Prema Spandana

We see goddess in the garbagudi of the temple…. The sanctum Santorum is called the garba gudi which is the epicentre of the all the cosmic energy ….. The goddess resides in that garbagudi and showers her grace on Her devotees …… The most compassionate mother so desired to love her child possessed garbagudi in herself and kept us in that sanctum Santorum for 9 long months to induce prana and jnana in us . So of all the thousands of names SRI MATHA STANDS FIRST.Any one who reflects the love ,nature of goodness, purity of heart, selfless ……the very nature of sakthi is praised and loved as a mother.

SRI MAHARAJNEE means empress .She is just not the queen but the queen of queens . The empress possess all the power to protect the praja …. People belonging to Her kingdom ….. Let us make Her the empress of our heart and rule the kingdom of our heart .Another beautiful aspect of this Nama is the prefix Sree which significe auspiciousness, wealth and knowledge . She is the MAHARAJNEE of Sree . She only has the power to bestow the ‘Sree’ on someone who has made Her the MAHARAJNEE in the kingdom of one’s heart.

SREE MATSIMHASANESHWARI meaning the one who sits and controls the world seated on a grand throne.
Sree matha who is the personification of love,embraces Her children with love … Also referred to as SREE MAHARAJNEE meaning taking the role of the empress to establish the protection of her subjects …. Now referred to as SRIMATSIMHASANESHWARIThe one seated on a grand throne and rules the world . Sreedevi, seated on the grand throne protects Her children who are very dear to Her .Another perception is simhasaneshwari ….as the one who has the wild ferocious lion ,the king of animals as Her throne. Every creature in the jungle fear lion …. But the power of Devi is that She can even the tame the ferocious wild lion and make it gentle…..this also indicate the one who has taken refuge at her feet …. By Her grace can tame their animal qualities like Kama (lust) krodha(anger) , loba(greed) moha(delusion) mada(pride), matsaryam(jealousy)and can master them so that it doesn’t the harm them and others. She also establishes the fact that anything , anyone ,,, can be won with a simple instrument of love ( prema ) and compassion ( karunyam ) which stands as two eyes of Devi.

CHIDAGNIKUNDASAMBHOOTA can mean One, who emerged from the sacrificial fire of knowledge to dispel the darkness of ignorance. The presence of light undoubtedly implies the absence of darkness. The feeling of ‘I’ akankara confirms the presence of andhakara( darkness).CHIDAGNIKUNDASAMBHOOTA can also be read as Chith – Brahman, pure, Agni – sacrificial fire, Kunda– pot, Sambhootha– emerged, essence composed of.Once Indra and other devas performed the sacrificial yagna praying to Sreedevi to destroy bhandasura. The sacrificial fire raised by them was called chitagni. The devas even offered in the fire their organs , then emerged Sreedevi in response to their prayers . The essence is ,the moment you give up the attachment of your body, the pure form of divinity is emerged .

The fire is the most pure form of energy , it also has the power of making the objects pure when it merges with it . So Sreedevi , emerged from the fire is the purest divine energy.

What is expected to be offered in the yagna ? Is that the material objects like darbha, ghee , rice etc … No no the negative qualities of oneself has to be offered, so as to evolve as a pure soul .

The soul when takes a form on the earth is very pure , but gets tanned by the karma that is performed …. So take refuge on the feet of the one who emerged from the chith- flawless Agni kunda who is the essence of purity … To purify the soul and make it free from the karma so that it can merge with the Brahman .

The one who incarnates to help the devas.

Deva – devathas

Karya – objective, intended to do

Samudyata– risen up against, ready or eager to march against

This namavali praises the Devi , that She incarnates every time to remove the hurdles / grivenances in the path of the devas.

Devas here also refers to those whose deeds confer only goodness, whose deeds are done without any selfish motives, to uplift the innocent,deeds which are done on the path of dharma. Sreedevi manifests Herself to remove the hurdles in the path of such selfless people.

The enimies or the hurdles can also be referred to as the six gunas ( Kama , krodha, lobha, moha, mada, matsarya). Man is battling with these enemies constantly till he reaches the destiny. The one who is shielded by the grace of Devi ,who walks on the path of dharma to reach the divinity,can witness the divinity leading them.

Her luster is equal to rays of thousand rising Suns.

Udyad – Rising Star          

Bhanu – Sun , Master        

Sahasram – Thousand, Infinite     

Abha – Splendor, Blaze

She who shines like a thousand rising Suns. Sun is the most important star that gives life to all the organisms on earth including the plant kingdom . Without which the life on earth cannot sustain. If this is the amount of energy derived from one sun then how to comprehend the energy obtained from thousand of rising suns .She by the rays of Her grace make every living thing even in the deep ocean to survive.

Why She is being referred to as rising sun? As the rising sun announces the dawn of the day , start of the life after the samadhi state of sleep . She blesses Her devotees, gives them one more day to realize their flaws ,help the needy, and thank Her for the opportunity .

Another significance of this nama is one can comfortably enjoy the glory of rising Sun rather than any part of the day . The rising graciously reduces the heat energy and emanates the light .Similarly Sreedevi , even though possess the valor of thousand rising suns, yet easily be attained and enjoyed with pure unsullied love .

Abha also refers to the crimson color which significe graciousness and kindness .

The luster of the Sun is blemish less, it does not fade away with time and season . The glory of Sreedevi is such that nothing can be compared and none can comprehend.

The one who possess four hands

Chatur – Four                      

Bahu – Arm                    

Samanvita – Connected, Possessing

Sreedevi has four hands two arising from each shoulder .

The four commandants of devi’s army ashwaruda, sampatkaree, mantrinee, and varahee may be considered as the four hands of Devi.

Sreedevi is so compassionate that when a devotee is in distress , she would run for rescue not with one hand but with infinite hands. When a pure hearted devotees cries for help one hand comes foremost to wipe the tears , the other immediately to pull him out of distress, or remove the cause of distress, the third to bring the necessary remedy to alleviate the distress and the fourth to ensure and protect till the remedy gives solace to the distressed . All happening simultaneously at a unimaginable pace and in a inexplicable way which we call a miracle . Let us pray to Her that we experience Such divine play – so called miracle to strengthen our faith in Her.

When we feel so warm and cosy when the two arms of the mother (physical level) embraces us. No words can express the feel of comfort ness when all the four hands embrace when we are in pain.

Hands are the most important organs in the body to express the feelings and the emotions of oneself. When it starts working towards oneself it becomes selfishness. But when it is outstretched for others then it becomes selflessness.

RAGA – Desire

SVAROOPA – Similar to     

PASHA – rope.    

The one who carries the weapon of desire in the form of a noose.

Noose is the knot formed at the end of the rope to hold and drag the distant object near to oneself. In Shirdi Sai satcharitha Swami says that ‘ my devotes from any distance even a thousand koss away from Me, will be drawn to Shirdi like a sparrow, with a thread tied to its feet’

Those who have steadfast faith in Her will be drawn to Her by her abundant grace.

Things which are dear to heart , farther away ,are drawn and pulled near to us . So let’s pray that we be caught in the noose held by Her .

If we watch the bullock cart the rope tied to the nose of the bull, held by the person who is riding on that takes the complete control over the animal . The bull doesn’t deviate from the path, same way Sreedevi holding the weapon in the form of noose protects and ensures that we tread on the path of dharma.

The noose also holds the objects tighter and makes it motionless , when the rope is pulled tight. This also significe that those who has taken refuge in Her have their mind fixed on Her without wandering on transient worldly pleasures.

