||    Bhu Devi & NeeLA Devi : Question Of Shree    ||

Sri S.M.S.Chari in his invaluable book has addressed this question at great length in Chapter 8 entitled: VishNu and Goddess Sri. The theological, ontological implications of the doctrine of Sri is covered here very thoroughly. Besides addressing the important question whether She (Lakshmi) is on a par with VishNu enjoying equal status and a Vibhu, Dr.Chari covers the other Devis of the Lord and their relationship with Sri Devi.

The points for consideration summed up by Dr.Chari are:

(1) are Bhu Devi , NILA devi and other saktis listed by Lakshmi TantrA and Paancha Raathra SUtrAs distinct from Sri Devi and One another ?
(2) Are they all to be taken as consorts Of VishNu?
(3) What are their ontological status with respect to VishNu and Sri Devi ?

The Purusha Suktham, Bhu SukthA of Yajur Veda samhithA and HarivamsA as an appendix of Maha BharathA, Brahma PurANA attest to the two devis (BHu & NeeLA) as VishNu pathnis. Swami Desikan has composed Bhu sthuthi and GOdha sthuthi to indicate them as two DISTINCT consorts of Lord VishNu.

From the ontological point of view, Bhu Devi and NiLA Devi are regarded as two ASPECTS of VishNu sakthi, which according to PaancharAthra samhithAs is the VERY GODDESS LAKSHMI. Thus, they are AMSAS of Lakshmi. Both are personifications of KshamA or tolerance. Both are worshipped along with Lakshmi without affecting the unitary character of Lakshmi as the inseparable consort of VishNu enjoying the same status as VishNu.

Vishvaksena SamhithA goes on to point out that Bhu and NeeLA Devis are not Vibhus like Lakshmi and yet both these Devis are dear to VishNu and are his consorts.

The acceptance of additional consorts for the Lord does not thus affect the unitary character of the supreme Mother , MahA Lakshmi.

Subhamasthu
V.Sadagopan

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