What is "bhumi"

n. (alternative spelling of Bhumi English)

Bhumi can mean:

• Bhūmi, Hindu goddess of the earth
  • also, earth as a classical element in Hindu tradition
• Bhumi (Buddhism), the ten stages a Bodhisattva advances through in the path to become a Buddha
• Bhumi, a Chennai-based youth volunteer non-profit organization

The Ten Bodhisattva Bhūmi (Sanskrit; Tibetan "byang chub sems dpa'i sa", enlightenment-being grounds/levels) are the ten stages on the Mahayana bodhisattva's path of awakening.

The Sanskrit term bhūmi literally means "ground" or "foundation". Each stage represents a level of attainment, and serves as a basis for the next one. Each level marks a definite advancement in one's training, that is accompanied by progressively greater power and wisdom.

Bhūmi , or Bhūmī-Devī , also known as Bhuma-Devi, Bhū-Devī, Vasudha, Vasundhara, Vaishnavi, Kashyapi, Urvi, Vasumati, or Hiranmaya, is the Hindu goddess representing Mother Earth. She is the consort of Varaha, an avatar of Vishnu, and she is regarded as the mother of the goddess Sita. According to the uttara-kanda, when Sita finally leaves her husband, Rama, she returns to Bhumi Devi. Bhumi Devi is also the mother of the demon Narakasura. Bhumi Devi is also considered to be one of the two forms of Lakshmi, which represents fertility and life. The other form, Sridevi, remains with Narayana. Bhudevi is the daughter of Kashyap Prajapati.

According to some stories, she is also considered to be Satyabhama, the wife of Sri Krishna in Dwapara Yuga as well as the divine Tamil poet-saint Andal. She gave birth to female deities including Sita. Alamelu Mangamma and Sri Padmavathi Devi of Tiruchanur, both considered daughters of Bhudevi, had a similar beginning to Sita, being found in a ploughed field by Akasa Raja. Andal was found in Srivilliputtur, Tamil Nadu, under a Tulasi plant by the Periyaalvar..

Bhumi is one of India's largest independent youth volunteer non-profit organisations. Bhumi as a platform enables over 5,000 volunteers in more than 12 cities across India for causes like education, environment, animals, community welfare etc.

Bhumi capitalises on the volunteering force of Indian youth, playing a catalyst directing India and the youth towards a better tomorrow. Bhumi has established itself as a front-ranking charity organisation that helps poor children to realise their potential, raise their aspirations and recognise their achievements in various fields.

Bhumi is also the winner of the ‘Leader in Volunteer Engagement Award 2013’ at the iVolunteer Awards.