Bhagwat

Bhagwat is a term used in Indian languages that derives from Sanskrit bhagavata, a form associated with Bhagavan, the divine. In everyday use, Bhagwat appears as a given name or surname in various Indian communities and can be transliterated as Bhagvat, Bhagvad, or Bhagat in some contexts. In religious contexts, the word connotes something related to the divine or to the Bhagavata tradition of devotion.

In literature and religious traditions, Bhagavat or Bhagavata is most closely connected with the Bhagavata Purana, a major Vaishnava scripture also known as Shrimad Bhagavatam. The text presents legends and teachings centered on Krishna and other avatars of Vishnu, emphasizing bhakti, or devotional worship, as a path to realization. It is part of the broader Puranic corpus and has influenced theology, art, music, and temple practices in many Vaishnava communities. Scholarly dating of the Bhagavata Purana varies, with traditional accounts suggesting ancient origins while modern scholarship often places its material shaped during the early centuries CE through the 9th–10th centuries, though exact dating remains debated. The work is revered across different regions and denominations and is frequently read aloud in temples and homes, especially during festivals and devotional gatherings.

As a surname or given name, Bhagwat is found among Indian populations and in the Indian diaspora. The name may be chosen for cultural or religious reasons independent of any single text, serving as an identifier within families and communities.