LALITHA SAHASRANAMAM 338-340

Veda-janani (338) Creator of Vedas. Literally this can be explained as ‘She gave birth to Vedas’. Vedas originated from the Brahman in the form of sound. This sound was realized by the ancient sages and taught to their disciples only orally. Only in the recent past, Vedas are made available in readable forms. More than the text, the pronunciation is important in Vedas and any wrong pronunciation leads to undesired results. This was the reason for teaching Vedas orally. Vedas originate from Shabda Brahman (Shabda means sound). Manduka Upanishad gives a different interpretation. It says Vedas are not the Brahman (I.1.5). They are only the source of knowledge. The knowledge that leads to the Brahman is considered as the Supreme, which is the ultimate reality in the form of cit vibration (vibration of foundational consciousness), in which state thought and word are identical. But, Brhadaranyaka Upanishad puts this in a different perspective. It says that ‘the Vedas are the breadth of this infinite Reality. They are like the breath of this Supreme Self’ (II.iv.10). Purusha suktam gives yet another interpretation. It says that ‘the Vedas originated from a yagjna called ‘sarvahuthaha’ that was conducted by gods and great sages, invoking the ‘purusha’ as the lord of this fire ritual. This Purusha (prakasha form of the Brahman) is called the Brahman from whom the Vedas originated. Even though the interpretations are different, all of them concur that the Vedas or its subtle form sound, originated from the Supreme. Vishnu-maya (339) She is the maya of Vishnu. Vishnu is all-pervading and the sustainer of the universe. Brahman’s sustaining act is known as Vishnu. Narayana suktam says ‘Vishnu exists both internally and externally (of our physical body)’. We have seen earlier that Shakthi is in the form of maya or illusion that forms a sort of veil around the Brahman. Unless the veil is removed, one cannot realize the Brahman and this is the reason why so much importance is attached to Shakthi worship. Krishna says (Gita.VII.14) “It is difficult to transcend my maya consisting of three qualities. Only those who surrender unto me can become free from the clutches of maya”. This verse of Gita should be considered as very significant. In a single verse Krishna explains the concept of maya and way to overcome it. Maya is the combination of three gunas viz. satvic, rajas and tamas. Manipulating these gunas cause manifestation. If one is able to transcend these three gunas, the first step of removing the veil of maya is achieved. The next step is to surrender to Him. Krishna says ‘mam eva ye prapadyante mayam etam taranti te’. This means ‘those who surrender unto me certainly overcome this illusion’. Vilasini (340) Vilasa means playful. One interpretation is that She is interested in fun associated with lusty acts with Shiva. Possibly this could mean that such acts are not considered as sins as projected. If such acts do not exist, where is the question of procreation? If no procreation is happening, one of the God’s acts, the creation itself will be in jeopardy. Even the ancient scriptures do not advocate desisting from such acts. But, at the same time they do prescribe certain rigorous rules and regulations that are to be strictly adhered to. Vilasa also means the power of projection which is called ‘vikeshapa-shakthi’. This is the true act of maya, veiling the ultimate truth and projection is as something else, thereby causing illusion. This interpretation seems to appropriate as this nama follows the earlier nama ‘Vishnu-maya’. When She is in the form Vishnu’s maya, naturally She causes illusion.