Tag: mother

The Sri Chakra Raja chariot of Lalithaṃbhika was attacked from the rear by the army of the Asurās. Mantriṇī and Dhandini Devī came up to Sri Lalithaṃbhika, beseeched her forgiveness for their momentary lapse and requested her for an effective resistance from such ambushes and attacks. Sri Lalithaṃbhika turned to Jwalamalini, one of the fifteen Nitya devīs. She said it is our duty to protect the śakti Sena”. She commanded her to make a fortress of fire around the śakti Sena. Jwalamalini Devī is one of the presiding deities of fire.

She created an impenetrable fortress of fire, spanning kilometers in length and breadth. The fortress blazed like diamonds. The śakti Sena stayed within its protective radius. Bhandāsurā heard this news. His thirty sons had been killed, the war was going against him. He still did not want to declare open war. He decided to try another tricky tactic. He ordered Viṣukrāna to start out at night with a small army. They moved undetected under the cover of night, they carried out black occult magic. It is said that they created many “Vighña Yantras”, Performing homa for the dark powers, sacrificing animals to propitiate them. They chanted mantras of black magic and their purpose was to make the śakti sena dim witted, listless and dispirited. This was their tactic to defeat śakti Sena. They approached the fortress of fire. They needed to place the “Vighña yantra” inside the fortress. Black magic practiced today to torment people was also being practiced long ago. They brought hordes of black magicians and sacrificed a countless number of animals. They chanted mantras of destruction, believing that it would have the desired effect. The effect of this mantra were several. It will make a person extremely lazy, inclined to show kindness to those who don’t deserve it. It will erode their confidence, leaving them feeling useless and unworthy. It will make them drowsy and constantly sleepy. They’ll lose interest in everything and feel utterly drained of strength, with no loyalty to their superiors.

Viṣukrān approached the fortress of fire with a vast array of machines designed to obstruct and hinder. He attempted to hurl them inside the fortress, but the fierce flames rose kilometers into the sky, blocking his path. So, he placed these hostile machines outside the fortress. Finally, with great stealth, he skillfully hurled them toward Devī’s army. They settled among the Shakti Sena, unnoticed. Devī is all-knowing, there is no need for Her to actually see with Her own eyes to be aware. In Sri Lalitha Sahasranama, Devī is hailed as,

sahasrākṣī
[She who has a thousand eyes]
(Sri Lalitha Sahasranama – 283)
sahasrapāt
[She who has a thousand feet]
(Sri Lalitha Sahasranama – 284)

She is praised as sahasrākṣī and sahasrapāt, the One who is omniscient and omnipresent. Yet, Devī pretended to be unaware and feigned ignorance of what was unfolding. The Vighña yantra were skillfully deployed, and even in the divine presence of Devī, the machines began to produce their intended effect. A sudden deterioration was evident among the śakti Sena, though no one understood the reason for this abrupt shift in behavior.
Devī, ever-aware, does not reveal the cause. She sits seemingly indifferent, detached from the events around Her. No one else understands the reason or even suspects there might be one. The Shakti Sena became dull-witted, drowsy, and reluctant to fight. They thought, “Why should we sacrifice ourselves for the glory of our master?” In their lethargy, they invented bizarre excuses to avoid battle. They laid down their weapons, declaring their intent not to fight for the benefit of others at the cost of their own lives. Over half the army fell into a deep sleep, while the rest reasoned, “The Asurās are also Devī’s children. Killing them would be wrong.” They questioned, “Why engage in this needless war?” and claimed, “Our true dharma is Ahiṃsā, non-violence.”

In this way, they grew lazy, drowsy, and began to show misplaced kindness. Confidence in their abilities waned, and their will to fight vanished. We are recounting the events leading up to the death of Bhandasura, as recorded in the Sri LalithaSahasranāma . More details will follow in upcoming episodes.

To be continued….
#Lalita #LalithaSahasranāma

We continue the account of the battle that led to Bhandāsurā’s demise, as recorded in the śrī Lalitha sahasranāma. Viśangāna attempted to ambush Devī from the rear, but his plan failed. śrī Lalithaṃbika commanded the fifteen Nitya Devīs, her constant companions, to engage in battle. They swiftly attacked and obliterated the fifteen Akṣauhinisa led by Viśangāna. Realizing the disaster this tactic had brought upon his forces, Bhandāsurā began to deliberate and summoned his thirty sons for counsel.

