Dicourse (Summary) by HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji during Devi Navaratri – October 5 – October 14 , 2013 – Mysore
Day 1 – October 5
Jaya Guru Datta
Sri Mata
Story of Ganga
Shloka:
Yā dēvī sarva bhūtēṣu śaktirūpēṇa saṁsthitā
Namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namō namaḥ
The Navaratri celebrations commence today. The nine nights during which Mother Goddess is worshipped with one-pointed focus to earn Her grace, are known as Navaratri. ‘Nava’ means nine and also new.
In the rainy season the sky is covered with clouds. During the autumn season the clouds clear and the sky appears fresh and pristine. That is why this Navaratri is considered a celebration. The Navaratri celebration generates new ideas in the intellect. The living being that is constantly immersed in thoughts of worldly life, during this Navaratri festival begins anew to think along spiritual lines. Navaratri is also famous around the world as Dasara. When the Vijaya Dasami, the concluding night is included, it totals ten nights and hence the descriptive phrase, ten nights or Dasaratri (abbreviated as Dasara or Dussehra). Some claim that Dasahara turned to Dasara. Dasahara means that which destroys the ten types of flaws. During this gathering of pure souls during this sacred occasion, let us discuss a little bit about Mother Goddess.
Although Parasakti, the Supreme Energy is one, the forms and names assumed by Her, are countless. Every form has not one, but several descriptive names. Of those the most celebrated are the One Thousand Names.
Of the well-known One Thousand Names of Mother Goddess the most famous are the following:
1. Ganga
2. Gayatri
3. Syamala
4. Lalita
5. Kameswari
6. Varahi
7. Lakshmi
8. Rajarajeswari
9. Saraswati
10. Bhavani.
The authoritative scriptures dealing with the worship of Mother Goddess declare that when the above are chanted, all powers are acquired. In addition, the fruits of having contemplated on all the forms and names of Mother Goddess are obtained.
During this ten day celebration let us learn about the deities who preside over these ten One Thousand Names.
Today, on this first day, let us learn about Ganga Devi.
All our epics, Srimad Bhagavatam, Srimad Ramayanam, and the Mahabharata, along with several other important scriptures have all described the emergence of Ganga.
‘Ganga!’ the word itself destroys all sins, the scriptures declare. Two interpretations are given for the word Ganga.
a) She acquired the right to flow on earth because of the divine foot of Lord Vishnu and hence she got the name Ganga, is one interpretation.
b) She obtained the name Ganga because she flowed from the crown of Lord Siva onto the earth, is the second interpretation.
Ganga has many names including Vishnupadi, Jahnavi, Suranadi, Bhagirathi, Tripathagaa, Mandakini, and so on.
Long ago Emperor Bali conducted a great yajna. During that yajna he gave away in charity whatever was desired by anyone. He became overly conceited that he was one of the greatest philanthropists.
Lord Maha Vishnu decided to subdue his arrogance. He incarnated as Vamana, the child of Aditi and Kasyapa. He proceeded to the venue of the yajna and begged for a piece of land measuring three steps. Bali ritualistically vowed that he would grant his wish and poured holy water to indicate his resolve.
That was enough! Vamana assumed the form of Trivikrama. With one step He covered the entire Earth; with the second step He covered the entire firmament. At that time, His big toe hit the Brahmanda (the shell of the Mighty Egg that holds within it this entire Creation) and made a hole in it. Ganga that exists in a subtle form beyond the Mighty Egg, entered through the hole and began flowing towards Heaven, the world of the Gods. Lord Brahma at once caught some of that flow into His water pot, the Kamandalam, and washed the feet of Lord Maha Vishnu with those sacred waters. Ganga then received the names Suranadi (Celestial River) and Swarganga (Ganga of the Heavens).
Later in the Treta Yuga, Emperor Sagara who belonged to the dynasty of Ikshvaku conducted a yajna. During the ritual, Indra stole the sacrificial horse. Sagara, observing the absence of the horse, sent his 60,000 sons to go in search of it. They dug up the entire earth in their efforts to find the horse, and in the process created an ocean, and eventually reached the Patala (the netherworld). There they found a sage engaged in deep penance. Next to him was found tethered, the sacrificial horse. The sons of Sagara assuming that it was the sage who had stolen the horse, screaming loudly, attacked him. The seer was Sage Kapila. The commotion created by the sons of Sagara disturbed his meditative state. He angrily opened his eyes. Lo and behold! Instantaneously, the 60,000 of them were burned to ashes.
When his sons never returned, Sagara sent his grandson Amsumanta to go look for them. He followed in the footsteps of his uncles and reached Patala. He lamented when he saw the mounds of ashes that were all that was left of all his uncles. He wished to offer them proper funeral rites and looked for some water to do so. While he was searching for water, his maternal uncle Garuda arrived there. “Amsumanta! Your uncles will not receive liberation if you offer them funeral rites with regular water. You should make none other than Suranadi to flow first to the Earth, and then to Patala. It is only then that they will be blessed with salvation. For the present, take this sacrificial horse back and help in the conclusion of the yajna,” he said, and left.
The yajna of Sagara was completed. Thereafter, Amsumanta and several other kings of the Ikshvaku dynasty attempted to bring Suranadi to the Earth and on to Patala but failed in their efforts. Bhagiratha (one of the later emperors in the dynasty) performed an extremely intense penance and won the grace of Lord Brahma. Brahma, pleased with the penance of the king, granted permission to Suranadi to flow to the Earth.
Bhagiratha realized that none other than Lord Siva had the power to endure the intensity of the flow of Ganga as she jumped from the heavens onto the Earth. He therefore performed penance addressed to Lord Siva, to earn His grace.
Bhajan: Śankaraṁ śankaraṁ
Śankaraṁ śankaraṁ vancita māraṁ bhajata varavaraṁ
Śrīgalaṁ citkalaṁ khanḍita kālaṁ namata hatamalaṁ
1. Mānasādr̥ta bahubhavanaṁ nānā jīvākārōllasanaṁ
2. Karuṇayā dhr̥tabhuvanagaṇaṁ avagati vitaraṇa matha kala vikaraṇaṁ
3. Kāmadaṁ hr̥tamadana madaṁ kalita pramadaṁ sacidānandaṁ
Siva was pleased with the penance. Haughtily Suraganga leaped onto Siva. To subdue Her pride Siva kept captive all the waters of Suraganga inside His matted locks. Upon Bhagiratha’s fervent prayers, He let a bit of Ganga escape. As Bhagiratha was leading the way riding his chariot, Ganga’s turbulent waters raced after him. On the way Ganga submerged the ashram of Sage Jahnu and became a victim of the sage’s fury. Conceding to the prayers of Bhagiratha, the sage, who had swallowed all the waters of Ganga, let her flow out of his ear in a small stream. Acquiring the name Jahnavi as a result, the river Ganga continued Her flow. She merged with the ocean, and thereafter proceeding to Patala, where she flowed over the mounds of ashes of the sons of Sagara, thus granting liberation to them. She became famous as Bhageerathi.
Taking Her source in the Himalayas, the sacred Ganga supports the lives of millions along Her path. Those who bathe in Her holy waters become rid of all their sins. However, not everyone gets an opportunity to take such a ritual bath in the sacred Ganga. What is the alternative for such persons? Sage Agastya posed this question to Lord Subrahmanya, the son of Ganga.
Lord Subrahmanya, known as Gangeya, said, “Agastya! Those who are unable to bathe in the waters of the Ganga should repeatedly chant the One Thousand Names of Ganga. Regardless of the country of their origin, they will obtain the fruit of having bathed in the Ganga. Those who are unable to chant the One Thousand Names of Ganga, should repeatedly chant the 108 Names of Ganga. If even that is not possible, by the mere repeated chanting of the name ‘Ganga’, man acquires the reward of having had a bath in the Ganga.
Bhajan: Ganga ganga
Gangā gangā suragangā pavitratā maya nijabhangā
1. Bhuvana kaṭāhaka bāhyagatāt jātā śuddhāt caitanyāt
Bhavya pitāmaha sankalpāt tajjala pātrē dhr̥tarūpā
2. Śrīhari caraṇa prōdgīrṇāt bhuvana kaṭāhacchidra bilāt
Antarbhuvanaṁ saṁyātā viṣṇu padārpita navaśīrṣā
3. Haripada nirṇē-jana dīkṣā harividhi śakti dvayapakṣā
Sura satvōnnati kara vīkṣā saccidānanda śrīrakṣā
Summary:
Refrain: O Ganga, whose waves are the most sacred!
1. O Ganga, you have emerged out of the Pure Consciousness that exists beyond the Brahmanda. By the divine resolve of Lord Brahma, you have assumed a form inside the water container of Brahma (as water).
2. O Ganga! You have entered into the Brahmanda through the aperture made in it by the foot of Lord Vishnu (Sri Hari). You have placed your newly acquired head in submission at the feet of Lord Vishnu.
3. Her (Ganga’s) penance is to perform constant abhishekam to the feet of Lord Vishnu. The power of Vishnu and the power of Brahma are Her two wings. Her glances nourish the noble nature of the gods. She protects the wealth known as Sachchidananda – Sat (Truth), Chit (Pure Consciousness), and Ananda (Eternal Bliss).
Suraganga, that sanctifies the beings of all the three worlds adorns the neck of Mother Goddess as Her Mangalasutra (the sacred thread of marriage). May River Ganga shower Her grace upon all of you.
Sri Guru Datta
Day 2 – October 6
Jaya Guru Datta
Sri Mata
Story of Gayatri Devi
Rakta śvēta hiraṇya nīla dhavaḷaiḥ yuktāṁ trinētrōjjvalāṁ
Raktāṁ raktanavasrajaṁ maṇigaṇairyuktāṁ kumārīmimāṁ
Gāyatrīṁ kamalāsanāṁ karatala vyānaddhakunḍāṁbujāṁ padmākṣīṁ ca varasrajaṁ ca dadhatīṁ haṁsādhirūḍhāṁ bhajē
Ōṁ Śrī Gāyatrī Dēvyai Namaḥ
Today we have entered the second day of Navaratri celebrations. Let us make an attempt to learn a little about Mother Goddess Gayatri. Since she protects (tri) those who sing (gaaya) the mantra, she is known as ‘Gayatri’. All the Vedas and the Sastras categorically state that there is no greater mantra than the Gayatri mantra. The mantra got its name Gayatri because it is rendered in the Chandas/rhythmic meter of Gayatri. Gayatri is known also as Savitri. Savitaa is the Sun god. Since the Gayatri mantra extols the Supreme Soul Paramatma as being of the form of the Sun, the presiding deity of the Gayatri mantra is Savitri. The story of Savitri is found in the 9th chapter (skandha) of Devi Bhagavatam.
The king of Madra was Aswapati. His queen was Malati. Even after many years of marriage, the couple was not blessed with children. Sage Vasishtha commanded the queen to intensely worship Savitri Devi in order to beget progeny. In spite of prolonged worship of the deity, the queen neither received the darshan/vision nor any directive from the deity. She returned to the kingdom disappointed. King Aswapati consoled the queen and set out himself to perform penance addressed to Savitri. He proceeded to Pushkara Teertha and restraining his sense organs engaged in penance for a hundred years. In spite of it, he did not receive any vision or any decree from the Goddess. The despondent king heard a voice from the sky saying, “O king! Chant the Savitri mantra for a million times.”
