bhagavati

Bhagavati, also spelled Bhagavathi, is a Hindu goddess title used for the Devi, the supreme goddess in many Hindu traditions. The term derives from Sanskrit bhagavān or bhagavatī, meaning the venerable, blessed one, or the goddess who is worthy of worship. In practice, Bhagavati is a form of the divine feminine associated with Durga, Parvati, or Kali, and is especially venerated as a benevolent mother goddess in Shakta and local folk cults.

In Kerala and parts of South India, Bhagavati is the principal deity in many Devi temples and is linked to the local village goddess cult. Temple rituals, yearly festivals, processions, and offerings emphasize her protective and nourishing aspects. In broader Hindu practice, Bhagavati serves as a flexible designation for various regional manifestations of the goddess, reflecting local myths and devotional traditions.

In Bengal and eastern regions, the name appears in devotional poetry and folklore as a form of the goddess invoked for protection, victory, and welfare. Iconography varies by region but commonly depicts Bhagavati as a regal mother goddess bearing weapons, often with a lion or tiger, signaling her warrior and protective nature.

Worship practices include offerings of flowers and coconuts, the lighting of lamps, and participation in temple festivals and seasonal celebrations such as Navaratri. As a title rather than a single fixed deity, Bhagavati embodies the Shakti principle and serves as an umbrella for multiple manifestations of the Devi within Hindu worship.