Their unusual names are as follows, Chaturbahu, Cakorakṣana, Chatussiran, Vajraghoṣana, Simhaghośan, Ghandalāna, Chandavarnan, Pūramarāna, Svargaśatṛ, Athimayan, Upamayan, Anthakāna, and Yamanthakāna, among others. With great affection, Bhandāsurā gathered them around him. “Dearest sons, I sent our renowned soldiers into battle, believing we were facing an ordinary woman. Alas, all of them were slain by the śakti Sena. We had once defeated Indra, a victory won solely through your strength. You have brought me triumph in countless wars.
Therefore, Bhandāsurā commanded, “Please enter the battlefield and capture our opponent, this weak and helpless woman.” The rules of war dictated that army commanders should only engage with their equal counterparts, horsemen with horsemen, and elephant brigades against opposing elephant brigades. Warfare was meant to be conducted between equals in strength and authority. Devī’s army remained vigilant, having narrowly escaped defeat the night before. Mantriṇī and Dandhinī readied themselves to confront the advancing enemy, but were halted by Bala Tripura Sundarī.

Bala Devī is the beloved child of the śakti Sena, said to be just nine years old. She holds a necklace of Rudrākṣa beads and a book of mudrāsa in her four divine hands, symbolizing assurance of refuge and blessings. Remarkably, she does not wield any weapons. Embodying all knowledge, she represents true wisdom. Despite her seemingly vulnerable position, the others tried hard to dissuade her, questioning how a small, unarmed child could confront such powerful Asuras.

Bālā TripuraSundarī stood firm, declaring, “If the opponent is Bhandāsurā, then śrī Parameśvarī should confront him. However, I am the rightful one to counter the might of the Bhandāputras.” Reaffirming her decision, Bālā Devī approached Lalithaṃbika. Known as the life breath of Devī Lalithaṃbika, Bālā TripuraSundarī’s resolve saddened Lalithaṃbika who remarked, “You are only a child.”

“I brought you to the battlefield merely for appearances, not for actual combat,” said śrī Lalithaṃbika. “Why do you wish to fight? How can you confront such strong and cruel Asuras with your soft, tiny hands? Please, do not venture into battle.” śrī Lalithaṃbika tried her best to sway Bālā Tripura Sundarī’s resolve. However, Bala Devī stood firm, skillfully countering Lalithaṃbika’s arguments and ultimately winning the debate. Despite being unarmed, she remained resolute.

śrī Lalithaṃbika fashioned a small protective sheath of armor and a breastplate for Bālā Devī from a piece of her own armor. She created a chariot, named “Karṇi Ratha,” for Bālā Devī from her flower-tipped arrows, drawn by graceful swans. Armed and radiant, Bālā Tripura Sundarī headed to the battlefield. Everyone present, including the śakti Sena, bowed their heads in devotion and prostrated before her. Bālāṃbika blessed the śakti Sena with her tiny hands and smiled affectionately as she set out to confront her enemies.

Bālā Devī fought valiantly in a fierce war against all thirty sons of Bhandāsurā, who besieged her from all sides. Utilizing the Nārāyaṇa Astra, she instantly annihilated the massive army accompanying the Bhandās Putras. With a single arrow, she killed all thirty asuras effortlessly. After her victorious battle, she returned to Lalithaṃbika and prostrated before her. This moment, along with the form of Bālāṃbika, is uniquely described in the Lalitha Sahasranāma, not found elsewhere.

bhaṇḍaputra-vadhodyukta-bālāvikrama-nanditā
[She who delights in seeing the valor of the goddess bala who
is intent on killing the sons of bhanda]
(Sri Lalitha Sahasranama – 74)

Sri Lalithaṃbhika lovingly picks up child Bala Devī, cradling her in her lap and showering her with affection. It is said that she bestows her blessings upon Bālāṃbika. We are currently exploring the events leading to the demise of Bhandāsurā, as narrated in the Lalitha Sahasranāma. More details will unfold in the upcoming episodes.