In the meantime Sage Parasara came there. The king prostrated to the sage. The sage explained to the king in detail the glory of the Gayatri mantra, the fruit that would result from chanting the mantra, the procedure for conducting the worship, and the sin that would accrue if the mantra chanting is forgotten. King Aswapati followed the instructions given by Sage Parasara and performed the worship and contemplation of Mother Goddess Savitri with complete devotion and dedication.
Sukhadāṁ muktidāṁ śāntāṁ kāntāṁ ca jagatāṁ vidhēḥ
Sarva saṁpat svarūpāṁ ca pradātrīṁ sarvasaṁpadāṁ
Vēdādhiṣṭhātr̥ dēvīṁ ca vēda śāstra svarūpiṇīṁ
Vēda bīja svarūpāṁ ca bhajē tāṁ vēdamātaraṁ
I offer worship to Mother goddess Savitri, who gives comfort, liberation, is ever peaceful, and is the consort of Brahma, the Creator of the Universe. She is the presiding deity for the Vedas. The Vedas and the Sastras are an embodiment of the Goddess. She is the source of the Vedas. She is the Mother of the Vedas.
Bhajan: Namāmi vēda mātaraṁ
Namāmi vēda mātaraṁ bhajāmi citsukhaṁ paraṁ
1. Trayī trayārtha sārabhūta pattrayī virājitā
Pavitra dhīpracōdanē lasatprabhāva bhāsurā
Sadātmanō rabhēdamēva tatvatō vivr̥ṇvatī
manurhigā-yatrikā yadātmikaiva tāṁ sivāṁ
2. Pancaśīrṣa bhāsurā sarvatō mukhā parā
Pancayugma bāhukā dr̥ktrayī virāji kā
Brahma vaktra vāsinī brāhmaṇāsya gāminī
Sacidananda vinuta gā-yatrikā ca yaiva tāṁ
Meaning:
Refrain: I offer my obeisance to the Mother of Vedas. I am blessed with the greatest Bliss of Consciousness.
1. I worship the Mother of Vedas, whose three feet represent the essence of the three Vedas. She is most influential in inspiring the intellect to engage in pure actions. She elucidates the absence of any distinction between the individual soul and the Supreme Soul. Her form is the Gayatri mantra.
2. I offer my salutations to the Mother of Vedas, who sports five heads with three eyes on each face, and has faces facing all the directions. She has ten hands. She resides in the faces of Lord Brahma. She is expressed from the mouth of an all-knowing Brahmin. She has the form of Gayatri. She receives the obeisance of Sachchidananda.
King Aswapati worshipped Gayatri Devi with firm commitment and chanted the Gayatri mantra a million times. Mother Gayatri was pleased and appeared before him. She spoke to him lovingly as a mother would speak with her son. “Son, I am aware of the heart’s desire shared by you and your wife. I will fulfill the wishes of you both. Your wife desires a daughter and you wish for a son. In course of time, both your wishes will be satisfied. So saying, Gayatri Devi disappeared.
The king returned to his kingdom. The couple was first blessed with a daughter. Aswapati named his daughter Savitri. She grew up and attained youth. Aswapati gave her in marriage to Satyavanta (also known as Satyavaan), the son of Dyumatsena. Satyavanta never spoke untruth.
One day, following his father’s command, he went to the forest to fetch some fruits and fire wood. Savitri went with him. Satyavanta suddenly fell from a tree and lost his life. Yama came in person and began taking away the soul of Satyavanta.
Savitri followed Yama. An astonishing conversation took place between Savitri and Yama during that time. Surprised at Savitri’s questions, Yama said to her, “O young woman! Your father obtained you by the grace of Gayatri. Because you are born of the aspect of Gayatri, you are so well endowed with such wonderful knowledge. Pleased by your knowledge, I am reviving your husband. After bestowing this boon, he asked her to name any further wish.
Savitri asked, “O great soul! We should be blessed with one hundred sons. My parents also should give birth to one hundred sons. My uncle should regain his eyesight. He should get his kingdom back. After one hundred thousand years, Satyavanta and I should reach heaven. O Lord Yama, please enlighten me about the principle of karma that controls the souls. That knowledge will give me liberation from this worldly life.”
Lord Yama clearly explained to Savitri the nature of the influence of karma upon the lives of individual souls. In this context, he spoke especially about the devotees of Mother Goddess.
Naśyanti dēvāḥ siddhāśca viśvāni nikhilāni ca
Dēvībhaktāḥ na naśyanti janma mr̥tyu jarāharāḥ
“At the time of the final deluge, gods, celestials, everyone perishes. All the worlds will perish. But, the devotees of Mother Goddess are imperishable. At the time of the deluge, they merge in Parasakti, the Supreme Energy, which is the form of the Supreme Soul.”
Hearing of the importance of devotion to Mother Goddess as explained by Yama, Savitri shed tears of joy. She bowed down to him with devotion. By the grace of Yama, Satyavanta regained his life. Yama disappeared. All of Savitri’s wishes were fulfilled. Savitri and Satyavanta lived a long, happy life and eventually went to heaven.
This is the story that is told regarding the benefit of obtaining the grace of Mother Gayatri. By the grace of Gayatri Devi, everything can be acquired.
Bhajan: Dheemahi Gayatri
Dhīmahi gāyatrīṁ satataṁ dhīmahi gāyatrīṁ
1. Sandhyātritayē munivinutāṁ savitr̥ varēṇya śrīrūpāṁ
Dhīmaddhī cōdana śīlāṁ bhargō rūpāṁ tāṁ dēvīṁ
2. Mahita caturviṁśativarṇāṁ tripadāṁ dēvīṁ ṣaṭkukṣiṁ
Pancaśiraskāṁ daśahastāṁ upanayanārthē viniyuktāṁ
3. Muktā vidruma hēmaghanā ghana dhavaḷōjvala varṇa mayīṁ
Vyāhr̥ti rūpāṁ praṇavārthāṁ gāyaka sacidānanda karāṁ
Meaning:
Refrain: I always contemplate upon Gayatri
1. The sages praise Her at the three junctures during each day (sunrise, noon, and sunset).
She carries the glorious essence of Savita. It is her business to inspire the intellects of all intelligent souls. Radiance is Her form. She is Mother Goddess. She is self-effulgent.
2. She possesses 24 colors, 3 feet, 6 stomachs, 5 heads, and 10 hands. She is invoked for Upanayana – to facilitate focus in worship.
3. Her colors are of pearl, coral, gold, sapphire, and pure white. The seven vyaahritis are her form. She is the essential meaning of the Pranava, OM. She grants Sat, Chit, and Ananda to those who worship Her.
Sri Guru Datta
Day 3 – October 7
Jaya Guru Datta
Sri Mata
Bhajan:
Ammā ammā rammā rammā kāpāḍā
Cūḍālammā nuvvē nuvvē nā jāḍā
1. Lōkaṁlōnē nīkayi cūcī vēsārī
Lōkaṁ vīḍī ḍeṁdamu dūrī īsārī
Śatruvu cētā cikkenu tallī ī ciru saṁsārī
2. Yāgālani yōgālani dārulēvo mārī
Hāhā yani ninnēgani nī padālanē corī
Sacidānandā kr̥tinayi nīlō nilicitinō gaurī
Story of Syamala Devi
Jayatvaṁ śyāmalē dēvi śuka śyāmē manōstutē
Mahāśyāmē mahārāmē jaya sarva manōharē
O Syamala Devi! You are of the hue of a green parrot. You are as green as a dark green leaf. You are in supreme bliss. You grant bliss to all. May you be victorious. Victory to you!
On this third day of Navaratri, let us learn a few details about Syamala Devi. The elders believe that when Syamala Devi is worshipped as Raja Syamala Devi, the devotees will acquire the talent of pure speech. All poets are those who have worshipped Syamala Devi.
Mother Goddess Syamala Devi holds in her hands, the Veena, two parrots, a rosary, a book, a water container, and a spiritual staff. Another form of the Goddess is depicted as holding a Veena in two hands, two parrots in two other hands, two other hands, holding a lotus and a stalk of sugarcane respectively, and the two upper hands holding a rope, and a goad, respectively.
The devotees of Mother Goddess have had the experience that when Syamala Devi is worshipped, the parrot that is held by Her begins to speak.
The Bhagavatam states that Lord Maha Vishnu incarnates in a different color in every Yuga, and that in the Dwapara Yuga He incarnates in a dark color. As Lord Maha Vishnu takes form as dark as a rain cloud, Goddess Durga incarnates as His sister Syamala Devi. The scriptures also state that in each and every incarnation of Lord Maha Vishnu, Mother Goddess Durga Devi assumes different forms and names and incarnates to assist Him in fulfilling the mission of His incarnation.
In truth, Lord Maha Vishnu, the Supreme Soul is free from any attributes. Nothing touches Him. He does nothing. All that is done is done by Sakti, the Energy principle.
For example, Devi Bhagavatam and other scriptures describe that when Lord Maha Vishnu incarnated as the Boar, Mother Goddess Parasakti (Supreme Energy) manifested as Varahi in Him, and raised the submerged Earth. When He incarnated as Lord Sri Krishna, Mother Goddess remained as Syamala and performed all the tasks for Him. It is said that when Sri Krishna walked, it appeared as if Syamala Devi was walking in His rear. When He played the divine flute, all living beings would gather around Him. Parrots would encircle Him and sing along. When one contemplates upon Syamala Devi, one gains expertise in Music.
Mātā marakataśyāmā mātangī madhuśālinī
Kuryāt kaṭākṣaṁ kalyāṇī kadaṁbavanavāsinī
May Syamala Devi, who is as green as an emerald, is the daughter of Matanga, whose speech is sweet as honey, who grants perfect wellbeing, who resides in the Kadamba Garden, grant all auspiciousness.
The Lalitopakhyaana (a scripture about Mother Goddess Lalita) states that Syamala Devi emerged from the intellectual power of Mother Goddess Lalita.
Bhajan:
Marakata māyī rājēśī – mamatā kī mūrat tūhī
Bhava-bhaya bhanjanakārī – hr̥dayākāśa vihārī
1. Aṇu-paramāṇu mē tū hī satya rūp sarvavyāpī
Navarasa pūrṇ nitya navīn mithyā jagadādhiṣṭhātri
2. Pancaprāṇa śakti tū hī praṇava nād prāṇēśvarī
Triguṇātīta turīya tattva tū ōjas tējas cit śakti
3. Muktidhām tū mantrēśī munijan man mē tū basatī
Satya jñānānanda rūp tū saccidānanda sarvēśī
Devendra instigated Manmatha (Cupid/ God of Love) with the view of getting Siva to marry Parvati. When Manmatha shot an arrow (of flowers) at Siva who was immersed in deep contemplation, Siva, in fury opened His third eye and burned Manmatha to ashes. Lord Brahma prepared an image with the ashes from the burnt body of Manmatha and poured life into it. That creature became Bhandasura (the demon Bhanda). The gods, unable to bear his torments, prayed to the Mother Goddess.
Bhajan:
Mother Goddess was pleased with their praises and emerged out of the Fire of Consciousness. Resolved to kill Bhandasura, she prepared for battle equipped with powerful armies. A fierce battle ensued between the armies of Devi and the demons. During the battle, Mother Goddess Mantrini emerged out of the power of intellect of Mother Goddess. She is also called Syamala. She became the Prime Minister to Lalita Devi. The celestial beings praised her with 16 descriptive names.
