We now explore the divine feet of Devi as described in Sri Lalita Sahasranama:
kūrma pṛṣṭha jayiṣṇu prapadānvitā
whose feet have arches that rival the back of a tortoise in smoothness and beauty.
The beauty and grace of Devi’s feet are extolled in Saundarya Lahari:
himānīhantavyaṃ himagirinivāsaikachaturau
niśāyāṃ nidrāṇaṃ niśi charamabhāgē cha viśadau ।
varaṃ lakṣmīpātraṃ śriyamatisṛjantau samayināṃ
sarōjaṃ tvatpādau janani jayataśchitramiha kim ॥
Saundarya Lahari 87
In traditional poetry, the limbs of gods and goddesses are often compared to lotus flowers, as seen in Balamukundashtakam: karāravindena padāravindaṃ…
Who with His lotus-like hands holds His lotus-like feet…
However, Sri Shankaracharya holds that the metaphor of the lotus is insufficient to describe Devi’s feet. While lotus flowers close at night and wither in snow, Devi’s lotus feet remain fully bloomed, bestowing grace continuously on her devotees. This constancy of Devi’s feet establishes their supremacy over the traditional lotus metaphor.
In another verse, Devi’s gait is celebrated:
padanyāsakrīḍāparichayamivārabdhu-manasaḥ
skhalantastē khēlaṃ bhavanakalahaṃsā na jahati ।
atastēṣāṃ śikṣāṃ subhagamaṇimañjīraraṇita-
chchalādāchakṣāṇaṃ charaṇakamalaṃ chārucharitē ॥
Saundarya Lahari 91
It is believed that Kailasa, the abode of Shiva, has many divine swans (hamsa) who observe Devi’s unique, graceful walk, described in Lalita Sahasranama as:
marālī manda gamanā
whose gait is as slow and gentle as that of a swan.
The swans, otherwise admired for their elegance, try to imitate Devi’s walk as a lesson in grace. Just as a Bharatanatyam teacher instructs their disciples in the precise placement of each step, Devi subtly shows the swans how to walk. Even after Devi departs, the swans continue practicing her graceful movements. The sound of Devi’s gem-studded anklets is like a guiding rhythm for the swans, further enhancing their training.
The difficulty of serving Devi’s lotus feet is expressed as follows:
purārātērantaḥpuramasi tatastvachcharaṇayōḥ
saparyāmaryādā taralakaraṇānāmasulabhā ।
tathā hyētē nītāḥ śatamakhamukhāḥ siddhimatulāṃ
tava dvārōpāntasthitibhiraṇimādyābhiramarāḥ ॥
Saundarya Lahari 95
Many divine beings, including Indra and other gods, worship Devi to attain the eight siddhis, or supernatural powers, and are stationed as gatekeepers at the outer gates of Sri Puram, Devi’s city. However, Devi resides within the heart of Lord Shiva, making her grace accessible only to the pure-hearted. True worship of Devi’s lotus feet requires mastery over one’s senses and desires, signifying a purified mind that has transcended worldly attachments. This deep level of devotion is described as the “worship of the lotus feet of Devi,” a spiritual practice that emphasizes inner purity.
In her abode, deep within Shiva’s palace, Devi remains in a space reserved only for the truly dedicated and pure-hearted. Indra and other gods, despite their supernatural attainments, stand as guardians alongside the Anima siddhis, demonstrating that only those with steadfast spiritual focus can draw close to Devi’s divine presence.
To be continued…
#Lalita #LalithaSahasranamam
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