To be continued….
#Lalita #LalithaSahasranāma

Bhandāsurā received the grim news that seven of his key military chiefs had been killed in battle. He summoned his minister and convened another council of war. “We are facing repeated defeats,” he declared. “There is an undisclosed power that strengthens them. We were misled into believing they were merely ordinary women, which is why we did not send a more formidable army. The forces we did send, though strong and loyal, perished in battle. We must not underestimate this force. I have come to realize that their army is invincible in direct confrontation or conventional combat.”
“We can only defeat them through treacherous means,” Bhandāsurā said. He commanded Viśangāna, “Go to the battlefield, but do not reveal yourself. Find a way to reach Lalithaṃbika. This war will end with her defeat, so your task is to vanquish her. We must change our strategy and no longer engage in open battle, as the Asuras grow stronger at night. Use any means necessary to reach Lalithaṃbika and defeat her.”

Viśangāna set out under the cover of darkness, unknown to anyone, accompanied only by Kutilakṣana and a comparatively small army. According to the rules of war in those times, battles could not be fought at night. The śakti Sena would never anticipate a surprise attack from the rear under the cover of night. They would have removed their armor, sitting together, sharing news, and relaxing after the day’s fierce battle. All of them would be longing for a mischievous glance from Devī’s eyes, yearning for the compassionate look of Devī to caress them.

It is said that Devī rode on “Kusumākara,” her aircraft, and gave darshan to everyone. The śakti Sena devotedly hoped for Devī’s gaze to rest upon them for a while. However, Viśangāna launched his attack from the rear, hoping to escape detection and avoid coming within Devī’s sight. The śakti Sena, caught off guard by this unexpected assault, found themselves defenseless, resulting in many lives lost. Viśangāna’s army made some progress, advancing toward Devī’s chariot, the śrī Chakra Rāja Ratha, which was stationed at the back of the śakti Sena. The Asuras closed in on the chariot.

It was then that the śakti Sena snapped awake, realizing they had fallen victim to a great deception as the rules of war were broken. A skirmish erupted, and hearing the clamor of battle, Devī turned her gaze toward the commotion. She was seated in her chariot, conversing with the fifteen Nitya Devīs who always accompany her and stand equal to her. Devī is praised as…

nityā-ṣoḍaśikārūpā
[She who is in the form of the sixteen deities ]
(Sri Lalitha Sahasranama – 391)

śrī Lalithaṃbika Devī is regarded as the sixteenth Nitya Devī highlighting the glory of this divine assembly. The names of the fifteen Nitya Devīs are Kāmeśvarī, Bhagamālinī, Nityaklinnā, Peruṇḍa, Vaḥnivasini, Vajreśvarī śivadūthi, Tvaritha, Kulasundarī, Nitya, Nīlapathāka, Vijaya, Sarvamaṅgala Jwalamalini, and citra. Upon realizing that Viśangāna was rapidly approaching her chariot, slaying those in his path, she commanded the fifteen Nitya Devīs to engage in battle.

They defeated the fifteen Akṣauhiṇī senas that had marched with Viśangāna, forcing him and Kutilakṣana to flee. According to the rules of war, those who abandon the battlefield are not to be killed, so they were permitted to escape. Mantriṇī and Dandhinī approached Devī, pleading for her forgiveness, admitting, “We were lax in our duties and should have been more vigilant against their evil intentions.” The Lalithopakhyānāṃ recounts this treacherous act of Viśangāna, which violated all established rules of warfare. We continue the tale of the battle that ultimately led to the destruction of the evil Bhandāsurā, with more details to come in the upcoming episodes.

To be continued….
#Lalita #LalithaSahasranāma

We are hearing about the fierce battle that led to the death of Bhandāsurā. The commander-in-chief of Bhandāsurā’s army sent five of his strongest and most ferocious asuras to fight against the śakti Sena. He urged them, “Fight for your country; if necessary, give your lives.” True to his words, all five sacrificed their lives in battle. Their names are listed in the Lalithopakhyānāṃ: Karangāna, Kakavacitna, Vajradantāna,Vajramukhāna and Vajraromana. They arrived in war with very peculiar escorts.
Vajradantāna arrived at the battlefield in a chariot drawn by a hundred donkeys. The weapons of Vajramukhāna and Vajraroman were as sharp as diamonds. In the ensuing ferocious battle, they employed the weapons of Maya and the occult powers they had mastered. They conjured a demonic śakti named Sarpiṇī who produced millions of snakes from her body. These snakes wreaked havoc in the śakti Sena, biting the warriors with their vicious fangs.

