm (without expecting fruits of actions), nischhal (pure, free of any ulterior motives).
Have also heard of the analogy of the stand-alone Lakshmi as the Lakshmi entering your house from the back door, who may leave anytime (associated with material wealth in any form unless you are a Shri-VidyA upAsak), whereas the Lakshmi-NArAyaN pair enters through the front-door, never to leave.

om namo bhagavate vAsudevAya

smaranam
24 January 2015, 08:38 AM
P.S. Another place I can think of is the VaishNo-devi Mandir in VRndAvan (supposed to be a modern replica of the original VaishNo-devi). If you go into the cave with waters (simulating the mountain caves), across from the main temple within the premises, you will find the Nav-DurgA mUrtis - very beautiful. One of them is PArvati as PArvati, mother of GaNesh/Skanda.

smaranam
24 January 2015, 08:52 AM
Images of Parvati

MahaGauri on Nandi (http://s2.manifo.com/usr/4/46151/94/manager/new_directory/maa-mahagauri-10502.jpg)
(Gauri sat on Nandi to travel to Her parents' house for the yadnya in Her birth as Sati)

MahaGauri and Skanda MAtA are 2 out of 9 Durgas -- NavaDurgA
(http://www.ranima.com/images/navdurga.jpg)
Parvati (with Shiva)
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2091/2275235688_a6077de611_o.jpg)

Ram11
24 January 2015, 10:31 PM
Images of Parvati

MahaGauri on Nandi (http://s2.manifo.com/usr/4/46151/94/manager/new_directory/maa-mahagauri-10502.jpg)
(Gauri sat on Nandi to travel to Her parents' house for the yadnya in Her birth as Sati)

MahaGauri and Skanda MAtA are 2 out of 9 Durgas -- NavaDurgA
(http://www.ranima.com/images/navdurga.jpg)
Parvati (with Shiva)
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2091/2275235688_a6077de611_o.jpg)
Namaste Smaranam Ji,

MahaGauri,Skanda Mata,Sri Durga Devi,Nava Durgas etc. are not exactly Devi Uma Parvati but they aren't different either.

For example,Ramachandra and Sri Krishna are manifestations of Lord Sriman Narayana.The avatars do not have same form as Lord Maha Vishnu but they are not completely different from Him.

In the same way Nava Durgas etc . are forms of the Devi yet their worship is a big system by itself.

The difference to be noted is that scriptures say that there are three modes of worship
1.Sattvic
2.Rajasic
3.Tamasic

It is based on the nature of the devotee and there are different forms of Devi corresponding to the Gunas.

I read that for a Sattvic mind the form to be contemplated is that of the two armed Goddess Uma Parvati,wherein one arm holds a lotus.

I hope this explains why I am searching for this particular form though images of other popular forms are easily available.

CLARIFICATION:I feel some misunderstanding may result from the above the statements.The above should not be misinterpreted as "only worship of two armed Devi is Sattvic and the others are not".Let me be very clear that all modes of worship,Sattvic,Rajasic and Tamasic are valid based on the tradition.Worship of all forms of the Devi are equally valid based on the aspirant.
My preference for a particular form of the Devi does not imply that it is applicable for all.

smaranam
25 January 2015, 12:33 AM
Ram, I am still surprised that you cannot find Parvati. If you have read my earlier post, I said you will find Her WITH Shiva, not alone. So why not with Shiva? This is why I explained the difference between stand-alone Lakshmi and Lakshmi-NArAyaN. Worshipping Shakti stand-alone versus with ShaktimAn.

Have you not seen huge sculptures, pictures and also ceramic statues (even puja size) of Shiva - Parvati or Shiva - Parvati with Ganesh in lap ?

Ram11
25 January 2015, 12:57 AM
Ram, I am still surprised that you cannot find Parvati. If you have read my earlier post, I said you will find Her WITH Shiva, not alone. So why not with Shiva? This is why I explained the difference between stand-alone Lakshmi and Lakshmi-NArAyaN. Worshipping Shakti stand-alone versus with ShaktimAn.

