Divine Parrot: Shakti Guiding Bhaskararaya in Kashi
Encounter of Devotion and Inquiry
In the sacred city of Kashi, where the Ganges flows and seekers gather, the eminent Shakta scholar Bhaskararaya Makhin found himself at the center of philosophical debate. Born in the late 17th century, Bhaskararaya’s life was devoted to the worship and exposition of the Goddess, Sri Vidya practice, and the deeper currents of Shakta philosophy. His journey to Kashi brought him into contact with poets and scholars curious about the nature of Shakti, the ultimate creative energy. When pressed with challenging questions, he claimed that the Mother Goddess Herself came to his aid in the form of a parrot, whispering the answers. Skeptical poets insisted on proof; by divine grace, Bhaskararaya sprinkled holy water, granting them divine vision to behold a parrot perched at his shoulder. This narrative holds layers of meaning: it is a record of devotion, a demonstration of guru principle, and a testament to the ever-living presence of the Divine in Shakta tradition.
Bhaskararaya Makhin: Life and Contributions
Bhaskararaya (1690–1785) was not only a prolific commentator but also a living exemplar of bhakti and esoteric practice in the Shakta tradition. He is best known for his authoritative commentaries on texts like the Saundarya Lahari, Lalita Sahasranama, and works on Sri Vidya mantra and ritual. His approach combined deep scriptural scholarship with inner realization. In Shakta circles, he is revered as a spiritual master whose writings continue to guide sadhakas (practitioners). The story of Shakti appearing as a parrot underscores his intimate connection with the Divine Mother: in Shakta understanding, the Goddess is both the transcendent ground and the immanent presence guiding sincere seekers.
The Setting: Kashi as Center of Spiritual Exchange
Kashi (also called Varanasi) has long been regarded as a meeting place for seekers, poets, and teachers from diverse lineages. The atmosphere is charged with questions about life, death, liberation, and the nature of the Absolute. For Bhaskararaya, arriving in this sacred hub meant engaging with sharp minds eager to test his mastery. In Hindu tradition, such encounters often serve as catalysts: a poet’s question or a scholar’s challenge can spark revelations, both for the respondent and the audience. The interaction in Kashi exemplifies this dynamic: a proving ground for authentic realization rather than mere scholarly display.
The Test: Philosophical Questions and Divine Assistance
When local poets and scholars pressed Bhaskararaya with intricate philosophical queries—on the nature of Shakti, the cosmos, mantra practice, and the union of individual consciousness with the universal—he responded effortlessly. He attributed this facility to the Mother’s direct guidance: Shakti appeared as a parrot on his shoulder, supplying precise answers. The parrot symbolizes more than a messenger: in many Hindu tales, birds represent carriers of divine wisdom, bridging the human and the transcendent. That the Mother chose a humble parrot form highlights Her accessibility and playfulness, reminding devotees that divine grace can manifest in unexpected ways.
Divine Vision: Proof of the Goddess’s Presence
Skepticism is part of scholarly life; the poets of Kashi did not accept his claim at face value. To demonstrate the reality of his experience, Bhaskararaya sprinkled water from his kamandalu (water pot) into the eyes of the doubters. Instantly, their vision was purified, and they beheld a parrot perched on his shoulder. This transformation of perception is central to many Hindu teachings: ordinary vision perceives only the manifest world, but with inner purification and grace, one perceives subtle realities. The act of sprinkling water signifies both the ritual of initiation and the dispelling of inner ignorance. It teaches that true proof lies not in external spectacle alone, but in the opening of inner sight—divine vision that recognizes the ever-present Mother.
Symbolism and Teachings in Shakta Tradition
In Shakta philosophy, the Goddess is the ultimate reality—both saguna (with attributes) and nirguna (beyond form). She manifests in myriad ways yet remains unborn and undying. The parrot episode illustrates key Shakta themes:
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Immanence of the Divine: Shakti need not appear in majestic cosmic form; She can come as a small bird, indicating Her accessibility to sincere devotees.
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Role of the Guru: Bhaskararaya functioned as a guru, but through him the Goddess taught directly. In Shakta understanding, the guru and deity are often non-different: the guru embodies divine presence, and the disciple’s devotion opens the channel for direct instruction.
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Purification and Vision: The inner purification symbolized by sprinkling water aligns with practices like mantra japa, meditation on subtle chakras, and ritual worship. When impurities of mind and senses are removed, one perceives the subtle dimension where Shakti speaks.
