557--Q&A WITH SWAMIJI- Significance of some stotrams

[Guest guest]

1. Indrakshi Stotram

Swamiji's response:I assume this is Chapter Four of Chandi. We call it

Indradi Stotram, the Song of Praise by Indra and Others. There is so

much that is significant in each of these, that the question is

unfair. But if I were to choose one particular item of relevance, I

would suggest Verse 9, where the Gods say: Inconceivable are the

great austerities to be performed in order to become pure. Also I

love verse 36 where the Gods say: Whenever we remember You, then and

there You will give us intuitive vision.

2.Siddha Kunjika Stotram

Swamiji's response:This is the essence of the Chandi, the Navarna

Mantra, the constant reminder that change She will, change She must,

because change is Her intrinsic Nature.

3.Durga Dvatrimshannamamala

Swamiji's response:The 32 names of Durga really have more significance

to me because of their poetry, their tones, their complete adherence

to the principles of anushtup chanda, how each name is perfectly

aligned with the meter, then because of specific meanings.

4.Devi Mahatmya Stotra Ashtakam

Swamiji's response:As with every Ashthakam, the Greatness of the Chandi is extolled in eight verses.

5.Shiva Tandava Stotram

Swamiji's response:I love Shiva Tandava more because the chanda

depicts exactly what the words are saying, then because of the

description they convey. Sometimes that happens in poetry, that the

way things are being described are more entrancing than the

description they convey.

6.Rudram Chamakam

Swamiji's response:Me is both genitive and locative case. I love the

Chamakam because it describes the entire creation within me (locative

case) as the conception coming from yajna, even more then the

remembrance of my various qualities (genitive case).

Nanda's footnote: Swamiji, thank you so much for your time.