Story/Legend

According to Hindu mythology, Bhuvaneshwari was born from the great mother goddess, Adi Parashakti. When the gods were defeated by the demons, they prayed to Adi Parashakti for help. She created the Mahavidyas, including Bhuvaneshwari, to defeat the demons and restore balance to the universe.

Religious Aspect

Bhuvaneshwari is worshipped in Hindu Tantra as a means of attaining spiritual enlightenment and union with the divine. Her devotees believe that by invoking her blessings, they can overcome obstacles in their lives and attain success in their endeavors.

Description

Bhuvaneshwari is often depicted as a beautiful woman sitting on a lotus, with four arms. Her first two arms hold a noose and a goad, which symbolize her power to control and direct the forces of nature. Her third arm holds a lotus, which represents purity and enlightenment. Her fourth arm holds a skull, which symbolizes the impermanence of life.

Cultural Importance

Bhuvaneshwari is an important goddess in Hindu Tantra, and her worship is popular among those seeking knowledge and power. She is also associated with the element of ether or space, which represents the infinite potential of the universe. Her worship is a means of attaining union with the divine and realizing the true nature of reality.

Festivals

Bhuvaneshwari is worshipped during Navratri, a nine-day festival that celebrates the nine forms of the goddess Durga. Devotees also offer prayers and perform rituals to Bhuvaneshwari on the full moon day in the month of Chaitra.

Conclusion

Mahavidya Bhuvaneshwari is a powerful and revered goddess in Hindu Tantra. Her worship is a means of attaining spiritual enlightenment, knowledge, and power. As the queen of the universe, she represents the infinite potential of the cosmos and the power of creation.

References

Kinsley, D. (1998). Tantric visions of the divine feminine: The ten Mahavidyas. University of California Press. Singh, N. K. (2003). Encyclopaedia of Hinduism. Anmol Publications. Woodroffe, J. G. (1913). Hymns to the goddess: The Saundarya Lahari, with the commentary of Lakshmidhara. John Murray.

FAQs

Q: What is the meaning of Bhuvaneshwari? A: Bhuvaneshwari means "Mistress of the World" or "Queen of the Universe."

Q: What is the legend associated with the birth of Bhuvaneshwari? A: According to Hindu mythology, Bhuvaneshwari was born from the great mother goddess, Adi Parashakti. When the gods were defeated by the demons, they prayed to Adi Parashakti for help. She created the Mahavidyas, including Bhuvaneshwari, to defeat the demons and restore balance to the universe.

Q: What is the significance of Bhuvaneshwari in Hindu Tantra? A: Bhuvaneshwari is an important goddess in Hindu Tantra, representing the power of creation and the infinite potential of the universe. Her worship is a means of attaining spiritual enlightenment and realizing the true nature of reality.

Q: What is Navratri, and how is Bhuvaneshwari worshipped during the festival? A: Navratri is a nine-day festival that celebrates the nine forms of the goddess Durga. Devotees offer prayers and perform rituals to Bhuvaneshwari and the other Mahavidyas during the festival.

Q: What is the significance of the lotus and the skull in Bhuvaneshwari's depiction? A: The lotus represents purity and enlightenment, while the skull symbolizes the impermanence of life. Together, they represent the duality of existence and the cyclical nature of birth and death.