Many warriors fell unconscious from the powerful bites, and the śakti Sena appeared to be on the verge of defeat. At that crucial moment, śrī Lalithaṃbika appeared among them. She looked upon her distraught warriors with compassion and smiled gently at Mantriṇī. Mantriṇī. then manifested the divine Nakulī Devī , awakening the inner spiritual power lying dormant within her. From Nakulī Devī’s body, many mongooses were born.

The mongooses tore apart the snakes slithering across the battlefield. The Lalithopakhyānāṃ details the slaying of the five powerful asuras sent to defeat the śakti Sena. Upon learning of the deaths of his five fiercest asuras, Kutilakṣana dispatched seven more chieftains, commanding the strength of a hundred Akṣauhinisa. The war was turning into a gruesome bloodbath, and all seven asuras had received boons from the Devas.

The seven were named Valahakan, Sucimukhāna, Vikatanan, Karalakṣana, Karatakāna, Balamukhan, and Vikarnan. These army chiefs rode on vultures, crows, eagles, ghouls, hens, ghosts, and Vethala (a paranormal being). It is said that the wingspan of the birds they rode spanned kilometers in length and width. They joined the battle, tearing apart, trampling, and flinging aside anything in their path.

The Devīs’ warriors were attacked by the sharp, cruel beaks of the seven asuras. It is said that these asuras had received a boon from the Sun God: the heat of multiple suns would descend upon anyone who confronted or even glanced at them with hostility. Scorching flames would turn everything to ashes, and the heat generated by their mere presence would be unbearable. At a critical moment in the battle, the asuras began wielding this boon as a weapon. They flew around on their monstrous vehicles, spreading flames everywhere. The śakti Sena became exhausted, their bodies bleeding profusely, and defeat loomed. śrī Lalithaṃbika was informed of the impending disaster. With compassion, she looked at Aaśvarudhā Devī, from whom Thiraskariṇī Devī manifested.

The Sanskrit meaning of “Thiraskaraṃ” is to conceal or hide. The asuras created immense, roaring flames and unbearable heat. Thiraskariṇī Devī arrived on a vehicle named “Thamoliptham” (that which is hidden or covered by darkness) and entered the battlefield in her flying chariot. She subdued the roaring flames and stabilized the temperature of the śakti Sena’s bodies. Ultimately, she defeated all seven asuras.

Bhandāsurā was informed about the significant defeats suffered by his army. He lamented, “It seems that the race of asuras will soon be entirely destroyed.” The Lalithopakhyānāṃ continues to describe the chaos and fear that have overwhelmed Bhandāsurā. We are recounting the events leading to Bhandāsurā’s destruction, as detailed in the śrī Lalitha Sahasranāma More will be revealed in the coming days.

To be continued….
#Lalita #LalithaSahasranāma

Bhandāsurā ordered his army commander Kutilakṣana to proceed to wage war. Kutilakṣana ordered one of his subordinate chiefs called Durmadana to lead the war. In the Lalithopakhyānāṃ we can read two contrasting descriptions Devī’s army shone with the assurance of victory, by the auspicious signs evident in their march to war. There were ill omens and misfortune shadowing the army of Bhandāsurā.

Their weapons and their mode of transport were strange and peculiar. They rode on lions, hyenas and wolves, horses, donkeys, dogs and pigs. They rode on crows, on the half human and half beast śarabhasa, on ghosts and ghouls. Durmadana led the fight. In those days the rules of war laid down that the fight should be between opponents of equal mettle. Durmadana clashed with Saṃpatkāri Devī. A terrible fight ensued between Saṃpatkāri, commander of the elephant brigades and Durmadana n the army chief of Bhandāsurā.

At one point in the battle, Durmadana was able to pierce a gem in the crown of Saṃpatkāri Devī and it fell to the ground. Saṃpatkāri Devī felt highly insulted by this and in terrible anger, felled Durmadana . Durmadana was killed by Saṃpatkāri Devī. The following day, Kutilakṣana sent the younger brother of Durmadana , named Kurundana, to lead the war. Kurundana came prepared for battle, determined to destroy the opposing army, furious at the death of his brother and the initial victory won by the śakti Sena. Saṃpatkāri Devī rode out to meet Kurundana, but was stopped by aśvarudhā .

She said, “Devī, you are tired from yesterday’s victorious battle, take rest. I have a longing to go to battle and prove my mettle against this evil Asuras”. In the fierce battle that followed, Kurundan was killed by aśvarudhā. Kutilakṣana at once despatched Karangāna, Kakavacitna, Vajradantāna Vajramukhāna and Vajraromana to lead the war. They were all slain. It is said that Kutilakṣana the Commander-in-chief of Bhandāsurā’s army sent five of these ferocious Asuras to the war front.

