Adishakti: The Supreme Cosmic Mother and Her Divine Avatars Explained in the Devi Bhagavata Purana
Sage Narada’s Question to Lord Vishnu About the Mystery of Adishakti
According to the Devi Bhagavat Purana, once sage Narad asked Lord Narayana, “Who is Adishakti or the Mula prakriti? What are her characteristics and powers?”
Lord Narayan answered, “No one can fully describe the ‘mula prakriti’ and her characteristics. The prefix ‘pra’ is the sattva guna, meaning superior and beyond excellence, ‘kri’ is rajo guna, and ‘ti’ is tamas guna, which makes ‘kriti’ mean creation. Adishakti is the Param Bhrama."
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| Adishakti |
Adishakti or Devi Prakriti is the ‘trigunmatrika’, the primal motive force, the basis of creation, the supreme being who brings about evolution, and change in the empirical universe.”
Then Sage Narad requested Lord Narayana to explain the divine forms of Adishakti or Prakriti.
Lord Narayana smiled and answered, ‘Adishakti or Devi Prakriti has infinite forms; all Gods and Goddesses are her expressions. But to bring the universe into existence and maintain its balance and continuity, she took ‘purna swarups’ (complete avatars) and ‘ansha swarups’ (partial avatars), and then there were devis born from her ‘kalaas’ (features).
After the creation of the universe, Adishakti took five avatars: Durga, Laxmi, Saraswati, Savitri, and Radha. Together, these devis are called the ‘panch prakriti.’
Apart from these five Mahadevis, there are two complete avatars of Adishakti: Mahakali and Vasundhara.”
Pancha Prakriti – The Five Supreme Avatars of Adishakti
1. Goddess Durga is the most splendid manifestation or avatar of Adishakti. She is the invincible power, called ‘shakti swarupa’, containing within her the powers of all the Gods and Goddesses. She is the most auspicious one and beloved of Mahadeva. Devi Durga is the warrior Goddess, always at the front to protect the universe from evil and demonic forces. She is the ‘dharma,’ ‘satya,’ and ‘punya’ who is worshipped by the tridevas, sages, humans, and animals. She is the greatest refuge of those seeking protection from danger and evil.
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| Goddess Durga |
2. GoddessLaxmi is Lord Vishnu’s Shakti. She is the embodiment of prosperity, charm, beauty, restraint, and superior nature. Mahalaxmi in swarga is called “swarga Laxmi’, in the castles of kings she is known as ‘Raaj Laxmi’ and in the house of a common man she is called ‘Grah Laxmi’. She is the presiding deity of wealth and prosperity, residing in all grains and vegetables and being the source of life for all beings. Devi Laxmi is the glory and fame of those who have done good and pious works, and is the trade of merchants, the mercy of saints. Maa Laxmi is one of the most benevolent manifestations or avatars of Adishakti, who grants health, wealth, everlasting name, fame, bliss, and all auspicious things to her bhaktas.
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| Goddess Laxmi |
3. Goddess Saraswati is the third avatar of Adishakti. She is the Goddess of knowledge and embodies the wisdom of the entire universe. Devi Saraswati is the river of consciousness that enlivens creation and dispels the darkness of ignorance. She resides as ‘medha’ (intelligence) in the hearts of all human beings and is the memory, great wit, light, splendour, and inventive genius. It is because of her grace that we can read and understand, as she removes all doubts and difficulties, and we can think, write, argue, judge, and perform various kinds of art like music. She is the measure, the time (taal) in music, and holds balance and union in vocal and instrumental music. Goddess Saraswati is the bestower of the fruits of the ascetism of the ascetics, the siddhis and vidyas of all, always granting success to all her bhaktas.
Goddess Saraswati
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| Goddess Gayatri |
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| Goddess Radha |
(Rasa is an ancient concept found in the Upanishads. It is the sense of pure consciousness or the highest reality.)
There are two more ‘purna swarups’ or the primary manifestations of Adishakti: Goddess Kali and Vasundhara.
