All of a sudden, Lalitha Sahasranamam (The thousand names of Lalitha) looked fascinating and interesting to me… I could understand some of the Nama, but not all… Bhanda sura, Bhanda Putra, Shunyaka… All these words never rang a bell inside my head…
And then, I searched for Lalitopakhyanam (The Story of Lalita). Both Lalitha Sahasranama and Lalitopakhyanam appear in the Brahmanda Purana. But whatever I read inside, made me have goosebumps…
Who is Lalitha?
The term just means "The lady who is beautiful or pleasing" (Lalana- (Sanskrit) to please). As she pleases Lord Shiva, her consort she is called Lalitha
What does she look like?
Lalitha sahasranama and Soundarya Lahari are the two famous testimonies to the incomparable beauty of Lalita Devi.
The Dhyaana Sloka says this-
○ Sindoora Aruna Vigrahaam- Her body has the colour as that of Vermilion
○ Trinayanaam- She has 3 eyes
○ Maanikhya Mouli Sphurat Taaranaayaka Shekharaam- She adorns her hair with the cresent moon that appears like pearl and several rubies as hair ornaments
○ Smita-mukheem- She has a pleasing smiling face
○ Aapeena Vakshoruhaam- Splendid Bust
○ Paanibhyaam mali poorna ratna chashakam raktotpalam bhibhrateem-Holding a jewelled cup filled with honey-wine & a red lotus in her hands
○ Soumyaam-Innocent
○ Ratnaghatastha Rakta Charanam- Red, lotus like feet
○ Arunaam- One who has the complexion as that of the rising sun
○ Karuna-Tharangithaaksheem- Her eyes, which are the waves of compassion
○ Dhrita Paashaankusha Pushpa Baana Chaapam-Holds Paasha (Noose), Ankusha (Goad/Axe), Pushpa Baana- Flowery Arrows, Chaapam (Bow) in her hands
○ Padmaasanasthaam- Seated in a lotus
○ Vikasita Vadanaam- Brightened face
○ Padma Patraaya thaaksheem- Lotus-like eyes
○ Hemaabhaam-Of Golden COmplexion
○ Peeta Vastraam-Wearing yellow-coloured robes
○ Karakalitha lasat Hema padmaam varaangeem-Sporting a golden lotus and providing boons to the ones who seek refuge in her
○ Sarva Alankaara Yuktaam- She is adorned with all ornaments
○ Satatam Abhayadaam-She always protects her devotees
○ Bhakta Namraam-She is soft towards her devotees
○ Sri Vidyaam- She is the embodiment of knowledge or She is the Supreme Knowledge (Sri-Vidya)
○ Shaanta Moortim- She is the embodiment of Peace
○ Sakala sura nutaam- She is worshipped by all Gods
○ Sarva sampat pradaatreem-She bestows prosperity on all
The Lalitha Sahasranama says this-
○ Udyad-bhaanu Sahasraabha- Her radiance is as bright as the rising of a thousand suns
○ Raga-swaroopa Paashaadya- She holds a noose that characterises desires
Comment: The Noose is symbolic of the fact that Amba uses the Noose to remove all the desires and attachment to Samsaara and to give us Self-Realization
○ Krodhaakaara Ankusha Ujjwalaa- The Goad that characterises Anger
Comment: Amba uses the Goad to cut-off another human evil: Anger
○ Mano Roopekshu Kodandaa: She holds a bow, of Sugarcane that characterises the mind
Comment: Amba holds the mind in her hand
○ Panchatanmaatra saayakaa: The five flowery arrows in her hand characterise the five subtle elements (tanmaatra).