Sangīta yōginī śyāmā śyāmalā mantranāyikā
Mantriṇī sacivēṣāni pradhānēṣi śukapriyā
Vīṇāvatī vaiṇikī ca mudriṇī priyakapriyā
Nīpapriyā kadaṁbēṣi kadaṁbavanavāsinī
Sadā madā ca nāmāni ṣōḍaśaitāni kuṁbhaja
With the above 16 names Syamala Devi was praised. Some scriptures express the opinion that these 16 are the names of the Mantrini goddesses, and that Syamala Devi is the prominent one amongst them. Lalitopakhyana declares that all the 16 are the specific names of Syamala Devi. Whether she is referred to as Mantrini or Syamala Devi, the true form of Mother Goddess is one and the same.
Syamala Devi rides a chariot known as Geyachakra. While this chariot is moving, the seven musical notes are heard in different musical scales. For this reason, this chariot is known as Geyachakra, Girichakra, and Geetichakra. The triangle in the Srichakra is this Geyachakra.
The Lalitopakhyana says the Lalita Devi, with the intent of expediting the killing of Bhandasura, gave the two chariots that materialized out of Her own chariot were given, one to Mantrini, and the other to Dandanayika. Mantrini, who is none other than Syamala Devi constructed some wondrously strategic formations in the battle. The entire army of Devi was fighting the battle as per these strategic formations. The army of Bhandasura consisting of elephants, horses, chariots, and foot soldiers was quickly falling to the ground. At this sight, Lalita Devi expressed her satisfaction. Seeing her pleasure, Nitya and other goddesses burst into action on the battlefield. In the meanwhile 30 of Bhanda’s sons became infuriated and began fighting intensely. Mother Goddess Bala Tripurasundari showed them Her might. Seeing the sons of Bhanda perish in the battle, Bhanda’s minister Vishanga began fighting fiercely. Vishanga and Visukra are brothers of whom Visukra was the older. He was extremely powerful. Dandanatha Devi put an end to him.
Shloka:
Viśukraṁ yōdhayāmāsa śyāmalā kōpaśālinī
Astrēṇa brahmaśirasā jvalatpāvaka rōciṣā
Viśukraṁ mardayāmāsa sōpatacchinnavigrahaḥ
Viṣangaṁ ca mahādaityaṁ danḍanāthā madōddhatā
Yōdhayāmāsa canḍēna musalēna vinaghnata
Kaṭhōra tānḍavaṁ cakrē musalēnātha pōtriṇī
Tatō musala ghātēna tyakta prāṇō mahāsuraḥ
When Mantrini Devi/Syamala Devi killed Vishanga, Lalita Devi rejoiced. Lalitophakhyana states that Visukra was killed by Syamala Devi, and that Vishanga was killed by Dandini Devi. Vishanga and Visukra were like the two powerful arms of Bhandasura. Hence they always fought together. It should be understood that Syamala and Dandini killed the two of them simultaneously.
Lalita Sahasranama (One thousand names of Lalita) states –
“Mantriṇyaṁbā viracita viṣangavadhatōṣitā
Viśukra prāṇaharaṇa vārāhī vīryananditā ..”
Vishanga represents one who is excessively and intensely involved in worldly affairs. Mantrini Devi/Syamala Devi represents the power of the intellect. With spiritual knowledge, the involvement in worldly attachments gets disturbed and an inclination towards an attachment to spiritual matters develops. Syamala Devi is the one who stimulates spiritual knowledge. May everyone be blessed by the grace of Syamala.
Bhajan:
Pālaya bālē śyāmalē nirjitakālē kōmalē
Bhāvitāsi nava-valayamārgagata bhavyadēvatā rūpēṇa
1.Kōṇakōṇagā dēvagaṇā stava hi pādāśritā iti yat
Tattu satyamapi-sakala jīvagaṇa rūpiṇīti tat sādhiṣṭhaṁ
2. Candraśēkharārthānga gatē vipula śabdārtha dīptimayē
Sarvapīlugata cidudayē bhavasi saccidānanda rūpaiva
Meaning:
O the conqueror of the Lord of Death, Yama! O tender one! O Bala Devi! O Syamala Devi! Please protect.
It is you, who is effulgent as all the celestial energies occurring in the paths of the nine sheaths (of the Sri chakra).
1. While it is true that all the deities in every single angle of the Srichakra are supported by you, it is even truer that it is you, who have assumed the forms of all living creatures.
2. O Mother Goddess, who have occupied one half of the body of Lord Siva! Your radiant form is that of sound and its meaning (sound is Parvati; meaning is Siva). You are expressed as the consciousness present in every atom in existence. You are the form of none other than Sat, Chit, and Ananda.
Sri Guru Datta
Day 4 – October 8
Jaya Guru Datta
Sri Mata
Story of Lalita Devi
On this fourth day, let us discuss about Lalita Devi. When Lalita Devi is mentioned, we remember the Lalita Sahasranama. That mother, who, pleased by the ritual of the gods had emanated out of the Fire pit of Pure Consciousness, is Lalita Devi.
Śrīvidyāṁ jagatāṁ dhātrīṁ sarga sthiti layēśvarīṁ
Namāmi lalitāṁ nityāṁ mahātripurasundarīṁ
I offer salutations to Lalita Devi, who is an embodiment of spiritual knowledge, who is the Mother of the Universe, who is indestructible, and is the most beautiful in all the three worlds.
Yāni nāma sahasrāṇi sadyaḥ siddhi pradāni vai
Tantrēṣu lalitādēvyāḥ tēṣu mukhyamidaṁ munē
In the Tantra books there are several One Thousand Names that grant all the spiritual powers. Lord Hayagreeva mentions that Sri Lalita Sahasranama is the most important of them all.
Purāṇāṁ śrīpuramiva śaktīnāṁ lalitā yathā
Śrīvidyōpāsakānāṁ ca yathā dēvaḥ paraśśivaḥ
Tathā nāma sahasrēṣu paramētat prakīrtitaṁ
Of all townships, Sripura is the greatest. Of all powers, Lalita Devi is the most powerful. Amongst the followers of Sri Vidya, Siva is the foremost. Similarly, amongst all One Thousand Names, Lalita Sahasranama is paramount.
Bhajan:
Lalitē paraśiva lālitē pālaya māṁ hr̥di kīlitē
1. Sarva manōhara śubha caritē śarva manōhara nija caritē
Sarva manōbhava vr̥ttikaḷē śarva manōbhava vr̥tti karē
2. Paramākāśē paramaśivē paramānandaikānta rasē
Militābhinnākārā tvaṁ sacidānandādvaya tattvā
Lalita is one who is playful. She is also charming and beautiful.
Lōkānatītya lalatē lalitā tēna cōcyatē
Padma Purana says that she is called Lalita because she transcends all the worlds as She engages in Her sport. Lalita Devi is beyond all the worlds, She is beyond everything. Knowing Lalita Devi is the same as realizing the Supreme Soul, Paramatma.
Lalitāṁbikā is the last of the One Thousand Names of Lalita. The first three names of the One Thousand Names of Lalita describe the Supreme Energy that is responsible for Creation, Sustenance, and Destruction. The Supreme Energy that is described in the names that occur beginning with Cidagnikunḍa saṁbhūtā and ending with Lalitāṁbikā is Mother Lalita. She is Lalitāṁbikā because Her heart is soft as butter. The presiding deities of the different sheaths that surround Mother Goddess are known as rays. Because She glows in the place of Bindu beyond them all, she is Lalita. The word Lalita has eight meaning:
1. Glow
2. Grace
3. Enchantment
4. Majesty
5. Steadfastness
6. Radiance
7. Tenderness
8. Nobility
Lalitēti nāma yuktaṁ tavakila divyā navāvr̥tayaḥ
Dhanuraikṣava mastrāṇyapi kusumāni tathākhilaṁ lalitaṁ
Mother, you are Lalita. In the Srichakra you have nine divine friends. Your bow is the stalk of sugarcane. The arrows in your hand are flowers. Everything that is associated with you is tender and gentle. The elders say that Lalita is the most specifically appropriate name for you.
The dictionary defines lalita as beautiful. We must understand that Lalita is supremely beautiful. The presiding deity at the energy center situated at Prayag is called Lalita. Padma Purana equates Prayag with Lalita Devi.
Mother Goddess’s Energy Centers are variously listed as being 8, 9, 12, 18, or 50.
Let us sing the glories of Mother Goddess as one who is worshipped in the 12 Energy shrines.
Bhajan:
Dvādaśa pīṭhādhiṣṭhātrīṁ dēvīṁ vandē guru gātrīṁ
1. Dēvīṁ malayē bhrāmarīṁ kāncīnagarē kāmākṣīṁ
Kēraḷadēśē kumārīṁ ānartēṣu aṁbākhyāṁ
2. Karavīrē mahālakṣmīṁ māḷavadēśē kāḷikāṁ
Prayāgakṣētrē lalitāṁbāṁ vindhyē vindhyā vāsinīṁ
3. Kāśyāṁ dēvīṁ viśālākṣīṁ kṣētragayāsthala mangaḷāvatīṁ
Dēvīṁ sundarīṁ vangadēśē nēpālēṣvatha guhyēśīṁ
4. Api cāṣṭādaśa pīṭhasthāṁ aṣṭōttaraśata tīrthasthāṁ
Śrīcakrāgra sthiravāsāṁ saccidānanda sphuṭa rūpāṁ
We learned that when the deities Dandini and Syamala annihilated the two powerful arms of Bhandasura, who were in the forms of Visukra and Vishanga, Mother Goddess felt pleased. The battle continued after that. In the fight, the demons created numerous obstacles. Lalita Devi resolved to get rid of all such hurdles.
Kāmēśvara mukhālōka kalpita śrī gaṇēśvarā
Tatassā lalitā dēvī kāmēśvara mukhaṁ prati
Dattāpāngā samahasat nātivyakta radāvaḷiḥ
Tasyā mandasmita rucaḥ kunjarākr̥timān mukhē
Kaṭa krōḍa gaḷaddānaḥ kaściddēvō vyajr̥ṁbhata
When the demons created impediments to the fulfillment of the divine task, Lalita gave a sideways glance towards her husband Kameswara and gave a slight smile, without exposing Her teeth. According to the Brahmanda Purana, from the glow of that smile was born a god with the face of an elephant, with the juice of intoxication flowing from His head. This is Lord Ganapati.
Ganapati destroyed the machinery employed by the demons, called Jayavighna. This made Mother Goddess very happy. This was followed by a fierce battle between Bhandasura and Lalita Devi. For all the weaponry and missiles deployed by Bhanda, Mother Goddess employed corresponding weaponry to counteract. Using the power of illusion, Bhandasura created demons such as Somaka, Hiranyaksha, Hiranyakasipu, and Ravana. Then Mother Goddess created out of her finger nails the ten incarnations. They killed the demons. Thereafter Mother Goddess used the Maha Pasupata Astra to burn down the army of the demons. Using the Kameswara Astra She burned to ashes the capital city of Bhandasura known as Soonyaka.
