LALITHA SAHASRANAMAM 786 - 789

Mantriṇī-nyasta-rājyadhūh (786)

She has entrusted the ministerial responsibilities of the universe to Mantrini. Mantrini is feminine gender for minister. Her minister is Shyamala. There is already a reference to Mantrini in namas 69 and 75. Shyamala is also known as Raja-Matangi and Raja-Shyamala.

It is also said that one who worships Her through mantras is known as mantrini. Here mantras do not mean Panchadasi and Shodasi alone. They are mantras of the highest order. Since She is ‘matrka varna rupini’ (nama 577), all the alphabets belong to Her. All the letters originate from Her. Therefore, there is no distinction between Her and mantras. This is confirmed by nama 204. ‘sarva mantra svarupini’. Mantra is defined as ‘power in the form of formulated and expressed thought.’ This power is known as Shakthi. Mantras are useful only if the deeper meaning of the mantras is understood. Mantras in combination with meditation give immediate results. Japa mantras do not fructify unless one understands the significance of mantras. Mantras are nothing but bija-aksharas (combination of alphabets). A bija is a monosyllabic sound that contains one or more consonants with a vowel and ends with a bindu. Vamakeshvara Tantra (refer namas 351 and 945) elaborates on mantras.

Shiva Sutra (II.1) says ‘cittam mantrah’. Cittam means limitation of the highest consciousness in the individual self. This can also be interpreted as the limitation of the Supreme Consciousness (the Brahman) in self (an individual). After having said that mind is mantra the next sutra (II.2) says that continuous effort leads to attainment (mantra siddhi or fructification mantra). The third sutra (II.3) says the fructification mantras mean non-dualism or Oneness with the Brahman (Realisation). Mantra is nothing but a secret tool in the hands of a practitioner that first enables him to establish a link with the Brahman and ultimately making him to dissolve into the Brahman. When mind and mantra are well connected, one realises the Brahman.

This nama also means that She is in the form such intricate and potent mantras. She is the sum total of all mantras.

Tripureśi (787)

Shiva had burnt Tripura, a place of asuras (demons) fortified with gold, silver and iron forts. These are nothing but stages of ignorance. Shiva who burnt this place is known as Tripura and His wife is Tripureshi. This also means Bhairavi, the Goddess of Tantra sastras (Tripura adipathi (adipathi means chief). She is adored by all tantra sasatras.

Or this could mean that She is the chief of three lokas of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. These lokas (worlds) are situated around Meru, where She resides (refer nama 775. Meru-nilaya)

Jayatsenā (788)

She has a victorious army. She is capable of winning over demons (evil acts). In Hindu scriptures, often references are made to demons. These demons are embodiment wickedness and gods who win over them represent virtues. Virtues always prevail.

Nistraiguṇyā (789)

She is devoid of three gunas. Three gunas are satva, rajo and tamo. These gunas in association with prakriti is responsible for creation. Please refer namas 139, 397, 398 and 399 for further details.