Vidyasi Sa Bhagavati Parama — Word-by-Word Meaning
विद्यासि सा भगवती परमा
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
या मुक्तिहेतुः
yā muktihetuḥ
she who is the cause of liberation (moksha)
अविचिन्त्य
avicintya
inconceivable, beyond thought
महाव्रता
mahāvratā
of the great vow / great spiritual discipline
त्वम् अभ्यस्यसे
tvam abhyasyase
you are practised upon, meditated upon
सुनियतेन्द्रिय
suniyatendriya
by those whose senses are well controlled
तत्त्वसारैः
tattvasāraiḥ
by those who have grasped the essence of truth
मोक्षार्थिभिः
mokṣārthibhiḥ
by seekers of liberation
मुनिभिः
munibhiḥ
by the sages, the contemplatives
अस्तसमस्तदोषैः
astasamastadoṣaiḥ
by those who have cast off all faults
विद्या असि
vidyā asi
you are the (supreme) Knowledge / Vidya
सा भगवती परमा
sā bhagavatī paramā
that supreme Bhagavati (Divine Mother)
हि देवि
hi devi
indeed, O Goddess
Complete Translation
You who are the cause of liberation, of inconceivable great vow (mahavrata), are meditated upon by liberation-seeking sages of well-controlled senses, who have grasped the essence of truth and shed all faults; you are that supreme Vidya, the Bhagavati, O Devi.
Origin & History
Source: Durga Saptashati Chapter 4
Author: Sage Markandeya (Rishi Markandeya)
Period: Ancient (c. 400–600 CE, Markandeya Purana)
In Chapter 4 of the Devi Mahatmya, after the Goddess slays Mahishasura, Indra and the gods sing the Shakradi Stuti. Beyond praising her valour, they extol her transcendent nature; in this verse they honour her as the supreme Vidya, the cause of liberation, upon whom self-controlled, fault-free sages meditate to attain moksha.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Vidyasi Sa Bhagavati Parama' mean?▼
It means 'You are that supreme Vidya, the Bhagavati.' In this Durga Saptashati Chapter 4 verse the Goddess is praised as the highest liberating Knowledge, meditated upon by sages who seek moksha.
Who is said to attain the Goddess in this verse?▼
Seekers of liberation (mokshartis) — sages of well-controlled senses, established in the essence of truth and free from all faults. To them the Devi reveals herself as the supreme Vidya that grants release.
Why is the Goddess called Vidya and Bhagavati here?▼
Vidya means liberating spiritual knowledge, and Bhagavati is the Divine Mother in her fullness of glory. The verse identifies the Goddess as the very wisdom whose realisation frees the soul from bondage.
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