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Goddess Vasudevabhagini – About Hindu Goddess Vasudeva Bhagini

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Goddess Vasudevabhagini means one who is the sister of Vasudeva – Narayana or Vishnu. So who is the sister of Narayana? It is Goddess Durga. Thus Vasudeva Bhagini is another name of Goddess Durga.

It is in Harivamsa that Goddess Durga is called Vasudevabhagini. She is also referred as Narayana Priya in Harivamsa. Vasudeva is one among the numerous names of Vishnu and Bhagini means sister.

Secular scholars are of the view that the concept of Vasudevabhagini was part of a failed attempt to get the Shakti cult especially Durga and her worship under the patronage and protection of Vishnu.

However, this did not happen and today; Goddess Durga is closer to Shaivite cults.

Lesser-Known Facts:

  1. Mythological Context:

    • The name Vasudevabhagini underscores the mythological episode where Vishnu, in his incarnation as Krishna, has a sister named Yogamaya or Ekanamsa, who is identified with Durga. According to the story, during Krishna's birth, Yogamaya was born as the daughter of Yashoda in Gokul and switched places with Krishna to protect him from the tyrant Kansa.

  2. Role in Krishna's Life:

    • Yogamaya, as Durga, played a critical role in the life of Krishna. After being carried to Kansa, she revealed her divine nature and warned him that the one destined to kill him had already been born, thereby ensuring Krishna's safety.

  3. Literary References:

    • Besides Harivamsa, Durga as the sister of Krishna is also referenced in texts like the Devi Bhagavata Purana and certain versions of the Bhagavata Purana. These texts highlight her protective and nurturing aspects towards Krishna.

  4. Symbolic Representation:

    • The concept of Durga as Vasudevabhagini symbolizes the unity of different divine forces. It showcases how the feminine divine (Shakti) and the masculine divine (Vishnu) work together for cosmic balance and protection of dharma.

Modern-Day Worship:

In contemporary Hindu worship, Goddess Durga retains a significant and autonomous identity, predominantly associated with the Shakti tradition. However, her connection with Vishnu is still acknowledged during certain festivals and rituals.

  1. Navratri:

    • Navratri, one of the most prominent festivals dedicated to Durga, involves extensive worship and celebrations across India. Although primarily a celebration of her victory over Mahishasura, it also reflects her multifaceted nature, including her protective aspect as Krishna’s sister.

  2. Durga Puja:

    • In Bengal and other parts of Eastern India, Durga Puja is a grand celebration. While it focuses on her aspect as the slayer of Mahishasura, the narratives sometimes include her role in Krishna’s life, especially during the immersion (Visarjan) when she is sent back to Kailash, symbolizing her connection to various deities including Vishnu.

  3. Vaishnavite Integration:

    • In certain Vaishnavite traditions, Durga is venerated as a part of the larger pantheon of Vishnu's family. Temples dedicated to Krishna or Vishnu sometimes include shrines to Durga or Yogamaya, recognizing her divine role in the Vaishnavite narrative.

  4. Regional Practices:

    • In regions like Gujarat, during the festival of Janmashtami (celebrating Krishna’s birth), certain rituals may include invoking Durga as Yogamaya, emphasizing her role in protecting Krishna.

While the concept of Vasudevabhagini might have initially been an attempt to integrate Durga within the Vaishnavite framework, her worship today is deeply rooted in the Shakti tradition. This dual recognition reflects the fluid and inclusive nature of Hindu worship, where deities are venerated in multiple forms and contexts, highlighting the interconnectedness of divine narratives.