6. Goddess Kali emerged from the eyes of Adishakti, covering the whole universe with her dark energy. She emerged from the forehead of Goddess Durga in the battle against the demons Shubha and Nishumbha. Devi Mahakali is also called Chamunda, as she slayed the demons, Chanda and Munda. She is the better half of Devi Durga’s shakti and courage. Goddess Mahakali, on being provoked, could burn the entire universe with her single breath. But when worshipped and pleased, she grants boons of dharma and moksha.
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| Goddess Kali |
7. Goddess Vasundhara is another significant avatar of Adishakti. She is the ‘sarva jeevan pradayani’ (giver of all forms of life) and the ‘sarva saysa prasutika’ (creator of agriculture). She is famously known as Bhudevi. Her name means ‘a stream of gems,’ and it is because of her benevolence that life is sustained in the world. Without Devi Vasundhara, the world would fail to exist. She bestows wealth, abundance, prosperity, and fertility.
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| Goddess Bhudevi |
Partial Avatars of Adishakti in Hindu Scriptures
As narrated by Lord Narayana to Sage Narad, Devi Prakriti or Adishakti has ‘ansha swarups’ or the partial avatars called ‘Vidya Devis.’
These devis are Ganga, Tulasi, Mansa, Shashti and Mangal Chandika.
1. Goddess Ganga is the primary ‘ansha swarup’ of Adishakti and the elder sister of Devi Parvati. When Lord Vishnu, in his Vamana incarnation, extended his left foot to the end of the universe and pierced a hole with his big toe, then pure water of the casual ocean entered the universe as the River Ganga. The River Ganga directly touches the lotus feet of Lord Vishnu before descending within the universe; hence, Goddess Ganga is also known as ‘Bahgvad-Padi’ and ‘Vishnupadi’ (emanating from the feet of Lord Vishnu). Devi Ganga settled in Brahma Loka before descending to earth at the request of Bhagiratha. She was held by Lord Shiva on his head to save the earth from her powerful force. Later, Devi Ganga was released from Lord Shiva’s hair to purify the earth and give salvation to the ancestors of Bhagiratha. The River Ganga is considered the most superior of all ‘tirthas.’ Goddess Ganga bestows spiritual knowledge and wisdom to attain moksha.
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| Goddess Ganga |
2. Goddess Tulsi is also a principal ‘ansha’ avatar of Adishakti. She adorns Lord Vishnu’s feet and is known as ‘Vishnu Vallabha.’ Any ‘sankalpa’ (proposal), worship, or meditation of Lord Vishnu or Krishna is incomplete without Tulasi leaves. To reach Lord Vishnu or Krishna, Goddess Tulasi must be invoked, and her leaves must be used in prayers. Devi Tulasi, in plant form, is reputed as ‘Kalpa Vrishka’ (tree that grants wishes). Goddess Tulasi is a bestower of boons, a giver of spiritual knowledge and prosperity, and purifies the sins of her devotees.
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| Goddess Tulsi |
3. Goddess Mansa Devi is another significant ‘ansha’ avatar of Devi Adishakti. She is also called ‘Jaratkaru’ (wife of Sage Jaratkaru, who is an ‘ansha’ avatar of Lord Krishna). She is the daughter of Sage Kashyap and ‘manas putri’ (daughter in human form) of Lord Shiva. Mansa Devi is also known as ‘Vishahari’ (the destroyer of poison) and ‘Nitya’ (the eternal one). She is the sister of Shesha and Vasuki and is the mother of sage Astika. She is the mother of Snakes and is a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. Mansa Devi performed a severe penance of six million years and was called ‘Siddha Yogini.’ Once pleased, Mansa Devi fulfils all the wishes of her devotees and grants knowledge for moksha.
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| Mansa Devi |
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| Goddess Shashti |
5. GoddessMangal Chandika is also one of the primary ‘ansha’ avatars of Adishakti. She originated from the face of Adishakti and holds the celestial powers of the Tridevas. Devi Mangal Chandika aided Lord Shiva by granting him special powers to destroy the ‘tripuras’ built by the son of the demon Tarakasura. Mahadeva was the first one ever to worship Devi Mangal Chandika. Next, Mangal graha (planet Mars) worshipped her, and at his request, she became the presiding deity, the power source of Kuja or Mars. Goddess Mangal Chandika is the bestower of strength and auspiciousness and removes Kuja or Mangal dosha of whoever worships her daily with utmost devotion, reciting her mantras and stotras.
