LALITHA SAHASRANAMAM
@ S. Subramaniam
कर्पूरवीटिकामोध-समाकर्षि-दिगन्तरा (26)
26. Karpura Veeti Kamodha
Sama-aakarshi Dig-antara
Meaning
Devi is fond of chewing Betel Leaf (thamboolam) filled with spices, the fragrance of which spreads in all directions and it attracts (draws / pulls) the devotees towards Her.
Interpretation
Knowledgeable men can reach Devi by sheer devotion in their spiritual sojourn, whereas ignorant men require some sort of inducement to obtain Her grace. This inducement is the fragrance of the betel leaf and other ingredients mentioned here.
Karpooravitika is a combination of several fragrant ingredients, that are used to chew along with the betel leaves such as saffron =குங்குமப்பூ, cardamom =ஏலக்காய், clove =கிராம்பு, camphor =பச்சைகற்பூரம், kasturi = கஸ்தூரி, nutmeg =ஜாதிக்காய் etc.
The same word Karpooravitika also finds mention in the Lalitha Trishati (14th name)_ Karpoora veeti kallolitha kakupthadaya Namah:
Adi Shankara while describing Devi chewing betel leaf, adds an interesting story to it. While maintaining the Karpooravitika part intact, the Jagadguru adds further that Vishakha (Murugan / Subramanya), Indra and Lord Vishnu report to Devi after winning the war and demolishing the demons. The three not only pay respect to the Parasakti but also wait for Her to give the leftovers of Karpoora Vitika filled Thamboolam which the Devi is chewing.
विशाखेन्द्रोपेन्द्रैः शशिविशदकर्पूरशकलाः
विलीयन्ते मातस्तव वदनताम्बूलकबलाः॥
Vishakha Indra Upendrai Shashi Vishada Karpoora Shakala
Vili yante Mata stava Vadana Tamboola Kabala
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