Bhagavata, Bhāgavata: 21 definitions

Introduction
In Hinduism
India history
Languages
1. Marathi
2. Sanskrit
3. Kannada
4. Nepali
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Introduction:

Bhagavata means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, the history of ancient India, Marathi. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Hinduism

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Source: archive.org: Puranic Encyclopedia

Bhāgavata (भागवत).—One of the eighteen famous Purāṇas. Gāyatrī is the main theme of this Purāṇa and based on it it dwells on the greatness of Dharma (duty) and states about the dharmas of Sārasvatakalpa. (See under Purāṇa).

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: The Purana Index

1a) Bhāgavata (भागवत).—A son of Vajramitra and father of Devabhūti: ruled for 32 years.^*

* Bhāgavata-purāṇa XII. 1. 18; Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa III. 74. 154; Viṣṇu-purāṇa IV. 24. 35-6.

1b) Those who had dedicated themselves to the service of God by singing in His praise.^*

* Vāyu-purāṇa 104. 14.

context information

The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)

Source: Wisdom Library: Pancaratra (Samhita list)

1) Bhāgavata (भागवत) is the name of an ancient Pāñcarātra Saṃhitā mentioned in the Padmasaṃhitā: the most widely followed of Saṃhitā covering the entire range of concerns of Pāñcarātra doctrine and practice (i.e., the four-fold formulation of subject matter—jñāna, yoga, kriyā and caryā) consisting of roughly 9000 verses.—[Cf. Jñānapāda chapter 1, verses 99-114]—First is explained the folly of following more than one Saṃhitā for a single series of rituals. Then the names of the 108 Tantras of the Pāñcarātra corpus are named [e.g., Bhāgavata]. Even those who repeat these 108 titles will gain salvation.

2) Bhāgavata (भागवत) or Bhāgavatasaṃhitā is also mentioned in the Viśvāmitrasaṃhitā: a Pāñcarātra text comprising some 2600 Sanskrit verses covering topics such as initiation (dīkṣā) and the construction, decoration and consecration of temples and icons, as well as routines of regular and special worship cycles.—

3) Bhāgavata (भागवत) or Bhāgavatasaṃhitā is also mentioned in the Hayaśīrṣasaṃhitā: a large Pāñcarātra Āgama consisting of roughly 6500 verses dealing primarily with architecture, temple-building and consecration rituals and iconography.

Source: archive.org: Catalogue of Pancaratra Agama Texts

1) Bhāgavata (भागवत) refers to “one who does the pañcakālapūjā according to the scriptures”, as discussed in chapter 21 (Caryāpāda) of the Padmasaṃhitā: the most widely followed of Saṃhitā covering the entire range of concerns of Pāñcarātra doctrine and practice (i.e., the four-fold formulation of subject matter—jñāna, yoga, kriyā and caryā) consisting of roughly 9000 verses.—[Cf. the chapter siddhāntabhedena pañcarātrādhikārivyavasthā]: Brahmā says that having heard about the various rules, he would now like to know who are the qualified aspirants to follow in the different schools of Pāñcarātra. [...] Bhagavān says a “bhāgavata” is one who, along with his devoted love of Bhagavān, does the pañcakālapūjā according to the scriptures, who is furthermore born in a bhāgavata family, and who has also had dīkṣā-initiation (13-16). While they must also maintain their private worship [ātmārthapūjā], bhāgavatas are the only ones who are allowed to perform liturgies for the benefit of others [parārthayajana]. The non-bhāgavata who wishes to become a bhāgavata by initiation must come from a respectable [kulīna] family. Any-bhāgavata—whether by birth or initiation—is to be shown the highest respect and honor by all others (18-24).

2) Bhāgavata (भागवत) refers to someone who has undergone Cakramaṇḍala-Dīkṣā (“initiation”), as discussed in chapter 9 of the Viśvāmitrasaṃhitā: a Pāñcarātra text comprising some 2600 Sanskrit verses covering topics such as initiation (dīkṣā) and the construction, decoration and consecration of temples and icons, as well as routines of regular and special worship cycles.—Description of the chapter [dīkṣā-vidhi]: [...] After worshipping the Lord in the maṇḍala-motif (74-75), the newly initiated person is warned to observe certain rules and to avoid certain prohibited activities (76-83). The initiation rites draw to a close with more homa-offerings and with rewards given to the preceptor (84-88). One who has undergone this “best” kind of cakramaṇḍaladīkṣā is worthy to be called an Ekāntin, a Pāñcarātrika, a Sūri; a Bhāgavata a Sāttvata and a Pāñcakālika (89-94а).