KRODHAKARANGKUSHOJVALA meaning Her lustre is enhanced by holding the Goad, symbolising anger. Goad is a pointed weapon used by the mahout to control an elephant. It is extremely difficult to control the wild and vicious elephant. When it becomes rogue it separates itself from the herd and destroys the self and everything around it .This is compared to the mind in anger. If you observe an elephant it does not stay still. It sways its body constantly , a state of restlessness . Same way the mind of the Human always sways between good and bad , trying to convince itself and others according to the situation . When it is inflicted by krodha (anger) and desire ( Kama) it behaves like a rogue elephant destroying everything including the one possessed of it. It is extremely difficult to control the wild elephant . The mahout gives a small prick with the goad to control the elephant .

Whenever our mind starts obeying the commands of senses like anger , desire , lust , jealousy etc it looses it’s identity, and gets influenced by it. Sreedevi , the most compassionate, who is holding the Goad , controls it by a small prick. This is what we often call it as a ‘TEST’. The sharp pain caused by it bring the mind to true realisation and help the devotee to sail-over the hurdle. But do not worry the moment you realise your mistake She would hold you close to her bosom to soothe the pain caused by the prick . So remember whenever you get a “TEST “it is reminder that your mind is unstable. So never get afraid of tests , it is the way the divine controls our mind and takes us on right path.

MANOROOPEKSHUKODANDA meaning she holds the bow made of sugarcane – the physical form of mind .

Manorupe – character of mind.

Ikshu – sugarcane    

Kodhanda – bow                      

Mind involves both sankalpa and Vikalpa sankalpa – meaning resolving to do an action and processing the thought. vikalpa ,meaning which has conflicting or opposite thoughts . The thoughts arising from the mind is translated as actions by the five sense organs .

We wonder why Sreedevi holds a bow made of sugarcane . The bow is usually made of the wood that bends well, on the contrary the bow made of sugarcane is very stern and stiff as it has more moisture (juice) in it. Here the bow is compared to the mind . And the thoughts arising from the mind is compared to the juice obtained from the sugarcane. The significance of sugarcane is ,even when you crush it, you get the sweet juice. Like wise those who have surrendered themselves at the lotus feet of Lalitha will have a steady mind like the stem of sugarcane and the thoughts which are translated in to action will be very nectarine . Such is the glory of the Mother .

Another perception is only when the mind is subjected to various kinds of sadhana ( spiritual practices) the nectarine divinity is evolved . Just the mere possession of mind cannot confer Brahman . It needs to go through the process of refinement. The very nature of mind is to have the conflicting thoughts,….Am I right or not? Will I get or not? Can I do this or not? All the thoughts are not executed as action, and one must not do that as well. The answer to all these thoughts can be obtained by asking oneself ‘ Is this action of mine will please my Divine Mother? This would process the mind and the thoughts arising from that would be pure ,divine ,harmless and nectarine.

The one who has five characteristics as arrow.

Pancha – five elements

Tanmatra – subtle element 

Sayaka – arrow 

The previous Nama described devi holding a bow made of sugarcane , which is the form of mind. This namavali describes Devi, using five types of flower, each having a distinct characteristics like inducing happiness, to give taste, to enthrall , to dry out and to annihilate as arrows. The subtle form of these arrows are called ”tantraas’ which are associated with five characters and five elements constituting the physical earth .

Akasa – Sound

Wind/Air – Sense of touch

Fire – Form

Water – Taste

Earth – Odour.

The five elements also preaches the subtle characteristics one should recognize and realise and imbibe.

AKASA – always aim at a higher goals , the supreme. This greater height can only be achieved with a help of a guru who guides us on the path to merge with the supreme .

The suble character of AKASA is sound . So hear the cry of the less fortunate, hear only the good, hear the name of God, hear the words that calms the mind.It also implies that we too speak soft words , so that it echoes ,and produces positive vibrations every where.

WIND/AIR -the all pervasive , which supplies prana to all being including the plant kingdom ,without which the photosynthesis can not take place . One cannot see the wind / air. but it is the one which induce energy or prana and forms the lifeline of every being . Same way be humble and inconspicuous ,and do not be boastful and take the credit of doership.

Thesubtle element is of wind is the sense of touch, which decides the transformation of self, reach out to the innocent, hold and uplift them. Touch their lives with your compassion.

FIRE -the most powerful and ferocious ,depends on where it exits . If seen shining at the tip of lamp in the altar it is symbol of divinity . If seen wild in the forest it is symbol of destruction .Fire also symbolises purity . So be watchful about the thoughts , words and deeds as it can cause tremendous changes .

The subtle element of fire is rupa / form . One must see / witness only good things . Always see the spark of divinity in all .

WATER – it is unique , as it keeps constantly running / moving to its destination ( merging with sea) .On its ways it hits the rocks, falls from the heights takes a twist and turn to find its way,adapts itself to different circumstances yet flourishes the land and nourishes the beings. So even in mundane world focus on the final destination. The suble element of water is taste -where one gets easily tempted. . Develop taste for healthy,harmless and pure objects.

EARTH – which symbolizes patience and forbearance . Even if someone tries to harm you do good to them as

“Love lives by giving and forgiving – Baba”

The subtle element of earth is odour . One can distinguish the good and rotten from the odour emanated from it. One gets attracted by the pleasant odour given out by the object. If you develop good and divine nature you automatically attract the goodness .

One who holds the feet of Devi can win over the hurdles on the way and reach the target as the arrow released from the bow.

Once narrated by Bhagwan Baba , the archer pulls the arrow very close to him before releasing it. The more the closer the arrow is pulled to the heart , greater the distance it travels to fulfill the aim of the archer. Likewise pray to Her to be a worthy instrument in Her hand .

Nijaruna – Red

Prabha – Illumination

Poorna – Complete / Full

Majjad – Masked

Brahmanda mandala – Universe consisting of millions of galaxies

The meaning of this Nama is one who immerse the zones of galaxy by the flow of Her luster . Our earth ,space, and the stellar zone constitute one galaxy (Brahmandam). This Universe (Brahmandamandalam) consists of many such galaxies. Devi sinks this entire universe in Her red lustre .

The Red colour of Devi , that signifies the auspiciousness is reflected in the entire universe which also subtly implies that she pervades the entire cosmos. She is present in every atom of cosmos and every atom is present in Her . The omnipresent omnipotent omniscient nature of Devi is understood .

Red is the colour associated with love . As She is the very embodiment of love, the essence and the nature of Her love is inexplicable .

Red also cautions oneself about the impending danger . She protects the entire cosmos and alerts them about the hurdles and helps to cross over that safely.

By making the entire cosmos to reflect Her red lustre , which resembles the beautifully decorated red carpet , She welcomes, every soul that strives to attain the highest goal .

CHAMPAK-ASOKA-PUNNAGA-SOUGANDHITHA-LASAT-KACHA

Champakam – Type of fragrant flower             

Asoka – Type of fragrant flower

Punnaga – Type of fragrant flower     

Sougandha – Type of fragrant flower         

Kasa – Hair                               

One who has beautiful hair studded with four types of fragrant flowers like champakam, ashokam ,punnagam, sougandhitham.

These flowers get their fragrance because they were adorned in the hair of the supreme. How fortunate are these flowers to be a part of Her alankara. Even though they take a birth in the lower hierarchy of living beings they attain the supreme due to purity. Same way the flute in the hands of Krishna , the celestial veena in the hands of Mother Saraswathi. Why not the human with all the senses and intelligence strive to be a worthy instrument in the divine hands.

The hair of Devi is very black as that of the smoke . As she emerged from the sacrificial fire .The smoke that emanated first became the locks of hair of Devi.

Black can absorb all the light and contains them within. Likewise Devi’s hair is black as it conceals every aspect of this cosmos.

Devi constantly removes ahankara meaning ego which is nothing but andhakara darkness , from the heart of Her devotees and locks them in Her hair. That could be a reason for imparting the black colour to Her hair. The ignorance and the ego gets stuck in the curls of Her hair , so that it doesn’t slip down and enter back in to the heart of Her devotees. How to explain the love of Mother Lalitha.?