He exhorted them “Fight for your country, if necessary give up your lives”. True to his words, all five of them had to give up their lives in battle. Vajradantāna came to war on a chariot drawn by hundred donkeys. Their weapons were as sharp as diamonds. In the ferocious war that followed they resorted to the weapons of Maya that they were adept in. They created a demonic śakti called Sarpiṇī. Sarpiṇī created millions of snakes from her body.

The snakes created havoc in the śakti Sena as they bit the warriors with their vicious fangs. Many fell unconscious from the powerful bites and the śakti Sena seemed to be on the verge of defeat. At that crucial juncture, śrī Lalithaṃbika appeared in their midst. She glanced with compassion upon her distraught warriors, the śakti Sena. She smiled gently at Mantriṇī. Mantriṇī manifested the divine Nakulī Devī using the inner spiritual power lying dormant within her.

Many mongooses took birth from the body of Nakulī Devī. The mongooses tore apart the snakes that were slithering all over the battle field. The Lalithopakhyānāṃ describes the slaying of the five powerful Asuras dispatched to defeat the śakti Sena. We are listening to the events leading up to the slaying of Bhandāsurā. We shall hear more in the forthcoming episodes.

To be continued….
#Lalita #LalithaSahasranāma

Accompanied by her army of millions of śaktisa, Devī set out to war with the intention of killing Bhandāsurā. The various chariots ridden by the Devīs manifested by her included the Geya Cakra and Kiricākra. Bālā Devī rode on a chariot called the Karnirataḥ, while Devī herself rode to war on the śrī Chakrarāja chariot. The movement of her war chariots made it seem as if the majestic Vindhya and Himalaya Mountains were in motion.The Devasa played celestial instruments and sang hymns in her praise, showering flowers from the skies as a sign of good fortune. Sages like Nārada also composed and sang many hymns in her honor. Their joy was reflected in the resounding ovation that encouraged the marching army. Devī’s chariot rolled alongside those of her war commanders, as she rode with a gentle and auspicious smile on her face, assuring victory.

Bhandāsurā, who had previously revealed in prosperity, suddenly began to witness evil and ominous portents in his city. He saw comets streaking across the sky and falling stars. A thick, smoky fog settled and spread everywhere. Unexpected obstacles arose during the Yajñas being conducted. Dark objects fell with the rain, and wolves howled, creating an eerie atmosphere, as if ghosts haunted his land. Numerous omens heralding great misfortune appeared.

Bhandāsurā was assailed by doubt: “Such evil portents have never before appeared in śunyaka, my city. What could be the reason for these ominous signs?” He convened a council with his ministers and close allies, including Viṣukrāna, Viśangāna, and Kutilakṣana, to seek an explanation for the ominous portents. It was then that he learned the tidings of war. He was informed that Lalitha Parameśvarī, intent on his destruction, was approaching with a vast army under her command. An army of śaktisa, numbering in the millions, had manifested to challenge his might.

He understood that the chief military commanders of Devī were Mantriṇī, Dandhinī, Aśvarudhā, and Saṃpathkāri. Convening a council of war, he sought the opinions of his younger brothers, Viṣukrāna and Viśangāna. Viṣukrāna confidently stated, “We have nothing to worry about. We have defeated many great warriors and their formidable armies. Your sons, the Bhandāputras, have triumphed over numerous Devasa and mighty kings.”

“Even Lord Parameśvara fled, not wanting to face our fury. Lord Mahāviṣṇu also ran from us. We soundly defeated Brahma, who had to undergo treatment to heal himself. The current challenge we face is from an army consisting solely of women. There is not the slightest chance of defeat at the hands of such a force. Let us send a soldier from the lowest ranks of our army as our messenger. Viṣukrāna continued with great arrogance, saying, ‘Let us instruct this messenger to bring this Lalitha, who has dared to challenge us, to our royal assembly, dragging her by her hair.”

