Guest guest Posted May 19, 2006 Report Share Posted May 19, 2006 Dear Lalithambika Bhakthas, The crux of Lalitha Sahasranama lies the story of Bhandasura's killing. Let me dwell here on that here in a brief fashion. Goddess Lalitha is the three-fold form of Ichasakthi (Desire), Kriya (Action) and Gnana (Wisdom). The Legendary origin of the Devi as Goddess Lalitha is told in the' Brahmanda Purana'. Once there was in very ancient times a powerful demon by name Taraka. By the virtue of his unequaled powers and strength, he was lording the whole universe and troubled Devas and Gods. An assembly of devas resolved that only Lord Muruga Could destroy Taraka. But the birth of Lord Muruga had been delayed as Lord Siva was engaged in the deep meditation and Sakthi was helping and waiting for him. Immediate birth of Lord Muruga was extremely essential to safeguard the Universe from the hands of the evil demon Taraka. Manmatha, the God of Love was assigned by devas to wake up Lord Shiva from his penance. He went to the Himalayas where Lord Shiva was in Meditation and sent out his flower-shafts on the three-eyed Lord Siva. Lord Siva’s penance was disturbed. He got into uncontrollable mood of anger and burnt Manmatha by opening his third eye. Since the God of Love was no more the process of creation in the entire universe was stopped. When Lord Shiva opened his third eye, two flames of fire were emerged. One flame had burnt Manmatha and the other one was the seed to give birth to Lord Muruga. Thus Lord Muruga takes his Divine Birth. The World of Devas went into the ride of tragedy as there was no creation in view of Manmatha's absence. Every one gathered and surrounded at the feet of Lord Siva. Lord Siva accepted to bless Manmatha for his rebirth. Lord Siva sprinkled the holy water from his Kamandalu over the ashes of Manmatha and he became alive. At the same time from the smoke came out of the ashes of Manmatha a demon called'Bandasura' also born. Maya the architect of the asuras built a city called Sonitapura for the demon’s residence and Sukracharya the head of asuras blessed him to become the lord of the three worlds. Immediately the iron hands of the demon, Bandasura acted upon heavily over the righteousness of the worlds. In the meantime Narada advised Indra the king of Gods to perform a fire ritual to please Adi Parashakthi who alone would be able to overcome Banda. Indra , whole heartedly responded the wish of the sage and in the course of his austerities, resolved to perform a yagna, fire sacrifice to Shakthi. A great fire was lighted and the Devi was pleased with all kinds of precious offerings. Out of the fire came a lovely figure, the Mahadevi - SRI LALITHAMBIGA embodying the elements of Trimurti, - Lord Brahma - the Creator, Lord Vishnu - the Protector, and Lord Shiva the destroyer. The Gods praised her in eloquent terms as the Universal Mother. Brahma blessed her by advising her to marry Lord Shiva in the name of Kameshwara. After the divine marriage Sri Lalithambiga became the unified force of Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakthi. The universal mother Lalitha promised the Gods to destroy Bandasura. Sri Lalitha Devi along with great army destroyed Bandasura in a great battle. All the Gods including Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu congratulated Sree Lalitha Devi for her great success. The Philosophical background of this event is that the"Ahankara" - Arrogance is removed by-'Gnana' - SriVidhya. The cult of Sri Lalitha is closely associated with the Sakthi cult. We could understand Sakthism as worship of Sakthi as the prime cause; where as the cult of Lalitha is worshiping the supreme in the form of SivaSakthi. The term Lalitha means Lovely, Elegant or charming. Lalitha is the highly spiritualistic and philosophical magnitude of the unification of Siva and Shakthi. Ganapathya - Worship of Ganesha. Kowmara - Worship of Muruga. Saivam - Worship of Shiva. Vaishnava - Worship of Vishnu. Sakta - Worship of Devi. Sowra - Worship of Sun God. ‘Sri Vidhya’ is the basic concept of Lalitha cult which is the unification of all the above-mentioned concepts. We shall take up these points one by one for examination. Chariya is the earlier and well recognized mode of idol worship by the common people for the advancement of their moral and material welfare. Kriya is the ritual mode of worshiping to attain the desired Prayer. Yoga is the path of meditation in which one meditates