Kuruvindha – Ruby

Mani – Precious stone

Shreni – Very precious

Kotira – Hair

Manditha – Adorned

The hair of Devi is decorated with the crown which of kootera model ( it is a particular design which does not hide the beauty of hair and the flowers adorned ) which is studded with ruby stones.

Ruby is considered to be the magnificent of all gems, the queen of stones. It surpass all the other precious stones in virtue and value. It symbolizes the sun . No doubt as Devi emanated from the fire , shines and immerses the entire cosmos in her red lustre the gem decorating the crown also matches Her lustre.

The vibrant red rays radiating from the ruby stimulates the base chakra increase life force energy and brings a sense of power , self confidence,and determination. Ruby’s intense energy sharpens the mind, bringing a heightened awareness and excellent concentration. No doubt Ruby has gained so much of excellence only because it has been a part of her crown. A mere stone can become very precious ,because of its association with the divine . So let us constantly get associated with the divine in thought (samaranam), word (archanam),deed (Seva) so that we can uplift ourselves from the state of mere stone to a precious gem.

Ashtami – The eight phase of the moon

Chandra – Moon

Vibrajadha – Streak

Akila – Forehead

Sthala – Place

Shobitha – Splendid, embellished by

One whose forehead shines like the moon on the eight day .

The moon on the eighth day after the new moon or full moon is called ashtami. This day marks the mid day between the full moon and new moon day and vice versa. On this particular day the moon has even curves on both the sides . This crescent shaped moon is compared to the forehead of Devi. Moon gives out brilliant light in the darkness. The light emanating from moon is very cool and soothing . If we meditate upon the face of Sreedevi the darkness of ignorance is dispelled by the Rays of love flowing incessantly from her.

Chandra – Moon

Kalanga – Stain

Mruganka – The stain in moon sometimes resembling the deer

Viseshaka – Distinguishing

Mukachandra – Kalankabha-mruganabhi-viseshaka

The bindi (musk dot) on the forehead of Devi resembles the black spot on the surface of the moon and it further beautifies the face .

The forehead of the Devi is compared to the eight phase of the moon in the previous Nama . Here going in to the detail the moon is supposed to have a stain on it sometimes it looks like a deer and sometimes like a rabbit. But the black stain is considered to be a flaw . Since Devi’s forehead is compared to the moon , the black spot of the moon is compared to the bindi which is a musk dot , this bindi is supposed to enhance the beauty of Her face.

The red spot on the forehead of Devi further adds to the beauty as she is nithyasumangali .

The spot between the eyebrows where the bindi is worn is said to be the sixth chakra , ANJA CHAKRA the seat of concealed wisdom . The bindi is said to retain energy and strengthen concentration . The bindi can also represent the third eye as she is shiva sakthi swaroopa.

In meditation the very spot between the eyebrows is where one focuses the sight. The reason for images of Buddha or Hindu divinities in meditative pose with their eyes nearly closed show the gaze focussed between the eyebrows .

The science of yoga informs that this ajna chakra is connected with the sacred syllable OM . Activation of this centre , the aspirant overcomes AHAMKARAM or ego which is the last hurdle on the path of spirituality.

Meditate on Her who is capable of granting the supreme bliss by removing all the hurdles on the way.

Vadhana – Face

Smara – Kama dheva/ recollecting

Mangalya – Auspicious

Gruha – House

Thorana – Hestooned decorations over doorways

Chillika – Eyebrows

One whose eyebrows look like festoons in front of cupids house , whose beauty is compared to the beauty of Devi’s face.

Cupid constructed a palace recollecting the beauty of Devi’s face. Can anything in this cosmos match the beauty of Matha?

Manmatha is supposed to induce love or desire in one’s heart by the bow made of sugarcane and the arrows of flowers . Looks like Goddess Lalitha has snatched the bow and arrow from Kamadeva so that he no more plunges Her devotees in to the ocean of desire .(Nama 10 and 11 describes about this) How to express the unparalleled compassion of Devi? So kamadeva to carry out the auspicious activities constructed a palace resembling the beauty of Devi’s face .Any beauty in this world can fade away with time but the beauty of Devi can win the passage of time. The festoons hung at the entrance announces the auspiciousness of the place. It also adds beauty to it and also brings good vibrations . The same way the eyebrows of Devi is bent so gracefully. It resembles the festoons hung at the entrance.

The leaves of mango tree and coconut trees are widely used as festoons at the entrance and also used as a part of decorations of the God’s altar . During auspicious events a large number of people gather and the reason for using green mango leaves are ,they continue the process of photosynthesis for many hours even after they are plucked from the tree . These leaves are used as festoons to take up the carbon dioxide and give away oxygen thereby energizing the surroundings. How people were aware of the slogan GO GREEN even thousands of years ago. Let’s adapt and follow the teachings of our culture.

Vaktra – Face

Lakshmee – Splendor

Parivaaha – Course of water

Meenabha – Similar to fish

Lochana – Eyes

One whose eyes look like fish swimming in the stream of beauty of Devi’s face.

Here the face of Devi is compared to the stream which constantly undergoes momentary changes. And the eyes of Devi is compared to fish swimming in that stream. Fish by nature moves very quickly. Similarly the eyes of Devi moves rapidly so that she can shower Her grace on the entire universe.

The body of the fish has even curves on either side , similarly Devi’s eyes have even curves that enhances the beauty of the face.. The eyes are the mirror to show the inner feelings. Devi’s eyes are so filled with compassion which augment the beauty of the face.

The fish has an unique quality of hatching the eggs by mere glance , similarly Devi nurtures the entire universe just by her mere glance.

It is a belief that one undergoes suffering when he/ she is afflicted by BAD DRISHTI . so elders constantly advice not to fall prey for such bad drishti. If you are shielded by the DRISHTI of Lalitha , what can any bad drishti do? In turn the negative energy gets deflected. To get that DRISHTI of Her’s , please indulge in constant remembrance of Devi or at least one of Her thousands names.

Our eyes are constantly bathed by the tears secreted by the tear glands. This moistens the eyes. So it is very appropriate to compare the eyeball to fish which thrives only in water.

Of all the organs in our body ,the eyes stands for benevolence. If any other organ suffers pain or trauma, the eyes shares the grief by shedding tears. If someone is in ecstasy too the eyes shed tears of joy to show the happiness.

One may not speak out the emotions, but the tears shed by the eyes would stand as a testimony. How to explain the power of Her love , it has to be experienced.

Navachampaka- pusphabha-nasadhanda-virajitha

Nava – new

Champaka – champaka 

Puspha – flower 

Nasa – nose

Virajitha – splendor

One whose nose is like a fresh newly blossomed champaka flower. The newly blossomed champaka flower gives out the excellent fragrance . Nava can also mean very tender and half blossomed bud. Champaka flowers has a very long slender petals. Champaka is also one of the five flower arrows held by Devi. It is also considered as one of the important flower used for the worship of Shiva. As it carries the splendour of Devi in it , Lord Shiva is very pleased when worshipped by this flower.

Tarakanti- tiraskari- nasabharana- bhasura

Tara – Star

Kanthi – Splendor

Tiraskar – Treasure

Nasa – Nose

Bharana – Adorning/ wearing

Bhasura -Radiant/ shining

One whose nose ring that challenges the lustre of the stars.

The nose stud is made of rubies and pearls . The brilliance of these stones surpass the most brightly shining stars . The brilliance of Devi’s nose ring serves as a beacon for the wandering ships on the sea in the night .probably that’s the reason the brilliance of the nose stud is compared to stars . Secondly the wandering ships are none other than the human who are caught on the sea of desire, attachment, ego and pleasure and so on which causes darkness and make the ship to struggle to tide over and reach the destination. To ensure safe landing it is just enough of us to earn the ray of grace emanating from her nose ring .

