LALITHA SAHASRANAMAM
@ S. Subramaniam
चक्रराज रथारूढ सर्वायुध परिष्कृता (68)
Chakraraja Ratharuḍha Sarvayudha Parishkṛita (68)
Meaning:
Devi rides in a Chariot called Chakraraja. Devi is also holding in her hands various types of weapons.
Interpretation:
In the above Namah Parishkrita means decorated or adorned with. Devi is adorned with Sarvayudha or various kinds of weapons. LHS does not specify the names of the weapons but we get a reference about them in Devi Mahatmyam. Devi, in her twelve hands, is depicted with carrying items such as conch (Shankh), discuss (Sudarshan Chakra), lotus, sword, bow with arrow, trident (trisoolam), mace (gada) , thunderbolt (vajrayudham), snake, flame, a bell and a vessel containing somapanam.
The Battle with Bhandasura:
Devi Lalithambika is making a grand entry into the battlefield in her chariot Chakra Raja. She is accompanied by two other assistants Dhandanatha (also called Varahi) and Mantrni who ride on two separate chariots, the name and description of which are mentioned in the subsequent verses.
Devi’s entourages were in top spirits anticipating an emphatic Victory. As the three Chariots were on the move, the demons were mortally frightened and there were deadly omens.
Bhandasura was bragging away that a woman called Lalitha was coming to fight him. She was stated to be extremely beautiful and graceful. Bhandasura roars : instead of encountering her in a battle I would like to invite her to a private encounter. However Bhanda’s younger brothers Vishukra and Vishanga were readying their chariots and preparing themselves to face Devi.
Author's Notes:
Some scholars compare the Chariot of Devi to Sri Chakra and elucidate that Bhandasura should be construed as ignorance and his killing - the conquering of ignorance with the help of knowledge (Sarvayudha) etc.
My personal take on the matter is: the very purpose of Devi coming out of Chidagni Kunda was to destroy demon Bhandasura and offer relief to the Devas as stated by the Vaag Devatas in LHS and let us stick to the meaning as per the original script - let us not indulge into the inner meaning as far as this Namah is concerned. Let's enjoy the wonderful sight of Devi Lalitha riding on the glorious Chariot Chakra Raja.
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