Viśangāna was thoughtful as he listened to the prideful words of Viṣukrāna. He said, “We must never underestimate the strength of our enemy. Remember our great ancestor, Mahābalī. He considered that small Brahmin boy begging for alms to be weak and helpless. When the diminutive Vāmana asked for three paces of land, our great ancestor, Emperor Mahābalī, agreed without any forethought. Vāmana then manifested as Trivikrama, covering the earth and the heavens in two steps. For the third step, Mahābalī offered his bowed head, on which Vāmana stepped and sent him to Sutala.”

Thus, everything was given over to Vāmana because Mahābalī found him amusingly insignificant. Hiraṇyākṣa was killed by what he considered merely a wild boar (Varāha), thinking it no match for his strength. We should reflect on the destruction of Mahiṣāsura. When Mahiṣāsura sought to capture a beautiful girl from the Himalayas, whom he deemed weak and helpless, he met his end at her hands. There are other examples I could mention. Let us not be hasty. Instead, let us send our spies to scout the enemy’s army.
“We must assess the actual strength of the enemy army and prepare for a counterattack, mustering our forces based on this estimate,” said Viśangāna. Bhandāsurā was reluctant to immediately agree to Viśangāna’s proposed tactics, embodying pride and conceit. He summoned his army chief, Kutilakṣana, and commanded, “Send 100 akṣaunisa approximately twenty lakh men, to conquer the enemy army and, if possible, bring this woman back alive. If not, you are authorized to kill her.”

“These women must possess great powers bestowed upon them by their mantrasa. Therefore, we must employ occult powers against their army. We need to perform Yojanas to placate the dark forces and entice them to our side. Many should engage in occult magic to confuse and weaken the advancing enemy.” Thus Bhandāsurā prepared for war. We are hearing the background of the impending conflict that will culminate in the killing of Bhandāsurā. More details will follow in the coming episodes.

To be continued….
#Lalita #LalithaSahasranāma

Bālā Tripurasundarī is worshipped as Devī Kanyākumāri. Vārāhi has twelve divine names, as described in the Lalithopākhyāṉam. They are elucidated in the first and second verses of Śrī Vārāhī Dvādaśa Nāma Stotram. (12 Names Of Śrī Vārāhī)

pañcamī daṇḍanāthā ca saṅketā samayeśvarī |
tathā samayasaṅketā vārāhī potriṇī śivā [ 1 ]
vārtālī ca mahāsenā jñācakreśvarī tathā |
arighnī ceti samproktaṃ nāma dvādaśakaṃ mune [ 2 ]

1. Pañcamī: The fifth Devi, she is the fifth of the eight Matṛka Devis, also she is the power behind Sadaśiva the fifth Karaneśvara as his Anugraha (Divine grace) śakti.
2. Daṇḍanāthā: Commander in Chief of the armed forces of Śrī Lalita
3. Saṅketā: Secret coded, being in the army has secret codes
4. Samayeśvarī: Lord of the path where there are rules and restrictions.
5. Samayasaṅketā: secret code in the pūjā path, since pūjā is the sadhana and battle personified we have to understand the meaning and the philosophy behind every act in the pūjā, she confers on us this understanding.
6. Vārāhī: the divine power behind the Varaha avatar of Śrī Viṣṇu, who lifted the world from the sea, hence a huge form is indicated here
7. Potriṇī: boar faced. Since boar has an ability to float and swim in waters, she has the ability to keep her devotees afloat and steer them in the world.
8. Śivā: Ever auspicious. Since Devi is ever pure awareness she is ever auspicious.
9. Vārtālī: Lord of speech. As seen above the Varaha avatar used the tusks to lift the world, having big tusks are indicated here. Philosophically they indicate the Vedas which are the sure means for being lifted up.
10. Mahāsenā: Having great army. The body with flesh, bones, blood are her armies, so maintaining this body in good condition which is the boon of this Devi is indicated here.
11. Ājñā cakreśvarī: Lord of the ājñā cakra (mid eyebrow). All individual effort will be up the sadhaka to raise the Kundalini up to ājñā cakra, here the ājñā – the order of the Devi is required to move further to the Sahsarara, which is the grace of the divine mother through the Śrī Guru.
12. Arighnī: the remover of the enemies.

Aśvarudhā was manifested from Devī’s rope. Lalitha Parameśvarī wields a rope as a weapon in her upper right hand, from which Aśvarudhā was manifested. Aśvarudhā serves as the commander of Devī’s horse cavalry. Saṃpathkāri Devī, manifested from the goad, was placed in command of the elephant regiments. Lalitha Parameśvarī assembled a large number of Akṣaunisa.