3) Bhāgavata (भागवत) refers to a sub-divisions of those aligned with the Pāñcarātra philosophy, as discussed in chapter 2 of the Viṣṇusaṃhitā: a Sanskrit text written in 2600 verses which covers typical Pāñcarātra topics through a narrative dialogue between Aupagāyana and Siddha Sumati.—Description of the chapter [tantra-vyākhyā]: This chapter concerns itself with a clarification of certain ideas and terms, viz., [...] how the Pāñcarātra believers’ extremist groups [pāramārthikas] differ among themselves—e.g., Vaikhānasa, Sāttvata, Śikhin, Ekāntin, Mūlaka—and how each of these so-called groups is to be understood and how each is interrelated to the other four (26-35), how one can find within each of the foregoing groups five other divisions (into Bhaktas, Bhagavadbhaktas, Dāsas, Pārṣadas and Bhāgavatas each is defined—36-39), [...]

4) Bhāgavata (भागवत) or Bhāgavatamudrā refers to one of the fifty-three Mudrās (ritual hand gestures) described in chapter 22 (Caryāpāda) of the Padmasaṃhitā.—Description of the chapter [mudrālakṣaṇa-vidhi]: Brahmā asks the meaning, uses and varieties of mudrā-gestures. Bhagavān says these finger movements are ways to fend off evil and to prevent those taking pleasure in harming others. Furthermore, they please the Lord-so long as they are demonstrated in private (1-5a). He then names and describes 53 mudrā-gestures: [e.g., bhāgavata (31a-32a)] [...]

Source: eScholarship: Chapters 1-14 of the Hayasirsa Pancaratra

Bhāgavata (भागवत) refers to an archaic designation of an ancient Bhakti cult.—At the time of their composition, many texts from the various sects who saw Viṣṇu as the highest god were not grouped under a common term, like Vaiṣṇava, as we are used to grouping them. Banerjea asserts that the Pādma Tantra says (in Banerjea’s translation): “Sūri, Suhṛt, Bhāgavata, Sātvata, Pañcakālavit, Ekāntika, Tanmaya and Pāñcarātrika are different designations of this Bhakti cult”. Banerjea also points out that the term Vaiṣṇava is absent.

context information

Pancaratra (पाञ्चरात्र, pāñcarātra) represents a tradition of Hinduism where Narayana is revered and worshipped. Closeley related to Vaishnavism, the Pancaratra literature includes various Agamas and tantras incorporating many Vaishnava philosophies.

Jyotisha (astronomy and astrology)

Source: Wisdom Library: Brihat Samhita by Varahamihira

Bhāgavata (भागवत) refers to a “great devotee” [?], according to the Bṛhatsaṃhitā (chapter 15) (“On the nakṣatras—‘asterisms’”), an encyclopedic Sanskrit work written by Varāhamihira mainly focusing on the science of ancient Indian astronomy astronomy (Jyotiṣa).—Accordingly, “Those who are born on the lunar day of Uttarāṣāḍha will be chief ministers or wrestlers; will keep elephants and horses, will be religious; will be men of principles; soldiers; happy and of bright appearance. Those who are born on the lunar day of Śravaṇa will be cunning, of active habits, efficient workmen, bold, virtuous, god-fearing (bhāgavata) and truthful”.

context information

Jyotisha (ज्योतिष, jyotiṣa or jyotish) refers to ‘astronomy’ or “Vedic astrology” and represents the fifth of the six Vedangas (additional sciences to be studied along with the Vedas). Jyotisha concerns itself with the study and prediction of the movements of celestial bodies, in order to calculate the auspicious time for rituals and ceremonies.

General definition (in Hinduism)

Source: Wisdom Library: Hinduism

Bhāgavata (भागवत), 'the great devotee' or 'the most powerful' or 'a worshiper of the Adorable One'.

Source: WikiPedia: Hinduism

Bhagavata signifies in the context of Hinduism. In this context bhakti has the primary meaning of 'adoration', while Bhagavat means 'the Adorable One', and Bhagavata is a worshiper of the Adorable One. It also refers to a tradition devoted to worship of Krishna, later assimilated into the concept of Narayana or original form svayam bhagavan. According to some historical scholars, worship of Krishna emerged in the 1st century BC. However, Vaishnava traditionalists place it in 4th century BC. Despite relative silence of the earlier Vedic sources, the features of Bhagavatism and principles of monotheism of Bhagavata school unfolding described in the Bhagavad Gita as viewed as an example of the belief that Vasudeva-Krishna is not an avatar of the Vedic Vishnu, but is the Supreme.

etymology: Bhagavata (Bhāgavata, a vrddhi formation from Bhagavan, meaning "pertaining to Bhagavan" ("the Lord", i.e. God)")

India history and geography

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Indian Epigraphical Glossary

Bhāgavata.—(LL), a votary of the Bhagavat (Viṣṇu). (CII 3; etc.), a Vaiṣṇava sect. Note: bhāgavata is defined in the “Indian epigraphical glossary” as it can be found on ancient inscriptions commonly written in Sanskrit, Prakrit or Dravidian languages.

context information

The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as mythology, zoology, royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

Languages of India and abroad

Marathi-English dictionary

Source: DDSA: The Molesworth Marathi and English Dictionary

bhāgavaṭā (भागवटा).—m bhāgalīka f W (bhāgaṇēṃ) Fatigue, weariedness, exhausted or spent state.

