Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c5.474

c5.474

Even Brahmāviṣṇumaheśvaras (Brahmā, Viṣṇu and Śiva—the Hindu trinity) are not capable of thinking about the origin of Devī. Then, what about me? Yet let me make an attempt. All the forces—everything—which appear in various names and forms are in fact Devī herself, her different manifestations. Just as a master actor appears on the stage in different roles for the delectation of the audience the formless Devī, on behalf of the Devas, assumes many forms and imposes upon herself attributes though in fact she is without any attribute whatsoever. Thus, depending on her various forms, actions etc. she is addressed by different names. (Devī Bhāgavata, Pañcama Skandha).