Comment: The five subtle elements are the five subtle properties of energy. They are :
1) Shabda: Words
2) Roopa: Appearance
3) Sparsha: Touch
4) Rasa: Taste
5) Gandha: Smell
They correspond to the five subtle components:
Prithvi (Earth), Aakasha (Ether), Vayu (Air), Vahni (Fire), Jala (Water)(not necessarily in the same order)
So, to the one who surrenders to her, Lalita Devi cuts the attachment that one hold towards Samsaara, diminish one's ego (Anger is a consequence of Ego), holds control of their mind and bless them with Mukti (i.e attainment of God and relief from the cycle of birth and death)
○ Nijaaruna Prabhaapoora Majjad Brahmaanda Mandalaa: Bathes the entire Brahmaanda (Universe) with the splendour of the red complexion arising from within her
○ Champaka Ashoka Punnaaga Soungandhika Lasat Kachaa: The flowers Champaka, Ashoka, Punnaga flowers have their fragrance from the shining locks of her hair
○ Kuruvinda Mani Shreni Kanat Koteera Manditaa: Her crown is adorned with rows of Kuruvinda Gems
○ Ashtami Chandra Vibhraaja Dalikasthala Shobhita: Her forehead shines like the crescent moon on the eigth day of the fortnight
○ Mukhachandra kalankaabha mruganaabhi visheshaka: The Kasturi Tilaka (which is obtained from the navel of the Musk deer (mruga naabhi)) shines on her face just like, the spots on the face of the moon
○ Vadanasmara Maangalya grhatorana chillikaa: On her auspicious face, are the eyebrows, that looks like the archways to the abode of auspiciousness and beauty
○ Vaktra lakshmi pareevaaha chalan meenaabha lochana: Her eyes move like fish beautifully on her face/ Her eyes are shaped like fish
Comment: When there's a description about fish-like eyes, this not only talks about the shape of the eyes. It is told that the fish after they lay their eggs, keep a watch over those eggs and protect them, just by using their eyes. Similarly, the Goddess takes care of her devotees and protects them just by the movements of her eyes.
○ Navachampaka Pushpaabha Naasa danda Viraajitaa: Her Nose Stem is like fresh buds of the Champaka flowers
○ Taaraakaanti Tiraskaari Naasa bharana bhaasura: Her nose-jewel shines brighter than the planet Venus
○ Kadamba manjari klupta karna poora manoharaa: Kadamba flowers adorn over her ears and she looks
Captivating
○ Taatanka Yugalee Bhoota Tapanodupa Mandalaa: Who has the Sun and the Moon as her ear ornaments
○ Padma Raaga Shilaa Darsha Paribhaavi Kapola Bhoo: : Her cheeks are more shining than the mirrors made of Padmaraaga (Sapphire)
○ Navavidruma bimba shree Nyakvaari Radanacchadaa: Her lips are more red than newly riped bimba fruits
○ Shuddha Vidya Ankura Aakara Dvija pankti dvaya ujjwala: The two rows of her teeth are extremely shiny, and appear like sprouts of the Ultimate Knowledge (Sri Vidya)
○ Karpoora veetikaamoda saamakarshi digantaraa: The fragrance of betel combined with camphor in her mouth spreads in all the ten directions
○ Nija Sallaapa Maadhurya Vinirbhatsita Kacchapee: Her speech is more melodious than Kacchapee (Kacchapee is the name of the Veena of Saraswati)
○ Mandasmita prabhaapura majjad kaamesha maanasaa: The radiance of her beautiful smile captivates the mind of Kaameshwara (Lord Shiva)
○ Anaakalita Saadrushya Chubuka Shri Viraajita: She has a chin that has no comparison in beauty
○ Kaamesha baddha maangalya sootra shobhita kandharaa: Her neck is adorned by the auspicious thread, tied by Kameshwara (the Lord who won over Kaama (cupid/desire)), her beloved consort
