LALITHA SAHASRANAMAM
@ S. Subramaniam
सुमेरु मध्य शृङ्गस्था (55)
Sumeru Madhya Shrungastha (55)
Meaning:
In this Namah Sumeru means Mount Meru, Madhya means - in the center of and Shrungastha means of Exquisite beauty. Devi resides on Mt. Meri and her abode is of exquisite beauty.
According to Hindu mythology, the residence of Lord Shiva is Mt. Kailash and that of Lord Vishnu is Sri Vaikuntam. Similarly the residence of Devi Lalithambika is mentioned to be located at Mt. Meru.
Interpretation
Where is Mt. Meru located?
Mount Meru, also known as Sumeru or Maha Meru, is a sacred three peaked Mountain range considered to be very auspicious by the Hindus as well as by the Buddhist and Jains.
The Surya Siddhanta provides a vague answer to the above question and says that Mt. Meru lies at the centre of the Earth in the land of the Jambu dweepam (Akhanda Bharat or the Indian subcontinent). Some scholars identify it with Mt. Pamirs located North-west of Kashmir. However it is just suggestive and not conclusive.
Sage Durvasa in his master piece Lalithastavaratna says “I salute the three peaks. In the midst of these peaks, there is another peak which lies higher and atop which Devi Lalitha Tripura Sundari resides. The golden rays are beautifying this peak and I worship it" says the Sage.
Adi Shankara also describes vividly about the residence of Devi though the exact word Mahameru is found missing in his narration.
सुधासिन्धोर्मध्ये सुरविटपिवाटीपरिवृते
मणिद्वीपे नीपोपवनवति चिन्तामणिगृहे ।
Sudha Sindhor Madhye Sura Vitapi Vati Parivrute - Mani dweepe Nipo Pavana vati Chintamani Gruhe
Devi resides in the middle of the sea of nectar, located in the isle of precious gems (Mani Dweepam), surrounded by Kalpaga trees that have the capacity to fulfill wishes.Further the divine Sage adds: Her holy abode is located inside the garden of Kadamba tree and she sits on the lap of her consort Lord Shiva.
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