Bhandasura who finally entered the battlefield was killed by Lalita Devi. All the gods sang the praises of Lalita Devi, who thus protected the celestial beings by killing Bhanda.
Lalita is one who is the most radiant of all. The Supreme Energy that manifests as the 16 principles is Lalita Devi. May Her compassion be showered upon all.
Sri Guru Datta
Day 5 – October 9
No discourse
Day 6 – October 10
Jaya Guru Datta
Sri Mata
Story of Kameswari
Śrīvidyāṁ paripūrṇa mēruśikharē bindu trikōṇa sthitāṁ
Vāgīśādi samasta bhūtajananīṁ mancē śivākārakē
Kāmākṣīṁ karuṇārasārṇavamayīṁ kāmēśvarānka sthitāṁ
Kāntāṁ cinmaya kāmakōṭinilayāṁ śrī brahmavidyāṁ bhajē
Her form is Sri Vidya. She is seated on the peak of the Meru Mountain at the Bindu/zenith position. She is the mother of all living beings including Lord Brahma. She is seated on Siva who has assumed the form of a cot. She is the one who protects the entire Creation. Supreme Knowledge that has taken form as the Kamakoti shrine is Her residence. I offer my prostrations to Mother Kamakshi Devi/Kameswari Devi, whose form is Brahma Vidya/Supreme Knowledge itself.
Kameswari Devi has six hands. In the bottom pair, on the right she holds the pot containing the nectar of immortality, and on the left, a mudra/hand gesture offering boons. In the middle pair of hands, in the right hand she holds a goad, and in the left hand, a rope. In the upper pair of hands, in the right hand she holds five arrows, and in the left hand she holds a bow made of sugar cane. Those who contemplate on Mother Goddess in this auspicious form get all their desires fulfilled.
Kāmēśa baddha māngalyasūtra śōbhita kandharā (a descriptive name from the One Thousand Names of Lalita) – Kameswari Devi’s neck is radiant with the sacred marriage thread tied around Her neck by Her Lord Kameswara.
Śiva kāmēśvarānkasthā – Kameswari Devi is seated on Kameswara’s lap, on His left side.
Siva is the same as Kameswara. Siva represents Prajnana which includes the heart, mind, knowledge, ignorance, ultimate knowledge, intelligence, acumen, vision, courage, awareness, intellect, race, memory, resolve, ritual, life forces, desire, and control. His consort is Kameswari.
Umāśankarayōrbhēdō nāstyēva paramārthataḥ
Dvidhāsau rūpamāsthāya sthita ēkō na saṁśayaḥ
In the ultimate analysis, there is no difference between Uma and Sankara, Parvati and Siva. Siva Himself assumes both forms. There is absolutely no doubt in this, according to Linga Purana.
Paramātmā śivaḥ prōktaḥ śivā saiva prakīrtitā – The Supreme Soul and Siva are one. He Himself is called by the feminine name of Sivaa, His consort.
Kamakshi Devi is also known as Kameswari. Kamakshi means one with beautiful eyes. She fulfills the desires of everyone by Her mere glance. Kameswara is Her eyes or She has Her vision always focused on Kameswara. Parasakti, the Supreme Energy remains as a witness and satisfies the wishes of each and every one. According to the Brahmanda Purana, Lord Brahma became aware of Her divinity and bestowed upon Her the two great names, Kamakshi, and Kameswari.
The word ‘Kāmā’ also represents the Trinity, Brahma, Vishnu, and Rudra/Siva. Since she has delegated to each of them their respective portfolios, Kameswari is represented as having lordship over them. Some say that since Her eyes are only intent upon creating the Universe, She is referred to as Kameswari.
Bhajan:
Kāmēśvarīṁ bhāvayāmi śiva kāmēśvarīṁ bhāvayāmi
1. Śrī śankarārthānga sahabhāginīṁ śrī śankarōtsanga talabhōginīṁ
Śrī śankarānanda nāṭyē sakhīṁ śrī śankarābhēda tatvōnmukhīṁ
2. Kāmāvaḷī nāśa kālānalāṁ kāmāsu sanjīva līlākalāṁ
Kāmārisammōhanōdyadbalāṁ kāmākṣikā divya nāmōjjvalāṁ
3. Sarvēndriyātīta kāmāśrayāṁ nirvaira nissīma mōdādvayāṁ
Bhaktāpta samakāma sahabhōgakāṁ śrī saccidānanda nijabhūmikāṁ
Meaning:
Refrain: I meditate upon Kameswari and Sivakameswari.
1. I contemplate upon Kameswari, who occupies half the body of Sankara, who is seated on His lap, who participates in His dance, and is not different from Him.
2. I meditate upon Kameswari, who, like an inferno burns all desires, who sports in reviving Manmatha, the god of Love, who is powerful enough to entice and enchant Siva who is a sworn enemy of Manmatha, and who is famously known also as Kamakshi.
3. I envision Kameswari, whose desire is beyond the reach of the sense organs, who is immersed in a bliss that is incomparable, immeasurable, and unequalled, who rejoices in the joy of devotees whose desires are all fulfilled, and who presides over Sat, Chit, and Ananda, Truth, Pure Consciousness, and Supreme Bliss.
The word ‘akshi’ also denotes Knowledge. ‘Kama’ is the soul. Because She endows the soul with knowledge, She is Kamakshi or Kameswari.
Kameswari Devi is the consort and queen of Kameswara and rules along with Him, all the three worlds. When such a Mother Goddess is worshipped, not only will all desires get fulfilled, but spiritual knowledge is also obtained.
Some scholars substitute the One Thousand Names of Kali in place of the One Thousand Names of Kameswari amongst the most important ten ‘Sahasra Namas’ of Mother Goddess. Therefore, let us also learn a little bit about Mother Goddess Kali Devi. Let us begin by first singing Her praises.
Tvaṁ kāḷī tvaṁ ca tārā tvamasi girisutā sundarī bhairavī tvaṁ
Tvaṁ durgā chinnamastā tvamasi ca bhuvanā tvaṁ hi lakṣmīḥ śivā tvaṁ
Dhūmā mātanginī tvaṁ tvamasi bagaḷā mangaḷādi stavākhyā
kṣantavyō mēparādhaḥ prakaṭita vadanē kāmarūpē karāḷē
O Karala Devi, O Kali Devi, You encompass all forms of energy.
We should pray to Mother Goddess that all our sins be forgiven.
Bhajan:
Kāḷikāṁ kāḷikāṁ kalitarunḍa mālikāṁ bhajē
1. Himagirīndra bālikāṁ śrita munīndra pālikāṁ
Hata natāgha dhūḷikāṁ laya vidhāna kēḷikāṁ
2. Suravipakṣa vyāḷikāṁ lasadudāra cūḷikāṁ
Jani vināśa mūlikāṁ gata vimōha jālikāṁ
3. Karadhr̥tōgra śūlikāṁ rudhira ranjitālikāṁ
Asura runḍa mālikāṁ mahita mantra kēḷikāṁ
4. Kāladēva sangatāṁ kalita panca kr̥tyakāṁ
Kāla kāla vallabhāṁ kala sukāla vigrahāṁ
5. Ghōra ghōra rūpikāṁ māra māra nāyikāṁ
Amr̥tabhāva nāḷikāṁ saccidānanda kāḷikāṁ
The story of Kali Devi is mentioned in many scriptures, but most importantly in the Chandi Saptasati of Devi Bhagavatam.
Following the killing of Mahishasura, the killing of Sumbha and Nisumbha has been described. Sumbha and Nisumbha are brothers. They obtained a boon that they would not be killed by any male. They began harassing the worlds. Even the gods were unable to withstand the torments inflicted by them. All the gods performed penance addressed to the Mother Goddess on top of the Himalayan Mountain. Parasakti, Mother Goddess was pleased when the heavenly hosts praised Her as follows:
Namō dēvi viśvēśvari prāṇanāthē madānandarūpē surānandadē tē
Namō dānavāntapradē mānavāṇāṁ anēkārthadē bhaktigamya svarūpē
O Visveswari (Mother of the Universe), you are obtained only through devotion. You are the form of Sachchidananda. O Ruler of the Life Force! O destroyer of demons, O giver of bliss to the gods, I offer my prostrations to you. No one has the capability of knowing your countless names and forms.
Having praised Mother Goddess thus, the gods prayed to Her to protect the worlds by destroying the demons Sumbha and Nisumbha along with their mighty armies.
Chandika Devi produced out of Her body another divine form. Since She was born from the body sheath of Parvati, she was addressed by everyone as Kausiki.
Kr̥ṣna rūpātha sanjātā kāḷikā sā prakīrtitā
Maṣī varṇā mahāghōrā daityānāṁ bhayavardhinī
Kāḷarātrīti sā prōktā sarvakāma phalapradā
Because of Her dark complexion, she was called Kali and Kalika. She was as black as soot, fierce in Her aspect and caused dread in the hearts of the demons. She, who fulfills all the desires of Her devotees is also called Kalaratri.
Parasakti as Chandika Devi, accompanied by Kali Devi, rode on her lion and entered a beautiful garden. Chanda and Munda, the servants of Sumbha and Nisumbha saw the Mother of the Universe in Her most divine splendor. At once they rushed to their kings and suggested that one of them should marry Her. Right away they sent a demon called Sugreeva as a marriage negotiator to carry their proposal of marriage alliance to Mother Goddess. Mother Goddess sent them a reply saying, “I will marry the one who defeats me in battle.” The second time Sumbha and Nisumbha sent Dhoomralochana as their ambassador. He spoke irreverently to Mother Goddess, constantly singing the praises of Sumbha and Nisumbha.
Kalika Devi who was right next to the Mother of the Universe laughed out loud at his prattle and exclaimed, “You fool! You are speaking gibberish. You are like a clown in a play. Do you think that sweet talk alone will accomplish any mission? The Mother of the Universe has desired to fight a battle. You are quite strong yourself. If you have enough guts, come and fight against me. Know that a female elephant does not woo a donkey. The celestial cow Kamadhenu will never court an ordinary bull. Go and convey my words to your kings or, enter into a battle against me. Or else, run away to the nether world.” Dhoomralochana got furious at Her words and showered a rain of arrows on Kali Devi. Kali then killed the donkeys that were pulling his chariot and laughed loudly and derisively. He at once got into another chariot and began a battle against Kali Devi. A fierce fight took place. At the hands of Kali Devi thousands of demons perished. Dhoomralochana’s chariot, donkeys, bow, and all weaponry got destroyed. To make all the celestial being become jubilant, Kali Devi blew Her victory conch. Dhoomralochana picked up an iron weapon and was about to leap onto Kali Devi. Kali Devi, whose form is the syllable, “Hreem” loudly grunted the syllable, “Hum” and with it, burned the demon to ashes. The gods and goddesses praised Mother Kali.
Thereafter, Kali Devi turned into Maha Kali and by killing Chandasura and Mundasura became Bhadra Kali, the Mother who protects the worlds. Then Raktabeejasura entered the battlefield. When the Mother of the Universe, Jaganmata slashed him to bits, from every drop of his blood, a new Raktabeejasura emerged. Mother Goddess instructed Kali Devi to stretch Her tongue out so that not a single drop of his blood would fall to the ground. Mother Kali prevented even one single drop of blood from falling to the ground by gulping down all the blood of Raktabeejasura. At an opportune moment, Mother Goddess killed Raktabeejasura. In this manner Kali Devi became the main instrument to help in the killing of Raktabeejasura. May Her mercy be showered upon everyone.
