Bible Encyclopedias
Bhavana

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

Search for…

Enter query below:

or

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

Prev Entry
Bhavan

Next Entry
Bhikshu

Resource Toolbox

Print Article

(the All-bearing), in the mythology of India, is one of the most honorable names given to the wife of Siva. She is identical with the mighty goddess Maja, the all-awakening love, the first mother. The myths of India affirm that she is both mother and wife of the great trinity Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva. This trinity had a conference with her as to the further creations, and her creative word (Om— Be-it, or "Let there be") was both confirmation and creation. Joyfully she clapped her hands, and thereupon three eggs fell from her lap, out of which the gods were formed. The fable which is most generally accepted is that she only bore Vishnu, from whose navel a lotus- flower grew, and in its centre Brahma rested, from whose blood Siva sprang. Bhavana is the dispenser of all happiness, and she is therefore highly honored in a number of festivals — as, for example, in the festival Egadashi. This goddess also has her dark side, as most of the Hindu leities, according to which she becomes the frightful Kali. As her husband, Siva, is the creator and also destroyer, so she as Kali, or Wadrakali, is the dreadful revenger, whose fiery glances no deed escapes. (See TRIMURTI); (See WADRAKALI).