Tara also denotes the stars Mars and Venus . Ruby is the stone for Mars and pearl is the stone for Venus. The nose of Devi is adorned by these stars . If you are holding Her lotus feet and yearning for Her grace and protection . The streaks of love would ward off the evil effects of these two planets . ( If you look at anyone near your feet the light rays from eyes would traverse the nose) The planets unable to withstand the brilliance of Devi’s compassion finally give up and loses its negative effects. Hold on to the feet of Devi to cross the sea of worldly pleasure.

Kadamba- manjaree- klupta-karna poora- manohara

Kadamba – Kadamba flowers.

Manjaree – Cluster of blossoms / flower

Lupta – Steals

Karna – Ear

Poora – Filling/Covering

Manohara – Fascinating.

One who wears a bunch of kadamba flowers in Her ears and steals the heart of everyone with Her beauty.

The kadamba trees beautifies the garden of Sreedevi’s abode chintamani gruha. She plucks the cluster of flowers from the kadamba tress and adorns her ears . Kadamba flowers are known to spread a sweet mesmerizing fragrance . How fortunate are these flowers to become the part of Sreedevi’s alankara… even though they are short lived , the purpose of the life is accomplished because of their association with the divine . The presence of such divinely fragrance is an acknowledgment of the omnipresence of Devi. This is the reason for using incense sticks , dhoop and other fragrant materials to form the part of worship . Also the fragrance emanated such material ward off the negative energies and helps the devotee to converge his / her thought and mind to feel the oneness with Her.

Tatanka- yugalee – bhoota – taponodupa- mandala

Tatanga – Earnings

Yugalee – Pair of

Bhootha – Become/consisting of

Tapa – Sun

Mandala – Disk(esp sun, moon)

One who wears the Sun and moon as two large earrings.

Tatanga is a type of circular ornament worn in ears by married women in those days . This is considered very auspicious as Sri Shankara has also made special reference about it as , since Sree devi wore this glorious ornament Tatanga, it nullified the effect of Hala-hala poison consumed by Lord Shiva . When the ksheerasagara was churned to obtain Amrita which bestows a long healthy life. Firstly the hala-hala poison emerged which was consumed by Lord Shiva.Even though the Devas partook the amrutha that emerged thereafter from ksheerasagara , they all died, including Brahma and Indra at the time of great dissolution. But Shiva has no death, as Devi is nithyasumangali who wears this Tatanga ornament. Such is the glory of Tatanga.

What can befit to become the earrings of Devi other than the Sun and moon who are the cause of the sustenance of life on earth. The movement/ appearance of these heavenly bodies decides the passage of day , the occurrence of day and night . So Devi wears them as Her earrings so the emergence of these heavenly bodies depends on the slightest movement of Sree Devi’s face . She is the energy to motivate the entire universe. The slightest movement of Her’s decides the movement of moon, planets , waves , wind , fluttering of wings ,the wink of our eye, and the breath that we take ….and every other object in this cosmos as She is the inner Sakthi generating power in every atom.

Padmaraga – Sapphire

Shila – Red arsenic

Aadarsha – Mirror

Paribhavith – Prevade

Kapola – Cheek

Bhoohu – Existing

One whose cheeks are most wonderful than a glass made of Padmaraga ( sapphire)

The cheeks of Devi is very smooth like a mirror made of the most rare red sapphire gem. The cheeks reflect the red radiance as the sun and moon which form the earrings further illuminates the beauty of Devi.

Why does the cheeks of Devi turn red in colour ?

Is it because red is the colour associated with love , as She is the embodiment of love Her cheeks too reflect the colour .

The beauty of Devi drifts the attention of Her beloved consort Lord Shiva, bringing a blush to Her cheeks and turning it red.

Devi even though a loving Mother, does not tolerate unrighteousness , She incarnates Herself to annihilate the demon. This causes the face of Devi to shine in brilliant red .

Devi evolved from the chitangi kunda or the sacrificial fire, resumed the red colour which shines brightly due to the reflection of sun and moon worn as earrings.

navavidruma- bhimbasree- nyakkāri- dashanacchadā

Nava – New/ fresh

Vidruma – Corals

Bhimbha – Bhimba fruit

Shree – Adorable

Radhanacchadha – Lip

When we split the letters it becomes radhanacchadha.

One whose lips challenge the lustre of fresh corals and the bhimbha ( kovai in tamil ) fruit.

The bhimbha fruit when ripe is red in colour and when you slit it the seeds appears white, same way when Devi smiles the white teeth shines like a glittering star ,further enhancing the beauty of Her .

Devi’s lips are compared to the fresh corals that are present in the deep sea. Corals are very significant for the fishes as they lay the eggs in them and play a crucial role in the lives of marine organisms. Like wise contemplating on the smiling face of Devi will energize and confers all kinds of wealth in the life of Her devotees.

shuddha- vidyāngkurākāra- dvijja– pankti–dwayoojjwala

Shuddha – pure

Vidhyangkura – sprout of knowledge

Ukāra – letter or sound

Dvijja – twice born

Pankti – set of row of

Jwala – shine

One whose rows of teeth shine like a shuddha Vidhya meaning pure knowledge.

Shuddha Vidhya refers to a superior shodasakshari mantra . It consists of 16 letters or bheejas . The other meaning of bheejas is seeds. Each seed when sprouts has two leaves so 16*2=32 . Which represents the 32 teeth .

Dvajja means born twice. Man ,first born from the womb of mother and the second time when initiated in to jnana( quest of truth) when upanayanam is done.. Women first born from the womb of mother and second when married to someone where her gothra ( clan) changes. Likewise teeth is also born twice the milk teeth which has an unsteady roots , replaced by the permanent teeth where the roots penetrate deep to strengthen it . Why the teeth of Devi is compared to the knowledge ? She is the Vakdevi who can bestow the pure knowledge on us. The teeth are very important to pronounce the mantras clearly. No wonder each letter of the shodasakshari mantra represents Her teeth .

Out of two jaws the upper jaw is immovable/ or permanently fixed. This also represents the Paramathma and the lower jaw as jeevathma which moves constantly. Even though they look separated at the outset the bones at the point of intersection are fused together . So paramatha and jeevathma are one and the same . So it is a constant attempt for the jeevathma to attain Paramathma or the supreme. When that state is attained that is when the lower jaw joins with the upper jaw there is absolute silence or the peace experienced. The upper jaw can also be compared to bakthi and the lower jaw to the karma which in constant motion. The food or the worldly impulses are ground by the teeth or sudha Vidhya so that the essence or the most absorbable form of divinity which induces prana or the energy is obtained.I submit my sathakoti salutations at Her lotus feet . Samantha Loka sukhino bhavanthu

Karpooraveetikāmoda–samakarshi–digandhara

Karpoora – Camphor

Veetika – The small pack of betel leaf with mixed herbs.

Moda – Joy

Samakarshi – The far spreading odour

Dik – All four directions

Digambara – All the intervening directions such as southeast , southwest etc.

One who attracts the four directions towards Her by the pleasant aroma of the betel ( thamboolam) emanating from Her lotus like mouth.

In the 24 th Namavali the beauty of the lips of mother Lalitha has been described as lustrous red that challenges the bimba fruit or the fresh corals. The chewing of the betel leaf could also be a reason to impart the gorgeous red colour to the lips.

The thamboolam is considered most sacred in Hinduism . It is believed that goddess Lakshmi resides in betel leaf that is reason the thamboolam is very important component of every ritual . It is also a very sacred object from the commencement till the end of marriage (which is very important for the sustenance of race in earth). The process starts with an agreement of marriage ( called nichiya thamboolam) where the arrangements for the wedding starts and after the wedding is over the guests are given thamboolam as a token of acknowledgement of their presence .

