LALITHA SAHASRANAMAM
@ S. Subramaniam
मूल मन्त्रात्मिका (88)
Moola mantratmika (88)
Meaning:
Devi represents the basic, fundamental substance (the root - Moolam) of all the Mantras. Hence she is called the Moola Mantra Atma Swaroopini. Here, the mantra referred to is the auspicious fifteen lettered Pancha-Dashi Mantra.
Interpretation:
Mula (or moolam) refers to the root. Mantra can at best be understood as a single syllable (Om), a word, a group of words or a long verse chanted repeatedly to invoke the spiritual aspect of God. It is a common practice in Hinduism to utter Mantras during worship. Devi is the fundamental part, the root of, all such Mantras.
The word Mantra derives it's origin from the two words Manas which means the mind and Tra which means a tool. Thus, Mantra means the tool of thought used during worship to concentrate or focus the mind. In Hinduism, the single syllable Om is considered the fundamental mantra and the Gayatri Mantra, to be the most auspicious one.
Author's Notes:
As we have seen above, Mantras are chanted to focus the mind. Hence it is of paramount importance to remain oblivious during worship or chanting of Mantras. One should concentrate and control the mind and not allow it to deviate or indulge in other thoughts. It's similar to the art of bridling the horse.
In the initial stages it might be a bit difficult but as time develops, it comes out of practice. To achieve this, one need to have the divine blessings of Devi Lalithambika, the embodiment, the storehouse of all universal Mantras.
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