○ Kanaka angada keyoora kamaneeya bhujaanvita: Her lotus like arms are adorned with golden bracelets and bangles
○ Ratnagraiveya Chintaaka Lola muktaa phalaanvitaa: She wears gem-studded necklace, with a big pearl pendant
○ Kaameshwara Prema Ratna Mani Pratipana Sthani: Her bust, which is formed in exchange to the gem like love which Kaameshwara shows on her
○ Naabhyaala vaala romaali lataphala kuchadvayi: Her bust are like the fruits on the creeper made of hair-line, which starts from her navel and proceeds upwards
○ Lakshyaroma Lata dharata Samunneya Madhyamaa: Her middle (waist) looks like the base for the creeper
○ Sthana bhaara dalan madhya patta bandhavali trayaa : Unable to bear the weight of her breasts, her waist forms three supporting lines
○ Arunaaruna Kausumbha: Vastra Bhaasvat Kateetatee: She wears the cloth dyed with shining saffron on her waist
○ Ratna kinkinika ramya rashanaa dhaama bhooshitha: She wears the waist ornament (girdle/Odyaanam) that is studded with many gems and beautiful little bells
○ Kaamesha gyaata sowbhaagya maardavoru dvyaanvita: Only Kaameshwara, her consort knows the beauty of her two thighs
○ Maanikhya makuta aakaara janu dvaya viraajita: Her two knees look like they are the crowns shaped from precious Ruby
○ Indragopa parikshipta smaratoonaabha janghikaa:- Her calf looks like the quiver of the God of Love, adorned with decorations like the glow-worms
○ Goodhagulpha: Her ankles are well hidden
○ Koormaprushtha Jayishnu Prapadaanvita: The arch of her feet are more beautiful than the back of the tortoise
○ Nakha dheedhiti Sanncchanna Namajjana Tamo Gunaa: The illumination of her nails are capable of dispelling the darkness in the devotees who bow to her
○ Pada dvya Prabhaa jaala paraakrta Saroruhaa: The beauty of her feet defeat the beauty of the lotus
○ Sinjaana Mani manjeera mandita shri padaambuja: Her feet are adorned with anklets that have small beautiful bells attached to them, along with pearls
○ Maraali Manda Gamanaa: Whose gait is as beautiful like that of a swan
○ Mahaa laavanya Shevadhi:- Who is the repository of great beauty
○ Sarva Aruna: Who is red all over
○ Anavadyaangi: Her limbs are flawless
○ Sarvaabharana Bhooshita : She is adorned with all kinds of ornaments
(To be continued)
And then, I searched for Lalitopakhyanam (The Story of Lalita). Both Lalitha Sahasranama and Lalitopakhyanam appear in the Brahmanda Purana. But whatever I read inside, made me have goosebumps…
Who is Lalitha?
The term just means "The lady who is beautiful or pleasing" (Lalana- (Sanskrit) to please). As she pleases Lord Shiva, her consort she is called Lalitha
What does she look like?
Lalitha sahasranama and Soundarya Lahari are the two famous testimonies to the incomparable beauty of Lalita Devi.
The Dhyaana Sloka says this-
○ Sindoora Aruna Vigrahaam- Her body has the colour as that of Vermilion
○ Trinayanaam- She has 3 eyes
○ Maanikhya Mouli Sphurat Taaranaayaka Shekharaam- She adorns her hair with the cresent moon that appears like pearl and several rubies as hair ornaments
○ Smita-mukheem- She has a pleasing smiling face
○ Aapeena Vakshoruhaam- Splendid Bust
○ Paanibhyaam mali poorna ratna chashakam raktotpalam bhibhrateem-Holding a jewelled cup filled with honey-wine & a red lotus in her hands
○ Soumyaam-Innocent
○ Ratnaghatastha Rakta Charanam- Red, lotus like feet
○ Arunaam- One who has the complexion as that of the rising sun
○ Karuna-Tharangithaaksheem- Her eyes, which are the waves of compassion