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| Goddess Mangal Chandika |
The Various Divine Forms of Adishakti Worshipped Across Hindu Traditions
Lord Narayana explains, “the ‘Kalas’ (expressions) of Adishakti have great importance, without whom the universe will fail to function properly and continue.These Devis maintain the balance and are worshipped by the devatas and sages for miraculous boons. There are infinite Kalas of Adishakti, as the entire universe originated from her.”
Some of the infinite Devis born from ‘Kalansha’ of Adishakti are –
Devi Swaha, the wife of Agni Dev, without her grace,
the devatas cannot gain power from the havan.
Devi Dakshina, the wife of Yagya Dev, without her power,
all kinds of ‘karma’ become futile.
Devi Swadha is the wife of Pitra Dev. The offerings
made to pitras become futile if her name is not chanted. Hence, it is only
because of her power that our ancestors are satisfied and attain moksha.
Devi Swasti is the wife of Vayu Dev. Without her
consent, any exchange of blessings is not possible.
Devi Tushti is the wife of Lord Ananta. Without her blessings, there would be no contentment and welfare.
Devi Rati is the presiding deity of Love and Play;
she is the wife of Kama Dev.
Adishakti is the eternal power that existed before the creation of the universe and will remain even after its dissolution. The Devi Bhagavata Purana describes her as the supreme mother whose divine energy manifests as Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kali, Radha, and countless other forms worshipped across the world. Every goddess, every divine power, and every sacred force in creation is ultimately a reflection of Adishakti herself. She is the cosmic mother who nurtures the universe, protects her devotees, and guides the soul toward liberation. For this reason, whenever a devotee bows before any form of the Divine Mother, it is Adishakti who listens, blesses, and responds with infinite compassion. In the end, all devotion to the goddess returns to the same eternal source—the boundless and all-powerful energy of the Supreme Mother, Adishakti.
In truth, there has never been more than one power in this universe—the infinite and eternal energy of Adishakti. Every goddess worshipped across time, every divine miracle, and every sacred force in creation is simply a reflection of the Supreme Mother herself. To remember Adishakti is to remember the very source of existence—the boundless power from which the universe was born and in which it eternally rests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Adishakti in Hinduism?
Adishakti is the primordial and supreme divine energy from which the entire universe originates. According to Hindu scriptures such as the Devi Bhagavata Purana, Adishakti is the cosmic mother who creates, sustains, and dissolves the universe. All goddesses—including Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kali, and Radha—are considered manifestations of this one supreme feminine power.
What are the Pancha Prakriti forms of Adishakti?
The Pancha Prakriti are the five principal manifestations of Adishakti described in sacred texts. These forms represent the fundamental cosmic energies that govern creation and divine order. The five primary manifestations are Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Gayatri, and Radha, each representing a different aspect of the Supreme Mother, such as protection, prosperity, knowledge, spiritual power, and divine love.
Where is Adishakti mentioned in Hindu scriptures?
Adishakti is described in several sacred Hindu texts, particularly the Devi Bhagavata Purana, Markandeya Purana, and Devi Mahatmya (Durga Saptashati). These scriptures explain that the Supreme Goddess is the source of all divine energy and that even the gods derive their power from her cosmic presence.
How does Adishakti manifest in different forms?
Adishakti manifests in many divine forms to protect the universe and guide devotees. These manifestations include major goddesses such as Durga, Kali, Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Radha, each representing a specific aspect of divine power like strength, wisdom, prosperity, devotion, and compassion.
Why is Adishakti called the Mother of the Universe?
Adishakti is called the Mother of the Universe (Jagadamba) because she is believed to be the source of all creation. Just as a mother gives birth and nurtures life, Adishakti is said to give birth to the cosmos and sustain all beings through her divine energy.
How is Adishakti worshipped by devotees?
Devotees worship Adishakti through various forms of the Divine Mother such as Durga, Kali, Lakshmi, and Parvati. Special festivals like Navratri, Durga Puja, and Kali Puja are dedicated to her worship. During these celebrations, devotees offer prayers, chant sacred hymns, and seek the blessings of the Supreme Goddess for protection, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
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