One Akṣauni comprises 21,870 chariots, 21,870 elephants, 65,610 horses, and 109,350 infantry, totaling over two lakh warriors. Devī conceived and formed thousands of such formidable Akṣauni resulting in an endless army. Bhandāsurā also commanded millions of Akṣauni. To confront this terrible force, Devī manifested Saṃpathkāri from her goad, and the massive army prepared for war, with the elephant regiments leading the charge.

Description continued in the comment section

#Lalitha #LalithaShasranamam

We are listening to the commentary of the mantras under the topic “Bhandāsurāvadham”. The mantras related to Bhandāsurāvadham are as follows,

bhaṇḍāsura-vadhodyukta-śaktisenā-samanvitā
[She who is endowed with an army of shaktis intent on slaying Bhandāsurā]
(Sri Lalitha Sahasranama – 65)
We shall explain the mantras up to the seventieth.

sampatkarī-samārūḍha-sindhura-vrajasevitā
[Who is attended by a herd of elephants ably commanded by sampatkari]
(Sri Lalitha Sahasranama – 66)

aśvārūḍhā-dhiṣṭhitāśva-koṭikoṭi-bhirāvṛtā
[She who is surrounded by a cavalry of several million horses which are under the command of the shakti, ashvarudha]
(Sri Lalitha Sahasranama – 67)

cakrarāja-rathārūḍha-sarvāyudha-pariṣkṛtā
[She who shines in Her chariot chakraraja, equipped with all
kinds of weapons]
(Sri Lalitha Sahasranama – 68)

geyacakra-rathārūḍha-mantriṇī-parisevitā
[She who is served by the shakti named mantrini who rides the
chariot known as geyacakra]
(Sri Lalitha Sahasranama – 69)

kiricakra-rathārūḍha-daṇḍa-nāthā-puraskṛtā
[She who is escorted by the shakti known as dandanatha,seated
in the kirichakra chariot]
(Sri Lalitha Sahasranama – 70)

Devī manifested, organized, and equipped a formidable army of śaktisa with the sole aim of slaying Bhandāsurā. His army consisted of the terrifying asurās Viśānan, Viśaṅgnan, Dhūminī, Bhandāsurā’s numerous sons, Dhūmralocanan, Kutilakṣan, and others. Devī created śaktisa mirroring each of her foes natures, appointing them as commanders of her Infantry, Horse Cavalry, and Elephant Regiments. She also manifested Mantriṇī as her prime minister and created a daughter, equal to herself in every way, naming her Bālā Tripurasundarī. The immense army she manifested numbered in the millions.

Devī is described as,

nityā-ṣoḍaśikārūpā
[She who is in the form of the sixteen daily deities (i.e., Kameshvari, Bhagamalini, Nityaklinna, Bherunda, Vahnivasini, Mahavajreshvari, Shivaduti, Tvarita, Kulasundari, Nitya, Nilapatakini, Vijaya, Sarvamangala, Jvalamalina, Chitra and Tripurasundari]
(Sri Lalitha Sahasranama – 391)

“Forever in the form of a sixteen-year-old,” Devī also manifested a daughter co-equal to her in every aspect, so closely resembling her that they could be mistaken for each other. She named her Bālā Tripurasundarī. also known as Bālā Devī, who has her own unique and auspicious mantra. Bālā Tripurasundarī holds a book in her hand and is adorned with an “akṣamālā” (a garland of Rudraksha beads).

Her other hand is in the Abhaya varada mudra, symbolizing protection and blessings to all who pray to her. Her chariot, crafted in the shape of the Sri Chakra, is called the “Kannī Rath.” Mantriṇī, who manifested from Devī, is also known as Rājamātaṅgī, Mātaṅgī, śyāmala, and Sangeetha śyāmala. Devī Mīnākṣī of Madurai is said to be a partial incarnation of Mantriṇī Devī.
Mīnākṣī Devī ruled over her land of Madurai, caring deeply for her subjects’ well-being. Mantriṇī, also known as Mudreśvarī, oversees the kingdom during times when Devī is not engaged in state affairs. She wears a signet ring bearing Devī’s symbol, receiving the same respect and obedience from the people as their great queen, for she represents Empress Devī herself.