Have you not seen huge sculptures, pictures and also ceramic statues (even puja size) of Shiva - Parvati or Shiva - Parvati with Ganesh in lap ?

Namaste,

I agree with what you say about Sri Shiva-Parvati or Sri Lakshmi-Narayana.
But I mentioned in the OP itself that I am looking for


one based on the traditional iconography
There is a way of painting images or making statues based on the scriptures.Please go through the list in OP of some features of the Devi I observed in ancient images.

http://www.hindudharmaforums.com/showpost.php?p=118397&postcount=1

http://www.hindudharmaforums.com/showpost.php?p=118514&postcount=4

So far I haven't found even a Shiva-Parvati pair in which Devi Uma Parvati's image conforms to descriptions mentioned in the Shastras.

smaranam
25 January 2015, 01:38 AM
So, is this not good enough for you? She is holding a Lotus, but it is not exactly nilotpala, so what? It is a Lotus

Shiv-Parvati-Ganesh (http://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?id=HN.608006557391586292&pid=15.1&P=0)
Shiv-Parvati (http://www.dollsofindia.com/images/products/hindu-posters/shiva-parvati-DM77_l.jpg)
Shiv-Parvati -- mUrti - nilotpala (http://www.exoticindiaart.com/sculptures/lord_shiva_with_his_shakti_parvati_rl06.jpg)

karaka
25 January 2015, 06:29 PM
Namaste


**Note the diference between worshipping Shakti Devi as a stand-alone devatA versus as a consort of the ShaktimAn.
VaishNav and VedAntins always recommend worshipping Lakshmi WITH NArAyaN, never as stand-alone Lakshmi.
The stand-alone Lakshmi puja is for bestowing material benefits (which is more popular and common) or may fall in the shAkta category, but the Lakshmi which accompanies NArAyaN is His alhAdini, and worshipped together will take the sAdhak further on the spiritual pAth towards NArAyaN, and bhakti will grow. It will be nishkAm (without expecting fruits of actions), nischhal (pure, free of any ulterior motives).


om namo bhagavate vAsudevAya

Namaste smaranam
Who are these vedantins that you talk of? Are you saying Nishkama bhakti is not possible if one worships shakti alone? So are you saying shaktas worship Mother only for material benefits? I worship Sri chakra (which was worshipped by Narayana himself in Kanchi) for love and devotion to the feet of Devi Lalitha. So my devotion is lopsided and yours is higher? In this context i would like to tell you about Shri Devi Gita. Where Narayana and Lakshmi along with devas worship the world mother and she enlightens them about bhakti too and she makes it a point that love and devotion towards her assure mukti. Please understand that you have woven your world around Narayan while people like me around the mother. So kindly dont hurt us with your unsolicited innuendos. Bhakti depends not on the worshipped form but on the bhava that is offered. A lot of people worship Balaji and offer money in his hundi for material benefits. That doesnt make their devotion superior. It is due to ignorance that people think of shakti and shaktiman are independent. They are one and the same and neither has any substratum without the other. Dont judge others and dont stereotype others lest the same will happen to you too.

Ram11
25 January 2015, 09:01 PM
So, is this not good enough for you? She is holding a Lotus, but it is not exactly nilotpala dala, so what? It is a Lotus


Namaste Smaranam Ji,

Please do not get offended by what I say but I must explain.

I do not know why it is a Nilotpala nor did I decide by myself so,I read somewhere that the Devi has many attributes and one of them is a blue lotus.
If the scriptures say it is blue then it has to be blue only,there can't be a green,brown or black lotus.

If the scriptures say that a certain Deva is in Ghana Shyama varna(complexion) that Deva has to be in Krishna/NeelaMegha varna,we can't paint that deity say in orange or VIBGYOR color.IMHO it is inappropriate to deviate from established teachings.

Whatever the Dharmic scriptures say has to followed without challenging them.

