Deity

Devi

देवीDevī

verses
2,428
books
27
chapters
813
Forms
Kali

What the texts say

In the Devi Bhagavatam, Devi is the eternal supreme Primordial Power, called Vidya in the Vedas, who dwells in all hearts. Devi Bhagavatam 1.2.4 In the Brahmanda Purana, the gods with Indra bow again and again to her as the Self of all. Brahmanda Purana 3.12.74 The Shiva Purana says she was first born as the daughter of Daksha, and was born again to become Parvati, the consort of Shiva. Shiva Purana 2.3.3.19, 2.3.8.48 In the Markandeya Purana, the power of Mahamaya, a name of Devi, who keeps worldly existence going, casts beings into the whirlpool of mine-ness and the pit of delusion. Markandeya Purana 81.40 The Devi Bhagavatam pictures her mounted on a lion, holding weapons, with eighteen excellent arms. Devi Bhagavatam 5.9.50 The same book advises the Navaratri fast and worship of Devi with chanting and fire offerings, which grant all perfections. Devi Bhagavatam 3.30.19

Where to read

Every verse that names Devi, book by book.

    • 5.22.15

      'Formerly, Bhagavati, being pleased, killed Mahishasura. When praised by you, the Devi then granted a boon.'

    • 5.9.23

      The gods said: Salutations to Shivaa, Kalyani, Shanti, and Pushti; salutations again and again! Salutations to Bhagavati, the Goddess; constant salutations to Rudrani!

    • 5.24.38

      '...whoever comes forward to support her, must be swiftly killed by you. Kill the Kali standing by her side, and then capture her (Ambika)...'

    • 3.2.18.49

      Thus praised by the twice-born, the Goddess Mahāmāyā—intent on slaying Karṇāṭa and securing the welfare of the dvijas—manifested there in visible form and said, “Speak your boon.”

    • 6.1.116.30

      Then, endowed with firm faith, she worshipped properly—having installed the Goddess Ambikā, the sovereign Lady of the gods, there (in that sacred place).

    • 3.3.9.14

      There is the chaste queen Sīmantinī of the king of Niṣadha; on Mondays she worships Mahādeva together with Ambikā.

    • 2.4.17.1

      Nārada said: “O Brahman, O greatly wise one—after hearing the entire account of those events, tell me truly: what did Mahādevī do? I wish to hear it in accordance with the real principle (tattva).”

    • 2.2.12.5

      Placing her—who abides on the northern shore of the Kṣīroda—within his own heart, he began to perform austerities, desiring to behold Ambikā directly, face to face.

    • 2.3.6.49

      Hearing my words, “Speak your boon,” you chose that very boon: “O Mahādevī, become my daughter; and by that, accomplish what is beneficial for the gods.”

    • 5.13.18

      Then, seeing that the great king—self-controlled—was firmly resolved at her lotus-feet, Ambikā, well-pleased, manifested herself directly.

    • 7.2.8

      She, whose very nature is both being and non-being, the eternal cause of the universe, suddenly became threefold—as Brāhmī, as Lakṣmī, and as Ambikā.

    • 1.54.50

      "By my boon, your penis shall become (like) a ram’s testicle." Having said this, the Mother of the world disappeared right there.

Key chapters

The chapters where Devi matters most.

  1. Devakritadevyaradhanavarnanam

    Devi Bhagavatam 5.22 · 34 verses

  2. The Arming of the Devi and the Proposal of Mahishasura's Minister

    Devi Bhagavatam 5.9 · 30 verses

  3. Devi Mahatmya: The Sending of Dhumralochana

    Devi Bhagavatam 5.24 · 29 verses

  4. Devi Santvanam: The Gods Praise the Devi

    Devi Bhagavatam 5.19 · 28 verses

  5. The Danavas' Departure to Rasatala

    Devi Bhagavatam 4.15 · 27 verses

  6. Mahishasura's Marriage Proposal to Devi through his Minister

    Devi Bhagavatam 5.10 · 24 verses

  7. The Devi's Promise to the Devas Regarding Parvati's Birth in the House of Himalaya

    Devi Bhagavatam 7.31 · 23 verses

  8. Description of Devi's Words to the Devas

    Devi Bhagavatam 4.19 · 20 verses

  9. The Slaying of Mahishasura's Generals Bashkala and Durmukha

    Devi Bhagavatam 5.13 · 20 verses

  10. Skandha 1, Adhyaya 5: Hayagrivavatarakathanam - The Story of the Hayagriva Incarnation

    Devi Bhagavatam 1.5 · 19 verses

Key episodes

  1. Madhu and Kaitabha (Devi Mahatmya, Chapter 1)

    Markandeya Purana 81

  2. Durga Slays Mahishasura

    Markandeya Purana 82-84

  3. Shumbha, Nishumbha and the Goddess's Vow

    Markandeya Purana 85-92

  4. Kali Appears: The Slaying of Chanda and Munda

    Markandeya Purana 87

  5. Raktabija and the Mother Goddesses

    Markandeya Purana 88

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