Meaning and elaboration
Meaning: Salutations To The divine and glorious Lord.
Elaboration
The term Bhagavatē, derived from the Sanskrit word Bhagavān (भगवत्), is a profoundly significant epithet in Hinduism, denoting a divine and glorious Lord. It is a title of supreme reverence, used to address the ultimate reality in its personal form.
Divine and Glorious Lord The word Bhagavān is commonly understood to mean "the Lord" or "God." It signifies one who possesses divine attributes in their fullness. These attributes are often enumerated as six perfections (ṣaḍguṇa): 1. Aiśvarya (Omnipotence/Sovereignty): Unrivaled dominion and power over all existence. 2. Dharma (Righteousness): The embodiment of cosmic law and moral order. 3. Yaśas (Fame/Glory): Universal renown and splendor. 4. Śrī (Wealth/Beauty): The essence of all beauty, prosperity, and auspiciousness. 5. Jñāna (Knowledge): Omniscience, complete and perfect knowledge of past, present, and future. 6. Vairāgya (Renunciation/Detachment): Absolute detachment from material entanglement, even while being the creator and sustainer of it.
Possessor of Bhaga At a deeper etymological level, Bhagavān means "one who possesses Bhaga." Bhaga (भग) itself is a multifaceted Sanskrit term meaning "fortune," "wealth," "glory," "virtue," "excellence," "auspiciousness," "majesty," and "power." Thus, the epithet Bhagavān signifies the one who is the source and possessor of all these ultimate perfections.
The Embodiment of All Opulences To address Kalabhairava as Bhagavāte is to acknowledge Him as the supreme being who embodies all divine opulences and glories. He is not merely powerful or fearsome, but also supremely auspicious, knowledgeable, and the ultimate source of all fortune and excellence. This form of address recognizes His comprehensive divinity and sovereignty over all creation, time, and destruction.
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