Bengali Version
Introduction to Dashamahavidyas
The Dashamahavidyas (दशमहाविद्या), or the Ten Great Wisdom Goddesses, represent the supreme Tantric manifestation of the Divine Mother, Adi Parashakti, each embodying a cosmic truth and aspect of spiritual awakening. These Mahavidyas emerged from Sati’s divine wrath and resolve during the Daksha Yagna episode, as detailed in various Tantras and Puranas.
Among these ten, Bhuvaneshwari (भुवनेश्वरी) occupies a revered position as the Sovereign Queen of the Universe, the Cosmic Mother who creates, sustains, and nurtures all realms – Bhū (Earth), Bhuvaḥ (Atmosphere), and Svaḥ (Heaven).
Etymology and Meaning
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Bhuvana (भुवन) = Universe, World, Realm
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Ishwari (ईश्वरी) = Supreme Goddess, Ruler, Controller
Thus, Bhuvaneshwari translates to “She who is the Ruler of the Worlds” or “Queen of the Universe.”
Iconography of Devi Bhuvaneshwari
Bhuvaneshwari is often depicted:
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With four arms, holding a noose (pāśa) and a goad (aṅkuśa), symbols of control and direction over creation.
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The other two hands are in Abhaya (protection) and Varada (boon-giving) mudras.
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Her complexion is like the reddish glow of the rising sun, and her eyes radiate compassion and cosmic power.
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Seated on a cosmic lotus or throne, symbolizing her central place in creation.
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Surrounded by stars and celestial orbs, representing her dominion over space and time.
Scriptural References
1. Rudra Yamala Tantra
One of the primary Tantras where Dashamahavidyas are described, the Rudra Yamala Tantra mentions Bhuvaneshwari as the embodiment of space (ākāśa tattva) and the sustaining power of the cosmos.
“Bhuvaneshwari Mahadevi sarvavyapini parā — She is all-pervading and supreme.”
— Rudra Yamala Tantra, Chapter 15
2. Shakti Tantra & Kularnava Tantra
In these texts, Bhuvaneshwari is worshipped as the central creative force, responsible for the maya (illusion) that causes the universe to appear as real.
“Yasya nāma smaraṇamātreṇa jagat pravartate sā bhagavatī Bhuvaneshwari”
— By whose remembrance alone the world turns, she is Bhuvaneshwari.
3. Devi Bhagavata Purana (Skanda 9, Chapter 34)
The Devi Bhagavata Purana places Bhuvaneshwari as one of the highest manifestations of Adi Shakti, preceding even the Tridevi and Trimurti in cosmic hierarchy.
“Sā bhagavatī Bhuvaneshwarī jñānarūpā parā prakṛtiḥ”
— She, the Goddess Bhuvaneshwari, is the embodiment of divine knowledge and supreme Nature.
4. Tantraraja Tantra
It details the mantra sādhanā, yantra, and worship procedures for Bhuvaneshwari, identifying her as the space-time matrix within which all forms arise.
Philosophical and Spiritual Significance
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Manifestation of Ākāśa Tattva: Bhuvaneshwari represents the element of ether or space, without which no existence can manifest. She is the field upon which the Divine Play (Līlā) unfolds.
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Embodiment of Māyā: She is the mistress of māyā (illusion) that veils reality, yet she herself is beyond it. She is both the veil and the revealer.
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Symbol of Sovereignty: Unlike Kali, who represents time and transformation, Bhuvaneshwari signifies stability, nurturing, and ruling power—Shakti as sovereign order.
Bhuvaneshwari in the Cosmos
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She is not destructive, but rather creative and preserving.
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Her power sustains the universe, and her smile is said to manifest galaxies.
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She is within all beings as the womb of existence (Yoni).
Bhuvaneshwari and the Dashamahavidya Order
While Kali represents Time (Kāla) as the ultimate dissolver, Bhuvaneshwari represents Space (Ākāśa) as the eternal stage upon which Time dances. Thus, in many Tantric traditions, she is placed immediately after Kali in the Dashamahavidya hierarchy.
Sadhana and Worship
Mantra
The Bhuvaneshwari mantra is powerful for those seeking cosmic understanding, peace, and inner sovereignty:
“Om Hreem Bhuvaneshwaryai Namah”
Benefits of Worship
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Grants divine authority and self-confidence
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Helps in overcoming fear, poverty, and emotional instability
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Bestows wisdom, fame, and harmony
Yantra
Her Yantra is a complex geometrical diagram representing the unfolding cosmos. It is a powerful tool for meditation and realization of universal unity.
Symbolism in Human Life
In human life, Bhuvaneshwari symbolizes:
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The Cosmic Womb (Hiranyagarbha): All beings emerge and dissolve in her.
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Divine Motherhood: She nurtures all creation equally.
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The Sacred Feminine: Ruling not by force, but by the grace of presence, love, and expansiveness.
Conclusion
Bhuvaneshwari is not merely a deity to be worshipped, but a cosmic principle to be realized. She is the Space in which you live, the heart that sustains you, and the goddess who empowers you to be the ruler of your own destiny.
Worshipping her is a call to awaken the inner sovereign, to realize that the universe is within, and the Queen of the Universe is your own higher self.
References:
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Rudra Yamala Tantra
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Devi Bhagavata Purana – Skanda 9
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Kularnava Tantra
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Tantraraja Tantra
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Shakta Tantra Samhita
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Kalika Purana – Brief mentions
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Brahmanda Purana – Indirect reference through Adi Shakti forms
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