Kāḷīṁ kālahārāṁ dēvīṁ kaṁkāḷīṁ bījarūpiṇīṁ
Kālarūpāṁ kalātītāṁ kāḷikāṁ dakṣiṇāṁ bhajē
Sri Guru Datta
Day 7 – October 11
No discourse
Day 8 – October 12
Jaya Guru Datta
Story of Lakshmi
Lakṣmīṁ kṣīrasamudrarāja tanayāṁ śrī rangadhāmēśvarīṁ
Dāsībhūta samastadēva vanitā lōkaika dīpānkurāṁ
Śrīman manda kaṭākṣa labdha vibhava brahmēndra gangādharāṁ
Tvāṁ trailōkya kuṭuṁbinīṁ sarasijāṁ vandē mukunda priyāṁ
Bhajan:
Hiraṇya varṇē hē hariṇi rasādudīrṇē hari taruṇi
1.Kṣīra mahōdadhi priya tanayē candra sahōdari dhr̥ta vinayē
Jr̥ṁbhita tējō bhara valayē saṁbhr̥ta saṁpaccaya nilayē
2. Hastāgrāncita dhanadhārē satvasthē suguṇādhārē
Śrīhari sammōhana śūrē tadbhaktārpita śubhasārē
3. Gajatunḍōddhr̥ta kanaka ghaṭā kalpita dugdhā sēcanakē
Kanaka kuśēśaya suma mālā parimaḷa bharita graivēyē
4. Saṁpadvarṣāyita līlā sancārā dr̥ta natavargē
Saṁvinnilayē sthira nilayī kr̥tahari vakṣasthala durgē
5. Prasarati karuṇā tē yasmin naivāśubha mati rētasmin
Vikasati cāsmin sthira līlā sacidānanda sphuṭa khēlā
Meaning:
Refrain: (O Mother) who is born of juice (water/bliss)!
1. O daughter of the Ocean! Sister of the Moon! O radiant one! O home of all prosperity!
2. (O Mother) who showers wealth from the tips of fingers! (O Mother) who is immersed in Satva Guna! The support of all virtues! O enchantress of Sri Hari/Lord Vishnu! O giver of auspiciousness to the devotees of Hari!
3. (O Mother) who receives milk ablution from golden pots carried aloft by the trunks of elephants! (O Mother) who exudes fragrance emanating from the garland of golden lotuses adorning the neck!
4. By your movements, your devotees are blessed with a shower of treasures. Spiritual knowledge is where you reside. The chest of Lord Vishnu is your fort.
5. Those upon whom your compassion flows are spared from bad thoughts. The play of Sachchidananda is permanently enjoyed by them.
Today let us discuss the events in the life of Lakshmi. There is no one who is not familiar with stories about Lakshmi. All the scriptures describe her stories. Let us learn a little bit about the episodes in Lakshmi’s life as narrated in Devi Bhagavatam.
Replying to the query by Sage Narada, Lord Narayana/Vishnu spoke as follows:
“Prior to Creation, in the Rasamandala, out of the left side of Lord Sri Krishna the Supreme Soul/Paramatma, emerged Lakshmi Devi. She was exceptionally beautiful and was of a dark complexion. She was surrounded by banyan trees. Her eyes were filled with love. By the command of Iswara, She transformed Herself into two forms. They were identical. The one on the right side was Radha and the one on then left side was Lakshmi. Radha first chose Sri Krishna as Her Lord. Later Mahalakshmi wooed Sri Krishna to be Her husband. Krishna, after deliberation, also assumed two forms. His right aspect emerged as Krishna with two arms, and His left aspect emerged as Lord Vishnu with four arms. Sri Krishna offered Lakshmi Devi to Vishnu with four arms. This entire Creation appears beautiful in the sweet radiance of the glances of Lakshmi Devi.
Lakshmi Devi became the presiding deity of wealth, and more specifically of gold. Krishna became the beloved of Radha. Vishnu became the beloved of Lakshmi. Krishna proceeded to Goloka with Radha. Vishnu proceeded to Vaikuntha along with Lakshmi. By the Yoga of Vishnu, Maha Lakshmi assumed several different forms. The following are Her several forms:
Mahalakshmi in Vaikuntha
Saubhagyalakshmi for women
Svargalakshmi in Svarga/heaven
Nagalakshmi in Patala Loka
Rajyalakshmi in empires
Grihalakshmi in homes
Sampallakshmi with householders
Surabhi amongst Mother Cows
Dakshina in Yajnas/sacrificial rituals
Sri in lotuses
Sobha/glow in the Moon
Radiance in the Sun
Lakshmi Devi resides in ornaments, precious gems, fruits, water, kings, queens, chaste women, auspicious homes, green agricultural fields, white clothes, sacred places, images of gods, sacred pots, rubies, pure pearls, diamonds, pure sandalwood, milk, branches of trees, and the season’s first clouds.
Initially Lord Vishnu Himself worshipped Lakshmi Devi in Vaikuntha. Thereafter Brahma worshipped Her and then Lord Siva worshipped Her with devotion. Later Svayambhuva Manu, emperors, sages, ascetics, and saint worshipped Her. Since then She is being worshipped in the homes of every one.
The worship of Lakshmi grants all powers. Lord Brahma for the very first time worshipped Lakshmi Devi on the eighth day of the waxing lunar phase in the month of Bhadrapada. It is special to worship Lakshmi Devi on the Tuesdays in the months of Chaitra, Bhadrapada, and Pushya. At the year’s end, on the Sankranti day of the Pushya month, and on the full moon day of Magha month, if Lakshmi-worship is performed, it grants all types of prosperity”.
Narada prayed to Lord Vishnu to explain to him as to why Lakshmi Devi is referred to as Sindhutanaya/Daughter of the Ocean. Lord Narayana answered thus: “Narada, Devendra transgressed against Sage Durvasa and incurred a curse. He lost Svargalakshmi. Lakshmi Devi left Svarga/heaven and became merged with Mahalakshmi of Vaikuntha. The gods prayed to Maha Vishnu. Maha Vishnu then ordered the gods to join hands with the demons to churn the Ocean of Milk. During that churning, as per the command of Vishnu, Lakshmi Devi was born as the daughter of the Ocean. She wooed Vishnu to be Her husband. She blessed the gods again as Svargalakshmi. The celestial beings rejoiced. They praised and worshipped Lakshmi Devi.”
Narada, who had briefly listened to the story of Lakshmi Devi asked, “O Narayana! Why was Indra cursed by Sage Durvasa?” Narayana said, “Narada! Once upon a time, Devendra (Indra) was intoxicated from drinking madhu (an intoxicating drink sweet as honey) and engaged in erotic play with Rambha. At the time Durvasa was traveling from Vaikuntha to Kailasa. Indra saw him. At once he became sober and offered prostrations and proper honors to the sage. He also offered hospitality to the disciples of Durvasa. Sage Durvasa felt pleased and gave Indra the Parijata flower that was given to him by Vishnu. That Parijata flower had the power not only to remove old age, disease, and death, but also to grant Liberation. Indra, who was drowned in arrogance because of his exalted position, placed the flower on the head of his elephant. The elephant at once left Indra and began running away into the forest. Even Indra had no power to prevent its escape. As the elephant kept running, the Parijata flower fell under its feet and got crushed.
Durvasa became furious. He cursed Indra, “Hey Indra! That flower was given to me by Vishnu. Any sacred and divine offering, such as food, fruit, flower, or holy water, should be received reverentially. The one who rejects it will be cursed with the sin of having killed a Brahmin. He will become destitute. Since you have insulted the blessed offering of Vishnu, you will become dethroned,” and left.
Indra’s kingdom was usurped by the demons, and Indra sought shelter with his Guru. At the time His Guru Brihaspati was standing in the waters of Svargaganga, absorbed in meditation. When Brihaspati completed his meditation, Indra grasped his feet, and wept loudly. He told him about his curse. Then Guru consoled Indra and said, “Son, please do not weep. Do not be afraid. The consequences of good or bad actions have to be experienced. Karma is the sole cause of everything. Good deeds grant the grace of Mahalakshmi. Bad deeds result in causing despondency. Karma follows an individual even for millions of births. It gets exhausted only upon experiencing the consequences. Charity builds merit day by day. That is why during days of prosperity, it is important to donate to noble souls and to those in need.
Charity performed on the New Moon day, during Ravi Sankramanas (equinoxes, solstices), during the Chaturmasyas, and on the Full Moon day, grant immeasurable merit. Charity performed during the solar and lunar eclipses grants rewards a million-fold.
Since you do not have the power to give charities now, be of service to Narayana.
Mahāvipattau saṁsārē yaḥ smarēt madhusūdanaṁ
Vipattau tasya saṁpattiḥ bhavēdityāha śankaraḥ
Lord Siva has proclaimed that if Lord Narayana/Madhusudana is remembered during times of extreme danger, the calamities will be removed and prosperity will be restored. Therefore Devendra, contemplate upon Lord Narayana and offer Him services,” advised Brihaspati.
Indra meditated upon Narayana for some time. Then Indra, along with Brahma, Brihaspati, and all the gods went to Vaikuntha and praised Maha Vishnu. The Lord gave a great instruction in Dharma to Indra as well as to all the gods. He said, “Churn the Ocean of Milk by joining hands with the demons.”
The gods became immersed in the preparations for the task. Sri Hari requested Lakshmi Devi to incarnate out of the Ocean of Milk with His aspect. The gods and the demons used Vasuki, the mighty serpent as their rope, the Mandhara mountain as the churner, and while the divine Tortoise Kurma supported the mountain, began churning the ocean.
Svargalakshmi Devi who is none other than Mahalakshmi Devi, was born from the Ocean of Milk as Saswatalakshmi (eternal Lakshmi). She once again chose Sri Hari as Her consort and restored to the gods their kingdom and their wealth. Lord Vishnu announced that when Mother Goddess Lakshmi is either meditated upon, or worshipped, all types of wealth and prosperity will be obtained.
Tvaṁhi viṣṇusvarūpā ca sarvādhārā vasundharā
Śuddhasattva surūpā tvaṁ nārāyaṇaparāyaṇā
Padmāsanāyai padminyai vaiṣṇavyai tē namōnamaḥ
Namō vr̥ddhisvarūpāyai mahālakṣmyai namō namaḥ
Sri Guru Datta
Conclusion of Discourse – Oct. 14
Jaya Guru Datta
Story of Varahi
Līlōddhr̥ta kṣititalasya varāhamūrtēḥ
Vārāhamūrti rakhilārthakarī tvamēva
Prālēya raśmi sukalōllasitāvataṁsē
Tvaṁ dēvi vāma tanubhāga harā harasya
O Varahi Devi! You are the Varahi Energy of Lord Varaha Swami who effortlessly lifted the Earth out of the ocean. O Mother, you accomplish everything. O Devi, you have worn the moon as an ornament on your crown. You have stolen the left half of the body of Siva.
