We are currently exploring a condensed version of the history of Goddess Sri Lalithambika, as detailed in the book “Lalithopākhyānam” This story is presented in the form of 1,800 verses in the Brahmāṇda Purāṇam and is written concisely. The Lalitha Sahasranama is included in the “Lalithopākhyānam”, specifically in the 36th chapter as part of its conclusion. The narrative begins with Sage Agastya, who, during his deep penance, experienced profound distress. He observed that the actions of people were not grounded in Dharma. Whether due to the stronghold of Kali(the darkness of Kali Yuga personified) or the latent tendencies within their hearts, they had all strayed into immoral paths. Agastya was troubled and wondered how he could prevent the downfall of humanity.
Wherever we look, we encounter stories of drunken atrocities and rape, alongside tales of theft, wicked deeds, bribery, and actions that harm the world. We are faced with such crises. Sage Agastya pondered deeply, questioning how it could be possible to change the course of events. He did not mourn his own situation or yearn for personal liberation, instead, he sought to uplift the people to live a Dharmic life. Responding to his prayers, Lord Parameshwara blessed him and sent Lord Hayagrīva (an avatar of Lord Vishnu) to Sage Agastya. Lord Dhakṣiṇāmūrti is revered as “Jñaṉasvarūpam,” embodying the true nature of Knowledge.
chitram vaṭa tharor mole
vruttā siṣya guror yuva
gurosthu mauṉam vykhyānam
siṣyāstu ciṉa samsaya:
[It is strange to see, The very old disciples and the very young teacher, who sit under a banyan tree, With the teacher always observing silence and the students getting all the doubts cleared.]
(Śrī Dhakṣiṇāmūrti Stotṟam)
He is referred to as “He who is the true nature of truth” for Shaiva devotees. Four disciples sit with Lord Dhakṣiṇāmūrti under the shelter of a massive banyan tree. Although the disciples are old men, their Guru appears as a youth. The disciples are caught in the relentless cycle of birth, old age, and rebirth, while their master, Lord Dhakṣiṇāmūrthi, remains changeless and transcendent, beyond the cycle of life and death, as well as the limitations of time and space. He embodies the essence of truth.
While giving a lecture, we often feel the need to speak at length. However, under the banyan tree, the master and his disciples do not communicate through spoken language; silence serves as their method of instruction. The disciples have no doubts at all. Lord Dhakṣiṇāmūrti is regarded as the initial master (ādi Guru). For Vaishnavites (devotees of Lord Vishnu), Lord Hayagrīva is considered the Master. He embodies the true nature of Knowledge and is the manifest representation of Divine Consciousness. Lord Hayagriva appeared before Sage Agastya.
Long ago, Brahma narrated the history of Sri Lalithambika to Lord Parameshwara and Sage Durvāṣā. Subsequently, Lord Hayagriva imparted this history of Lalitha Parameshwari to Sage Agastya, detailing her divine attributes, incarnation, and unmatched valor. Sage Agastya played a crucial role in spreading the story of Lalitha Parameshwari throughout the world. In this commentary on the Lalitha Sahasranama, we are focusing on topics related to the destruction of the evil Bhandasura. We will hear more details in the upcoming episodes.
To be continued…..
#Lalitha #LalithaShasranamam
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