Statue of the goddess Parvati, the primary bearer of this epithet

Vishalakshi (Sanskrit: विशालाक्षी, romanized: Viśālākṣī, lit. 'she who has wide eyes') is primarily an epithet of the Hindu goddess Parvati.[1]

Literature

Shiva Purana

Parvati is described to be Vishalakshi in a chapter in the Shiva Purana, when Shiva sets his eye on Parvati for the first time:[2]

Then Śiva looked at her in the first flush of her youth. Her complexion resembled the full blown blue lotus petals. Her face appeared as the full moon. Her auspicious dress and features were the repositories of all graceful charms. Her neck had the shape of the conch-shell. Her eyes were wide and her ears shone exquisitely. On either side, her long-rounded arms resembling a lotus-stalk shone beautifully. Her two breasts resembling lotus-buds were stout, plump and firm. Her waist was slender and the curly locks of her hair shone well. Her feet resembled the land-lotus and were comely in appearance. She was competent to shake the minds of even the sages deeply engrossed in meditation, even at the very sight. She was a crest-jewel of all the maidens in the world.

— Shiva Purana, Chapter 12

Skanda Purana

In the Kashi Khanda of the Skanda Purana, Vishalakshi appears with Vishvanatha for grant a boon to Kubera during the Meghavahana Kalpa.[3]

141-142. Thereupon, Lord Viśveśvara himself accompained by Goddess Viśālākṣī manifested with a delighted mind. He glanced in the direction of the lord of Alakā, who was standing motionless like a post directing the mind towards the Liṅga. The Lord said, “I am the bestower of boons. Enough of your penance, O lord of Alakā.”

— Skanda Purana, Kashi Khanda, Purvadha Chapter 13

Another chapter from Kashi Khanda also offers her exultation.[4]

Devi Bhagavata Purana

The Devi Bhagavata Purana mentions Vishalakshi as the goddess of the Shakti Pitha of Kashi.[5]

References

  1. ↑ www.wisdomlib.org (2015-11-23). "Vishalakshi, Viśālākṣī, Vishala-akshi, Viśālākṣi: 12 definitions". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 2022-10-02.
  2. ↑ www.wisdomlib.org (2018-10-06). "Śiva-Himavat dialogue [Chapter 12]". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 2022-10-02.
  3. ↑ www.wisdomlib.org (2020-09-08). "Gandhavatī and Alakā [Chapter 13]". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 2022-11-28.
  4. ↑ www.wisdomlib.org (2020-09-10). "Establishment of the Deities [Chapter 70]". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 2023-02-06.
  5. ↑ www.wisdomlib.org (2013-05-15). "On the birth of Gaurī, the seats of the Deity, and the distraction of Śiva [Chapter 30]". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 2023-02-06.
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