When a puja is done at home after all the naivedhyam is offered , thamboolam follows. Thamboolam has a unique property to digest the food we eat and also adds the freshness to the breathe. Thamboolam consists various ingredients , green betel leaf representing the green vegetation, brown betel nut the earth, the white lime the aakasa. The other herbs which are the subtle elements on earth when Devi chews them together with the teeth of suddhavidhya ,when mixed with saliva representing the water, the essence of pure love again red in colour is obtained . Whatever be the differences in the material of thamboolam with respect to colour, texture , etc the final essence obtained is love. When the juice of love is evolved the fragrance is so mesmerizing that attracts all the living being from all the eight directions towards Her.

Nija- sallapa– madurya–vinirbhartsita–kacchapee

Nija – Inborn / innate

Aalapa – Talk/ melody

Maadhurya – Sweetness

Nirbhartsit – Surpass

Kacchapee – Veena in the hands of Saraswathi

One whose sweet voice surpass the melody of the string instrument veena, held by goddess Saraswathi.

Kacchapee is the name of veena held by Goddess Saraswathi. When any instrument is played only the sound is heard but the significance of kacchapee is that the lyrics of the song is also heard , as it is played by Vakdevi who is the embodiment of knowledge and music , in other words the veena sings in melody . But the voice of Sreedevi is more melodious that can surpass the sweetness of kacchapee.

Words arise from thoughts. As Sreedevi is embodiment of love, the melody of Her voice and the sweetness of the words are nothing but the reflection of supreme love. Can anything compete with sweetness of Her voice, even the celestial veena becomes mute longing to hear the voice of Sreedevi.

mandhasmitha- prabhāpoora-majjatkamesha-mānasā

Mandhasmitha – Gentle smile

Prabha – Beauty / splendour

Poora – Fullfilling/ making full

Majjat – Drown/ plunge in to

Mānasā – Mind

One who overwhelms Sreekameshwara’s mind with Her beautiful gentle smile.

1. A gentle smile or mandhasmitha means smiling without the teeth being visible. In lalithopakyana it is described that when Lalitha emerged from chitangikunda and being crowned as empress the devas were confused who can be made as Her consort. The only eligible groom was none other than Lord shiva . But devas were perplexed as His appearance-knotted hair, covered with tiger’s skin, besmeared His body with ash and wearing snakes as jewels was in no way matching the beauty of Lalitha. So Lord Shiva took a beautiful form of Kameshwara. Sreedevi swung the garland , declaring that He on whose neck the garland falls would be Her consort, and it fell on Sreekameshwara’s neck. This brought a smile on Devi’s face which drowned Sreekameshwara.
2. Sreekameshwara engrossed in Her beauty made Her sit on His lap . Devi was feeling shy and acknowledged the Kameshwara’s love with a mandhasmitha – gentle smile.MAJJAT means sinking … Shiva wants to get sunk in Her beauty but still doesn’t want to miss the opportunity of adoring the most adorable. Hence the word sinking is used .
3. Who on earth can resist the beauty of Lalitha . Her captivating beauty fills everyone’s mind with love and joy. Beauty is perishable with time .but the beauty of Sreedevi can challenge the passage of time. Sreekameshwara drowns everyone in desire but Sreedevi’s beauty is very superior that even Sreekameshwara is drowned in her beauty.Words fall short to describe the beauty of Devi.

ANĀKALITA- SĀDRUSHYA- CHIBUKA- SHREE-VIRAJITA

One who shines by virtue of the incomparable beauty of chin.

Chibuka means chin . Even vagdevatas could not find similes to describe the beauty of Her chin.
Chin ,according to the modern researches is very important in shaping the mouth that helps in the assistance of speech . The clarity of speech depends upon the proper anatomy of the chin . As mother Lalitha is the head of vagdevis She possesses the most beautiful chin . Also chin strengthens the lower jaw and helps in the mastication of food . In 25 th nama SHUDDHAVIDYĀNGKURĀKĀRADVIJAPANKTIDWAYOOJJWALĀ, we learnt the food or the worldly impulses are ground by the teeth or sudha Vidhya so that the essence or the most absorbable form of divinity which induces prana or the energy is obtained.
Also chin decides the shape of the face . When it becomes the part of our Mother’s sundara vadana , do we have any words to describe its beauty.

kamesha–baddha–māngalya–sutra–shobhitha–kandhara

Kamesha – Lord Shiva

Baddha – Tied/ fastened

Māngalya sutra – Mangalyam which is tied around the neck of the bride by the groom to announce the completion of marriage.

Shobhitha – Splendid

Kandhara – Neck

One whose neck is so beautiful by the auspicious string (mangalyam) tied by Sreekameshwara at the time of wedding.

Sreedevi is Nithyasumangali , who is always a sumangali, wearing the māngala sutra . Although She emerged out of chidagni kunda already wearing the mangala sutra, the devas wanted to witness the divine wedding and made Lord Shiva to tie the mangala sutra again on Sreedevi.

The celestial marriage of Sreedevi and Kameshwara significe the Union of parkruthi with the purusha . To mark the completion of the wedding Sreekameshwara tied the divine ( the other word for divine is mangalyam) thread around the neck of Sreedevi. Shiva , so fascinated by the beauty of Devi , desired to marry Her. Lord Shiva who annihilates desire to ashes has probably given a lease of life to Cupid and became the target of the arrows of Cupid to marry Sreedevi.

Poet kalidasa in his poem ‘vagarthaviva sambruthou ……. ‘ he describes the Union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi is like the word and the meaning , so intimate , one cannot exist without the other , and placed his salutations at the feet of universal parents, which also implies the universe emerged from them . In this Kaliyuga our beloved Bhagawan Baba ( who is embodiment of Shiva sakthi ) gave an opportunity to the children to witness the celestial divine wedding of universal parents Lord Shiva and Parvathi at His divine abode.

Kanakāngada– keyura–kamanīya– bhujānvitha

Kanaka – Golden bangles

Aangadha, keyura – Bracelets for the hands and shoulders respectively

Kamaniya – charming

Bhujanvitha – the arm covered with

One whose shoulders and arms are adorned by golden bracelets .

Aangadha and keyura are the ornaments adorning the arms of Devi. Keyura is to add beauty and aangadha to act as a shield for shoulders and arms of warriors.as Sreedevi is a queen she is adorned with these ornaments.

Bangles are one of the auspicious accessories worn by the married women . The tingling sound produced by the bangles keep the negative energies at bay and since the bangles are worn in the wrist , where the pulse of the body is felt it regulates the blood flow in the body and increases the positive energy in them .

The veena of goddess Saraswathi becomes silent ,longing to hear the sweetness of Sreedevi’s words which is like a divine music, as an accompaniment the bangles produce the jingling music to add to the splendour.

The bangle also signifies an important principle of spirituality. The bangle is round in shape it has no beginning or end , or rather the starting and the ending point are one and the same . So we come from divinity and merge back in that. It is an constant reminder of the divine principle .

Are the bangles worn to beautify Her arms? No no. The bangles are beautified after adorning the arms of the Devi. How blessed are the bangles to be a part of the divinity.

Ratna–graiveya–chintāka–Lola–mukthā–phalanvitha

Ratna – Gem

Graiveya – Necklace

Chintāka – One who thinks or reflects upon

Lola – Swinging

Mukthā – Liberated

Phalanvitha – Bestower of the fruit of action or consequences of one’s action

One who wears a necklace with a pendant studded with precious gems and garland of pearls.

Everyone one is born with a kandamala not made of gold or pearls but the mala of the consequences of deeds of the previous birth in other words karma of the past .

The necklace of Devi is made of strings of pearls . Pearls have a unique property . Unlike the other gem they are produced physiologically and not geological in nature .The oyster constantly drain nutrients from water and continuously make effort in the formation of pearl. Such formed pearls are worthy to adorn the Devi’s neck . Like wise we need to develop the love for Her and over a period of time with constant effort offer the pure heart which shines like a blemishless pearl .