--- OR ---

bhāgavata (भागवत).—a (S) Relating to bhagavat. 2 That walks according to the bhāgavatapurāṇa, and pays equal honor to viṣṇu & śiva.

--- OR ---

bhāgavata (भागवत).—n (S) The name of one of the aṭharā- purāṇa. See the enumeration under purāṇa.

Source: DDSA: The Aryabhusan school dictionary, Marathi-English

bhāgavaṭā (भागवटा).—m bhāgalīka f Fatigue, wearredness.

context information

Marathi is an Indo-European language having over 70 million native speakers people in (predominantly) Maharashtra India. Marathi, like many other Indo-Aryan languages, evolved from early forms of Prakrit, which itself is a subset of Sanskrit, one of the most ancient languages of the world.

Sanskrit dictionary

Source: DDSA: The practical Sanskrit-English dictionary

Bhāgavata (भागवत).—a. (-tī f.) [भगवतः भगवत्या वा इदं सोऽस्य देवता वा अण् (bhagavataḥ bhagavatyā vā idaṃ so'sya devatā vā aṇ)]

1) Relating to or worshipping Viṣṇu.

2) Pertaining to a god; कौमारादाचरेत् प्राज्ञो धर्मान् भागवतानिह (kaumārādācaret prājño dharmān bhāgavatāniha)

3) Holy, divine, sacred.

-taḥ A follower or devotee of Viṣṇu or Kṛṣṇa.

-tam Name of one of the 18 Purāṇas.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Shabda-Sagara Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Bhāgavata (भागवत).—f. (-tī) Adj. 1. Relating to or worshipping of Vishnu or Krish- Na. 2. Holy, sacred. m.

(-taḥ) A devotee of the said deity. n.

(-taṃ) Name of one of the eighteen Puranas.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Cappeller Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Bhāgavata (भागवत).—[feminine] ī relating to Bhagavant (Viṣṇu), [masculine] a follower of Bh.; [neuter] = seq.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Aufrecht Catalogus Catalogorum

Bhāgavata (भागवत) as mentioned in Aufrecht’s Catalogus Catalogorum:—See Ekanāthabhāgavata, Jaiminibhāgavata, Devībhāgavata, Bālabhāgavata, Bhagavatībhāgavata, Mahābhāgavata.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary

1) Bhāgavata (भागवत):—[=bhāga-vata] a See sub voce

2) [from bhāga] b mf(ī)n. ([from] bhaga-vat) relating to or coming from Bhagavat id est. Viṣṇu or Kṛṣṇa, holy, sacred, divine, [Mahābhārata; Harivaṃśa; Purāṇa]

3) [v.s. ...] m. a follower or worshipper of Bh° or Viṣṇu, [ib.] (cf. [Indian Wisdom, by Sir M. Monier-Williams 321, 1])

4) [v.s. ...] Name of a king, [Viṣṇu-purāṇa]

5) [v.s. ...] n. Name of a Purāṇa (cf. bhāgavata-p).

Source: DDSA: Paia-sadda-mahannavo; a comprehensive Prakrit Hindi dictionary (S)

Bhāgavata (भागवत) in the Sanskrit language is related to the Prakrit word: Bhāgavaya.

[Sanskrit to German]

Bhagavata in German

context information

Sanskrit, also spelled संस्कृतम् (saṃskṛtam), is an ancient language of India commonly seen as the grandmother of the Indo-European language family (even English!). Closely allied with Prakrit and Pali, Sanskrit is more exhaustive in both grammar and terms and has the most extensive collection of literature in the world, greatly surpassing its sister-languages Greek and Latin.

Kannada-English dictionary

Source: Alar: Kannada-English corpus

Bhāgavata (ಭಾಗವತ):—[adjective] relating to a god, esp. to Viṣṇu.

--- OR ---

Bhāgavata (ಭಾಗವತ):—

1) [noun] a staunch follower of the sect that worship Viṣṇu.

2) [noun] a man who teaches, trains yakṣagāna (a genre of dance drama, having themes selected from epics) and directs its presentation.

3) [noun] one of the eighteen Purāṇas, and the most popular one among them, dedicated to the glorification of Viṣṇu.

context information

Kannada is a Dravidian language (as opposed to the Indo-European language family) mainly spoken in the southwestern region of India.

Nepali dictionary

Source: unoes: Nepali-English Dictionary

Bhāgavata (भागवत):—n. name of one of 18 puranas (पुराण [purāṇa] ); adj. 1. relating to or worshipping Vishnu; 2. holy; divine; sacred; 3. following Vishnu or Krishna;

context information

Nepali is the primary language of the Nepalese people counting almost 20 million native speakers. The country of Nepal is situated in the Himalaya mountain range to the north of India.

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