LALITHA SAHASRANAMAM
@ S. Subramaniam
कुलान्तस्था (93)
Kulantastha (93)
Meaning:
Devi is the innermost reality of the Path of Kula or ultimate knowledge.
Interpretation:
The namah needs to be split into Kula and Antastha. Particularly with reference to this namah, Kula stands for knowledge. Antastha means "to live inside" or to form the core of subject matter.
Kula also means scriptures. Devi resides in the midst of the scriptures such as the Vedas, the Upanishads etc. in the form of the object of knowledge, i.e., jneya. This nama could possibly refer to the Saraswathi form of Devi, the goddess supposed to be the root for all scriptures.
Quote from Devi Mahatmyam or Chandi Path
The following verse from the Devi Mahatmyam is very relevant in this context to understand that Devi is the embodiment of the ultimate knowledge.
Vidhyasu sasthreshu viveka deepesu,
Vadyeshu vakyeshu cha kaa twadhanya,
Mamathwa garthe athi Maha andhakare,
Bhibramayathye thadheeva Viswam.
Who is there except You in the sciences, in the scriptures, and in the Vedic sayings that light the lap of discrimination? (Still) You cause this universe to whirl about again and again within the dense darkness of the depths of attachment.
Author's Note:
There is a very interesting paradox in Hinduism. Just as much as the Knowledge is important, ignorance too is equally important. Knowledge and Ignorance must both coexist say the scriptures.
The idol of Lord Nataraja (the dancing form of Lord Shiva) explains this concept very clearly. Lord Nataraja's right foot is firmly planted on a horrible little dwarf sub-human creature - the demon called Muyalaka or Aapasmara.
According to Hindu mythology, this Aapasmara represents spiritual ignorance and nonsensical speech. To preserve knowledge in the world, Apasmara must be subdued, not killed, as to do so would disturb the necessary balance required between spiritual knowledge and ignorance.
Absence of Ignorance would mean knowledge can be attained without the required efforts, dedication and hard work. This would lead to the devaluing of knowledge in all its forms. Therefore spiritual ignorance should co-exist alongside knowledge to show how great knowledge is all about but ignorance should remain subdued and not in a pronounced manner. Nataraja ensures that.
Disclaimer: All matters contained in this article are the property of www.templesofasia.com. The opinions expressed in this article are purely that of the author. The author alone is responsible for the accuracy, authenticity, completeness and validity of all the information in the article.
Comments