God in his mind with concentration along with certain mental and physical practices which includes yogic postures, exercises, breath control etc., Gnana is the final goal in realization which is the becoming or Being Divine. Ganapathya expresses the ultimate truth, as the creator the Lord Ganesha the cause of creation. Kowmaram understands the life as winning over the evils. Saivam explains the concept of five elements and the path of meditation. Saktism defines the process of energy. Vaishnavism is the theory of protection. Sowram is worshiping the solar energy as the supreme being. ‘Sri Vidhya’ is the equalized approach and a holistic philosophy of all these concepts. It is also called Brahma Vidya, which is the advaitha philosophy with great realization. It is the ultimate knowledge that one could realize. Sri Lalithambika is the preceding deity of Kaliyuga. It brings an insight of a mother-child relationship to the devotee instead of a boss-servant identity. Many people follow this cult and worship for the success of their moral and material welfare. Fasting on Friday’s and performing abhisheka is the best method to receive the grace of the Universal Mother. It is remarkable that while worshiping Sri Lalitha the devotees are blessed by all Gods including Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Siva. The Mother fulfills all the moral desires of her children with her incomparable compassion and love. The Legendary origin of Sri Lalitha way of worship begins from Brahmanda Purana. It shows that Sri Lalitha with her pleasing aspects and evokes not awe or dread but lofty spiritualistic and philosophic calm. Sri Lalitha Sahasra nama and Sri Lalitha Thrishathi are the two major slogas to praise the Mother with one thousand or three hundred mantras, the Pancha Dasakshari mantra and SodaSakshari mantra are powerful root mantras to invoke Sri Lalitha Devi. Sri Meru is the model of three-dimensional representation and Sri Chakra is the schematic two-dimensional representation of the Universe which is used to receive the blessings of the Great Mother. Sri Bhaskararaya’s commentary on Sri Lalitha Sahasranama is the best Known. AdhiShankara had delivered a commendatory on Thrishathi. Sri Lalitha is the form of 'Panchadashi mantra'. The first part of this mantra, the'VagBhava Koota' represents the face of the Goddess. The second part which is known as kamaraja kuta represents the body of the deity. The last part called shakthi kuta is the holy feet of the Mother. Sri Lalitha represents the concept of Kundalini yoga. Brahma has manifested as this material world and he dwells among all those creations. Our human body is the representation of the entire universe. Kundalani, which is the serpent power or Shakthi sleeps in the Muladhara, the begining chakra of the spine. When the sadaka practices yoga, the kundalini raises and travels through sukshmana nadi, the middle and subtle one and it moves in to the other chakra like Swathishtana, Manipuraka, Anahata, Vishuddhi, and Aagnya. till it reaches Sahasrara, where it unites with Lord Siva. This is the Yoga Concept of Sri Lalitha Cult. Sri Lalitha cult is based on Sri Vidhya which is the ultimate wisdom. It is the victory of the souls over agankara- ego- the darkness of ignorance. The ultimate wisdom, the realiztion of the oneness, in Sri Lalitha cult is the removal of non-dualism. Sri Lalitha sahasranama praises mother as ‘Siva Shakthi Iykya roopini’ - the non-dualistic manifiestation. Throughout the study of this scripture we could realize the wholistic approach of Sri Lalitha cult with the complete collection of the knowledge earned from six branches of Hindiusm - Ganapathyam, Kowmaram, Saivism, Vaishnavism, Sakthism, and Sowravam) and six schools of Indian philosophy (Dvaita, Advaita, Nyaya, Vaiseshika, Sankya and yoga). At His feet, Yours yogically, Shreeram Balijepalli Purity, Powers, Parabrahmam... Click to join Rajarajeshwari_Kalpataru Love cheap thrills? Enjoy PC-to-Phone calls to 30+ countries for just 2¢/min with Messenger with Voice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 19, 2006 Report Share Posted May 19, 2006 Dear Shreeram-ji, Lalita Devi (aka SriVidya) is commonly associated with the Shaktha (Shaktism) marga. atleast that is how I understood it. But the way you put it, LalitaDevi worship includes the worship of all margas INCLUDING the Shakta Marga is intriguing, and thrilling. I am not sure about others, but I definitely