LALITHA SAHASRANAMAM 594 - 600

Indra-dhanuh-prabha (594) Indra dhanu in literal sense is Indra’s bow. But, in this context it indicates rainbow. In fact, this nama is an extension of the previous nama. There is a rainbow just above the bindu of ‘hrim’ that has been discussed in the previous nama. The bindu itself shines. Apart from bindu, this rainbow like structure that is quarter of the size of the bindu also shines. The bindu and rainbow like formation which is also known as ‘ardhachandra’ (half the shape of the moon thereby forming a rainbow), are visualised while worshipping ‘kamakala’ form of Lalithambigai. Reference to rainbow is used as it consists of seven colours (VIBGYOR) that get exploded at sahasrara. These colours originate here. Hrdayastha (595) She resides in the heart. Katha Upanishad II.2.12 says ‘residing in heart’. The same Upanishad says again in II.1.12 says ‘Brahman resides in the centre of the body in the size of a thumb.’ This nama reaffirms Her stature as the Brahman. This nama could mean that she is to be meditated in heart chakra. One of the ancient scriptures says that one who knows the heart of Brahman enjoys eternal happiness. The heart of the Brahman is the store house of universal love. Raviprakya (596) The second kuta of panchadasi mantra is situated in anahat chakra. This is called surya kuta. This nama says that She shines like the sun, residing in one’s heart. She shines in every kuta, but the nature of illumination differs. Tri-konantara-dipika (597) She shines like a flame in the triangle of muladhara chakra. The first kuta of panchadasi mantra, the agni kuta is mentioned here. Notes on nama 591 to 597. In these namas the subtle nature of the three kutas of panchadasi mantra are explained. The first kuta is manifested in the centre of muladhara chakra as a flame of fire. The second kuta is manifested in the form of a rainbow in anahat chakra. The third kuta is manifested at a place just below the sahasrara. The panchadasi mantra originates as the first kuta in the muladhara chakra develops further by adding the second kuta in the anaht chakra and blossoms fully just below sahasrara, where the third kuta is added. This is beautifully explained in ‘muka-panchasadi’ (I.50) which says ‘In the centre of the heart, in the middle of the forehead and in the centre of the head, She shines like sun, Indra’s dhanu and moon.’ Dakashayani (598) She was born to Daksha and got married to Shiva. This nama talks about Her lineage. Certain fire rituals are performed on full moon and new moon days continuously. These are known as ‘darsha-purna-masa yajna’ and the oblations offered during these rituals are known as Dakshayana yajna. These yajnas are considered as powerful and She is said to be in the form of those yajnas. Daitya-hantri (599) Daitya means evil and represented as demons in epics. She is the slayer of all evil acts (demonic qualities). Reference can be made to nama 318. Daksha-yajna-vinashini (600) She destroyed the sacrificial rites of two Dakshas. There existed two Dakshas. One is known as Daksha Prajapati, a superhuman character and another is the human incarnation of the former. They did not respect Shiva. In all the yajnas, a portion of the oblations are offered to all gods and goddesses. Due to their egoistic nature they did not give such oblations to Shiva. Shiva got wild and their yajnas were destroyed by Shiva’s army. She is said to be the cause behind such destruction. This nama signifies this act. Two Dakshas existed at different times. Shiva cursed superhuman Daksha to be born as a human.