Abstract

Dr. Dhrubo Jyoti Sen, *Dr. Pruthviraj K. Chaudhary and Shloka V. Chaudhari

ABSTRACT

"Ekvira" has multiple meanings, primarily referring to a Hindu goddess and also signifying "unique hero" or "brave one". As a goddess, Ekvira is a form of Renuka Devi, a kuladevi worshipped by communities like the Kolis in Maharashtra. In other contexts, "ekvira" (or ekav?ra) is a Sanskrit term meaning a singular or unique hero, a concept found in ancient Buddhist texts. Here's a breakdown of the different meanings. 1. Goddess Ekvira: Form of a Goddess: Ekvira is a revered Hindu goddess, considered a form of Goddess Renuka, Durga, or Parvati. Cultural Significance: She is the kuladevi (family deity) of the Koli ethnic group and is also worshipped by the Chandraseniya Kayastha Prabhu community. Temples: Famous temples dedicated to Ekvira include the Ekvira Devi Temple in Karla Caves and the Ekvira Devi Temple in Amravati. Festivals: The Koli community celebrates a festival in her honor every year at the Karla Caves. 2. “Unique Hero” or “Brave One”: Sanskrit Origin: The term can also be a Sanskrit compound word, “eka-vira” ( ), meaning a “unique hero” or a “singular hero”. Context in Buddhism: This meaning appears in ancient Buddhist texts like the Vajratu??asamayakalpar?ja, referring to a powerful entity or a mantra capable of performing any task. Other Linguistic Contexts: The name is also said to mean “brave” or “courageous” in Punjabi.