The pendants which are tied to the strings of pearls often oscillate . This oscillation can be compared to the choice of good and bad, divine and worldly, truth and false . Devi rewards the devotees according to the steadiness of their faith, the phrase phalānvitha refers to the grace of Devi would be bestowed according to the devotion. The grace of Devi is showered like a rain . The quantity of water collected depends on the size of the vessel one holds same ways according to the depth of devotion and steadiness of mind one gets benefitted with Her grace. Let’s us strive to make ourselves worthy of receiving Her grace in abundance.

Here there are three types of devotees who are been described

1. Chintāka– who keeps chanting Her name and thinking about the the worldly things . These devotees hold a vessel upside down and complain that the vessel in empty or not received Her grace at all.
2. Lola– whose thoughts keeps oscillating between good and bad or thinking about Her when the divine intervention is sought most and then again indulge in to unrighteousness. These people hold a vessel with a big crack underneath where they cannot completely enjoy Her grace.
3. Mukthā– one whose thought , word , and deed are in unison , directed towards winning the grace of Her. They are fully drenched in the showers of Her grace.

Let’s strive to unite our thought , word and deed to win Her grace.

Kāmeeshwara–premaratna–maniprathi–panasthanee

Kameshwara – Lord Shiva

Prema – Affection / love

Ratna – Gem

Mani – Precious jewel

Prathi – For/ in favor of

Pana – Reward

Sthana – Breast

One who offers Her bosoms as price ( or in exchange) for the gem of love of Sreekameshwara.

Sreekameshwara’s love is so precious that none of the rarest precious gem can be compared, to gain that love .Sreedevi offered the most precious bosoms . The udder of the cow or the bosoms of the compassionate lady is considered very holy or divine and precious as it gives the first nourishment in perfect balance ,needed for the life ,that enters the world .None of the royal food can be compared to the milk secreted from the bosoms of the mother to nurture Her children. It was only that nourishment received by the child from the mother would serve as the frame work of one’s nutrition for life.

The bosoms are considered very precious as it binds the divine Mother with Her nursing child. We all are helpless like just born infant in the hands of Divine Mother and She compassionately nourishes both the soul and body with her unparalleled love.

Sreedevi is so loving , that you offer Her a flower of love she doubly rewards you with Her grace.

Nābhyālavala–Romali–latā–phala–kuchadvayee

Nābhyāla – Sprung from or being in the navel.

Vala – Hair

Romali – Line of hair

Latā – Creeper

Phala – Fruit

Kucha – Bosoms of female

Dvayee – Pair of

Sreedevi’s bosoms are like the fruits in a creeper ( line of hair) arising from the naval.

The significance of this Nama lies on the exploring the spiritual insight of naval and heart chakra . Meditating on the heart chakra moving the kundalini from the naval chakra, confers the fruit of meditation.

In kundalini there are seven chakras each of them is a store house of energy supplying the physical, mental, and emotional demands of the body . Once the kundalini is awakened it activates and connects all the chakras to the all pervading divine love.

The Nabhi chakra when enlightened gives us unconditional generosity, complete contentment and profound inner peace. It also confers a new state of spiritual awareness and self realization. The keyword for Nabhi chakra is ‘satisfaction’. This contentment on the worldly desires or in other words “ceiling on desires “ helps us to improvise our inner self and practicing this raises the energy to next level called ANAHAT OR HEART CHAKRA within which the pure atma or self resides. The quality of heart chakra is pure, unconditional love which is the very quality of the divine mother. The love emanating from the atma is selfless and expects nothing in return. It is very important to keep it clean as it is the entry point to the superconsciousness , where the kundalini escapes and merges with the all pervading power of divine love.

The emotional quality attributed to the Nabhi chakra is peace . When one strive to attain the innermost peace , there is no imbalance in the physical and emotional attributes of oneself. More over the naval is considered as the centre of the body where the nerves to all the parts of the body gets congregated. Naval is also very significant as it serves as a conduit between the foetus and the mother . This is the kind of relationship where every devotee is connected with the divine mother and contemplating on her gives the feel of security at every level physical , emotional and spiritual which is the very nature of the Anahat or heart chakra. Bow to Her who is the repository of peace and love.

Lakshya–Roma–latādharatā–sammunneya–madhyama

Lakshya – Visible

Romali – Line of hair

Latā – Creeper

Dharatā – Supporting

Sammunneya – To be brought out or deduced

Madhyama – Being in the middle.

One for whom the existence of a waist base for the climbing creeper of line of hair is to be presumed.

1. In the previous namavali the line of hair arising from the naval as a creeper is mentioned , but the base of the creeper or the waist line is so small that the existence is to be presumed. According to the samundrika Shastra the waist of the upper classes women is very small as to be presumed as non existent.
2. The subtle truth is that the base of the creeper which is nothing but the roots are not visible. It is only because of the roots ,the tree gets the support to stand erect . The deeper the root penetrates the stronger the tree surpass the unfavorable weather. Same way the spirituality is also invisible like roots. Here I mean the love for God. When there is love for God one would automatically fear sin. The deeper is the love for God the stronger we become to face the challenges. The roots would supply the vital nutrients required for every part of the tree, same way the divine love for the Mother will confer all the blessings and courage to overleap all the impediments of life.
3. Another perception of this namavali is ,it clearly brings out the truth that , for one to lead a very healthy life the waistline has to be narrow, one of the important anthropometric measurements to assess the nutritional status and the extend of health risk. Being a divine Mother she demonstrates and teaches Her child with utmost compassion.

Stanabhara–dalanmadhya–pattabandha–valitraya

Stana – Breast of human being

Bhara – Load / burden

Dalan – Breaking

Madhya – Middle/ centre

Patta – Band / strip

Bandha – Fastening

Valitraya – Fold

Thraya – Triple

One whose three folds in the abdominal area appears to be three bandages worn on the waist to prevent it from breaking due to the weight of the breasts.

Samundrika Shastra specifies that higher class men and women will have three lines ( folds) on their forehead, neck, and abdomen. They are signs of extremely good fortune.

1. The three lines on Her waist can also be compared to the three important activities of Devi like creation, sustenance and dissolution.

2.Devi’s heart becomes heavier when Her children gets lost in transient pleasures and wander losing the way to reach Her lap. For them ,She shows the pathway that would lead to Her

1. BAKTHI marga( the path that leads to Her through pure devotion)
2. JNANA marga ( the path that leads to Her through pure knowledge) and
3. KARMA marga( the path that leads to Her through pure action) which is seen as three bands on Her waist. How to comprehend the nature of Sreedevi , the most divine.

Arunaruna– kousumbha– vastra–bhāsva–kateetatee

Aruna – Red

Kousumbha – Dye prepared from safflower which imparts red colour.

Vastra – Cloth

Bhāsva – Resplendent

Kateetat – Hip

One whose waist shines with the Crimson silk worn on it.

The repetition of the word Aruna – Aruna means dark red or Crimson colour.the extract of kausumba ( dye made from safflower )is used to impart the red colour to Her silk cloth . The deeper red also significies Her intense love.

1. As Devi emerged from the chitagni kunda , the sacrificial fire the dress of Devi also takes the colour of fire. Moreover She is love incarnate and red is the colour associated with love so Devi demonstrates Her love in every aspect.
2. Red is also the colour of our blood. Only when it circulates at a determined pace , the well being of one’s health is ensured . And more over there can be difference among the people in any aspect of life like wealth, knowledge, caste , creed and so on but the basic life factor ( blood) is red in colour. So the devotees many have differences in level of Bhakti, jnana and so on but all are equal in her eyes. This indirectly imparts that She is the life force for every organism the Sakthi incarnate. She showers Her love and compassion on all like a cool rays of moon which falls on all the places equally.

