Meaning and elaboration
Meaning: The Divine Mother, Dweller of the Devas.
Elaboration
The name Devaki is richly symbolic. It combines "Deva" (divine, celestial being, god) and "Ki" (a contraction often implying "dweller" or "belonging to"). In that sense, Devaki signifies "The Divine Mother" or "Dweller of the Devas." In the context of Mahakali, however, the name goes beyond its more familiar association as Krishna's mother.
The Divine Mother (Deva Mātā) In this context, Devaki refers to Kali as the mother of all divine beings, the Devas. The Devas, representing various cosmic forces, celestial phenomena, and aspects of righteous order, are all born from her, sustained by her, and ultimately dissolved back into the Supreme Feminine Principle. Kali, as Devaki, is the source and sustainer of all divine life, the Mother who holds all heavenly powers within her womb.
Dweller and Source of Devas She is also the ultimate abode of all the Devas. Here, Ki carries the sense of dwelling, like vāsinī. They reside within her boundless cosmic form, and their very existence and power are derived from her. This means that even the great gods are manifestations or aspects of her supreme, all-encompassing Shakti. By abiding within her, the Devas become instruments of her cosmic will.
Transcendence and Immanence Devaki as Mahakali embodies both transcendence and immanence. She is transcendent in that she is the ultimate source beyond all creation, including the Devas, yet she is also immanent, dwelling within them and enabling their functions. This name highlights her role as the fundamental conscious power, Chit Shakti, that pervades and governs the entire divine hierarchy and cosmic order. As the wellspring of divinity, she stands supreme in the tantric pantheon.