LALITHA SAHASRANAMAM MEANING 541-545

Anuttama (541) No one is superior to Her, an exclusive of the qualities of the Brahman. This situation is best explained in Shveashvatara Upanishad (VI.8) which says “No one is His equal; no one is superior either. He possesses many gifts of a high order.” The same situation finds a place in Bhagavad Gita (XI.43). “Unparalleled by any other in the three worlds, who may surpass Him, the Lord of power incomparable.” Anuttama also means intellect not derived from others. She is the embodiment of intellect. Punyakirtih (542) She is known for virtues. She gives fame to Her devotees. The very thought of Her sanctifies a person. Vishnu Sahasranamam nama 688 is ‘punyakirti’ which means He is capable of eradicating sins of His devotees. Punyalabhya (543) She is attainable through virtues. Punya means virtues. It is said that ‘She is attained by those who are virtuous and have knowledge of Vedas. Those who are desirous do not see Her.’ Soundarya Lahari verse 1 explains this. ‘You are worshiped even by Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra. Unless one has accumulated virtues of previous births (good karmas), how can anyone be capable of singing Your praise or prostrate before You.’ Punya-shravana-kirtana (544) Recitation of verses in praise of Her (like this Lalitha Sahasranamam), or listening to such praises are virtuous acts. Vishnu Sahasranamam 922 conveys the same meaning. The uttara-bhaga (the concluding part) of Vishnu Sahasranamam verse 2 and the concluding part of this Lalitha Sahasranamam also conveys the same meaning. Pulomajarchita (545) Indrani is the wife of Lord Indra. She is an ardent devotee of Lalithambigai. This nama is included in this sahasranamam to highlight the importance of morality and the benefits attained on worshipping Lalithambigai. This nama means that She is worshipped by the daughter of Puloman (Indrani). There is a story in Devi Bhagavatham chapter VI which goes like this: ‘There was demon by name Puloman. He had a daughter known as Sasi. Indra killed Puloman and married his daughter Sasi. Thus, Sasi became Indrani. Indra befriended with another demon by name Vridasuran. Vridausran’s father Dvashta forewarned his son not to entertain friendship with Indra. As the fate would have it, Vridasuran did not listen to his father’s advice. At an appropriate time, Indra killed the demon with the help of Lalithai, Vishnu and others. Since Indra killed his friend through foul means, he was afflicted with Brahmahati dosha as cursed by Dvashta. Nobody came to his rescue. When Vishnu and Lalithai helped Indra, everyone helped him. But when Vishnu and Lalithai no longer willing to help him, none came forward to help him. As result, Indra left his empire, came to the earth and started living in a lotus stem. Nobody could find him. The absence of Indra was felt in the universe. There was no rain which resulted in acute famine all over. Demigods, goddesses and sages appointed a demon by name Nagushan for the post of Indra, to overcome the famine. Nagushan, impressed by the beauty of Indrani wanted to flirt with her. Knowing this Indrani went to Brahma. He could not offer a lasting solution. Then along with demigods, etc Indrani went to Vishnu for a solution. Vishnu advised all of them to worship Parashakthi. With Her grace, Indra was found by Indrani. Indrani told Indra that her chastity is in jeopardy with Nagushan occupying Indra’s throne. Indra told her that their time is not auspicious and that she should go back to Indralog. He also told her that to protect a woman’s chastity nobody can be of help except her own will power and determination. She went back to indralog and told Nagushan that she would oblige him if he comes to her place in a palanquin carried by the seven great sages (sapta rishis). Accordingly, Nagushan summoned sapta rishis. Sapta rishis obliged Nagushan as they were aware of what is in store for Nagushan. Out of the seven rishis, Agastyar was very short and when he walked with the palanquin, it tilted towards his side. Angered by this, Nagushan beat Agastya and kept his foot on his head. Agastya is a very powerful sage who had once consumed the entire water of all the oceans. Agastya cursed Nagushan to become a python and immediately he fell down in a forest with the body of a python. Knowing this, Indra returned to his kingdom. Indra was restored to his throne with the grace of Lalihai.