Name 316: SARVADEVAMAYAAYA
Meaning: Salutations To The one who is the embodiment of all gods and contains all deities within himself.
Elaboration
The name Sarvadevamayāya is a profound declaration of Bhairava’s supreme cosmic status, combining the terms Sarva (all), Deva (gods/deities), and Mayā (composed of, full of, or embodied by), with the dative ending -āya indicating "to." It signifies that Shiva, in his Bhairava form, is not merely one god among many, but the very essence, embodiment, and source of all divine manifestations.
The Embodiment of All Deities This name asserts that Kalabhairava comprehends within himself the totality of all deities, both Vedic and Puranic. He is not just powerful; he is the fundamental principle from which all other divine forms and functions emerge. Whether it is the creative force of Brahma, the preservative power of Vishnu, the cosmic regulation of Indra, or the wisdom of Saraswati, all these divine attributes and forms are ultimately facets or emanations of Bhairava’s singular, ultimate reality.
The Ultimate Reality Philosophically, this points towards the Advaitic understanding of Brahman as the one ultimate reality, where all diverse deities are but different expressions or paths leading to the same supreme truth. Bhairava, as Sarvadevamayāya, embodies this concept, signifying that worship directed towards any deity ultimately reaches this singular, all-encompassing divine being. He is the substratum of all divine experience and manifestation.
Cosmic Inclusivity and Supremacy This attribute emphasizes Bhairava's absolute supremacy and cosmic inclusivity. There is no divine power or presence external to him. He is the universal soul (Ātman) of the gods, the foundational energy that animates and empowers every divine being. By containing all deities, he transcends all distinctions and hierarchies within the divine pantheon, positioning himself as the ultimate, all-pervading divine form.
Implication for Devotees For the devotee, understanding Bhairava as Sarvadevamayāya fosters a sense of profound devotion and unity. It implies that by worshipping Bhairava, one is simultaneously paying homage to all gods, thus simplifying and centralizing one's spiritual practice. It also reinforces the idea that the divine is singular in essence, manifesting in diverse ways for the benefit and understanding of different aspirants.
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