Bhajan:
Dēvīśaktula dalatun saccidānandanu golutun
1. Haṁsalu galugu vimānamuna akṣasrajamu kamanḍalamu
Tālcina mantra mayamūrtin brāhmī śaktini madi dalatu
2. Cēta triśūlamunē dālci pāmula mālalu meḍadālci
Vr̥ṣabha vāhana vatiyaina raudrī śaktini madi dalatu
3. Kaumāraṁbagu rūpamutō śaktyāyudhamunu dālcucunu
Kēki vāhana vatiyaina śaktini kaumārini dalatu
4. Śankhamu cakramu śārngamunu khaḍgamu gadayu dhariyinci
Garuḍa vāhana vatiyaina śaktini vaiṣṇavi neda dalatun
5. Yajña varāhākr̥ti dālci bhīkara gharjhara dhvani penci
Krūra daṁṣṭrala velugondē śaktini vārāhini dalatun
6. Narasiṁhākr̥ti dhariyiṁci jūlu vidalpula niguḍinci
Ghōra nakhammula velugondē nr̥siṁha śaktini madi dalatun
7, Vēyi kannulu velayinci vajrāyudhamunu cēdālci
Airāvatamuna velugondē aindrī śaktini madi dalatun
8. Dēvagaṇammula śaktulanu tanalō līnamu gāvinci
Ēkākr̥tiyai velugondē ādi śaktini madi dalatun
While we discussed the story of Syamala Devi, we also mentioned Dandanatha Devi.
Kiricakra rathārūḍha danḍanāthā puraskr̥tā (a name from the One Thousand Names of Lalita) – Lalita Devi who is served by Varahi Devi who is Dandanatha, riding the chariot with wheels that are pulled by boars, is the meaning of this descriptive name.
Dandini, Dandanatha, Vartali are Varahi Devi’s other names. Kirichakra ratha may also be interpreted as a chariot with wheels that resemble boars.
Varahi always holds a staff in Her hand. That is why Her name is Dandanatha (danda means staff). This is mentioned in the philosophical treatise on Tripura.
Kiri means Creation. Chakra means a collection. Creation includes Creation, Sustenance, and Destruction. All the three are executed by Her Energy, is one way of interpreting the meaning. It may also mean that even Lord Yama who wields a staff cannot deter Varahi Devi who performs the functions of Creation, Sustenance, and Destruction. This meaning may also be applied to a yogi, who, seeing no difference between himself and Parasakti, the Supreme Energy, does not succumb to the Lord of Death, nor suffer the pangs of death, in spite of being involved in the cycle of Creation, Sustenance, and Destruction. His yoga pursuit will not suffer from any lack. Even while he appears to be engaged in worldly affairs, he never gives up his immersion in spiritual knowledge. This may be the thread of essence running through this name. Krishna Das has given the following interpretation for this principle: A yogi, whether he is engaged in worldly affairs, or has come out of them, firmly holds on to his grip on Yoga and hence never falls from his state of Self-Realization. Therefore, he is free from birth and death. The devotee who worships Varahi Devi who embodies the principle of the transcendental state, identifies with Her and remains untouched like a drop of water on a lotus leaf.
The chakras in the Srichakra, such as the Ashta Kona are to be understood to be the chariot of Varahi. The chariot of Varahi is the physical body. The mind that is engaged in Self-enquiry is Dandanatha Devi.
When the Mother Goddess opens Her eyes, it is Creation. When She closes Her eyes, it is Dissolution. Both bondage and liberation are in Her control. Bhagamalini Devi, who is worshipped in the southwest triangle is Varahi Devi. She remains as the Mind that controls the army consisting of the sense organs. She has them under Her control.
Lalita Devi has 12 Dandanathas. They are:
1. Panchami
2. Dandanatha
3. Sanketa
4. Samayeswari
5. Samayasanketa
6. Varahi
7. Potrini
8. Sivaa
9. Vartali
10. Mahasenani
11. Ajnachakreswari
12. Avindani.
Amongst them Varahi Devi is the most important.
In the battle between Mother Goddess and the demons, Varahi Devi rode the kirichakra chariot and killed Visukra, who was a prime force in the army of Bhanda. Witnessing this feat of Varahi Devi, of killing Visukra, Lalita Devi
rejoiced.
Viśukra prāṇaharaṇa vārāhī vīryananditā
Visukra is a soul with a contrary radiance. Varahi Devi removed the contrary glow by Her soul power. The word ‘visukra’ may also mean, he, who is highly critical and analytical. Varahi Devi is the power of deliberation. With that power, when she destroyed the contradictory feelings, Lalita Devi, who is the presiding deity of the Soul, felt happy.
Just as he created his own brothers, Bhandasura also created a sister by the name ‘Amani’. She was born when the vapor from Bhandasura’s mouth mingled with the earth. Bhanda gave her in marriage to a demon called Kekasa. They had 8 sons: 1. Ulookajit
2. Parusha
3. Visha
4. Kuntishena
5. Madala
6. Kusoora
7. Mangala
8. Drumana
These eight sons, along with Visukra and Vishanga went to fight against the army of Parasakti.
They were killed sequentially by the celestial energies of Mother Goddess:
1. Aswaroodha
2. Sampatkari
3. Nakulesi
4. Mahamaya
5. Unmattabhairavi
6. Laghusyamala
7. Swapnadevi
8. Vagvadini.
Some scriptures state that Kolata, the son of the demon couple Amani and Kekasa was killed by Chandika Devi.
Visukra represents worldliness and arrogance. The worship of Varahi Devi destroys arrogance and the obsession with worldly comforts. When the cultivated virtues destroy the innate wickedness, the Soul rejoices.
Brāhmī māhēśvarī caiva kaumārī vaiṣṇavī tathā
Vārāhī caiva cēndrāṇi cāmunḍāssaptamātr̥kāḥ
As mentioned in the above sloka, the name of Varahi Devi is included amongst the names of the seven Matrikas.
Vārāhi tvamaśēṣa jantuṣu punaḥ prāṇātmikā spandasē
Śakti vyāpta carācarā khalu yataḥ tvāmēta dabhyarthayē
Tvatpādāṁbuja sanginō mama sakr̥t pāpaṁ cikīrṣanti yē
Tēṣāṁ mā kuru śankara priyatamē dēhāntarāvasthitaṁ
O beloved of Lord Siva! O Varahi Devi, you remain alive in every being as the life force. With the power of your soul you have pervaded the entire Creation. Therefore, I pray to you, O Mother, to spare me from any sinful thoughts, since I have sought refuge at your lotus feet.
Story of Rajarajeswari
Rājarājēśvarīṁ divyāṁ rājarāja samarcitāṁ
Jagadāhlāda jananīṁ bhāvayē lōkamātaraṁ
I contemplate upon the Mother of all the worlds, Mother Rajarajeswari, who resides in Devaloka, grants bliss to the Universe, and is worshipped by the king of kings, Kubera.
Bhajan:
Śrī rājarājēśi kuru satkr̥pāṁ śrī cakravāsāsi hr̥di mē vasa
Viśālabhā vilāsini nava cakrāntarvāsini
Sadaiva tat tat surasvarūpē bhaktāḷī dhī dīpē
1. Dēvīcakra samaikyaṁ mē cētasi bhāvayāmi
Cakrabrahṁānḍaikyaṁ ca cittē nidadhāmi
Ajānḍapinḍāndayōrabhēdaṁ bhāvē gāḍhaṁ cintayē
Manōśca dēvyā abhēda rītiṁ prāṇaspandair dhārayē
2. Nādākāra tanō śiva vāmaśarīra gatē
Vāgarthākārē bahu vēdāntē pravicāryē
Śivē sadā vidākr̥tē gajamukha ṣaṇmukha priyāvahē
Tadartha rūpē tvamartha dīpē sacidānaṇdē bhayāpahē
Meaning:
Refrain: Sri Rajarajeswari Devi, please show compassion. You, whose residence is the Srichakra, please reside in my heart.
(O Mother), your radiance spreads far and wide. You reside in the nine chakras. You assume the radiant forms of the different deities. You are the lamp that lights up the hearts of devotees.
1. In my mind I am contemplating on the oneness of Devi and the Srichakra. I am establishing in my mind the sameness of the Srichakra and the Cosmos. I am firmly fixing in my mind the concept that the macrocosm and the microcosm are not different from one another. In my breath of the vital air I maintain the identity between the Devi mantra and the form of Devi. (These are referred to in the Sri Vidya as the four types of Harmonization).
2. Your body is Nada. You occupy the left half of Siva’s form. Speech and its meaning are both your forms. You have been discussed and described extensively in the Upanishads. The ultimate Truth is your form. You grant bliss to Ganapati and to Subrahmanya. In the Great Statement/Mahavakya – “Tattvamasi” tat refers to your form specifically (tat=Supreme Soul/Paramatma). You throw light like a lamp on the word ‘tvam’ in the sentence. (tvam=individual soul). You are Sacchidananda. You dispel all fears (fear=separateness).
She, who is glorified as Lalita in the Lalita Sahasranama (the One Thousand Names of Lalita) is none other than Mother Goddess Rajarajeswari. She is also addressed as Maha Tripurasundari. She is the Supreme Energy which is the same as the Supreme Soul/Paramatma. Rajaraja is Kubera. He is the Treasurer. He grants wealth to the worlds. Mother Goddess lords over Kubera and conducts the functions of all the worlds. Raju refers to the Moon. Rajaraja is Siva. Rajarajeswara, who is the same as Sadasiva, lords over even Siva. His queen is Rajarajeswari.
‘Rajarajas’ are gods. Since She controls all the gods She is Rajarajeswari. The presiding deity of the sixteen syllable mantravidya is Rajarajeswari. She is famous as Rajatkrupa, since She glows with infinite compassion. Her mission is to protect Her devotees. She restores their lost wealth and happiness.
Udyatkōṭi raviprakhyāṁ mahātripurasundarīṁ
Pāśānkuśēkṣu kōdanḍa prasūna viśikhāṁ bhajē
She has the radiance of millions of Suns. She holds the rope, goad, bow, and flowery arrows. I worship Mother Rajarajeswari, who is the same as Maha Tripurasundari.
Long ago when, unable to tolerate the torments inflicted by Bhandasura, when the gods prayed to Brahma, Lord Brahma constructed a fire pit that measured a yojana, and told the gods to perform the Devi homa to earn the grace of Parasakti/Supreme Energy. The celestial beings performed penance for innumerable years and yet failing to win the grace of Mother Goddess, started offering their own body parts into the homa. Still, they failed to earn the compassion of Mother Goddess. At this stage, the gods became ready to sacrifice their entire bodies by offering them in the fire pit. Then, with the brilliance of millions of Suns, and with the cool radiance of millions of Moons, like an effulgent wheel, Parasakti emerged out of the Fire.
The Brahmanda Purana says:
Prādurbabhūva paramaṁ tējaḥ punjamayaṁ mahat
Kōṭi sūrya pratīkāśaṁ candrakōṭi suśītalaṁ
The Lalita Sahasranama has a name: Cidagnikunḍa saṁbhūtā. It instructs that the Mooladhara, the fire pit of Consciousness, is to be understood as the fire pit of the gods.
The Lalita Trisati has a name: Hrīṁkārakunḍāgniśikhā – where Parasakti/Supreme Energy is described as the flame of fire inside the fire pit formed by the syllable, ‘Hreem’.
The Supreme Energy glows as Mother Rajarajeswari inside those enlightened souls who chant the mantra, “Hreem”. She is eternally of the form of Supreme Knowledge. She is free from birth and death. She emerged out of the Fire pit of Consciousness with the express purpose of fulfilling the mission of the gods.
