Speech of HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji – day 6 Navaratri – Sri Visalakshi Devi – October 18, 2015 – Mysore
Today’s incarnation is Mother Visalakshi. She is the Empress of Kasi. She is also addressed as
Annapurna. Kasi means Jnana, spiritual wisdom. To become fully enlightened, a broad
perspective is essential. Complete faith is required. These two needs are indicated in the
name: Visalakshi.
The name Annapurna implies us that the food we consume forms the basis of the
knowledge we acquire.
One should pray as follows:
O Annapurna, who are none other than Girija Devi, please give food to this hungry devotee.
You are seated at the center stage of the beautiful hall built with marble in the middle of
the wondrous garden filled with Mandara, Kalpavriksha, Harichandana, and Parijata trees.
You have three eyes and your head is decorated with the half moon.
Mother Annapurna not only feeds to fill the stomach, but she also fills the mind and
intellect with Jnana. She gives, not just temporary satiation, but eternal and total
contentment.
The rivers, Varana and Asi represent the two Nadis, Ida and Pingala. Lord Viswanatha is
none other than Paramatma. Mother Visalakshi is Parasakti. If one travels inward through
the Annamaya Kosa, she gives darshan.
Badarika Ashrama is referred to as Visalakshetra. The presiding deity there is Badarivisala.
The entire Himalayan region is Badarika Ashrama, which includes the area of Nepal. That is
why it is essential to know that Mother Visalakshi also resides in the shrine in Nepal.
The Brahmanda Purana, while ascribing deities to the different parts of the human body,
has placed Visalakshi in the eyes. Therefore, both in the physical eyes, and in the inner eye
of wisdom, Mother Visalakshi should be contemplated upon. Her knowledge is not limited
the way our knowledge is. That is why she is called Visalakshi (one with a vast vision). She is
also called Visalakshi because the sun and the moon are her eyes.
Bhajan: Visalakshi Visalakshi pahi mam
O Visalakshi, please protect me. O ruler of Kasi, who is an adept at destroying heaps of sins,
please save me. Because your vision extends both inside and outside you are famous as
Visalakshi. Please watch over me inside and out, and take care of me. Your eyes are wide
because you wish to see Viswanatha, who is everywhere in the world. Please give me
refuge. In order to cast your compassionate glances over the entire Universe, you are
equipped with eyes that have limitless vision. That is why you are Visalakshi. Nada and
Bindu get dissolved in the oneness of Siva and Sakti as they are one, as Parabrahman. You
are none other than that Supreme Principle. O Visalakshi Devi, you are the ocean of Sat,
Chit, and Ananda.
Bhajan: Visalalochane
O Mother with eyes everywhere, you are eager to protect me. You are dear to Maheswara.
You elude those with bad desires. Your effulgence is all-pervasive. You are as beautiful as a
lotus. Your form is unlimited. You control those who are born and those who are unborn.
You are the limitless Consciousness. Yours is the form of Eternal Bliss. Your face is
enchanting with its beautiful smiles. Your eyes have grown wide with wonder at your
husband’s happiness. That is why you are able to envision the entire Creation at all times.
You also grant the inexhaustible treasure called Sat-Chit-Ananda.
Bhajan: Annapurna jnanapurna
Victory to Annapurna who is eternally effulgent. May she be ever victorious. May
Annapurna, who protects Dharma and gives pleasure be ever victorious. May Annapurna
who is pure and auspicious be ever victorious. May Annapurna who is free from desires be
ever victorious. Annapurna ever keeps herself flawless. Feeding the hungry is her vow of
austerity. She is transcendental. She took tough measures to destroy the pride of Vyasa.
She glows with the wealth called Sat-Chit-Ananda.
The sixth incarnation of the Nava Durgas is Katyayani.
Sloka: chandrahasojjwalakaraa
Mother Katyayanee holds the sword Chandrahasa in her hand. She has chosen the lion as
her vehicle. May Katyayanee, the killer of demons help us all. Mother Katyayanee presides
over Goloka. She is most divine. She glows with a golden glow. Her top right hand shows the
gesture of giving protection. The bottom right hand gestures giving boons. The left upper
hand holds the sword, while the left bottom hand holds a lotus. May this Katyayanee Devi
shower her benedictory blessings upon everyone!
Sri Guru Datta
Courtesy: Avadhoota Dattapeetham