Bhuma Devi
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| Bhuma Devi or Bhudevi | |
 Metal Sculpture of Goddess Bhudevi |
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| Earth | |
| Affiliation | Devi |
|---|---|
| Consort | Varaha |
Bhuma Devi or Bhumi Devi or Bhu Devi is the divine wife of Lord Varaha, an Avatar of Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu mythology, the divine saint Andal is a form of her. The demon Narakasura whose killing by Krishna is celebrated as the festival of Diwali is her son.[1]. She is the mother of Sita, (note the symbolism of the baby Sita being found in a ploughed field). According to the uttara-kanda, when Sita finally leaves her husband Rama, she returns to Bhumi. Bhumi Devi is also believed to be one of the two forms of Lakshmi. The other is Sridevi, who remains with Narayana. Bhudevi is the Goddess of Earth, and the fertility form of Lakshmi.
It is interesting to note that several female deities have had births similar to Sita. Alamelu Thayar of Tiruchendur had a similar beginning, being found in a ploughed field by Akasa Raja. Goda (Andal) was found under a Tulasi plant by Perialvar.
[edit] Iconography
She is depicted in votive statuary, seated on a square platform which rests on the back of four elephants representing the four corners of the world. When depicted with four arms, she holds a pomegranate, a water vessel, a bowl containing healing herbs, and another containing vegetables.[2] When shown with two arms, she holds a blue lotus known as Komud or Uttpal the night lotus, in the right hand.[3] The left hand may be in the Abhaya Mudra - fearlessness or the Lolahasta Mudra which is an aesthetic pose meant to mimic the tail of a cow.[4]
[edit] References
- ^ killing of Narakasura.
- ^ Elements of Hindu Iconography by T.A.G. Rao Publisher: Motilal Banarsidass (January 1997) ISBN 8120808762
- ^ Hindu Gods and Goddesses by A.G.Mitchell Page 8 UBS Publishers' Distributers Ltd. ISBN 81-85674-63-9
- ^ The Illustrated Dictionary of Hindu Iconography by Margaret Stutley Page 82 ISBN 81-215-1087-2 Published by Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers 2003
[edit] External links
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