Introduction to Namas 475-534 (LalithA SahasranAma Series)

[Guest guest]

I mentioned in a post the other day (in relation to Mary Ann's

comment that some of the Namas -- sumukhi, "having a beautiful

face," being the catalyst offender, I believe -- struck her as

sexist male fantasies, rather than serious names of worship) that

this is rather emphatically not the case in Shaktism in general or

the LS in particular.

 

As much wiser members than I have noted many times (whether

noticed or not), these Namas are basically never taken merely at

surface value, nor are their particular sequences and groupings to

be considered at all arbitrary. For example, the first set of names

in the LS recap in compressed, coded form the central scripture

known as Lalitopakhyana -- one of the primary scriptural sources of

Lalita lore in Srividya Upansana.

 

While it may be impossible to entirely bridge those gaps of

understanding that will inevitably arise when attempting to span

cultures and millenia, I hope that perhaps, by elucidating some of

these groupings as they arise, we can show our members exactly how

and why the Lalita Saharanama is systematically unfolding as it does.

 

Nora has now posted up to name 474; so before she posts further, I

would note (for anyone who may not know, and may happen to be

interested) that we are about to enter another distinct "set" of

Namas -- 475 through 534. These Namas will collectively elaborate

Devi's seven forms in the Chakras (from Muladhara through Sahasrara).

 

According to the Yogini Nyasa, Sri Lalita has a distinct form and

name in each Chakra -- each form having Her own distinct appearance,

weapons, attendants, favorite delicacies, and of course Her specific

place in the various dhAtUs of the body.

 

Devi, through these forms, "devolves" from the subtlest (most

transcendant) state of Union with Siva, to the grossest (most

material) Prithvi state as She descends from Sahasrara to Muladhara

in the body.

 

Advanced sadhaks can, with Her grace, experience Her various forms

in these chakras as a result of antaryAga (internal, mental

worship). For those of you following along at home, the name sets

are:

 

Namas 475-484: VISUDDI CHAKRA

 

Namas 485-494: ANAHATA CHAKRA

 

Namas 495-503: MANIPURA CHAKRA

 

Namas 504-513: SVADHISTHANA CHAKRA

 

Namas 514-520: MULADHARA CHAKRA

 

Namas 521-527: AJNA CHAKRA

 

Namas 528-534: SAHASRARA

 

These names describe in detail the even tissues, seven chakras,

their presiding Deities, their NaivedyAs, their Yoginis or

attendants, and the Nama aspect of Reality expressed as letters of

the alphabet (or Matrika) from A to Ksa. They also represent the

seven planes of consciousness or lokas, as well as the various

stages of the embryo in the womb of its mother.

 

For illustrations, scriptural translation and interpretation, visit

our homepage at:

 

http://www.shaktisadhana.org/Photo%20Gallery/cakrasmain.html

 

I hope all of this will help some of you appreciate the depth and

meaning of the upcoming Namas as we approach the halfway point in

Nora's excellent ongoing series.

 

aim mAtangyai namaH

[Guest guest]

Devi Bhakta wrote: For illustrations, scriptural translation and

interpretation, visit our homepage at:

 

http://www.shaktisadhana.org/Photo%20Gallery/cakrasmain.html

 

I hope all of this will help some of you appreciate the depth and

meaning of the upcoming Namas as we approach the halfway point in

Nora's excellent ongoing series.

 

 

Thank you DB for that excellent commentary. hehhehe.

 

Now lets get the record straight: I started this ongoing series of

Lalitha Sahasranama by chance. Somebody started it first, then

abandoned it. I am being advise to continue it. I take up the task

happily. Personally believe, its like Sadhana, no matter what, try

not to abandoned. Once you start, you must try to complete it. The

road may be bumpy, but you must move on.

 

I am just glad that some people finds it meaningful.

[Guest guest]

>Thank you DB for that excellent commentary. hehhehe.

 

*lol*

> Now lets get the record straight: I started this ongoing series of

> Lalitha Sahasranama by chance. Somebody started it first, then

> abandoned it. I am being advise to continue it. I take up the task

> happily. Personally believe, its like Sadhana, no matter what, try

> not to abandoned. Once you start, you must try to complete it. The

> road may be bumpy, but you must move on.

 

No kidding, eh? :-p