Ratna–kinkinika–ramya–rashanā–damā–bhushithā

Ratna – Precious gem

Kinkini – Small bell

Ramya – lovely/ pleasing

Rashana – Girdle

Dama – Garland / wreath

Bhooshitha – Adorned

One who wears a girdle string (meekala sutra) lined with tinkling gems and bells . The small gems inside the bells make a soft pleasant sound.

1. The girdle is worn to hold things together, to unite , to fasten the things.Since She is the Vedamatha ( the mother of Vedas ) the vedic hymns which are originated from Her are tied together to form a sting to adore the hip of Devi. When She makes a slight movement the Vedic hymns are chanted which are heard as jingling sounds.
2. The girdle of Devi is made of the precious gems and small bells . The bells too have the gems inside them . These gems in order to attract the attention of Devi since they are enclosed in the bells raise a pleasant sound to win a loving glance of Devi.
3. Since Devi uses the gems to adore Her they gain value and become precious , in other words the worthiness of their creation is fulfilled. All the gems do not get the blessings of being a part of Her alankara. In order to express their gratitude for the opportunity given they sing merrily .

So grab all the opportunity of serving the less fortunate and express your ecstasy by singing Her glory.

Kamesha–jnanata –soubhāgya–mardavoru–dvyanvitā

Kamesha – Lord Shiva

Jāna – known / aware

Soubhāgya – loveliness/ fortune

Mardava – softness

Uru – thighs

Dvaya – two / a pair of

One who has two beautiful and soft thighs known only to Sreekameshwara.

Manikya–mukutakara–janudvaya–virajita

Manikya – Ruby

Mukutakara – Crown

Janu – Knee

Dvaya – A pair 

Virajita – Adorned/ glorious 

One whose knees resemble hard , red caps made of rubies

1. In the previous Nama we learnt about the softness of the thighs of devi which is crowned with a hard cap ( knee cap ) made of rubies , a very precious gem.
2. The knees are very hard part of the lower limb . It is the centre of knowledge or learning . The reason behind this is one who is rid of ego and puts his kneel down he is ready to accept the learning, and for kneeling down the knees should be very strong like rubies. ( ruby is one of the hardest gem)  Even Lord Shiva learnt the  auspiciousness  of Pranava mantra  from Lord Subramanya with His kneel down. One gets rid of ego if he is ready to bend the Knees .

2 . Children are always in search of Mother , they crawl and makes every effort to reach the mother .  The search for the divine Mother starts there.Same way every devotee crawls to the divine Mother and rest  peacefully on Her lap.

3. Pride or ego prevents one from surrendering oneself to the Divine. If one makes an attempt to kneel down and  offer the prayers to submit oneself to the will of Mother , She embraces them with Her unconditional  love. Such an act can confer bliss and make one’s life pure and divine.
4. For one to progress in life and tread smoothly steadily on the path of Dharma the knees need to be strong  and flexible. Stiff knees does not help in progress ,  to move forward,  both in worldly and spiritual life.

As a compassionate Mother she demonstrates to Her children that supreme knowledge and bliss can be conferred by the mere sacrifice of ego.

Indragopa–parikshipta–smaratoonabha–janghika

Indragopa – Firefly

Parikshipta – Surrounded

Smara – Cupid

Toona – Quiver

Bha – Semblance 

Janghika – Relating or belonging to leg

One whose shank resembles Cupid ‘s quiver surrounded by fireflies

A quiver is a case for carrying arrows carried by the warrior which has a broad mouth and tapering at the bottom. The shape of the shank is so beautifully described.

1. The beautiful shape of the shank speaks of the sturdiness of the calf muscles . The comparison of the shank of cuspid’s quiver which is surrounded by fireflies has a significance . The quiver  of Kama deva has arrows which indulges  one in to delusion. This  also implies ignorance, attachment to temporary pleasures etc. one needs to be illuminated , uplift oneself from the  level of ignorance or darkness which is well illustrated by the fireflies. These are the small insects which demonstrates  the self  illumination , the magic of believing in one’s own resources. These flies open up their wings in ecstasy and dance under the coolness of moon and stars .  By doing so the body of the insect radiates light waves .This Nama reminds oneself the innate resource, energy , and the little light of oneself  which shines bright if one does not fall prey for the arrows of cupid . For obtaining this self illumination you should strive to be worthy of Her divine grace.

Goodha–Gulpha

Goodha – Mystery 

Gulpha – Ankles 

One whose shanks are covered by firm muscles. It also means firm and beautiful ankles.

Ankles are the most important part of the which serve as a hinge that enables the flexibility of the feet .

Goodha also means mystery ,when the mysterious ankles are held with absolute faith it removes all the misery of life.

Koorma–prushtha–jayishnu–prapadanvita 

Koorma – Tortoise 

Prushtha – Hinder or rear part 

Jayishnu – Victorious 

Prapada – Point of the foot

Anvitha – Possessing/ endowed with

One whose foot resemble a turtle’s back .

1. KOORMA or the tortoise is a symbolic representation of inner strength and longevity. That’s why lord Vishnu took the koorma avatar and bore the big mountain and prevented it from sinking in the milky ocean. Contemplate on her feet which prevents oneself from sinking in to the worldly pleasures.
2. Sreedevi’s feet is  very soft and beautiful like that of an infant, then why is it being compared to tortoise shell which is very hard? Saint Sankaran expressed  his unhappiness for such an inappropriate simile. He says that Lord Shiva so eager to have the feel of the Devi’s feet held it firmly yet gracefully during the marriage ceremony. The reason behind the comparison is , when the tortoise foresee a danger it immediately takes refuge in to the shell . Even the strongest wind or the heaviest blow cannot break the shell. Same way the devotee who has taken the refuge at the feet of Devi will be saved and protected at all circumstances.
3. When we offer our prayers , it is not complete without submitting oneself and touching lotus feet of the divine . Sparshanam papa nasanam. (meaning the mere touch washes the sins) Every time the feet are held it should remind oneself the control of five senses which is symbolic representation of four limbs and head of the tortoise. By doing so one is sure to surpass all the ordeals on life . Hold on to Her feet which confers the ultimate bliss

Nakhadeedhiti–sanchanna–namajjana– tamoguna.

Nakha – Nail

Deedhithi – Brightness/ Ray

Sanchanna – Concealed/ enveloped 

Majjanna – Plunging/ sinking 

Na-majjanna – Not allowing to sink 

Tamoguna – Quality of darkness or ignorance.

One who removes the darkness of ignorance of those who prostrate before Her by the lustre of Her toe nails.

1. The devas and asuras pay their reverence to Her by bowing down, the brilliance of the gems studded on their crown fades away as they are not able to withstand the lustre of the toe nail. The brilliance of the toe nails removes the ignorance.
2. Lalithambika blesses her devotees only through Her toe nails. If one observes Her form all the four arms are adorned with different attributes. She does not have a ABHAYA and VARADHAM hands which is observed in other forms of Devi. These two hands are believed to bless and bestow boons . Devi Lalitha is performing these two actions of granting boons and blessings with Her feet.
3. The tamoguna represents ignorance, inertia,selfishness,keeping everything to oneself without progress . These signify the darkness.

Only  the lustre emanating from the Her toe nail  has the ability to destroy the darkness.

4. Another interpretation for this Namavali could be ,for one to get rid of this tamasic qualities explained above, should have the conviction to surrender oneself at the feet. That is the reason ,whenever we finish our prayer we prostrate at Her feet  and keep our head on Her feet ,submitting our actions ,  and the fruits obtained from them .In such a case the surrender itself becomes a form of BAKTHI ,which is called ATMANIVEDHANAM.  Siras or the head is most important as it comes out first during the birth, which is the first step of detachment i.e. detaching from the mother in the physical level.  When  the head is placed at Her feet with  complete faith  and  selfless love, then the rays of illumination passes through the head and removes the darkness and spreads the lustre.

