What is "bhagavata"

In Hinduism a Bhagavata (a vrddhi formation from Bhagavan, meaning "devotee of Bhagavan" , the Lord, i.e. God), is a devotee, worshipper or follower of Bhagavan namely God in His personal aspect. The form of worship is called bhakti which has the meaning of 'adoration'. Bhagavat or Bhagavan means 'the Adorable One', whereas Bhagavata indicates a worshiper of the Adorable One. It also refers to a tradition devoted to worship of Krishna, later assimilated into the concept of Narayana where Krishna is conceived as svayam bhagavan. According to some historical scholars, worship of Krishna emerged in the 1st century BC. However, Vaishnava traditionalists place it in the 4th century BC. Despite relative silence of the earlier Vedic sources, the features of Bhagavatism and principles of monotheism of Bhagavata school unfolding described in the Bhagavad Gita as viewed as an example of the belief that Vasudeva-Krishna is not an avatar of the Vedic Vishnu, but is the Supreme.

Bhagavata can refer to:

• Bhagavata, Vaishnava tradition
• Bhagavata Purana, Hindu religious text

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