Bhuvaneshwari Devi (1841-1911), the mother of noted Indian spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda, was a notable person in the late 19th and early 20th century. Her life of devotion, resilience, and spirituality shaped her son’s spiritual path.
Early Life
Bhuvaneshwari Devi was born into a prominent Datta family. Her childhood was shaped by her rich cultural and spiritual milieu.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1841 |
| Place of Birth | Kolkata, India |
| Family Background | Part of the Datta family, well-known in society |
Marriage and Family
She married Vishwanath Datta young, starting a period in her life where she balanced parenting with spirituality.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Husband | Vishwanath Datta |
| Marriage Year | 1858 |
| Children | Four sons and six daughters |
| Notable Children | Swami Vivekananda, Mahendranath, Bhupendranath, Swarnamayee |
Spiritual Influence
Bhuvaneshwari Devi’s spirituality shaped her children’s ideas and practices, especially Swami Vivekananda.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Spiritual Practices | Daily worship and rituals |
| Influence on Swami Vivekananda | Fostered his spiritual awakening and education |
Legacy
Bhuvaneshwari Devi’s son’s teachings and views influenced many people beyond her family.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Death | 1911 |
| Cultural Impact | Role in the Renaissance of Indian spirituality through her son’s work |
Contributions to Society
Her life also highlighted the importance of spiritual and domestic life for women in society.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Role as a Mother | Nurtured a generation imbued with values of service and spirituality |
| Community Engagement | Involved in charitable and religious activities |
Family Dynamics
Bhuvaneshwari Devi’s household reflected the intricacies of her day, including spiritual and societal influences.
| Family Member | Relationship | Notable Traits |
|---|---|---|
| Swami Vivekananda | Son | Spiritual leader, reformer |
| Mahendranath Datta | Son | Advocate of social reforms |
| Bhupendranath Datta | Son | Educator and social activist |
| Swarnamayee Datta | Daughter | Known for her charitable works |
| Other Daughters | Six in total | Contributed to family and society |
Influence of Bhuvaneshwari Devi
Her children adopted Bhuvaneshwari Devi’s courage and compassion.
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Compassion | Showed deep concern for the needy |
| Strength | Overcame personal and societal challenges |
| Devotion | Committed to spiritual practices |
FAQ
Why is Bhuvaneshwari Devi important in Hinduism?
One of Shaktism’s ten Mahavidya goddesses, Bhuvaneshwari Devi represents the pure feminine force that maintains the universe.
Bhuvaneshwari Devi influenced her kids how?
Her unrelenting commitment to spirituality and education impacted her children, especially Swami Vivekananda, who spread her ideas worldwide.
How did Bhuvaneshwari Devi live after her husband’s death?
After her husband’s death, Bhuvaneshwari Devi survived numerous hardships to raise her children morally and spiritually.
What was Bhuvaneshwari Devi’s virtue?
In her lifetime, she inspired her family and community with her compassion, strength, and devotion.
