Posted by Bansi Pandit on March 27, 1998 at 00:46:43:
In Reply to: Uma ? posted by Mark Fennell on March 19, 1998 at 22:49:01:
: In considering names for our soon-to-be born child, we came across Uma. Both of us like the name, but would like some more information on what roles Uma plays in Hinduism and the Upanishads. Any help or e-mails will be gratefully accepted. Thank you very much in advance.
: Mark
Response:
Uma ("a" pronounced as "a" in father) is a popular female name among Hindus. Uma is a Sanskrit word, which means splendor, light, fame, tranquillity, etc. Uma is also one of the Hindu names of the Divine Mother of the universe. In Hindu mythology, Uma is the divine spouse of Lord Shiva.
Om ("o" pronounced as "oo" in moon) is a popular male name among Hindus. Om also is a Sanskrit word, which means the "essence of life" and is the Hindu name of the Ultimate Reality. The sound of Om is called Pranava, i.e., the essence of life. Om is the sacred syllable, which is the seed of all the mantras in Hinduism.
Bansi Pandit