LALITHA SAHASRANAMAM
@ S. Subramaniam
कूर्म पृष्ठ जयिष्णु प्रपदान्विता (43)
Kurma Prushta Jayishnu Prapadanvita (43)
Meaning:
The arch of Devi's feet is more beautiful and curvier than a tortoise's shell.
Interpretation:
It is interesting to note the close link between Lalitha Sahasranamam and Dasavatharam of Lord Vishnu. While Devi's eyes have been compared to fishes - Matsya Avataram, (Chalan Meenabha Lochana), her feet are being compared to Kurma Avataram (Kurma Prushtu Jayishnu… ).
Here Devi's feet are equated with Kurma - the tortoise, our mind is equated with Mt. Meru, the five sense organs equated with Vasuki - the snake used as a rope, churning of Milk ocean is equated with Meditation and Amrit is equated with Liberation or Mukti.
Similar to how the Devas and Asuras got Amrit after churning the Milk ocean by placing Mt Meru on the back of a tortoise - Kurma Avataram of Lord Vishnu, we, the devotees, will be assured of Mukti if we place our mind on Devi's feet and do Meditation.
Interestingly, Adi Shankara expresses his anger for comparing Devi's feet to Tortoise shells which are hard in nature. How dare the poets (read : Vaach Devis who composed Lalitha Sahasranamam) compare such soft feet to that of a tortoise shell?” he questions.
कथं नीतं सद्भिः कठिन कमठी कर्पर तुलाम् ।
Katham Neetam Sadbhih Katina Kamadhi Karpara Tulam.
He further explains, Devi's feet are extremely soft and tender in nature that her husband Lord Shiva took great care while lifting it and placing it on the stone during their marriage.
During weddings there is a ritual called “Ashmarohanam" (अश्मारोहणम्), which literally means stepping on a stone. During this ceremony, the groom holds the bride's right palm, lifts her right foot and places it on the grinding stone.
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