Pada–dvaya–prabhā–jāla–parākruta–saroruhā

Pada – Foot

Dvaya – A pair of / two

Prabha – Radiance/ splendor 

Jāla – Collection/ multitude 

Parākruta – Set aside

Saroruhā – Lotus

One who won over the lotus flower by the luster of Her two feet .

1. Of all the flowers, lotus stands special because, even though it is born in an unclean water still it emerges out and gets detached from it, and raises to the level of purity. The roots  which are tangled underwater remains in the sludge. This reminds man that even though we are born in this material world ,one must  realize  the purpose of existence . If one takes an effort to evolve from the transient pleasure and detach from it like the lotus flower he / she becomes eligible to reach God otherwise one gets tangled like the roots and are submerged in the  worldly pleasures.
2. Why the feet of Devi is compared to lotus ? The samsara or the existence  in mundane world is considered as big ocean ( sagara) . To cross over this one needs the support of something which can remain in water but still detached. Moreover the splendor or radiance of Devi’s feet spread in all directions like the thousand petals of lotus . If one holds firmly the glorious feet of Devi , he can tide this ocean of birth safely. As the great saint Thiruvalluvar said get attached to the feet of the one who is beyond all kinds of attachment , to get detached from the attachment.

Sinjāna-mani–manjeera–mandita–Sree–padambuja

Sinjana – Tingling/ Jingling 

Mani – Bead/Bell

Manijeera – Anklet 

Mandita – Adorned

Sree – Beautify/All that is good

Padam – Feet

Ambujaa – Lotus

One whose lotus feet are decorated with anklets with tingling bells. At the outset this nama looks like describing the beautiful tender lotus feet of mother Lalitha adorned with anklets but when we deliberate upon it we can understand the inner significance of the nama.

1. The lotus feet of Devi is adorned with anklets which produces the jingling sound that probably announces the nearness of Devi. Just the jingling sound of the anklets are enough to feel Her presence. She walks in front of us during dangers , behind us when we walk with joy of accomplishment, beside us holding the hand to support us . The tingling sound raised by her anklets are just enough for us to feel Her presence.
2. The anklets worn by the babies alerts its mom when he / she is awake , so that she can attend to it. Even mother Yasodha would catch the naughty Krishna by hearing the jingling sound produced by the anklets. The sound raised from anklets of Devi reminds us Her omnipresence omnipotence and omniscience
3. The intensity of the sound  produced by the anklets would pronounce the nearness  of Devi. Let’s pray that the jingling sound of Her anklets gets echoed as rhythm of our beat . No other sound can be as dear and near than one’s own heart beat . How fortunate are the anklets to embrace Her feet and seek refuge there. Probably  the bells and gems sing in merry , the glory of Her, that is heard as jingle.

Marālee– manda–gamanā

Maralee – Female swan

Manda – Slow

Gamanā – Motion/ manner of going

One whose gait is slow and beautiful like a female swan.

1. When Devi emerged from kunda and walked towards the Devas , Her gait resembled as that of the swan.

2.Swam is a very celestial bird seen in the lakes of mansarovar . It has a special ability to separate milk from water which means  separate  and assimilate the pure from the impure . The world around has all kinds of impurities that masks the pure, truth, divine existence. So with Her grace let’s learn to discard the mask and experience the purity and live  in it.

2. When interpreting the word HAMSA in the context of great yogis it not only denotes the bird , but also is a combination of two words

AHAM + SA = HAMSA meaning I am He which is the  essence of ADVAITHA  philosophy .In yogic technique breath in and out it sounds

SO : When u breath in

HAM : when you breath out .

Leading to SOHAM when repeated leads to HAMSA. So every time you respire which includes inhalation and exhalation you are repeating HAMSA, which is reminding  oneself that I and He  are the same , and drives oneself to reach goal, that is  to become one with that supreme. Swan teaches the  slow constant  consistent,walk ( effort) to reach the supreme.

OM HAMSAHAMSAYA VIDMAHE

PARAMAHAMSAYA DHIMAHI

TANNO HAMSAH PRACHODAYAAT

May we realize HAMSA that is our own self  as swan. Let us meditate on that PARAMAHAMSA , the supreme self. May HAMSA illumine us.

Mahā– lavanya–shevadhi

Mahā – Abundance/ Mighty 

Lavanya – Beauty/ Loveliness 

Shevadhi – Treasury/ Inexhaustible quantity

She is a repository of all beauty.

1. Devi is a treasury of inexhaustible beauty . Mahā adds more depth to the word lavanya ( beauty). Every beauty in the world fades away with time.  But Devi’s beauty can win the passage of time, even  the revolving planets come to a standstill  while admiring Her lustre. Every poet tries to describe the beauty with the best of their vocabulary , but truly speaking the flawless beauty of Devi cannot be comprehended ,as it is beyond the descriptions and similes. In the last few  Namavali’s we enjoyed the description of the beauty of Sreedevi, it was an attempt to understand it ,but the real joy of Her beauty is derived, when you control all your senses , with a single pointedness , contemplate on Her with the closed eyes ,  one can enjoy Her unsullied, impeccable, pristine , innate beauty. Her beauty is not only a feast to the external physical eyes but an experience to the inner vision.
2. The beauty of Head is humility in spite of great knowledge. The beauty of shoulder  lies in supporting fellow men. The beauty of eyes are enhanced by shedding a drop of tear in compassion, for other’s suffering. The beauty of heart shines bright when you forgive and forget the blunders of others. The beauty of hands  are holding and uplifting the weak. The beauty of the legs are searching and reaching the truth.

Devi’s beauty is beyond description. It cannot be explained , one need to experience it.

Sarva – Every/ each

Aruna  – Red

Her body , garments, jewels, flowers that adorn Her are all in red.

Sreedevi who emerged from the chitagni  ( sacrificial fire )  is natural to take up the colour of the flame which is red in colour.

1. Red is the colour of intense love . She is the origin of love. But why the love of mother is superior? She showers the love which is selfless…… Unconditional…. Ever growing….that makes it very supreme. The love and affection shared between the mother and child, brother and sister , husband and wife or any other relationships, has an element of expectation in it . Depending on the level of selflessness , the love lies proximal to the divine. But , the love of Devi  is so pure , unsullied, incomprehensible that drenches everyone in supreme bliss.  Many a times we even forget to realize the divine intervention. But  still She continues to pour that love incessantly. Many a times we may fail to remember and recall Her love , but She never forgets or forsakes our needs.
2. Red can also be associated with a completely opposite nature – anger, which can be comprehended as intolerance towards ADHARMA (unrighteousness). Devi destroys those evil forces that hinders the way of spiritual progress and safeguards Her children in every walk of life.

It is only the language of heart that can describe the purity of Her divine Love Mere words cannot succeed to comprehend the love of Divine mother, who is equivalent to thousand mothers.

Anavadhya – Blemish less/ flawless 

Anga – The parts of the body 

One who has flawless body structure.

1. The beauty of Devi perfectly matches the samudrika Shastra… Probably the treaties  is evolved just by describing the  very nature and beauty  of Devi.  Is there any comparison for Her unparalleled beauty? The one who meditates on this flawless aspect of Devi  will be blessed  to enjoy all kinds of auspiciousness.
2. The two aspects of Devi , the nirguna brahman ( without form and attributes)and saguna brahman ( with form and attributes) are  being meditated upon. It is the store of the merits or the punyam accumulated over the previous many births would grant the darshan of the saguna brahman aspect of  Devi. When you contemplate on her form and meditate  upon constantly ,then the nirguna Brahman aspect of Devi is enjoyed . From the FORM OR SAGUNA she leads us to the FORMLESS OR NIRGUNA aspect where in we realize and enjoy Her beauty in every object we see . That reinforces the omnipresence of God, removes the flaws in the mind and confers anandha  or eternal bliss.