935. Jagaddhātrī
Jagaddhātrī reveals the Divine Mother as the one who upholds, nourishes, and sustains the entire universe. As the cosmic support behind all beings, worlds, and forces of nature, she continuously maintains creation through her divine power. The name teaches that all existence rests upon her sustaining presence and that the universe itself is lovingly held within the boundless embrace of the Divine Mother.
Jagaddhātrī (जगद्धात्री)
This is the 935th name of the Lalitā Sahasranāma.
After revealing the Divine Mother as Viśvamātā, the Mother of the entire universe, the Sahasranāma naturally proceeds to describe another aspect of that motherhood:
Jagaddhātrī: She who sustains the world; She who upholds and nourishes the universe; She who bears, supports, and maintains all existence.
If Viśvamātā emphasizes the Divine Mother as the source of all beings, Jagaddhātrī emphasizes her role as their constant sustainer.
1. Literal Meaning
Word-by-word
Jagat (जगत्)
the world,
the universe,
all moving and changing existence.
Dhātrī (धात्री)
Derived from the root dhṛ (धृ):
to hold,
to support,
to sustain,
to bear,
to uphold.
Literal translation
"She who sustains the world."
or
"The supporter of the universe."
or
"She who upholds all existence."
2. Traditional Meaning
The commentators explain:
The Goddess is called Jagaddhātrī because she supports, nourishes, and maintains the entire universe through her power.
Nothing exists independently of her sustaining presence.
3. From Mother to Sustainer
The progression from the previous nāma is profound.
Viśvamātā
She gives birth to the universe.
Jagaddhātrī
She continually sustains and nourishes it.
Creation is not a single event.
Existence is renewed every moment through her power.
4. The Meaning of "Holding"
The root dhṛ implies more than physical support.
It includes:
preservation,
nourishment,
maintenance,
stability,
protection.
The Mother holds the cosmos together at every level.
5. Śākta Meaning
In Śākta philosophy, all energies of the universe are manifestations of the Goddess.
The:
movement of planets,
growth of plants,
beating of hearts,
flow of thoughts,
all continue because of her sustaining Śakti.
Thus she is Jagaddhātrī.
6. The Cosmic Support
Ordinarily we think things support one another.
The scriptures ask:
What supports everything?
The answer is the Divine Mother.
She is the invisible foundation behind all visible existence.
7. Devotional Meaning
For devotees, this name is deeply comforting.
The Mother does not merely create and withdraw.
She remains actively involved in the welfare of her children.
Every breath,
every meal,
every moment of protection,
is sustained by her grace.
8. The Image of Jagaddhātrī
In many traditions, Jagaddhātrī is visualized as a radiant Mother Goddess who bears the universe effortlessly.
This imagery symbolizes her infinite capacity to support all beings without strain.
9. Advaita Vedāntic Meaning
Now the deepest layer.
A profound question
What truly sustains the world?
The hidden teaching
Consciousness.
The Dependence of Experience
Every experience depends upon awareness.
Without awareness:
no world is known,
no thought is known,
no existence is experienced.
Thus Consciousness is the ultimate support.
The World Appears in Consciousness
The universe appears,
exists,
and is known
within Consciousness.
Therefore Consciousness is the true Jagaddhātrī.
The Silent Support
The Mother does not sustain the universe through effort.
Just as a screen supports every image projected upon it without strain, she supports all existence effortlessly.
Beyond Creation and Preservation
At the highest level, the Mother neither creates nor sustains as separate actions.
Her very being is the ground upon which all appearances arise.
This is the deepest meaning of Jagaddhātrī.
Relation to Earlier Names
Observe the progression:
Viśvamātā – Mother of the universe.
Jagaddhātrī – Sustainer of the universe.
The Sahasranāma beautifully unfolds the natural functions of divine motherhood.
The Mother first gives birth.
Then she nourishes and sustains.
The Non-Dual Meaning
At the highest level, Jagaddhātrī signifies the Supreme Consciousness that serves as the support and substratum of all existence. The universe appears and functions within this Consciousness, which silently upholds everything while remaining unchanged and unaffected.
A Deeper Contemplation
The name Jagaddhātrī reveals the Divine Mother as the sustaining power behind every aspect of existence.
The universe is not self-sustaining.
At every moment it rests upon her.
The sequence after Viśvamātā is especially beautiful.
The Mother who gives birth to all beings continues to nourish, protect, and uphold them throughout their existence.
From a devotional perspective, Jagaddhātrī is the loving Mother who never abandons her children and continually cares for their welfare.
From a Śākta perspective, she is the sustaining energy permeating the cosmos.
From a philosophical perspective, she is the foundation upon which all existence depends.
From an Advaitic perspective, she is the Consciousness that silently supports all experiences and all worlds.
She bears the universe.
She nourishes the universe.
She sustains the universe.
Ultimately, Jagaddhātrī teaches that the Divine Mother is the eternal support and sustainer of all existence. Every form of life, every movement of nature, and every moment of experience depends upon her unseen power. Through this name, the seeker learns that behind the changing world stands the unchanging presence of the Divine Mother, holding and nourishing all things through her infinite grace.
One-line Essence
Jagaddhātrī reveals the Divine Mother as the eternal sustainer and supporter of the entire universe.
