Devi Bhagavata Purana
In the Devi Bhagavata, even Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva awaken as servants of the Goddess. It describes her jewel island, Manidvipa, and gives the stories behind Navratri. How does Shakta tradition see the universe?
The verse
The Mother above all
The Devi Bhagavata Purana, in twelve books and about 18,000 verses, presents the Goddess — Devi, Adi Shakti — as the supreme reality. Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva perform their work by her power. In one striking scene, the three gods are carried to her heavenly island and see her seated, the universe within her.
Manidvipa
Beyond all worlds, the text says, lies Manidvipa, the jewel island, in an ocean of nectar — surrounded by walls of every metal and gem, with the Goddess as Bhuvaneshvari on a throne whose legs are Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra and Ishvara…
The journey continues for members
- Gods as the legs of her throne
- Navratri's scriptural roots
- About the text
Sources
- Devi Bhagavata Purana — Books 3 and 12