Maa Bhuvanesvari, the fourth Mahavidya, is a revered deity whose form and attributes closely mirror those of Tripurasundari, yet with a profound emphasis on the manifested world and our experience within it. As a key figure in the pantheon of the Mahavidyas, she embodies the dynamic and interactive nature of the cosmos.

The Essence of Bhuvanesvari

The name Bhuvanesvari is derived from two Sanskrit terms: bhuvana and isvari. Bhuvana refers to the entire cosmos, including the heavens, atmosphere, and earth, signifying the living world in all its dynamism and activity. Isvari translates to “sovereign” or “ruler,” indicating a divine authority. Hence, Bhuvanesvari is often translated as “Mother Goddess of the World,” underscoring her role as the supreme ruler of the entire universe.

Iconography and Symbols

Bhuvanesvari’s iconography is rich in symbolism, reflecting her deep connection with the material world and its inherent beauty.

• Complexion and Adornments: Bhuvanesvari is depicted with a complexion resembling the light of the rising sun, symbolizing joy, compassion, and illumination. She is adorned with a multitude of jewels, emphasizing the value and splendour of the physical world. Sometimes, she is shown holding a jewelled cup filled with gemstones, a reminder of her role as the source of boundless abundance and prosperity.
• Seated on a Lotus: She is often portrayed sitting on a lotus, which represents her as the source and sustainer of creation. The lotus symbolizes purity and the potential for spiritual growth despite worldly entanglements. Her full, nurturing breasts signify her maternal nature and her role in sustaining and caring for all creation.
• Three Eyes: Her three eyes signify her omniscient awareness, encompassing the past, present, and future. This all-seeing aspect highlights her role in overseeing and maintaining the universe’s balance and harmony.

Symbolic Implements

Bhuvanesvari is commonly shown with a noose and a goad, each carrying profound symbolic meanings.

• Noose (Pasa): The noose represents her power to bind and captivate. It illustrates how the illusion of the material world can entrap us in ignorance and confusion. Additionally, it can symbolize the five sheaths (panchakosa) that surround and veil the true self: the physical body (annamayakosa), the life-breath (pranamayakosa), the mind (manomayakosa), the intellect (vijnanamayakosa), and the causal sheath (anandamayakosa).
• Goad (Ankusha): The goad symbolizes her power to prod and guide, helping to overcome obstacles and misconceptions that obscure our true nature. It signifies her role in encouraging us to transcend the limitations imposed by our ego, body, and mind, and to seek true Self-knowledge.

The Lotus Symbol

The lotus is a recurring symbol in Indian spirituality, representing purity, growth, and spiritual perfection. For Bhuvanesvari, the lotus signifies the flourishing of divine energy in the cosmos. Despite the lotus’s roots in mud, its blossom remains unsullied, symbolizing spiritual purity amidst the seeming imperfections of the world. This reflects the concept that our true nature is pure and perfect, even if our external lives appear mired in worldly concerns.

Cosmic Manifestation

Bhuvanesvari’s connection to the cosmos highlights her role in creation and cosmic order.

• Space as the First Element: According to traditional cosmology, space (akasa) is the first of the five great elements to manifest. It provides the medium for the other elements to exist and is also the medium for sound—the creative word. This concept links Bhuvanesvari to Aditi, the Vedic mother goddess associated with space and creation, and to Vagisvari, “the sovereign of the creative word.” This underscores her role in the process of cosmic manifestation and creative expression.
• All-Pervading Presence: Bhuvanesvari is celebrated as the all-pervading divine presence. She represents the infinite expanse of both outer and inner space. While outer space stretches into the universe, inner space refers to the boundless awareness within our own consciousness. This inner space, or the heart, is where the Divine Mother resides, making her presence ever-constant and omnipresent.

The Universal Perspective

Bhuvanesvari’s all-encompassing nature invites us to embrace a universal perspective. She transcends religious and cultural boundaries, emphasizing that the Divine is not confined to any single tradition. This universal approach encourages us to recognize the commonality that lies beyond our superficial differences and to connect with the Infinite, which cannot be limited by names or forms.

In practical terms, Bhuvanesvari’s teachings suggest that we should cultivate an attitude of universality and inclusiveness. Instead of clinging to narrow perspectives, we are encouraged to open ourselves to the vastness of the Divine presence, which pervades every aspect of existence. By doing so, we move beyond our individual limitations and align ourselves with the boundless reality of the cosmos.

In summary, Maa Bhuvanesvari embodies the dynamic interplay of creation, sustenance, and dissolution within the universe. Her form and attributes reflect her profound connection to the manifest world and her role as the sovereign of all existence. Through her, we are reminded of the inherent beauty and purity of our true nature and the importance of recognizing the Divine presence in every aspect of our lives.