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Grace and Effort: While Bhaskararaya’s deep practice qualified him for divine assistance, the story shows that grace ultimately bestows clarity. In Shakta sadhana, both disciplined effort (sadhana) and surrender to the Divine are essential.
Contextual Insights: Teachings of Great Masters
Several Shakta and nondual masters echo related themes. For example:
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Abhinavagupta, the Kashmir Shaiva scholar, spoke of the spontaneous revelation of the supreme consciousness when the mind is ripened. Similarly, Bhaskararaya’s mastery and devotion created the inner readiness for direct guidance.
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Ramprasad Sen, an 18th century Shakta saint, sang of the intimacy of the Divine Mother. His bhajans illustrate that She can appear in any form to draw devotees closer.
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Ramakrishna Paramahamsa later emphasized the living presence of the Divine Mother and taught that sincere devotion leads to direct experience. Though from a later era, his emphasis resonates with the Kashi story: devotion opens channels to perceive divine play.
These parallels underscore that the Mother’s playful descent as a parrot is not an isolated oddity but part of a broader pattern in Shakta history: the Divine guiding sincere aspirants in ways that transcend ordinary logic yet confirm spiritual truths.
Bhakti and Shakta Practice: Lessons from the Parrot Episode
The narrative offers practical lessons for devotees:
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Cultivate Humility: The parrot is a humble creature. True spiritual attainment arises from humility, not pride. Bhaskararaya, despite his learning, acknowledged his dependence on the Mother’s grace.
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Develop Inner Purity: Like the poets who received divine vision, aspirants must purify senses and mind through ethical living, mantra, meditation, and surrender. Only then can subtle truths be seen.
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Trust in Divine Play: The form Shakti took teaches us that the Divine may operate in unexpected, even playful ways. Rigid expectations limit perception; openness allows miraculous experiences.
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Embrace the Guru Principle: Recognize that a realized teacher embodies the divine. Approach teachings with devotion; chant mantra with faith. The guru’s words, like the parrot’s whispers, carry potent power when heard by a purified mind.
Relevance for Contemporary Seekers
In today’s world, where many seek quick answers through intellect alone, the story reminds us that true wisdom springs from the union of knowledge and devotion. The Mother’s appearance as a parrot suggests that divine guidance may come in subtle signs, intuitions, or synchronicities. Modern practitioners of Sri Vidya or general Shakta paths can reflect on this:
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Integrate Study and Sadhana: Like Bhaskararaya, combine scriptural study with daily sadhana—mantra japa, meditation on chakras, ritual worship—to open inner channels.
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Remain Open to Grace: Avoid dismissing subtle inspirations as mere coincidence. Maintain an attitude of reverence, ready to recognize guidance when it arises.
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Community and Dialogue: Engage with fellow seekers for discussion, but do so with mutual respect. Challenge and be open to being challenged; this dynamic can trigger deeper insights under the Mother’s watchful grace.
The Power of Sacred Narratives as Living History
Though we avoid labeling this as mere myth, within Hindu tradition such accounts form part of living history woven into devotional consciousness. They serve to:
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Inspire Faith: Stories of divine intervention nurture trust that the Goddess cares for sincere seekers.
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Transmit Principles: Encoded in narrative form are teachings on purity, devotion, guru-disciple relationship, and the nature of divine immanence.
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Anchor Tradition: They connect present-day practitioners to an unbroken lineage of masters and devotees, affirming that Shakti continues to guide across centuries.
Conclusion: Embracing the Ever-Present Parrot
The tale of Mother Goddess Shakti manifesting as a parrot to aid Bhaskararaya in Kashi invites us to recognize the living presence of the Divine. It demonstrates that scholarship and realization go hand in hand: Bhaskararaya’s erudition was enlivened by direct grace. For devotees today, the story encourages the blending of study, practice, and openness to subtle guidance. Whether through dreams, intuitive insights, or external symbols, the Mother may speak in surprising forms. Sincere humility, inner purification, and steadfast devotion create the fertile ground where divine whispers—like those from a parrot—can be heard. In Kashi or anywhere the heart turns to the Mother, the same grace is accessible: the Supreme Shakti ever ready to guide, protect, and reveal the profound truths that lie beyond ordinary vision.