LALITHA SAHASRANAMAM 485 - 494

Anahatabja-nilaya (485) Anahata chakra is known as heart chakra, which is below the throat charka or vishudi chakra in the heart area (nama 475) in the spinal cord. There is an imaginary lotus with twelve petals that is dull red in colour. This is the chakra where sound is produced without any friction. This sound is called ‘shabda Brahman’. Vedas says that the soul which is also known as purusha resides here. “The thumb sized purusha is seen as a smokeless flame in their hearts” says katha Upanishad II.1.13. Below this anahat chakra, there is a small eight petal lotus where one’s Ishta Devata is meditated upon. The difference between soul and Ishta Devata is clearly distinguished here and should not be confused with the Brahman. The first 12 consonants with bindus are conceived in each of the petals. The pericarp of the lotus is a hexagonal structure. This chakra represents air element and ‘yam’ is the bija for this chakra. ‘Yam’ bija is the bija meant for protection and is capable of fulfilling desires. Atma bija for an individual is elicited by into account various such factors. Yogini who presides over this chakra is Rakini (nama 494). It is to be noted that the names of the yogins who preside over all these chakras differ from the texts that deal exclusively with kundalini. For example, in this sahasranamam the yogini of this chakra is referred as Rakini, whereas in other texts her name is mentioned as ‘Kakini’. Kakini is the presiding yogini of swadishtan chakra in this sahasranamam. This nama says that yogini Rakini, who is depicted in the next namas resides in the heart chakra is ever alert to pave way for Lalithambigai to reach the sahasrara. Every time when She passes through this chakra, the soul which is embedded here gets blessed by Her. When this happens, the intensity of the karmic manifestation gets reduced, thereby making a man devout. Shyamabha (486) The description of Rakini now begins. She has greenish dark complexion and of 16 years of age. Vadana-dvaya (487) Rakini has two faces. Yogini Dakini of vishudi chakra has one face (nama 479) and as per the ascending order of faces on which the chakras are denoted in this sahasranamam, Rakini has two faces. Damshtrojjvala (488) Rakini has terrifying teeth (also referred as tusk) like that of a wild boar. Akshamaladi-dhara (489) Rakini is wearing a garland made of 51 beads, representing all the 51 alphabets of Sanskrit. Since sound is heard in this chakra without arising from any cause of friction (normally sound can be produced with the aid any two objects, for example clapping wherein we need to use both the palms). Since this chakra is capable of producing sound on its own (during deep meditation, the sound of OM is heard from this chakra) and sound is carried by air, the Vak Devis have fittingly chosen Rakini for wearing this garland of letters. There is an Upanishad called ‘Akshamalika Upanishad’ that discusses about 51 alphabets of Sanskrit. It says that one should take a garland (mala) of 51 beads made up of different gems and metals strung with gold or silver string. This should be consecrated by the procedures laid down therein. Any japa done with this mala would make any mantra fructify early. In general, all japa malas should be consecrated before using it for counting. Such malas should be treated as sacred as mantras. Rudhira-samsthita (490) Rakini presides over blood, the element next to the skin. This is another reason for Vak Devis to formulate anahat chakra next to vishudi. Kalaratryadi-shakthyauga-vrta (491) She (Rakini) is surrounded by 12 of her assistants like Kalaratri devi, each presiding over a petal. It is said that Kalaratri devi was born out of tamo guna of Rudra who is described like this. “She is three eyed, whose luster is like that of rising sun, whose plaits are loose and disheveled, who is in black garments, who holds in her four hands Linga, Bhuvana, truncheon and boon, who is brilliant with the luster of different kinds of ornaments, who is cheerful and is served by the group of devas and whose body is torn and bruised by the arrows of the mind-born lord of love.” Recitation of her mantra causes destruction of one’s enemies. She is also said to be a form of Durga. It is also said that on the eve of one’s death, this devi appears in dream bespeaking the death. Snigdhaudana-priya (492) Rakini is fond of rice mixed with ghee. This food item is capable of producing quality blood. Mahaveerendra-varada (493) She (Rakini) grants boons to warriors. Here warriors mean eloquent orators and such eloquence is the boon given by Rakini. This epithet augurs well with mala made of 51 alphabets, the element of air and the manifestation of anahat sound. Shiva sutra I.11 says “Being an enjoyer of the rapture of ‘I’ consciousness in waking, dreaming and deep sleep stages becomes the warrior of his senses.” Veeras mean the senses and one who wins over these veeras is called veerendra. In this context, ‘veerendra’ means all those who are able to reach the fourth state of turiya where bliss is enjoyed. The next higher stage of turiya is known as ‘turiyatita’ where self-realisation takes place. These are the stages of one’s own consciousness. It is also said that one who has transcended the concepts of “I” and “this” is called veera and she derives pleasure in granting them boons (she holds boon in her hand – nama 491). Rakinyamba-svarupini (494) She assumes the form of Rakini, who has been described from nama 485 to 494 (10 namas).