Goddess Bharati holds a significant place in the Rig Veda and is revered as a deity associated with knowledge, eloquence, and light. She appears in Rig Veda 1.142.9, alongside two other goddesses, Ila and Sarasvati. In this verse, Bharati is requested to reside in the sacrificial grass (barhis) alongside them during rituals, marking her divine presence in sacred Vedic ceremonies. Bharati’s evolution and association with Sarasvati also reflect how Vedic deities were gradually absorbed into the broader Hindu pantheon, undergoing reinterpretations and adaptations over time.
The Meaning of Goddess Bharati
The name Bharati is derived from the root word "bhri," meaning to nourish, support, or delight. Bharati, therefore, is seen as one who delights in light or knowledge. In a broader sense, Bharati represents the nourishment of intellect and wisdom, fostering an environment of learning and enlightenment. As such, she is invoked in the Vedic tradition for blessings related to speech, education, and knowledge.
Bharati in the Rig Veda (1.142.9)
In the mentioned verse, Bharati is invoked with Ila and Sarasvati, goddesses who are vital to the Vedic sacrifices:
- Bharati represents lofty speech and inspiration.
- Ila symbolizes the earth and nourishment, a goddess associated with abundance and prosperity.
- Sarasvati is the river goddess, later identified as the goddess of wisdom and learning.
In this verse, all three goddesses are invited to the sacrificial ceremony to sanctify the barhis (sacrificial grass). Bharati’s presence, alongside these other deities, indicates her importance in ensuring the success and sanctity of Vedic rituals.
Importance of Goddess Bharati
Bharati’s importance lies in her connection to speech, wisdom, and learning. As the goddess of eloquence, she is closely linked to the proper recitation of Vedic hymns, which was central to the success of Vedic sacrifices. Speech (Vāk) held divine significance in the Vedas, as words and chants were seen as a medium to access the divine and the eternal truths of the cosmos.
Over time, Bharati became synonymous with Sarasvati, the widely revered goddess of knowledge, wisdom, and the arts. This association reflects the evolution of Vedic deities and their integration into the later Hindu tradition.
Pujas and Rituals for Bharati
Worship of Goddess Bharati follows the general rituals used to honor Sarasvati and other Vedic deities. Since Bharati is a goddess of speech and knowledge, her pujas often involve recitations, prayers, and offerings that focus on these qualities.
Sarasvati Puja: Bharati is often worshipped during the festivals and rituals dedicated to Sarasvati. Sarasvati Puja, celebrated especially during the festival of Vasant Panchami, involves offering white flowers, incense, sweets, and books or instruments, signifying learning and wisdom. Students and scholars often recite prayers and mantras seeking her blessings.
Vedic Chanting Rituals: In Vedic rituals, hymns dedicated to Bharati are recited, invoking her for eloquence, clarity of speech, and success in intellectual pursuits. These rituals are performed in educational institutions and temples dedicated to Sarasvati.
Sacrificial Offerings: As Bharati is associated with the barhis (sacrificial grass), traditional Vedic offerings such as clarified butter (ghee), grains, and other sacrificial materials are offered in the fire during yajnas (sacrificial rituals).
Japa and Meditation: Reciting mantras dedicated to Sarasvati or Bharati, such as the Sarasvati Vandana, is a common practice among devotees. Chanting these mantras is believed to enhance one’s intellectual abilities, creativity, and success in education.
Modern-Day Relevance of Goddess Bharati
In modern Hindu worship, Bharati is not as prominently worshipped by her Vedic name, but her essence continues to thrive through the worship of Sarasvati. Sarasvati is regarded as the patron of education, music, art, and all forms of knowledge in contemporary Hindu culture, making her especially relevant to students, artists, and scholars.
Educational Significance: Sarasvati’s worship is particularly important in academic institutions and among students, as she symbolizes learning and intellectual growth. The festival of Vasant Panchami is dedicated to her, and students in India and Nepal worship their books and educational tools on this day, seeking Sarasvati’s (and thus Bharati’s) blessings.
Cultural Significance: As the goddess of eloquence, Bharati’s essence lives on in the reverence for speech, language, and communication. This holds modern relevance, particularly in professions such as teaching, literature, public speaking, and the arts.
Current Status of Bharati Worship
While Bharati herself may not have a widespread individual following under her original Vedic name, her identity as Sarasvati remains prominent in Hindu worship. Sarasvati temples exist across India, and festivals like Vasant Panchami and Navaratri (specifically on the last three days dedicated to Sarasvati) see large-scale celebrations. Sarasvati, embodying the qualities of Bharati, continues to be one of the most significant deities in contemporary Hinduism.
In conclusion, Goddess Bharati, as a Vedic deity, represents an early form of the divine embodiment of speech, wisdom, and knowledge. Her later identification with Sarasvati helped preserve her importance, and her qualities continue to resonate in modern times through the worship of Sarasvati, showing the seamless continuation of Vedic traditions into the present.