AD BHAVANI – \’You are called Ad Bhavani, Where do you hide yourself when you have to grant salvation?\’ (Gond Namdev, p. 874) The word Ad means \’from the beginning\’ and Bhavani is another name of Durga, the wife of Shiva. Thus Ad Bhavani may connote the Shakti of Shiva. The word Ad also gives the sense of \’the first\’ or \’the original\’. Ad Bhavani may be differentiated from Ad Shakti or Primal Power.
References :
1. Kohli, Surindar Singh, Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib, 1993
Ad Bhavani: Divine Motherhood in Sikh Thought
The concept of Ad Bhavani, meaning “Primordial Goddess” or “Eternal Mother,” finds its origins in Hindu philosophy, where Bhavani represents the Divine Mother and embodies creation, sustenance, and destruction. Although Sikhism does not emphasize the worship of deities or anthropomorphic representations of God, the idea of divine motherhood as a nurturing and protective force resonates with its spiritual ethos.
Divine Feminine in Sikhism
Sikhism fundamentally believes in the oneness of God, referred to as Waheguru, who is beyond gender, form, and characteristics. However, the Gurus often used metaphors to express the divine qualities of Waheguru, and the nurturing aspects of motherhood can be seen in Sikh scriptures.
The Adi Granth describes Waheguru as both the creator and sustainer of life, qualities often attributed to the maternal divine in other traditions. For example, Waheguru is referred to as the Mata (Mother), who nurtures and cares for creation, providing sustenance and protection.
Interplay of Strength and Nurture
While Ad Bhavani is often associated with fierce strength and the destruction of evil in Hindu tradition, the Sikh Gurus redefined strength through the virtues of compassion, humility, and justice. Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Guru, emphasized the balance between nurturing qualities and righteous strength by creating the Khalsa—a community of saint-soldiers who are both protectors and nurturers of humanity.
This balance mirrors the dual aspects of Ad Bhavani as both a loving mother and a fierce warrior. Sikhism champions the idea of living fearlessly and defending the oppressed, much like the archetype of Bhavani confronting adversities.
Spiritual Nurture in Gurbani
The nurturing aspect of divine motherhood is deeply woven into the teachings of Sikhism. In the Guru Granth Sahib, Gurbani often portrays Waheguru as the source of unconditional love, care, and sustenance. For instance:
“Tu mera mata tu mera pita.”
(“You are my Mother, You are my Father.”)
— Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 103
This reflects the understanding of God as the ultimate caregiver who guides creation with compassion and nurtures the soul on its spiritual journey.
Universality of Divine Feminine
While Ad Bhavani is not a concept explicitly mentioned in Sikhism, the underlying principles of divine care, protection, and empowerment resonate with Sikh teachings. The Gurus reframed spirituality in a universal context, advocating virtues that transcend specific cultural or religious frameworks.
Conclusion
The concept of Ad Bhavani, when examined through the lens of Sikhism, offers a profound insight into the nurturing and empowering qualities of divine force. Sikhism celebrates the divine as a source of both love and strength, echoing the essence of motherhood and protection embodied by Ad Bhavani. This perspective inspires individuals to live with compassion, courage, and unwavering faith in the ultimate Creator.