○ Dhrita Paashaankusha Pushpa Baana Chaapam-Holds Paasha (Noose), Ankusha (Goad/Axe), Pushpa Baana- Flowery Arrows, Chaapam (Bow) in her hands
○ Padmaasanasthaam- Seated in a lotus
○ Vikasita Vadanaam- Brightened face
○ Padma Patraaya thaaksheem- Lotus-like eyes
○ Hemaabhaam-Of Golden COmplexion
○ Peeta Vastraam-Wearing yellow-coloured robes
○ Karakalitha lasat Hema padmaam varaangeem-Sporting a golden lotus and providing boons to the ones who seek refuge in her
○ Sarva Alankaara Yuktaam- She is adorned with all ornaments
○ Satatam Abhayadaam-She always protects her devotees
○ Bhakta Namraam-She is soft towards her devotees
○ Sri Vidyaam- She is the embodiment of knowledge or She is the Supreme Knowledge (Sri-Vidya)
○ Shaanta Moortim- She is the embodiment of Peace
○ Sakala sura nutaam- She is worshipped by all Gods
○ Sarva sampat pradaatreem-She bestows prosperity on all
The Lalitha Sahasranama says this-
○ Udyad-bhaanu Sahasraabha- Her radiance is as bright as the rising of a thousand suns
○ Raga-swaroopa Paashaadya- She holds a noose that characterises desires
Comment: The Noose is symbolic of the fact that Amba uses the Noose to remove all the desires and attachment to Samsaara and to give us Self-Realization
○ Krodhaakaara Ankusha Ujjwalaa- The Goad that characterises Anger
Comment: Amba uses the Goad to cut-off another human evil: Anger
○ Mano Roopekshu Kodandaa: She holds a bow, of Sugarcane that characterises the mind
Comment: Amba holds the mind in her hand
○ Panchatanmaatra saayakaa: The five flowery arrows in her hand characterise the five subtle elements (tanmaatra).
Comment: The five subtle elements are the five subtle properties of energy. They are :
1) Shabda: Words
2) Roopa: Appearance
3) Sparsha: Touch
4) Rasa: Taste
5) Gandha: Smell
They correspond to the five subtle components:
Prithvi (Earth), Aakasha (Ether), Vayu (Air), Vahni (Fire), Jala (Water)(not necessarily in the same order)
So, to the one who surrenders to her, Lalita Devi cuts the attachment that one hold towards Samsaara, diminish one's ego (Anger is a consequence of Ego), holds control of their mind and bless them with Mukti (i.e attainment of God and relief from the cycle of birth and death)
○ Nijaaruna Prabhaapoora Majjad Brahmaanda Mandalaa: Bathes the entire Brahmaanda (Universe) with the splendour of the red complexion arising from within her
○ Champaka Ashoka Punnaaga Soungandhika Lasat Kachaa: The flowers Champaka, Ashoka, Punnaga flowers have their fragrance from the shining locks of her hair
○ Kuruvinda Mani Shreni Kanat Koteera Manditaa: Her crown is adorned with rows of Kuruvinda Gems
○ Ashtami Chandra Vibhraaja Dalikasthala Shobhita: Her forehead shines like the crescent moon on the eigth day of the fortnight
○ Mukhachandra kalankaabha mruganaabhi visheshaka: The Kasturi Tilaka (which is obtained from the navel of the Musk deer (mruga naabhi)) shines on her face just like, the spots on the face of the moon
○ Vadanasmara Maangalya grhatorana chillikaa: On her auspicious face, are the eyebrows, that looks like the archways to the abode of auspiciousness and beauty
○ Vaktra lakshmi pareevaaha chalan meenaabha lochana: Her eyes move like fish beautifully on her face/ Her eyes are shaped like fish
Comment: When there's a description about fish-like eyes, this not only talks about the shape of the eyes. It is told that the fish after they lay their eggs, keep a watch over those eggs and protect them, just by using their eyes. Similarly, the Goddess takes care of her devotees and protects them just by the movements of her eyes.