Dēvānāṁ kāryasiddhyarthaṁ āvirbhavati sā yadā
Utpannēti tadā lōkē sā nityēbhidhīyatē
Although it appeared as if She came into being at the time She emerged, the Vedas extol Her as Nitya/The Eternal One. Mother Goddess who emanated from the Fire of Consciousness shone like a thousand Suns, or She appeared as if She were radiating the brilliance of the innumerable rays of the Sun.
Mother Goddess is seated on a mighty throne. Her four arms represent variously the following:
Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha
Mind, Intellect, Memory, and Ego
The four stages in Sadhana
The four stages of life
The four states of wakefulness, dream, deep sleep, and the transcendental state
The four bodies, gross, subtle, causal, and astral
The four Vedas
The significance of the objects held by Mother Goddess Rajarajeswari are explained as follows:
The upper left hand holds a rope that represents attachment.
Attachment alone is the cause of bondage. It is another form of desire. Spiritual knowledge destroys this feeling of attraction. To attain spiritual knowledge, the grace of Mother Rajarajeswari is required.
The upper right hand holds the goad that is an embodiment of anger and hate.
Pāśānkuśau tadīyau tu rāgadvēṣātmakau smr̥tau
The rope and the goad symbolize love and hatred.
The Uttara Chatussati explains that the rope symbolizes the power of desire. The goad symbolizes the power of knowledge.
The bow and arrows symbolize the power of action.
The lower left hand holds a sugar cane which is the manifested form of the mind. Mother Goddess granted vision to the gods with this appearance.
When the symbolic meaning of the bow and arrows in the hands of Mother Goddess is properly understood and contemplated upon, the discretion of what is enduring, and what is not enduring, will be awakened. It is said that the mind harbors wild animals in the form of positive and negative thoughts/Sankalpas and Vikalpas. When the primal hunter Parameswara roams in this forest called the Mind, these wild animals will become annihilated.
The bow held in the hand of Rajarajeswari Devi represents the mind with the above attributes. When such a mind is surrendered at the hand of Mother Goddess, it will become steady and still.
In the lower right hand of Mother Goddess are held the arrows which represent the subtle functions of the sense organs, such as sound, touch, form, taste, and smell.
Mother Goddess appeared thus, holding these wondrous weapons in Her four hands, immersing all the galaxies in Her flow of effulgence,. Her curls were astonishingly beautiful. She wore a dazzling crown studded with precious gems. The mark on Her forehead was beautiful in the shape of a half-moon. She wore Her mark with the fragrant substance, Kasturi. She appeared enchanting with Her exceptionally sparkling eyes. Her earrings were the Sun and the Moon. Her neck was beautifully adorned with the sacred marriage thread tied by Kameswara. She was decorated tastefully with necklaces made with pearls. She glowed in Her red garments. It was as if She were an Ocean of Beauty. She was seated on the lap of Kameswara on the left side. She remains at the very center of the Bindu on the top of the Srichakra. She is the ruler of the Sri City/Sripura. Her home is built with the precious Chintamani stones.
Brahmā viṣṇuśca rudraśca īśvaraśca sadāśivaḥ
Ētē mancāḥ purāprōktāḥ phalakastu sadāśivaḥ
Tasyōpari niṣaṇṇā sā dēvī bhuvanēśvarī
The Devi Bhagavatam describes that Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra, and Iswara formed the legs of Her cot. Sadasiva formed the plank that was spread on it. Mother Bhuvaneswari Devi is seated on Him. She lives in the forest that has great lotuses/Maha Padma. The forest is filled with Kadamba trees. This forest is situation in the middle of the Ocean of Sudha/the Nectar of Immortality. All the gods and sages praised the glories of this Mother Goddess. They prayed to Her to kill Bhandasura and thus provide them protection.
Prātarbhajāmi lalitā bhuja kalpavallīṁ
Raktāngulīya lasadanguli pallavāḍhyāṁ
Māṇikya hēma valayāngada śōbhamānāṁ
Punḍrēkṣu cāpa kusumēṣu sruṇīrdadhānāṁ
Bhajan:
Dēvī … dēvī…
Dēvī virāḍrūpavainaṭti nīku prakr̥ti sarvammu mustābu cēyu
1. Udayincu ravi kāḷḷa pārāṇi peṭṭu śaśilōni karimacca kastūriboṭṭu
Madhyāhna ravi makuṭa kōṭīramu nakṣatratati ratna bhūṣāvaḷi
2. Tudalandu vennelalu velugīneḍi mabbullu vayyāri paiṭanculu
Varṣālu meḍalōni mutyāla sarulu cīkaṭlu nāṭyāna celarēgu kurulu
3. Mānavulu andello cirugajjelu pakṣulu vaḍḍāṇamuna ganṭalu
Dēvatalu andāla bhujakīrtulu suraganga māngaḷya gaḷasūtramu
4. Ninnu ī rīti bhāvinci vīkṣincina saccidānanda bhāvaṁbu rākunḍunā
When the gods prayed to Mother Goddess in this manner, She, by the power of Her resolve, created a powerful army. A fierce battle took place between the armies of Bhanda and Mother Goddess. Once the entire army of the demons got annihilated, Mother Rajarajeswari, who is none other than Kameswari Devi employed the Kameswara Astra/divine missile and killed Bhandasura. Brahma, Vishnu, Mahendra and other celestial beings praised Mother Goddess Parasakti who had thus granted them protection.
Bhajan:
Rājēśvarīṁ saṁbhāvayē rājatkr̥pāṁ saṁbhāvayē
1. Śailātmajāṁ śaṁbhupriyāṁ bālāṁ sadā vr̥ddhāśrayāṁ
Līlāyitōtpatti kṣayāṁ kēlīkr̥tānamrōdayāṁ
2. Tvāṁ kālakālānga saṁvāsinīṁ tvāṁ kāmakāmāyitātmēśvarīṁ
Tvāṁ nitya nityānu bhāvāśrayāṁ tvāṁ rājarājatkirīṭāṁ śivāṁ
3. Śruticaya vinutāṁ dēvīṁ stuvē munijana sadayāṁ sancintayē
Para sukharūpā manu śīlayē nanu sacidānanda bhāvāṁ bhajē
Meaning:
Refrain: I adore, revere, and contemplate upon Rajarajeswari, whose level of compassion is simply indescribable.
1. I meditate upon Rajarajeswari Devi, who is the daughter of Himavan/Snow-clad Mountain, the beloved of Siva, is eternally young, is the refuge of the aged, who creates and destroys as if it were a sport, and who grants all kinds of benefits and glories to those who are humble and modest.
2. I ponder over you Mother. You reside in the body of Siva, and are His consort. You bestow auspiciousness, you are full of eternal glory, and you are adorned with an exceptionally resplendent crown.
3. I sing the praises of Devi who is extolled by the collection of Vedas. I reverentially contemplate upon Mother Rajarajeswari who showed compassion towards the sages. She fills the hearts of seers and sages with kindness. I observe and follow Devi, who is an embodiment of the bliss of Liberation. I praise Mother Goddess whose form is the concepts of Sat, Chit, and Ananda, Supreme Truth, Pure Consciousness, and Eternal Bliss.
Mother Goddess then revived Manmatha, who had been victimized by the fury of the third eye of Siva, which turned him into ashes. With that the act of Creation began its process anew. May everyone be blessed by the compassion of Mother Rajarajeswari who thus protects all the worlds.
Story of Saraswati
Although in the list of the 10 best One Thousand Names of Mother Goddess, Lakshmi Sahasranama is the 7th, since today is the day of the incarnation of Goddess Saraswati, we will change the sequence a little and speak about Mother Goddess Saraswati today.
Śāradā śāradāṁbhōja vadanā vadanāṁbujē
Sarvadā sarvadāsmākaṁ sannidhissannidhiṁ kriyāt
Bhajan:
Caduvula tallī sarasvatī mā madi mallī manasvatī
1. Vāṇī vīṇādhāriṇī kaluganī kr̥pa kaluganī
Nēnī vāḍanu kānī buddhilo cedalanu pōnī
2. Brahmaṇicāriṇi māninī mālā pustaka śōbhinī
Bhaktānugrahakāriṇī pādāruṇa saṁrāgiṇī
3. Bhārati bhāmati sanmati naludikkula nī kīriti
Ilalō nīvē śāśvatī sacidānandē sarasvatī
Nahi jñānēna sadr̥śaṁ pavitramiha vidyatē
Na vidyatē vinā jñānaṁ vicārēṇānya sādhanaṁ
There is nothing greater than spiritual knowledge. Without the power of deep contemplation spiritual knowledge cannot be attained. It is Mother Goddess Saraswati, who, by Her grace, grants both the power to contemplate, and through that, spiritual knowledge.
Let us discuss the story of Saraswati Devi as described in the Devi Bhagavatam.
It is mentioned in the Devi Bhagavatam that once upon a time Mother Saraswati emerged out of the body of Radhe Devi, who was born from the body of Lord Maha Vishnu. Other scriptures say that Saraswati Devi emerged from the face of Lord Brahma and thereafter became His consort.
The prayer to Saraswati declares that Saraswati Devi is the Mother of the Universe who emanated from the body of Gauri, who became the sole support of all the three worlds, and is the one who killed demons such as Sumbha.
Maha Saraswati Devi is the presiding deity of the last important story rendered in Chandi Saptasati (700 verses on Chandi in the Devi Bhagavatam).
Once upon a time, Sage Yajnavalkya, who had been an exponent of all the four Vedas, incurred a curse from his guru and as a result, forgot all that he had learned. In desperation, he performed penance addressing the Sun God.
Sun God appeared before him and taught him the Vedas with all its associated branches of knowledge. To increase his memory power, He directed Yajnavalkya to constantly chant with devotion, prayers addressed to Goddess Saraswati.
After the disappearance of the Sun God, Yajnavalkya bathed, and praised Saraswati Devi as follows:
Kr̥pāṁ kuru jaganmātaḥ māmēvaṁ hata tējasaṁ
Guruśāpāt smr̥tibhraṣṭaṁ vidyāhīnaṁ ca duḥkhitaṁ
O Mother of the Universe! I have become devoid of knowledge as a consequence of a curse from my Guru. I have lost my radiance. I am drowned in grief. Kindly shower your compassion upon me. Please grant me spiritual knowledge, a powerful memory, the ability to teach disciples, and the capacity to author books.
Please endow me with analytical and oratory skills. Please restore to me all the forgotten knowledge. O Mother! You are none other than the form of the Supreme Soul, Parabrahman. As a seed buried in the ashes begins to sprout, please revive the knowledge that has become extinguished within me.
Brahmasvarūpā paramā jyōtīrūpā sanātanī
Sarva vidyādhidēvī yā tasyai vāṇyai namō namaḥ
Mother! Saraswati, you are the form of the Supreme Soul. You are the presiding deity of all branches of knowledge. I offer you my prostrations. You preside over all the letters of the alphabet. You are eternal. All explanations and commentaries are your various forms. Without your grace a mathematician cannot make calculations. You are the philosophical aspect that destroys illusion.”
