Deity
Devi
देवीDevī
- verses
- 2,428
- books
- 27
- chapters
- 813
- Slew
- Mahishasura
- 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)...'
- 5.22.15
- 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.
- 3.2.18.49
- 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.”
- 2.4.17.1
- 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.
- 5.13.18
Also named in
- Mudgala Purana79 verses
- Brahmanda Purana59 verses
- Linga Purana40 verses
- Markandeya Purana37 verses
- Narada Purana37 verses
- Kurma Purana37 verses
- Vamana Purana34 verses
- Agni Purana22 verses
- Brahma Purana11 verses
- Bhagavatam9 verses
- Garuda Purana9 verses
- Mahabharata8 verses
- Mahabharata (Gita Press)13 verses
- Upanishads7 verses
- Matsya Purana7 verses
- Varaha Purana5 verses
- Narasimha Purana3 verses
- Ramcharitmanas3 verses
- Vishnu Purana2 verses
- Samba Purana2 verses
- Siva Dharma Purana2 verses
- Ramayana1 verse
- Arthashastra1 verse
- Kapila Purana1 verse
Key chapters
The chapters where Devi matters most.
Devakritadevyaradhanavarnanam
The Arming of the Devi and the Proposal of Mahishasura's Minister
Devi Mahatmya: The Sending of Dhumralochana
Devi Santvanam: The Gods Praise the Devi
The Danavas' Departure to Rasatala
Mahishasura's Marriage Proposal to Devi through his Minister
The Devi's Promise to the Devas Regarding Parvati's Birth in the House of Himalaya
Description of Devi's Words to the Devas
The Slaying of Mahishasura's Generals Bashkala and Durmukha
Skandha 1, Adhyaya 5: Hayagrivavatarakathanam - The Story of the Hayagriva Incarnation
Key episodes
Madhu and Kaitabha (Devi Mahatmya, Chapter 1)
Markandeya Purana 81
Durga Slays Mahishasura
Markandeya Purana 82-84
Shumbha, Nishumbha and the Goddess's Vow
Markandeya Purana 85-92
Kali Appears: The Slaying of Chanda and Munda
Markandeya Purana 87
Raktabija and the Mother Goddesses
Markandeya Purana 88
Also known to Wikipedia · Wikidata Q494511