○ Navachampaka Pushpaabha Naasa danda Viraajitaa: Her Nose Stem is like fresh buds of the Champaka flowers
○ Taaraakaanti Tiraskaari Naasa bharana bhaasura: Her nose-jewel shines brighter than the planet Venus
○ Kadamba manjari klupta karna poora manoharaa: Kadamba flowers adorn over her ears and she looks
Captivating
○ Taatanka Yugalee Bhoota Tapanodupa Mandalaa: Who has the Sun and the Moon as her ear ornaments
○ Padma Raaga Shilaa Darsha Paribhaavi Kapola Bhoo: : Her cheeks are more shining than the mirrors made of Padmaraaga (Sapphire)
○ Navavidruma bimba shree Nyakvaari Radanacchadaa: Her lips are more red than newly riped bimba fruits
○ Shuddha Vidya Ankura Aakara Dvija pankti dvaya ujjwala: The two rows of her teeth are extremely shiny, and appear like sprouts of the Ultimate Knowledge (Sri Vidya)
○ Karpoora veetikaamoda saamakarshi digantaraa: The fragrance of betel combined with camphor in her mouth spreads in all the ten directions
○ Nija Sallaapa Maadhurya Vinirbhatsita Kacchapee: Her speech is more melodious than Kacchapee (Kacchapee is the name of the Veena of Saraswati)
○ Mandasmita prabhaapura majjad kaamesha maanasaa: The radiance of her beautiful smile captivates the mind of Kaameshwara (Lord Shiva)
○ Anaakalita Saadrushya Chubuka Shri Viraajita: She has a chin that has no comparison in beauty
○ Kaamesha baddha maangalya sootra shobhita kandharaa: Her neck is adorned by the auspicious thread, tied by Kameshwara (the Lord who won over Kaama (cupid/desire)), her beloved consort
○ Kanaka angada keyoora kamaneeya bhujaanvita: Her lotus like arms are adorned with golden bracelets and bangles
○ Ratnagraiveya Chintaaka Lola muktaa phalaanvitaa: She wears gem-studded necklace, with a big pearl pendant
○ Kaameshwara Prema Ratna Mani Pratipana Sthani: Her bust, which is formed in exchange to the gem like love which Kaameshwara shows on her
○ Naabhyaala vaala romaali lataphala kuchadvayi: Her bust are like the fruits on the creeper made of hair-line, which starts from her navel and proceeds upwards
○ Lakshyaroma Lata dharata Samunneya Madhyamaa: Her middle (waist) looks like the base for the creeper
○ Sthana bhaara dalan madhya patta bandhavali trayaa : Unable to bear the weight of her breasts, her waist forms three supporting lines
○ Arunaaruna Kausumbha: Vastra Bhaasvat Kateetatee: She wears the cloth dyed with shining saffron on her waist
○ Ratna kinkinika ramya rashanaa dhaama bhooshitha: She wears the waist ornament (girdle/Odyaanam) that is studded with many gems and beautiful little bells
○ Kaamesha gyaata sowbhaagya maardavoru dvyaanvita: Only Kaameshwara, her consort knows the beauty of her two thighs
○ Maanikhya makuta aakaara janu dvaya viraajita: Her two knees look like they are the crowns shaped from precious Ruby
○ Indragopa parikshipta smaratoonaabha janghikaa:- Her calf looks like the quiver of the God of Love, adorned with decorations like the glow-worms
○ Goodhagulpha: Her ankles are well hidden
○ Koormaprushtha Jayishnu Prapadaanvita: The arch of her feet are more beautiful than the back of the tortoise
○ Nakha dheedhiti Sanncchanna Namajjana Tamo Gunaa: The illumination of her nails are capable of dispelling the darkness in the devotees who bow to her
○ Pada dvya Prabhaa jaala paraakrta Saroruhaa: The beauty of her feet defeat the beauty of the lotus
○ Sinjaana Mani manjeera mandita shri padaambuja: Her feet are adorned with anklets that have small beautiful bells attached to them, along with pearls
○ Maraali Manda Gamanaa: Whose gait is as beautiful like that of a swan
○ Mahaa laavanya Shevadhi:- Who is the repository of great beauty
○ Sarva Aruna: Who is red all over
○ Anavadyaangi: Her limbs are flawless
○ Sarvaabharana Bhooshita : She is adorned with all kinds of ornaments
(To be continued)
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