aparṇa

 

In Sanskrit, Aparṇa (अपर्णा) literally means “leafless” and is a well

‑known epithet of Goddess Pārvatī, given because she refrained even 

from eating leaves during her severe austerities.

Core Meaning

• Aparṇa (अपर्ण) is an adjective meaning “leafless”

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• The feminine form Aparṇā is used as a name of Durgā/Pārvatī

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Etymology

• Formed from a- (“not, without”) + parṇa (“leaf”), giving the sense 
• “one who has no leaves”

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• This refers to a stage in Pārvatī’s tapas (austerities) when she 
• consumed no food at all—not even leaves.
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Mythological Significance

• In the Śivapurāṇa, Pārvatī is called Aparṇā because she “eschewed
• leaves from her diet” during her penance to win Śiva

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• Classical poetry (e.g., Kālidāsa’s Kumārasambhava 5.28) also explains 
• the name in this way, describing her extreme asceticism

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• She is described as a daughter of Himavat and Menā, performing intense
• tapas, surpassing sages, and thus earning this epithet

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Related Forms and Variants

• Aparṇā (अपर्णा) — feminine form, most commonly used as a divine name.
• Apārṇa (अपार्ण) — a different word meaning “distant, remote,” unrelated
• in meaning

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• Aparṇa also appears in Kannada with the same meaning “leafless”

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Cultural Use

• As a given name, Aparna is widely used in India, inspired by the goddess’s 
• epithet and symbolizing strength, austerity, and purity.

Summary

• Literal meaning: “leafless.”
• Symbolic meaning: One who practices extreme austerity.
• Mythological identity: A name of Pārvatī/Durgā during her penance.