The Devi Bhagavata Purana, also known as the Shri Bhagavata Mahapurana, is one of the most revered texts of Shaktism—the tradition that worships the Supreme Reality in the form of the Divine Mother. Composed by Maharshi Veda Vyasa, this Purana contains 18,000 verses divided into twelve Skandhas (cantos), and stands alongside texts like the Devi Mahatmya as a primary scripture describing the glory, supremacy, and compassion of Adi Shakti.
Unlike other Puranas that emphasize the Trimurti—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—the Devi Bhagavata Purana places the Goddess above all. She is described as:
The text consistently shows that even the highest gods look to Her for guidance, strength, and liberation.
The Purana includes profound stories that illustrate the supremacy of the Goddess, such as:
These narratives convey that without the Devi’s presence, the universe cannot function for even a moment.
The Devi Bhagavata Purana blends:
It describes the Goddess not only as the creator of the physical universe but also as the inner consciousness within all beings. Liberation, according to this text, is attained through Her grace and the realization of Her presence as the supreme Self.
For followers of Shaktism, the Devi Bhagavata Purana is considered:
It has shaped centuries of goddess worship and remains central to the understanding of Shakti as the highest divinity.