Devi Gita

Definition - What does Devi Gita mean?
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"Devi Gita" is the name of a Hindu text that is part of the larger text, the "Devi-Bhagavata Purana." It is a Sanskrit text that is part of the purana genre, important in Hinduism and yoga, though not well known. "Devi Gita" can be translated as “Song of the Goddess.”

The "Devi Gita" was composed around the 15th century C.E. and is thought to be written in partial imitation of (or in reverence to) the more famous, Bhagavad Gita, which was composed 15 centuries earlier. Like the Bhagavad Gita, the "Devi Gita" is a philosophical treatise. In it, the divine female is presented as the powerful creator of the universe.

Yogapedia explains Devi Gita

The "Devi Gita" is believed to have its roots in a change in theism that occurs around the 6th century toward seeing the Supreme Being, or God, as more of a female figure. This followed the rise to prominence of several male deities. Initially, the interest in God as a female figure saw her portrayed as the fierce, violent and bloodthirsty Great Goddess, or Mahadevi; but, later, she became a gentler, world-mother figure. Thus, the Goddess, or Supreme Female, appears in the "Devi Gita."

In the "Devi Gita," the divine female is portrayed as powerful yet compassionate, benign and beautiful. She is seen, in much the same way as the God of the Bhagavad Gita, as the universal cosmic energy or consciousness that resides in each being.

The "Devi Gita" is a non-dual text, and all dualities are presented as incorrect or illusions. Instead, the liberating knowledge to be gleaned is the interconnectedness of all beings with Brahman as the universal Soul.

The "Devi Gita" also discusses Bhakti yoga, or devotion, and describes para bhakti as the highest level of devotion to the Goddess where the devotee worships for worship's sake, not for personal gain.

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