LALITHA SAHASRANAMAM 281-286

Unmesha-nimishotpanna-vipanna-bhuvanavali (281) The creation and dissolution of the universe happens at the wink of Her eyes. When She opens Her eyes universe is created and when She closes Her eyes universe is dissolved. She does these crucial acts with such an ease. This nama actually highlights the ease with which the Brahman creates and dissolves this universe. But SL 55 gives a different version. It says that She always keeps Her eyes wide open in order to prevent the dissolution of the universe’. Shankara, the author of SL could have realized Her as the Supreme Mother and it becomes imperative that the Mother always protects Her children. Possibly this nama talks about subtle nature of the cosmic creation. Sahasra-sirsha-vadana (282) She has countless heads and faces. The next two namas also have the same meaning. Unable to describe Her supremacy by words, Vak Devis have used a manifested form. In fact it can be considered as true in literal sense. Since the Brahman has so many acts to do in different places at the same time, the Brahman needed countless number heads. Again this also could be a possible explanation of the Brahman. The countless number of heads for the Brahman is described in Vedas and Upanishads. Gita XIII.13 says ‘He dwells in the world, enveloping all – everywhere, His hands and feet; present on all sides, His eyes and ears, His mouth and heads’. The Brahman has no form and therefore has no sensory organs. The Brahman can be explained in two ways; one is by negation and the other by affirmation. These namas try to explain the Brahman by affirmations. These descriptions are called cosmic intelligence, hence beyond our comprehension. Maha Narayana Upanishad I.13 says ‘He (the Brahman) became the possessor of the eyes, faces, hands and feet of all creatures in every part of the universe’. Thus, the Upanishad confirms that the Brahman exists in every living being of this universe. Purusha suktham also says ‘The Purusha (the Brahman) has thousands of heads, thousands of eyes, thousands of feet’. Each component of universal creation is individualized Cosmic Consciousness. Sahasrakshi (283) She has thousands of eyes. Sahasrapad (284) She has thousands of feet. The first kuta of Panchadasi mantra is discreetly explained in namas 278 to 280. The second kuta of the mantra is explained in namas 281 to 284. Abrahhma-kita-janani (285) The Supreme creator. She creates from Brahma to the smallest insect. Brahma here means humans. Human form is said to be supreme creation of God. Look at the placement of these namas. After having described the Brahman from nama 281 to 284, Vak Devis in this nama have consolidated their description, by mentioning the creative aspect of the Brahman. The Brahman was descried with countless heads, ears and feet only to highlight the ease with which creation is being made by the Brahman. Varnashrama-vidhayini (286) Varnashrama means the order of life as expounded in Vedas. Vedas classify people based upon their knowledge and capabilities. For example, soldiers are needed to protect our border, agriculturists are needed to grow grains for us to make a living, traders are needed to buy our requirements and priests are needed to perform rituals. Vedas say that the classification is not based upon their birth, but on the ability of a person to perform certain duties. We cannot expect a trader to protect our borders effectively. Therefore the inclination, capacity, knowledge and experience are the parameters by which a person is classified. Such classifications are applicable only to the human race. Since She is not different from Vedas and all the Vedas originated from Her, it is said that She has made these classifications. Having created the universe, She also created the Vedas to effectively administer the universe. Vedas lay down rules and regulations to be followed in a human life.