LALITHA SAHASRANAMAM
@ S. Subramaniam
महापद्माटवी संस्था (59)
Maha Padma Atavi Samstha (59)
Meaning:
For easy understanding, the Namaha has to be split into Maha (big), Padma (lotus flower), Atavi (forest) and Samstha (dwells in the place).
Devi dwells in a great forest full of lotus flowers.
Interpretation:
The lotus mentioned in the Namaha is not an ordinary lotus flower but the Kundalini Chakra Sahasrara which is located at the head of the human body. It is also known as Crown Chakra.
It may also be noted that the lotus mentioned is not a forest-full of Lotus, but a single unique lotus with thousands of petals. Devi is described as being seated on it.
Sahasrara, the Seventh of the Kundalini chakras is the top most and is located on the head. The names of the other six Kundalini chakras are Mooladhara, Swathishtana, Manipura, Anahata, Vishukti and Agnya. The blooming lotus with spread-out petals, signifies absolute
consciousness.
Adi Shankara's Soundarya Lahari also makes a mention about the Sahasrara and adds further. Says the Shankaracharya in his usual poetic sty, that Devi Parvati ascends the Kundalini chakras one by one and ultimately meets Lord Shiva secretly in the Sahasrara located at the top of the vertical series.
Author's observation:
There is a subtle message communicated in the Namah where Devi and Lotus flower are mentioned together. Lotus is a symbol of absolute purity, spotless beauty and clearness. But it rises from murky waters in the midst of marshes.
The markiness of the pond should be compared to human minds, the stem of the lotus plant to meditation on Devi and the flower itself to the outcome of meditation.
A sincere devotee, whose mind is full of confusing, conflicting, wavering thoughts, when he performs meditation on Devi with absolute concentration, will be rewarded the pure lotus like bliss of Lalitha Parameshwari.
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