(Apart from the Lotus there are many other important (& subtle) parameters to decide whether an image is conforming to the Shastra or not)

Anyways,thanks for the links but my search for the Devi's image continues.

smaranam
31 January 2015, 02:09 PM
Namaste smaranam
Who are these vedantins that you talk of? Are you saying Nishkama bhakti is not possible if one worships shakti alone? So are you saying shaktas worship Mother only for material benefits? I worship Sri chakra (which was worshipped by Narayana himself in Kanchi) for love and devotion to the feet of Devi Lalitha. So my devotion is lopsided and yours is higher? In this context i would like to tell you about Shri Devi Gita. Where Narayana and Lakshmi along with devas worship the world mother and she enlightens them about bhakti too and she makes it a point that love and devotion towards her assure mukti. Please understand that you have woven your world around Narayan while people like me around the mother. So kindly dont hurt us with your unsolicited innuendos. Bhakti depends not on the worshipped form but on the bhava that is offered. A lot of people worship Balaji and offer money in his hundi for material benefits. That doesnt make their devotion superior. It is due to ignorance that people think of shakti and shaktiman are independent. They are one and the same and neither has any substratum without the other. Dont judge others and dont stereotype others lest the same will happen to you too.

Dear Karaka,

You have misunderstood me. I was EXCLUDING the shAktas from this as the exception, and certainly not hurting them (and you). Please read what I wrote carefully:

3 scenarios
a) Worship of Lakshmi alone by general households who desire good prosperity in general -- not as a spiritual practice e.g. Diwali Lakshmi Puja

b) Worship of Lakshmi-NArAyaN - generally VaishNav and Advaita practices AS adhyAtmic sAdhanA

c) Worship of Lakshmi or other Devi forms as a Shakti UpAsak, I also said "unless you are a Shri VidyA upAsak" "or they may be a shAkta"

I hope the meaning of the word "unless" and "or" is understood. You see I did take the shAktas into account as a third category and was clearly not refering to that group here. I was only referring to the occasional puja of type a) Now this does not mean that households performing or attending the prosperity Lakshmi puja will not also have serious spiritual practitioners. They could be just doing this puja for the family, AND THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT EITHER. Please see the blue highlights in my quote below:


**Note the difference between worshipping Shakti Devi as a stand-alone devatA versus as a consort of the ShaktimAn.
VaishNav and VedAntins always recommend worshipping Lakshmi WITH NArAyaN, never as stand-alone Lakshmi.
The stand-alone Lakshmi puja is for bestowing material benefits (which is more popular and common) or may fall in the shAkta category, but the Lakshmi which accompanies NArAyaN is His alhAdini, and worshipped together will take the sAdhak further on the spiritual pAth towards NArAyaN, and bhakti will grow. It will be nishkAm (without expecting fruits of actions), nischhal (pure, free of any ulterior motives).
Have also heard of the analogy of the stand-alone Lakshmi as the Lakshmi entering your house from the back door, who may leave anytime (associated with material wealth in any form unless you are a Shri-VidyA upAsak), whereas the Lakshmi-NArAyaN pair enters through the front-door, never to leave.

om namo bhagavate vAsudevAya


To answer your question, "which vedAntins?" I had heard about "back-door and front-door Lakshmi" in a lecture on meaning of Shri Sukta by a good follower of the ShankarAchArya school-paramparA. She is a close family friend and that is how I was invited to it.

smaranam
31 January 2015, 02:17 PM
Bhakti depends not on the worshipped form but on the bhava that is offered. A lot of people worship Balaji and offer money in his hundi for material benefits. That doesnt make their devotion superior.

Of course, I agree with you! :) In fact I have always said this - all along -- and people who know me here and have read my posts will second that.

BG 4.11 ye yathA mAm prapadyante tAmstathaiva bhajAmyaham |
mama vartamAnuvartanta manushyAh: pArtha sarvashah: ||
As people surrender to Me I reciprocrate accordingly ; everyone follows My path in all respects, O son of PRuthA

EDIT: However, the form DOES matter, and does make a big difference. To the bhakta. Since every bhakta is different in nature they worship different forms.

By the way, I am not putting material benefits in some 'low' category either. There is nothing wrong in it -- people do what they have to do till they get to a point. Our dharma does not condemn any stage --- dharma artha kAma and moksha, not in reverse sequence. Artha and kAma abiding by dharma will help you lead a dhArmic life and eventually lead one to moksha.