The term Bhagavata means “of the divinity” or “related to God,” and it is used in two principal texts of Indian mythology: Vishnu Bhagavata and Devi Bhagavata. Both are deeply revered, and each focuses on different divine entities—Vishnu Bhagavata celebrates the incarnations and exploits of Lord Vishnu, while Devi Bhagavata extols the virtues of Bagavati, also known as Para Shakti, the ultimate Goddess, the divine force that pervades the universe.
Vishnu Bhagavata
The Vishnu Bhagavata Purana is a grand narrative that tells the stories of Lord Vishnu’s many incarnations, such as Rama, Krishna, and Narasimha, and their roles in maintaining cosmic order. It consists of eighteen thousand hymns arranged in twelve books (skandhas), with a total of 335 chapters. Among its key elements is the Bhagavad Gita, which is embedded within the Mahabharata and forms a crucial section of this Purana. It provides insights into dharma, devotion, and the relationship between the soul (atman) and the Supreme Being (Paramatman), primarily focusing on Lord Vishnu’s role as the preserver of the universe.
In addition to recounting the cosmic battles against demons (asuras), like Hiranyakashipu and Ravana, Vishnu Bhagavata narrates the pivotal tales of Lord Krishna, including his childhood exploits, his divine love for the Gopis, his destruction of demonic forces, and his role in the Mahabharata, guiding Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.
Devi Bhagavata
The Devi Bhagavata Purana similarly comprises eighteen thousand hymns, but it is dedicated to the worship of the Goddess (Devi), the primordial force behind creation, preservation, and destruction. The text contains 318 chapters arranged into twelve books and focuses on the supreme power of the Divine Feminine.
Narrative Framework of Devi Bhagavata
The Devi Bhagavata is framed as a dialogue narrated by the sage Suta to a group of rishis (sages) led by Shaunaka in the sacred forest of Naimisharanya. Suta himself had learned this Purana from Vyasa, the great sage credited with compiling the Vedas and Puranas. This structure, where wisdom is passed through oral tradition, is common in Hindu scriptures, reflecting the reverence for lineage and the importance of the guru-disciple relationship.
Importance and Secret of Devi Bhagavata
When Suta speaks about the Devi Bhagavata, he emphasizes its uniqueness and incomparable value among spiritual texts, calling it the secret essence of all scriptures. It complements the teachings of the Vedas and brings out the esoteric truths about the Supreme Goddess. He explains that the deity praised here is Vidya (learning), the ultimate knowledge that leads one to salvation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death (samsara). In this Purana, Devi is not merely a consort or a secondary figure but the primal force and the supreme deity in her own right, revered as the all-knowing, omniscient power that governs the universe.
Bagavati Gita
A remarkable feature of the Devi Bhagavata is the inclusion of the Bagavati Gita, a dialogue between the Goddess and her devotee, which echoes the famous Bhagavad Gita delivered by Lord Krishna to Arjuna in the Mahabharata. However, the Bagavati Gita is distinct because it focuses on the wisdom of the Goddess, who was born as the daughter of Himavan (the Himalayas) and is often associated with Parvati or Durga. This dialogue reflects the Goddess’s role as the teacher and the liberator, guiding her devotee on the path to truth and enlightenment.
Structure of the Devi Bhagavata
The Devi Bhagavata is commonly divided into nine sections, each of which is traditionally recited over three days during Devi worship. This structure makes it integral to religious festivals such as Navaratri, where the Goddess is venerated in her various forms. The first day’s recitation includes stories like the birth of Shuka (Vyasa’s son), the narrative of Hayagreeva (the horse-headed incarnation of Vishnu), and the defeat of the asura brothers Madhu and Kaitabha, who were slain by Vishnu. This portion also delves into the story of the Kuru dynasty, connecting it to the events of the Mahabharata.
Connection to Mahabharata and the Principle of Trinity
The second day’s recitation continues with the history of Shantanu and the Pandavas, recounting the climactic events of the Mahabharata. It highlights the role of the Goddess during these episodes, emphasizing her presence in critical moments of the epic. The third day’s portion introduces the principle of the Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva), highlighting the interdependence between the gods and the Goddess.
The Devi Bhagavata also celebrates the Sudharsana Chakra and its importance in divine warfare. It includes the glory of Navaratri, the story of Krishna, and the Goddess’s role in slaying the demon Mahishasura, as part of the legend of Durga. This narrative of the Goddess vanquishing Mahishasura is a cornerstone of Devi mythology and is extensively celebrated in Hindu festivals.
Centrality of the Devi in the Cosmos
The Devi Bhagavata expands upon the notion of the Goddess being the supreme creator and destroyer of the universe. She is seen as Para Shakti, the power that drives the entire cosmos. Her different forms—Durga, Kali, Parvati, Lakshmi, and Saraswati—represent various aspects of life and the universe. These forms signify creation, sustenance, destruction, knowledge, and prosperity.
The text also emphasizes that Shakti is not subordinate to the male deities (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva) but is their source of power. Without her, they are incomplete and incapable of fulfilling their roles. For example, in the episode where Shiva is rendered powerless in the absence of Shakti in the form of Sati, the narrative underscores the supremacy of the Goddess.
Conclusion
The Devi Bhagavata and the Vishnu Bhagavata are two of the most important texts in the Puranic literature, emphasizing devotion to Vishnu and the Goddess, respectively. While Vishnu Bhagavata extols the incarnations of Vishnu as the protector and sustainer of the cosmos, Devi Bhagavata glorifies the Divine Feminine as the ultimate power, whose grace is essential for salvation.
Both texts also highlight the cyclical nature of time and creation in Hindu cosmology, underscoring the eternal battle between good and evil, with the gods and goddesses playing key roles in maintaining the balance of the universe. Whether through Vishnu’s avatars or the Goddess’s manifestations, both Puranas teach the importance of devotion, righteousness, and the pursuit of knowledge for the attainment of liberation.