LALITHA SAHASRANAMAM 611 - 614.

Kalatmika (611)


She is in the form of ‘kalas’. Kala means digit or minute parts of an entity. The moon has 16 such kalas, the sun has 12 kalas and agni (fire) has 10 kalas. When it is said that the moon has 16 kalas, it means moon is made up of 16 parts. During waning period of moon one kala is reduced on each day leading to no moon (new moon day or amavasya) on the 15th day. Similarly one kala is added each day during waxing period of moon leading to the full moon comprising of all the 15 kalas. The 16th kala of the moon is Lalithambigai who is present in the moon without waxing and waning. This is yet another example to confirm that the Brahman is without any modification. This nama says that She is present even in the subtlest part of an object confirming the omnipresence nature of the Brahman. Examples of the moon, sun and fire are taken because of their illuminating nature. They are not self-illuminating in nature but simply reflect the illumination of the Brahman.

There are four stages of consciousness. They are awake, dream, deep sleep and turiya stages. Each of these stages has four kalas making a total of 16 kalas. The awake stage is said to be in the form Lalithai. The four kalas of awake stages are rising, waking, consciousness and mental action.

In nama 236, 64 kalas have been referred. In that context, kala means art. There are many such kalas referred to in the scriptures.


Kalanatha (612)


She is ruler of kalas discussed above. All subtle matters that make a gross matter are administered by Her. Hence, She is known as the ruler of kalas.

The chief of kalas of the moon is known as ‘kala-nathan’, which also means the moon. The disc of the moon is compared to Sri Chakra. Since She resides in Sri Chakra, She is also known as ‘kala-natha’.


Kavyalapa-vinodhini (613)


Kavyas mean the great epics. Epics have 18 types of qualities. ‘The Ramayana’ of the great sage Valmiki has all the 18 qualities and is said to be the first among the epics. She is delighted when She listens to such great epics that fulfil all the 18 qualities.

It is said that by properly worshipping Her, one attains poetization capabilities. There two known examples are in the form of poet Kalidasa and dumb turned poet Mooka-kavi (mooka means dumb and kavi means poet).

Soundarya Lahari verse 17 conveys the same meaning. It says when She is contemplated along with eight Vak Devis, the authors of this Sahasranamam, one gets poetic capabilities.

Nama 798 says that She is in the form of those great poetic epics.


Sachamara-rama-vani-savyadakshina-sevita (614)


Goddess Lakshmi (Rama) and Goddess Sarasvati (Vani) stand by Her side and fan Her. This nama means that those who contemplate Her get wealth and intelligence without even asking for them. Soundarya Lahari also endorses this narration. This concept is discussed in Soundarya Lahari verse 99, Lalitha trishati namas 63 and 194.