Having thus praised Saraswati and having obtained Her grace, Yajnavalkya recollected the stories of Sages of yore as follows:
“Mother, once upon a time, a spiritual debate took place in the celestial court, between Lord Brahma and Sage Sanatkumara. Sanatkumara requested Brahma to explain the highest philosophy. Brahma was unable to summarize the philosophical essence of the discussion that had taken place thus far. In the meantime Lord Sri Krishna, the Supreme God appeared there. Brahma confessed to Him his difficulty. Lord Krishna commanded Brahma to praise the glories of Saraswati Devi. Brahma praised Mother Saraswati by chanting mantras from the Vedas, and also sang other prayers.
Bhajan:
Vāṇī vāṇī vandanamammā niratamu nī kr̥pa kāvalenammā
1. Padamulu sarigā palukuṭakainā caduvula sāramu teliyuṭakainā
Parula manassulu gelucuṭakainā kīrti kirīṭamu valacuṭakainā
2. Kavulaku kalamulu kadaluṭakainā sa ri ga ma pa da ni sa sāguṭakainā
Vēdamu śāstramu larayuṭakainā vādanalō pasa peruguṭakainā
3. Madilō dīpamu veluguṭakainā manasula mōhamu vadaluṭakainā
Dēśamu śāntiga nunḍuṭakainā saccidānandamu panḍuṭakaiṇā
Saraswati Devi, the embodiment of spiritual knowledge, showered Her compassion. Brahma was blessed with the ability to elucidate the philosophical dictum. In the assembly of gods He delineated the principles. His philosophical discourse was appreciated by Sanatkumara and other sages.
Once upon a time Mother Earth felt the desire to learn the principle of the Supreme Soul. She met with all the sages and expressed her wish. They all declared that the task was beyond their capacity. Mother Earth begged them to direct her to an appropriate guru. The sages suggested that she should accept Adisesha, who is endless and possesses an infinite number of hoods and mouths, as her guru. Mother Earth approached Adisesha with her prayer. Strangely, Ananta (Adisesha), despite his infinite tongues, was unable to utter even a single word. He could not remember anything. Hence, he prayed to his father Kasyapa. Sage Kasyapa taught him the Saraswati mantra and urged him to pray to Mother Goddess Saraswati Devi. Ananta prayed to the Mother of Speech to bless him with the ability to speak.
Bhajan:
Palikincavammā śrīlakṣmi kōḍalā
Nālukalō kūrconi nāṭyamu cēyamma
1. Vāgdēvi vāṇi varamula brahmāṇi varṇamālā dēvi śabda śarvāṇi
2. Moddubuddhi nādi mōhanidralō munigi baddha jīvinaina uddharincu talli
3. Padamulu palikinci palukicci ceppinci jñāna gangādēvi datta jānūni
Saraswati Devi showed mercy upon Ananta. She bestowed upon him spiritual knowledge. His delusion was dispelled. He became enlightened and taught Supreme Knowledge to Mother Earth. The Supreme Energy Parasakti, who thus blessed Ananta/Adisesha is Mother Saraswati.
Long ago, there was a time when Vyasa felt the desire to compose Puranas and Sub-Puranas. He was in search of a proper guru and approached Sage Valmiki. He asked him to teach him the underlying principle and the essence of the Puranas. Sage Valmiki is highly intelligent, and very modest. Instead of beginning to speak at once, he first mentally prayed to Saraswati Devi as follows:
Bhajan:
Jaya jaya vāṇi sarasvati jaya gīrvāṇi sarasvati
1. Vīṇāpāṇi alikulavēṇi brahmana rāṇi jitaśukavāṇi
Namāmi sarasvati jai namāmi sarasvati jai
Thus sage Valmiki silently praised Saraswati Devi, who is the Mother of the Universe Jagadamba, and thereafter by Her grace taught the underlying principle of the Puranas to Sage Vyasa. Sage Vyasa prepared with sand an image of Saraswati in the pilgrimage center of Basara, worshipped it and offered Her prayers.
Bhajan:
Śrīmadbāsara sarasvati cittē nivasatu dayāvati
1. Ādau sūkṣma dyuti dhārā vyāsa kr̥pābala sākārā
Sikatā saṁbhr̥ta nijadēhā vāṇī kāḷī śrī vyūhā
2. Mēdhā saṁpajjaya dātrī svapna nidarśana sandhātrī
Saṁvitkara kavijana nētrī sacidānandādbhuta gātrī
Saraswati Devi showed Her compassion. By Her grace, Vyasa became free from delusion and was endowed with pure knowledge. Sage Vyasa, who was born in the aspect of Lord Krishna, contemplated upon Saraswati Devi for one hundred years at Pushkara Teertha. He authored the Puranas with the intent of destroying the ignorance of everyone and lighting the lamp of spirituality in the hearts of all.
In this manner, Saraswati Devi blessed both Sage Valmiki and Sage Vyasa. Vyasa gained fame as the best amongst all poets. When Vyasa was faced with the task of dividing and organizing the Vedas, he once again sought the grace of Saraswati Devi. The single pile of Veda took the form of the four Vedas.
Ages ago, Mahendra (Lord Indra) pleaded with Sadasiva to initiate him into spiritual Truth. Siva paused for a moment, closed His eyes, meditated upon the Goddess of Speech Saraswati, and then proceeded to teach spiritual knowledge to Indra.
On another occasion, Indra, who forgot all the knowledge that he possessed because of the curse of Sage Durvasa, requested Brihaspati to teach him spiritual knowledge and the Science of Sound. Brihaspati first performed penance for one thousand years at the sacred site of Pushkara. Obtaining, by the grace of Saraswati Devi, the knowledge of the Science of Sound as a boon, he taught it to Indra.
All gurus and disciples pray to you, Mother Saraswati, and thus are being blessed with scholarship.” Thus, Yajnavalkya praised Saraswati Devi, and further spoke,
“Mother! You are praised by sages, celestial beings, and humans. The Trinity, gods, and demons also worship you. Neither Vishnu, with His infinite number of mouths, nor Siva with His five faces, nor Brahma with His four faces can adequately praise you. That being the case, how can I, with my one mouth praise you enough? My capacity is most limited. You are infinite. Kindly show compassion upon me.” Giving up even food, Yajnavalkya thus dolefully prayed to Saraswati Devi, and prostrated to Her.
Saraswati Devi, whose form is effulgence, was pleased by these prayers and blessed him, “You will become a great poet”, and returned to Vaikuntha (heaven).
Sage Yajnavalkya gained fame in the world as a fully enlightened soul. The prayer composed by him in praise of Saraswati occurs in the Devi Bhagavatam in the ninth skandha, as the fifth chapter. Those, even if they are dull witted, when they repeatedly chant this prayer composed by him, will become highly intelligent. They will become as great as Brihaspati. They will become scholars, great poets, and geniuses. The chanting of the prayer to Saraswati will rid them of their ignorance and slow-wittedness. May Saraswati Devi, who destroys ignorance and grants knowledge, shower Her compassion on all of you.
Story of Bhavani
The tenth One Thousand Names of Mother Goddess is that of Bhavani. Let us today learn also about Bhavani Devi. Bhava is in control of the entire world. Since the Mother Goddess is His Energy form, She is called Bhavani. Both the divine Father and the divine Mother have thousands of names. However, the austerity that is taken up to earn the grace of the Lord is known as Siva Deeksha. The austerity followed to earn the grace of Mother Goddess is called Bhavani Deeksha. The scripture Rudrayamalam contains the Bhavani Sahasranama.
Jagat sthitikarīṁ brahma viṣṇu rudrādibhiḥ suraiḥ
Stutāṁ tāṁ paramēśānīṁ naumyahaṁ vighnavāriṇīṁ
Nandikeswara prostrated to Lord Siva who had just then concluded His meditation and was seated in a relaxed manner, and asked, “O Lord of Lords, I have a doubt. I wish to learn a secret from you. Which one of Mother Goddess’s prayers do you chant every day with pleasure? Please reveal this secret to me and clear by doubt.” Lord Siva replied, “Nandi, since you are very virtuous, you have asked a good question at an auspicious time. I will disclose to you the secret that I have not shared even with Lord Subrahmanya.
Once, we, the Trinity, became ignorant as to how to conduct our respective duties of Creation, Sustenance, and Destruction. Then, Parasakti, the Supreme Energy, the basic Energy that supports all the three Gunas, manifested with attributes such as Mahat. She embraced me in the form of Energy. She is the source of all intentions. She is the presiding deity of the Mind. She gives auspiciousness to all. As the Power of Desire, Iccha Sakti, she closed Her eyes and opened them again. With that She got the name Vak which stands for Speech/Communication. She then created all the different forms of sound. From Her emanated Saraswati, the Mother of Vedas and other celestial energies. It is with Her power that we, the Trinity perform our functions of Creation, Sustenance, and Destruction. In reality, it is She who does everything. We are mere figureheads. People, not realizing this, give credit to the Trinity.
Arcitā praṇatā dhyātā sarvabhāva viniścitaiḥ
Ārādhitā stutā saiva sarvasiddhi pradāyinī
When Parasakti is offered prostrations, worship, meditation, adoration, and praise, She grants all types of powers and accomplishments.
When Mother Goddess thus manifested before me as the form of Energy, I praised Bhavani Devi with the One Thousand Names. Even to be able to praise Her thus, Her grace was the cause. She was pleased with my rendition of the One Thousand Names and entered into me. Since then I became very powerful. Once, before the birth of Brahma, by the grace of Parasakti, I did the entire job of Creation myself. It is by the grace of Parasakti, that I was then endowed with the power to create and it is by Her grace that now I have the power to destroy. I constantly chant the one thousand names of Bhavani.” Siva paused.
Nandi Prostrated and prayed, “O Lord, kindly teach me the most secret Bhavani Stotra/prayer.” Then, Lord Siva taught him the entire procedure in detail, including the gestures performed by the hands and the body. He then contemplated on Mother Goddess as follows:
Ardhēndu mauḷi mamalā mamarābhi vandyāṁ
Aṁbhōja pāśa sr̥ṇi rakta kapāla hastāṁ
Raktāngarāga vasanābharaṇāṁ trinētrāṁ
Dhyāyēcchivasya vanitāṁ madavihvalāngīṁ
She wears the half-moon on Her head. She is serene and pure. She is worshipped by the gods. She holds in Her four hands, a lotus, a rope, a goad, and a skull filled with blood. She is wrapped in clothing in a blood-red hue. She has three eyes. One must contemplate upon Bhavani Devi, who is the consort of Siva.
Bhajan: Ksheer Bhavani Sindhuvasini
Bhajan: Amba Bhavani Sarade
Siva thus taught Nandi the way to meditate upon Bhavani Devi, the One Thousand Names, and also the fruit that is obtained by performing this worship. It is said that if one simply calls out, “Bhavani” with devotion, and offers worship, Mother Goddess will shower Her grace. May such an embodiment of compassion be praised by all and may everyone be the recipient of great benefits.
Jvalatkōṭi bālārka bhāsāruṇāngīṁ sulāvaṇya śr̥ngāra śōbhābhirāmāṁ
Mahāpadma kinjalka madhyē virājat trikōṇōllasantīṁ bhajē śrī bhavānīṁ
I worship Bhavani Devi, who is bright with the radiance of millions of Suns with a red glow, and who blesses the worlds with bliss, being most graceful and enchanting in a romantic aspect. She is gloriously brilliant amidst great lotus flowers that surround the triangle.
Sri Guru Datta