Gajavalī

Gajavalī is one of the two śaktis (divine consorts) of Kumārasvāmi, who is also called Skanda. She appears in the Kailāsa Saṃhitā of the Śiva Purāṇa. She sits with him at Kumāraśikhara, a peak on Mount Meru.

Her name contains gaja (elephant). She is present with Suyaśā when Vāmadeva Maharṣi comes to pray to Kumārasvāmi. Vāmadeva offers a stotra of twelve verses. This begins the great dialogue on sannyāsa-dharma (the way of renunciation) and Śivādvaita.

Appearance in the Kailāsa Saṃhitā

Sūta Romaharṣaṇa comes to Kumāraśikhara and sees Vāmadeva Maharṣi approach. He describes Kumārasvāmi seated in full divine glory. Kumārasvāmi has six faces and twelve arms, and he rides a peacock (Mayūra-vāhana). Gajavalī and Suyaśā sit on either side of him.

The two śaktis are part of the divine assembly that hears Vāmadeva’s stotra. They are also present when Kumārasvāmi teaches Vāmadeva the whole wisdom of the Kailāsa Saṃhitā.

Sources

• Śiva Purāṇa, Kailāsa Saṃhitā, Chapter 11