Revati is a term that appears in various contexts within South Asian cultural, religious, and scientific traditions. It is most prominently recognized as:
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A deity in Hindu mythology – Revati is described in ancient Indian scriptures, such as the Mahabharata and various Puranas, as the daughter of King Kakudmi and the wife of the deity Balarama, the elder brother of Krishna. According to the texts, Revati was originally a princess of an ancient, advanced civilization. After being summoned to meet the creator deity Brahma, she returned to earth to find that many ages had passed, leading to her marriage with Balarama.
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One of the 27 lunar mansions (nakshatras) in Indian astrology – Revati (also spelled Revathi) is the 27th and final nakshatra in the sidereal zodiac. It spans 16°40′ to 30°00′ in the sign of Pisces. The nakshatra is symbolized by a fish and is associated with the deity Pushan and the planet Mercury (Budha). Traditional astrological texts attribute characteristics such as generosity, compassion, and a propensity for travel to individuals born under Revati.
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A rāga in Carnatic (South Indian) classical music – Revati is a pentatonic (audava) rāga that omits the madhyamam (fourth) and nishādham (seventh) notes. Its scale is:
- Arohana (ascending): S R₂ G₃ P N₂ S
- Avarohana (descending): S N₂ P G₃ R₂ S
The rāga is considered serene and devotional, often employed in compositions that evoke calmness or spiritual yearning.
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A star designation in modern astronomy – The name Revati is occasionally used in popular literature to refer to the star Zeta Piscium (ζ Piscium), which lies within the constellation Pisces. This usage derives from the correspondence between the astronomical position of the nakshatra Revati and the location of ζ Piscium.
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Geographical usage – Several places in India and Nepal bear the name Revati, typically as village names or local landmarks. These usages are generally derived from the cultural significance of the term rather than from an independent etymology.
Etymology
The Sanskrit word Revati (रेवती) is derived from the root rev (रेव्) meaning “to flow” or “to move,” with the feminine suffix ‑ti. In the astronomical context, the name is linked to the fish symbol of the nakshatra, reinforcing the notion of movement through water.
Cultural significance
Across its various domains, Revati embodies themes of transition, renewal, and the bridging of temporal distances—whether as a mythological figure who spans ages, an astrological point marking the end of the lunar cycle, or a musical mode that conveys tranquility.