Bhuvaneshvari


Bhuvaneshvari is the fourth amongst the ten Mahavidya or Shivasakthi goddesses in Hinduism, and an aspect of ''Devi as elements of the physical cosmos in giving shape to the creation of the World.
She is also known as Adi Parashakti or Parvati, i.e. one of the earliest forms of Shakti. Her consort is Shiva as Triyambak.

Etymology

The word Bhuvaneśwari is a compound of the words Bhuvana Iśwari, meaning "Goddess of the world" or "Queen of the universe", where the worlds are the tri-bhuvana or three regions of bhūḥ, bhuvaḥ and svaḥ.

Legends

During the beginning of time the Tridevas – Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra did not know who they were and what was their purpose. At this time a flying chariot appeared before them, and a heavenly voice directed them to board the chariot. As the Tridevas boarded the chariot and it started flowing with mind's speed and took them to a mysterious place, which was an island of gems surrounded by ocean of nectar and pristine forests. As they stepped out of the chariot, the Tridevas were transformed into women, much to their astonishment. As they explored the island they came across an Imperial city protected by nine enclosures and guarded by fierce Bhairavas, Matrikas, Kshetrapalas and Dikpalas. As they entered the city they were amazed by its prosperity and soaring infrastructure and finally reached the Imperial Palace known as Chintamanigriha, guarded by Yoginis. For this was Śrīpūra, the capital of Devi Bhuvaneshvari, the Empress of Manidvipa, the abode of Adi Parashakti. When they entered the palace they witnessed Devi Bhuvaneshvari, the queen of all worlds.
Her complexion was red. She had three eyes, four arms, braided hair and was clad in red ornaments. She wore a garland of lotuses and Her body was anointed with red sandalwood paste. She held a goad and a noose with Her left hands, while her right hands displayed abhaya and varada mudras. She was decked with ornaments and wore a crown with a digit of crescent moon as crest jewel.
She was seated on the left lap of Trayambaka Bhairava, who was of white complexion, wore white garments and was decked with ornaments. His hair was matted and was decorated by a crescent moon and Ganga. He had five faces each with three-eyes, and four arms, holding a trident and a battle-axe while displaying varada and abhaya mudras.
The Divine Couple was seated on Panchapretasana, a throne which had Paramashiva as plank while Sadashiva, Ishvara, Rudra, Vishnu and Brahma were five legs. They were being served by many Yoginis, some fanning them, some holding mirror, some offering betel leaves flavoured with camphor, some offering a drink made by mixing honey, ghee, wine and coconut water. Some were ready to dress Bhuvaneshvari's hair, some ready to do makeup, some busy stringing garlands while some singing and dancing to entertain Devi.
The Tridevas witnessed millions of universes each with their own Tridevas, in the sheen of Bhuvaneshvari's toe-nail. Some were getting created by Brahma, some getting sustained by Vishnu while others getting annihilated by Rudra.
Bhuvaneshvari enlightened the Tridevas with Her greatness. Trayambaka is Brahman while Bhuvaneshvari is Brahmashakti. Though they appear distinct, both are of the nature of one another. Trayambaka is Adipurusha while Bhuvaneshvari is Mulaprakriti. To help Trayambaka perform his three-fold Lila, Bhuvaneshvari has created three forms of him- Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra. Thus, Tridevas are forms of Trayambaka. Thereafter Bhuvaneshvari gave her shaktis Saraswati to Brahma, Lakshmi to Vishnu and Kali to Rudra and departed them to their respective places.
Brahma with Saraswati created an cosmic egg and Rudra with Uma split it, exposing the Pancha Bhootas. Brahma with Saraswati fashioned the universe from Pancha Bhootas, and Vishnu and Lakshmi sustain it. At the end Rudra with Kali will annihilate the universe so that Brahma and Saraswati can start afresh.
Once, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva were involved in an argument about who is the most powerful and supreme of the three. Their debate became so intense that it disturbed the peace of the heavens and worried the Gods. That was when the beautiful Goddess stepped in to intervene and cease the dispute. She took the Trinity of Gods to her idyllic abode and led them to her beautiful chamber. There, Goddess Bhuvaneshwari enlightens them that she is the creator of the entire universe as it is created out of her and ends in her. She is responsible for protecting it from devils. She has created many elements and gave life to all the Gods, sages and all living beings.
She had also created many worlds, such as Satyalok, where Lord Brahma lives. It is the most supreme place of all the worlds where the inhabitants are free of life and death cycle. Then Taplok came into being, where the soul, including the body, resides. The inhabitants there wait for Satyalok to take shape. Gyanlok then was formed where the place had the presence of ascetics who were the inhabitants. Maharlok came into being where after the harsh penances, the sages and ascetics have a place to live. The sages who live in that place has the power equal to Gods. That is why all the sages live in that place. Then comes Anandlok, which is Swarglok, which is the residence of Gods and virtuous beings. Next, Bhuvarlok was formed where the sun and planets are positioned. After Bhuvarlok came Bhulok, where mortal and other living beings live.
The worlds beneath Earth came into being, the first being Atal Lok in which it is the home of revelry and all the wealth of the planets in accumulated there. Then came Vital Lok, where the beings of the earth stay there to mine gold and other elements. Just like Atal Lok, Vital Lok is centred on earthly riches. Then through King Bali, the king of demons, Sutal Lok came into being. Talatal Lok came into existence and below that, Mahatal was created in which it is Naaglok, the home of all serpents and snake girls. Further down below is the realm of demons and monsters, named Rasatal. Finally, below all the worlds, then originated Patal Lok where Vasuki, the King of snakes lives. This is the foundation of all the other realms.
Then, Brahma, Vishnu and Mahadev witnessed millions of universes each with their own person, in the sheen of Bhuvaneshwari's toe-nail. Some were getting created by Brahma, some getting sustained by Vishnu while others getting annihilated by Rudra. Bhuvaneshwari enlightened the Tridevas with Her greatness.
Thereafter, Goddess Bhuvaneshwari gave her Shaktis Saraswati to Brahma, Lakshmi to Vishnu, and Gauri to Shiva. She informed Tridev that her Shaktis that they are given to will help them create and preserve the world, and when the appropriate time comes, it will be destroyed completely so that a new creation can be started afresh by Brahma and Saraswati.

Temples

There are several temples dedicated to Bhuvaneshwari across India. In South India most of the Srividhya tradition upasaka worship her. In Kerala she is also popular among Shaktas.
She is worshipped as the patron goddess of Bhubaneswar and by Utkala Brahmins of Odisha.
In Northern India, Mathura the city of Krishna also has a centuries-old "Bhuvneshwari MahaVidhya" temple just opposite to Krishna Janmbhoomi.
One more Temple in Maharashtra, Shri shetra Audumber, sangli district.
In North America, Bhuvaneshwari is worshipped at Parashakthi Temple in Pontiac, Michigan.
In Sydney, Australia, Bhuvaneshwari is worrshipped at in Minto, NSW.