HOST:
Welcome to the Guptasadhak-Shyamakhepa.com YouTube channel. You are listening to Sadhak Shri Shyama Khepa sharing his profound insights on the Dasha Mahavidyas. We have already heard his views on Kali, Tara, and Shodashi. Today, we will explore the next Mahavidya—Bhuvaneshwari, the Mother of the Universe and the symbol of earthly power.
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
As I’ve mentioned before, all these forms emerged from Goddess Durga. During her battles against Mahishasura or Shumbha-Nishumbha, these powers existed in their subtle forms. The "Asta Shakti" (eight powers) accompanied the Mother: Brahmani, Maheshwari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Narsinghi, Aindri, and Chamunda. They all aided her in battle. The Dasha Mahavidyas were also present during these celestial wars.
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
Now, let’s talk about Bhuvaneshwari—the ruler of the universe (Bhuvan). She is the one who sustains and protects the world. In her lap, every living being finds peaceful rest. We find her description in the Chandi during the slaying of Mahishasura and later during the Raktabija battle.
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
Her meditation mantra (Dhyana) describes her as glowing with the radiance of the rising sun, wearing a crescent moon on her crown, with three eyes and a smiling face. She holds the goad, the noose, and gestures with the boons and protection mudras. Her primary beeja (seed) mantra is Ang Hring Kong.
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
Bhuvaneshwari controls the world, ensuring all living beings remain in peace. You might be surprised where we commonly see her. When we visit the Jagannath Temple in Puri, we see Lord Balarama on one side and Lord Jagannath on the other. Between them is Subhadra. In our tradition, we recognize Subhadra as Mother Bhuvaneshwari. It is in her lap that the world finds refuge.
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
During the battles, she aided Durga in many ways. When the atmosphere was filled with the chaotic roars of the demons, Durga sought her help, as well as the help of Jagaddhatri.
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
One cannot truly practice Sadhana without the Chandi and the Gita. In the Chandi, it is mentioned that during the war, Durga was accompanied not only by these powers but also by sixty-four crore yoginis.
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
When Raktabija entered the battlefield, the situation became dire. Every drop of his blood that touched the ground created a thousand more demons just like him. Durga was concerned about how to defeat him. She then sought the help of the Adi Shakti—Bhuvaneshwari, Jagaddhatri, or Subhadra—who are essentially one and the same.
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
During the final battle with Shumbha and Nishumbha, Shumbha complained, "Mother, you fight me with an army of yoginis, while I stand alone." Durga replied, "You fool, don't you know? Just as different foods are made from the same source of milk, all these yoginis and powers are merely extensions of my own self. I am taking them all back into me; now, stand firm and face me." She then absorbed all the powers and prepared to slay him.
INTERVIEWER:
Master, I’ve heard that according to the Tantras, Goddess Shodashi appeared due to a misunderstanding with Mahadeva, and seeing her own fierce reflection on Shiva's chest, she became frightened. Later, when she realized it was herself, she became calm. This serene form is known as Bhuvaneshwari.
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
Yes, there are many such legends. When Mother Durga displayed her Mahavidya forms, even the gods like Brahma and Mahadeva were struck with awe and fear. Her complexion is as red as a hibiscus flower, she has four arms, and she is surrounded by four protective goddesses.
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
Mahadeva is a meditative and serene deity. While he occasionally intervened, like when he neutralized Kamadeva (the god of desire), he generally stayed removed from the battlefield. However, during the battle with Mahishasura, the gods realized that the demon could only be killed with a trident (Trishula). Since Durga is a life-giving mother and not naturally a destroyer, Mahadeva threw his trident to her, asking her to use it to end the demon.
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
When Mahishasura was finally defeated and pierced by the trident, he asked for forgiveness. He requested, "Mother, whenever you are worshipped on Earth, may I always be at your feet." The Mother granted him this boon, which is why we always see Mahishasura in the Durga idols today.
GURU SHYAMA KHYAPA:
Bhuvaneshwari is the Mother of the Universe. In her lap, we all find our existence and our eventual rest. While she is worshipped in various forms like Lakshmi or Subhadra, her essence remains the same—the sustaining power of the world.
HOST:
Thank you, Master. Friends, you were listening to the fourth part of our Dasha Mahavidya series. Today, we learned about Goddess Bhuvaneshwari. We request you to subscribe to our channel and like and share our videos.
CHANTING:
Om Hreem Bhuvaneshwaryai Namaha Om Hreem Bhuvaneshwaryai Namaha Om Hreem Bhuvaneshwaryai Namaha