feel good about it. Thanks for all the insights you give. I pray for your best. Jai Ma! Rajarajeshwari_Kalpataru , Group Owner <para_anuloma wrote: > > Dear Lalithambika Bhakthas, > > > > > The crux of Lalitha Sahasranama lies the story of Bhandasura's killing. > > > > Let me dwell here on that here in a brief fashion. > > > > Goddess Lalitha is the three-fold form of Ichasakthi (Desire), Kriya (Action) and Gnana (Wisdom). The Legendary origin of the Devi as Goddess Lalitha is told in the' Brahmanda Purana'. > > > > Once there was in very ancient times a powerful demon by name Taraka. By the virtue of his unequaled powers and strength, he was lording the whole universe and troubled Devas and Gods. An assembly of devas resolved that only Lord Muruga Could destroy Taraka. But the birth of Lord Muruga had been delayed as Lord Siva was engaged in the deep meditation and Sakthi was helping and waiting for him. Immediate birth of Lord Muruga was extremely essential to safeguard the Universe from the hands of the evil demon Taraka. Manmatha, the God of Love was assigned by devas to wake up Lord Shiva from his penance. > > > He went to the Himalayas where Lord Shiva was in Meditation and sent out his flower-shafts on the three-eyed Lord Siva. Lord Siva's penance was disturbed. He got into uncontrollable mood of anger and burnt Manmatha by opening his third eye. Since the God of Love was no more the process of creation in the entire universe was stopped. When Lord Shiva opened his third eye, two flames of fire were emerged. One flame had burnt Manmatha and the other one was the seed to give birth to Lord Muruga. Thus Lord Muruga takes his Divine Birth. > > > > The World of Devas went into the ride of tragedy as there was no creation in view of Manmatha's absence. Every one gathered and surrounded at the feet of Lord Siva. Lord Siva accepted to bless Manmatha for his rebirth. Lord Siva sprinkled the holy water from his Kamandalu over the ashes of Manmatha and he became alive. > > > > At the same time from the smoke came out of the ashes of Manmatha a demon called'Bandasura' also born. Maya the architect of the asuras built a city called Sonitapura for the demon's residence and Sukracharya the head of asuras blessed him to become the lord of the three worlds. Immediately the iron hands of the demon, Bandasura acted upon heavily over the righteousness of the worlds. In the meantime Narada advised Indra the king of Gods to perform a fire ritual to please Adi Parashakthi who alone would be able to overcome Banda. Indra , whole heartedly responded the wish of the sage and in the course of his austerities, resolved to perform a yagna, fire sacrifice to Shakthi. A great fire was lighted and the Devi was pleased with all kinds of precious offerings. > > > > Out of the fire came a lovely figure, the Mahadevi - SRI LALITHAMBIGA embodying the elements of Trimurti, - Lord Brahma - the Creator, Lord Vishnu - the Protector, and Lord Shiva the destroyer. The Gods praised her in eloquent terms as the Universal Mother. Brahma blessed her by advising her to marry Lord Shiva in the name of Kameshwara. > > > > > After the divine marriage Sri Lalithambiga became the unified force of Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakthi. The universal mother Lalitha promised the Gods to destroy Bandasura. Sri Lalitha Devi along with great army destroyed Bandasura in a great battle. > > > > > All the Gods including Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu congratulated Sree Lalitha Devi for her great success. > > > > > The Philosophical background of this event is that the " Ahankara " - Arrogance is removed by-'Gnana' - SriVidhya. > > > > The cult of Sri Lalitha is closely associated with the Sakthi cult. We could understand Sakthism as worship of Sakthi as the prime cause; where as the cult of Lalitha is worshiping the supreme in the form of SivaSakthi. The term Lalitha means Lovely, Elegant or charming. Lalitha is the highly spiritualistic and philosophical magnitude of the unification of Siva and Shakthi. > > > Ganapathya - Worship of Ganesha. Kowmara - Worship of Muruga. Saivam - Worship of Shiva. Vaishnava - Worship of Vishnu. Sakta - Worship of Devi. Sowra - Worship of Sun God. > > > `Sri Vidhya' is the basic concept of Lalitha cult which is the unification of all the above-mentioned concepts. We shall take up these points one by one for examination. Chariya is the earlier and well recognized mode of idol