Girija

Girija is a feminine given name widely used in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in India and Nepal. The name derives from Sanskrit giri, meaning “mountain,” and ja, meaning “born” or “daughter,” yielding the sense “born of the mountains” or “daughter of the mountains.”

In Hindu tradition, Girija is an epithet of Parvati, the goddess of power and the consort of Shiva. As a mountain-born goddess, Parvati is portrayed as the daughter of the Himalayas and the mother of Ganesha and Kartikeya. The name, when used in devotional contexts, emphasizes Parvati’s divine attributes and maternal aspects.

As a given name, Girija is used for girls across several Indian languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, and Nepali, and it is also found among Indian diaspora communities worldwide. It is chosen for its cultural resonance and religious associations, and it can appear in various spellings and transliterations.

Notable people with the name include Girija Prasad Koirala, a Nepali politician who served as prime minister, and Girija Devi, an Indian classical vocalist renowned for her performances of thumri and other light-classical styles. The name continues to be used in contemporary contexts, reflecting a blend of cultural heritage and personal identity.

See also Parvati, the goddess with whom Girija is associated, and the broader cultural context of the Himalayas.