| Niladevi | |
|---|---|
Goddess of Bliss[1] | |
Shrine of Niladevi (left to the image of Vishnu) in Thirukkadigai
| |
| Other names | Nappinnai |
| Venerated in | Sri Vaishnavism |
| Affiliation | Devi, aspect of Lakshmi, Nagnajiti |
| Abode | Vaikuntha |
| Consort | Vishnu |
Niladevi (Sanskrit: नीलदेवी, romanized: Nīladevī, lit. 'blue goddess'),[2] also rendered as Neela DeviorNappinnai, is a Hindu goddess, and a consort of the preserver deity Vishnu, along with Sridevi and Bhudevi.[3][4] Niladevi is primarily revered in South India, particularly in Tamil culture, as one of Vishnu's consorts.[5][6]InSri Vaishnava tradition, all three consorts of Vishnu are regarded as aspects of Lakshmi.[7]
In Vishnu's avatarasKrishna, Niladevi is either regarded as Nagnajiti, the consort of Krishna in Dvārakā or in some accounts, as southern counterpart of Radha, the gopi consort of Krishna in North Indian traditions.[5][8]
According to regional traditions, Niladevi took the incarnation of Nagnajiti, a wife of Krishna. In Sri Vaishnavism, Nagnajiti is also called Nappinnai (Pinnai, a favourite gopi of Krishna in Tamil tradition).[9][5]
Niladevi appears in the Vaikhanasa Agama text.[9][10][6] Some texts mention that Vishnu's iccha shakti takes three forms: Sridevi, Bhudevi, and Niladevi, representing the three gunas; The Sita Upanishad mentions that these three forms as those of goddess Sita; Niladevi is associated with tamas.[5] Niladevi, besides tamas, is associated with the sun, the moon and fire.[5] She appears as Krishna's GopiinCherusseri Namboothiri's Krishnagatha.[5]
According to a dhyana mantra of Vishnu, in his Param aspect, he is depicted seated on the serpent Shesha with Sridevi on his right and Bhudevi and Niladevi on his left.[11] Niladevi may be also depicted standing behind Vishnu with his two co-wives.[10] In a depiction in the British Museum, Vishnu as Vaikuntha-Natha ("Lord of Vaikuntha") is seated on Shesha between Sridevi and Bhudevi, while his foot is supported by Niladevi.[10]
The Alvar Andal is sometimes considered by the Sri Vaishnava denomination as an aspect of Niladevi.[11][12]
Niladevi's aspect of Nappinnai is mainly limited to Tamilakam. The name Nappinnai is found in the Divya Prabandham of the Alvars and Silappadikaram.[13] According to these texts, Andal (one of the Alvars) wanted to offer her devotion to her patron deity Krishna just as the Braj gopis did in Dvapara Yuga. In her Tiruppavai, Andal wakes up Nappinai before waking up Krishna. As per Sri Vaishnavism, complete surrender to God is performed through his consort, and in the case of Krishna specifically, it is performed through Nappinai.[13]
Niladevi took the avatar of Nappinnai, the daughter of Kumbagan (the brother of Yashoda). Krishna won Nappinnai's hand after conquering the seven ferocious bulls of her father. Nappinnai's brother is Sudama. Parasara Bhattar describes Krishna, intoxicated by her beauty, with the epithet "Neela thunga sthana giri thati suptham" (lit. "He who rests on the breasts of Nappinnai").[14]
S. M. Srinivasa Chari states that Andal, singing Nachiyar Tirumoli as a gopikainThiruppavai, she mentioned Nappinnai. This stands for the identification of Nappinnai as Radha.[15] Alvar mentions the three nachiyars (consorts) as Ponmangai (Sridevi), Nilamangai (Bhudevi) and Pulamangai (Niladevi). Niladevi is mentioned to be the goddess of senses. It is Niladevi who keeps mind stable by offering him her bliss.[16]
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