worship by the common people for the advancement of their moral and material welfare. Kriya is the ritual mode of worshiping to attain the desired Prayer. Yoga is the path of meditation in which one meditates God in his mind with concentration along with certain mental and physical practices which includes yogic postures, exercises, breath control etc., Gnana is the final goal in realization which is the becoming or Being Divine. > > > Ganapathya expresses the ultimate truth, as the creator the Lord Ganesha the cause of creation. Kowmaram understands the life as winning over the evils. Saivam explains the concept of five elements and the path of meditation. > > > Saktism defines the process of energy. Vaishnavism is the theory of protection. Sowram is worshiping the solar energy as the supreme being. > > `Sri Vidhya' is the equalized approach and a holistic philosophy of all these concepts. It is also called Brahma Vidya, which is the advaitha philosophy with great realization. It is the ultimate knowledge that one could realize. > > > > > > Sri Lalithambika is the preceding deity of Kaliyuga. It brings an insight of a mother-child relationship to the devotee instead of a boss-servant identity. Many people follow this cult and worship for the success of their moral and material welfare. Fasting on Friday's and performing abhisheka is the best method to receive the grace of the Universal Mother. It is remarkable that while worshiping Sri Lalitha the devotees are blessed by all Gods including Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Siva. The Mother fulfills all the moral desires of her children with her incomparable compassion and love. > The Legendary origin of Sri Lalitha way of worship begins from Brahmanda Purana. It shows that Sri Lalitha with her pleasing aspects and evokes not awe or dread but lofty spiritualistic and philosophic calm. Sri Lalitha Sahasra nama and Sri Lalitha Thrishathi are the two major slogas to praise the Mother with one thousand or three hundred mantras, the Pancha Dasakshari mantra and SodaSakshari mantra are powerful root mantras to invoke Sri Lalitha Devi. > > > > Sri Meru is the model of three-dimensional representation and Sri Chakra is the schematic two-dimensional representation of the Universe which is used to receive the blessings of the Great Mother. Sri Bhaskararaya's commentary on Sri Lalitha Sahasranama is the best Known. AdhiShankara had delivered a commendatory on Thrishathi. > > > > > > Sri Lalitha is the form of 'Panchadashi mantra'. The first part of this mantra, the'VagBhava Koota' represents the face of the Goddess. The second part which is known as kamaraja kuta represents the body of the deity. The last part called shakthi kuta is the holy feet of the Mother. Sri Lalitha represents the concept of Kundalini yoga. Brahma has manifested as this material world and he dwells among all those creations. Our human body is the representation of the entire universe. > > > > Kundalani, which is the serpent power or Shakthi sleeps in the Muladhara, the begining chakra of the spine. When the sadaka practices yoga, the kundalini raises and travels through sukshmana nadi, the middle and subtle one and it moves in to the other chakra like Swathishtana, Manipuraka, Anahata, Vishuddhi, and Aagnya. till it reaches Sahasrara, where it unites with Lord Siva. This is the Yoga Concept of Sri Lalitha Cult. > > > > > > Sri Lalitha cult is based on Sri Vidhya which is the ultimate wisdom. It is the victory of the souls over agankara- ego- the darkness of ignorance. The ultimate wisdom, the realiztion of the oneness, in Sri Lalitha cult is the removal of non-dualism. Sri Lalitha sahasranama praises mother as `Siva Shakthi Iykya roopini' - the non-dualistic manifiestation. Throughout the study of this scripture we could realize the wholistic approach of Sri Lalitha cult with the complete collection of the knowledge earned from six branches of Hindiusm - Ganapathyam, Kowmaram, Saivism, Vaishnavism, Sakthism, and Sowravam) and six schools of Indian philosophy (Dvaita, Advaita, Nyaya, Vaiseshika, Sankya and yoga). > > > > At His feet, Yours yogically, > > Shreeram Balijepalli > > > > > Purity, Powers, Parabrahmam... > > > > Click to join Rajarajeshwari_Kalpataru > Love cheap thrills? Enjoy PC-to-Phone calls to 30+ countries for just 2¢/min with Messenger with Voice. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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