# Devi-Bhagavata Purana By [TPRAW](https://paragraph.com/@tpraw) · 2023-05-29 --- The **Devi Bhagavata Purana** ([Sanskrit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanskrit_language): देवी भागवतपुराणम्, _devī bhāgavatapurāṇam_), also known as the **Srimad Devi Bhagavatam, Srimad Bhagavatam,** **Bhagavata Purana** or simply **_Devi Bhagavatam_,** is one of the eighteen [Mahapuranas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purana) of [Hinduism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism).[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi-Bhagavata_Purana#cite_note-FOOTNOTEDalal2014117-1)[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi-Bhagavata_Purana#cite_note-2) Composed in [Sanskrit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanskrit_language) by [Veda Vyasa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vyasa), the text is considered as a major purana for [Devi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi) worshippers. It promotes [_bhakti_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhakti) (devotion) towards [Mahadevi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahadevi), integrating themes from the Shaktadvaitavada tradition (syncretism of [Samkhya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samkhya) and [Advaita Vedanta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advaita_Vedanta). literally, the path of nondualistic Shakti). The purana consists of twelve cantos (sections) with 318 chapters.[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi-Bhagavata_Purana#cite_note-FOOTNOTERocher1986168-3) Along with [_Devi Mahatmya_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi_Mahatmya), it is one of the most important works in [Shaktism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaktism), a tradition within [Hinduism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism) that reveres [Devi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi) or [Shakti](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shakti) (Goddess) as the primordial creator of the universe and the [Brahman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahman) (ultimate truth and reality).[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi-Bhagavata_Purana#cite_note-FOOTNOTEC_Mackenzie_Brown199044%E2%80%9345,_129,_247-248_with_notes_57-60-4)[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi-Bhagavata_Purana#cite_note-FOOTNOTEJohn_Stratton_HawleyDonna_Marie_Wulff19986%E2%80%9314-5)[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi-Bhagavata_Purana#cite_note-FOOTNOTETracy_Pintchman2015183%E2%80%93188-6) It celebrates the divine feminine as the origin of all existence, the creator, the preserver and the destroyer of everything, as well as the one who empowers spiritual liberation.[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi-Bhagavata_Purana#cite_note-FOOTNOTEDalal2014117-1)[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi-Bhagavata_Purana#cite_note-FOOTNOTEDavid_Kinsley1988133%E2%80%93139-7) While all major Puranas of [Hinduism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism) mention and revere the Goddess, this text centers around her as the primary divinity.[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi-Bhagavata_Purana#cite_note-FOOTNOTEAlf_HiltebeitelKathleen_M._Erndl200024%E2%80%9336,_48_\(RS_Sherma\)-8)[\[9\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi-Bhagavata_Purana#cite_note-FOOTNOTEK_P_Gietz1992330_with_note_1809,_497_with_note_2764-9) The underlying philosophy of this text is [Advaita Vedanta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advaita_Vedanta)\-style [monism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monism) combined with devotional worship of [Shakti](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shakti) (feminine power).[\[10\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi-Bhagavata_Purana#cite_note-FOOTNOTETracy_Pintchman2015128%E2%80%93132-10)[\[11\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi-Bhagavata_Purana#cite_note-FOOTNOTEJune_McDaniel200489%E2%80%9391,_159%E2%80%93161-11)[\[12\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi-Bhagavata_Purana#cite_note-FOOTNOTEC_Mackenzie_Brown1990142%E2%80%93144-12)It is believed that this was spoken by [Vyasa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vyasa) to King [Janamejaya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janamejaya), the son of [Parikshit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parikshit). Part of [a series](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Hindu_texts) on[Hindu scriptures and texts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_texts) * [Shruti](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%9Aruti) * [Smriti](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smriti) * [List](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Hindu_texts) show[Vedas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vedas) show[Upanishads](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upanishads) showOther scriptures Related Hindu textsshow[Vedangas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vedanga)show[Puranas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puranas)show[Itihasa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Itihasa)show[Sangam Literature](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sangam_Literature)show[Shastras](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shastra) and [Sutras](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutra)showTimeline * [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Hindu_scriptures_and_texts) * [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Hindu_scriptures_and_texts) * [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Template:Hindu_scriptures_and_texts&action=edit) Part of [a series](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Shaktism) on[Shaktism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaktism) * [History](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Shaktism) show[Deities](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_deities) show[Scriptures and texts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_texts) showSchools show[Scholars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Hindu_gurus_and_sants) showPractices showFestivals and temples  [Hinduism portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Hinduism) * [v](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Saktism) * [t](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Saktism) * [e](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Template:Saktism&action=edit) Nomenclature ------------ The title of the text, _Srimad Devi Bhagavata_, is composed of two words, which together mean "devotees of the blessed Devi". * **'Srimad'** (or **'Srimat'**, Sanskrit श्रीमत्) means 'radiant', 'holy', 'splendid', or 'glorious', and is an [honorific](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honorific) religious title. * '[**Sri**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri)**'** (or **'Shri'** or **'Shree'**, Sanskrit श्री) means 'Prosperity'. Goddess [Lakshmi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakshmi) referred to as 'Sri'. Also Supreme goddess [Tripura Sundari](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tripura_Sundari) called as 'Sri mata'. * **'**[**Devi**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi)**'** ([Sanskrit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanskrit): देवी) is the Sanskrit word for '[goddess](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goddess)'; the masculine form is [_deva_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deva_\(Hinduism\)). The terms _Devi_ and _Deva_ are Sanskrit terms found in Vedic literature of 2nd millennium BCE, wherein Devi is feminine and Deva is masculine.[\[13\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi-Bhagavata_Purana#cite_note-FOOTNOTEKlostermaier2010496-13) Monier Williams translates it as "heavenly, divine, terrestrial things of high excellence, exalted, shining ones".[\[14\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi-Bhagavata_Purana#cite_note-FOOTNOTEKlostermaier2010101-102,_492-14) * [**Bhagavata**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhagavata)**'** (or **'Bhagavatam'** or **'Bhagavat**, [Sanskrit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanskrit) भागवत) means "devotee of the blessed Devi."[\[15\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi-Bhagavata_Purana#cite_note-FOOTNOTELochtefeld200294-15) In devi Bhagavata purana God or Bhagavan connotation as the supreme goddess. * **'**[**Purana'**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puranas) (Sanskrit पराण) means 'ancient' or 'old' (or 'old traditional history').[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi-Bhagavata_Purana#cite_note-:2-16) It also means 'complete' and 'completing'[\[16\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi-Bhagavata_Purana#cite_note-:2-16) in the sense that a Purana 'completes the [Vedas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vedas)'.[\[17\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi-Bhagavata_Purana#cite_note-17) * **'Maha'** (Sanskrit महत) means 'great', 'large', or 'vast'. History ------- This Purana lists Saraswati (above) as the creative aspect of the supreme Goddess, the Shakti of [Brahma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahma).[\[18\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi-Bhagavata_Purana#cite_note-FOOTNOTEC_Mackenzie_Brown199049,_130,_134,_139-18) The _Srimad Devi Bhagavata Mahapurana_ has been variously dated.[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi-Bhagavata_Purana#cite_note-FOOTNOTERocher1986172-19) A few scholars suggest an early date, such as Ramachandran who suggested that the text was composed before the 6th-century CE.[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi-Bhagavata_Purana#cite_note-FOOTNOTERocher1986172-19) However, this early date has not found wide support, and most scholars to date it between the 9th and the 14th century.[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi-Bhagavata_Purana#cite_note-FOOTNOTERocher1986172-19)[\[20\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi-Bhagavata_Purana#cite_note-FOOTNOTEAlf_HiltebeitelKathleen_M._Erndl2000139,_'''Quote:'''_\(...\)_portrayals_of_the_Goddess_in_the_later_Devi_Bhagavata_\(c._ninth_century_CE\)_bear_crucial_differences_from_those_of_the_Goddess_in_the_Devi_Mahatmya.-20) Rajendra Hazra suggests 11th or 12th century, while Lalye states that the text began taking form in the late centuries of the 1st millennium, was expanded over time, and its first complete version existed in the 11th century.[\[19\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi-Bhagavata_Purana#cite_note-FOOTNOTERocher1986172-19)[\[21\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi-Bhagavata_Purana#cite_note-21) Tracy Pintchman dates the text to between 1000 and 1200 CE.[\[22\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi-Bhagavata_Purana#cite_note-FOOTNOTETracy_Pintchman2015128-22) [https://opensea.io/assets/0x7aBb7d89c976eF70e9F9f6a4193EF6970D33F2d7/2](https://opensea.io/assets/0x7aBb7d89c976eF70e9F9f6a4193EF6970D33F2d7/2) The last ten chapters (31 to 40) of the seventh canto consist of 507 verses, a part which has often circulated as an independent handout just like the [_Bhagavad Gita_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhagavad_Gita) of the _Mahabharata_ circulates independently.[\[23\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi-Bhagavata_Purana#cite_note-FOOTNOTECheever_Mackenzie_Brown19981%E2%80%934-23) The handout from Book 7 of this Purana is called _Devi Gita_.[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi-Bhagavata_Purana#cite_note-FOOTNOTECheever_Mackenzie_Brown19984-24) This handout may have been composed with the original text, or it might be a later interpolation, states C Mackenzie Brown.[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi-Bhagavata_Purana#cite_note-FOOTNOTECheever_Mackenzie_Brown19984-24) He suggests that this portion of the text was probably composed by the 13th century and may be later but before the 16th century.[\[24\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi-Bhagavata_Purana#cite_note-FOOTNOTECheever_Mackenzie_Brown19984-24) The ninth canto of the _Srimad Devi Bhagavata Mahapurana_ contains many verses that reference _Mlecchas_ (barbarians) and _Yavanas_ (foreigners).[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi-Bhagavata_Purana#cite_note-FOOTNOTEC_Mackenzie_Brown1990166-25) These words may just refer to hill tribes, but the details contained in the description of _Mlecchas_ within these verses, state some scholars such as Hazra, that the writer of these parts knew about Islam and its spread in India, leading scholars date these parts of the ninth book to 12th to 15th century compared to the older core of the ninth book.[\[25\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi-Bhagavata_Purana#cite_note-FOOTNOTEC_Mackenzie_Brown1990166-25) --- *Originally published on [TPRAW](https://paragraph.com/@tpraw/devi-bhagavata-purana)*