LALITHA SAHASRANAMAM
@ S. Subramaniam
कामेश्वर प्रेम रत्न मणि प्रतिपण स्तनी (33)
Kameshvara Prema Ratna Maṇi Prati paṇa-stani (33)
Meaning:
Devi, with the view to obtain the love of Kameshwara (Lord Shiva) gives her two breasts to him which are like the pots made of Rathna (precious stones).
Interpretation:
The word stani or Stanau which stands for breasts is slightly disturbing. However, it should be understood in the context of divinity and motherly affection.
It should be understood as Devi offering her two bosoms to Kameshwara (Lord Shiva) in return for His love.
The subtle meaning of the above is Devi will double Kameswara's love with her own one, which is the motherly affection and will shower it on all her devotees who are indeed her own children.
To put it differently, Devi will give Her blessings to all Her devotees, twice the amount of devotion that is offered to Her.
Kameswara prema Nadi krutajna Kama pujitha
It is interesting to note how Sankara imagines the state of the mind of Sri Mata. He visualises that the Devi is surrounded by her maid servants in her court-room. He wonders how Devi, upon seeing Lord Shiva approaching her, can advance to welcome him as the Devas are busy prostrating in front of her and paying their respects to her. Shankara imagines Mata, in her hurry, might stumble! Such indeed is the poetic imagination of Adi Sankara. Wonderful.
Personal Note:
I was initially thinking of dropping this Namah as I was a bit reluctant, hesitant about the word to word meaning of the Namah. But later guided by the Divine blessings, this write-up has made it to the daily dossier. A vision reminded me about the posting on Tarapith temple, West Bengal, in my Friday Temple visit columns, wherein I have mentioned about Maa Tara breast-feeding Lord Shiva to give relief to his throat, after His consuming the poison. There would be clarity to understand the significance of breasts when it is read with divinity and motherly affection.
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