This is why she is called Mudreśvarī, as she wears a signet ring with Devī’s symbol, and Rājamātaṅgī.
mantriṇī-nyasta-rājyadhūḥ
[She who has entrusted Her regal responsibilities to Her mantrini]
(Sri Lalitha Sahasranama -786)

“She who has entrusted her country to Mantriṇī.” Rājamātaṅgī, or Mantriṇī, is Devī’s Prime Minister. Devī also manifested Dandhanātha Mantriṇī is known by many other names: Saṃgīthayogini, śyāma, śyāmala Pradhaneṣi, Sukhapriya, Vīnavathi, Vainikī, Mudrini, Kadaṃbeṣi, Kadaṃbavanavasini, and Sadamada, among others.

Mantriṇī holds in her hands an exquisite vīṇa crafted from red ruby and is regarded as the presiding deity of music, considered equal to her mistress. She was manifested from the sugarcane bow of Lalithaparameśvarī From her flower-tipped arrows, she created āhvarudha, also known as dandhinī
Devī manifests in two forms. When she appears with the face of Varāha(boar), she is known as Vārāhi or Mahāvārāhi. In her regular form, she serves as the army commander, wielding a mighty plough in one hand and a pestle in the other, alongside an impressive armory of weapons. This form is worshiped at Tiruvanaikkavu in Tamil Nadu as Akhilandeśvarī. Bālā Tripurasundarī meanwhile, is venerated as Devī kanyākumāri. We are exploring the topics related to the slaying of Bhandāsurā., as recounted in the LalithaSahasranāma. More details will follow in the upcoming episodes.

To be continued….
#Lalita #LalithaSahasranāma

āpadi kim karaṇīyaṃ smaraṇīyaṃ caraṇa yugalaṃ ambayāha
[The only remedy for those drowning in sorrow and misery is the constant remembrance of the divine feet of the Universal Mother.]

Sage Narada reminded Devendra of Devī Jagadambika’s glory. As Bhandāsurā was consumed by lust, the Devas began preparing for a grand Yajna, said to have been performed in the Kanchi temple, with an altar miles long and wide. They constructed a vast altar, offering diverse oblations, including meat, as prescribed in Vedic texts. Ghee and other offerings were made to Agni, the fire god. The Yajna continued for an extended period, with unwavering dedication.
Time passed without yielding any results. In desperation, the Devas began offering their own limbs—cutting off their hands, feet, and more—and placing them, along with ghee, into the sacrificial fire. Finally, matters reached a point where they resolved to sacrifice themselves in the great fire pit. In complete surrender, they achieved purification of both their gross and subtle bodies, as well as their thoughts, words, and actions. They were prepared to renounce not only their physical forms but also all residual latent tendencies. They were ready to burn their attachments, body-consciousness, thoughts, and emotions in the fire of the Yajna.
From the Chittagni, the sacrificial fire pit within the heart where the individual ego dissolves through knowledge, Devī emerged as divine consciousness—the Absolute and all-pervading. Rising from the fire, adorned with precious ornaments, she appeared with four arms, holding a rope, a goad, a sugarcane bow, and arrows symbolizing the five subtle elements.
Her brilliant form filled with radiance & glory is beautifully described in Sri Lalithasahasranama,

nijāruṇa-prabhāpūra-majjad-brahmāṇḍamaṇḍalā
[She who immerses the entire universe in the red efflugence of Her form]
(Sri Lalitha Sahasranama – 12)

Her radiant form, ablaze in red effulgence, filled the universe, reminding all who witnessed her that her presence extended beyond the physical. The Devas were blessed to behold such a glorious manifestation of Devī, whose radiance encompassed the entire cosmos.
An auspicious city arose where Devī reigned, offering refuge to the Devas, who soon forgot the suffering inflicted by Bhandāsurā. Compassionate to all, Devī made each one feel uniquely cherished, as though they were her most beloved. The former inhabitants of heaven, now under her nurturing care, varied in form and character. Among them were Gandharvās, the skilled heavenly singers, Kinarās, men, and women, each with distinct qualities. Devī showed kindness to all, whether short or tall, slender or stout, quick-tempered or gentle, fully aware of the sixty thousand years they had endured under Bhandāsurā. They all felt singularly dear to her and continued living in her care, contented for a time.

Devī delivers the results of actions performed in the past or in previous births. The calamity that befell the Devas was a consequence of their arrogance. Although they were kind-hearted, they often took pride in themselves. To rid them of their remaining faults and latent tendencies, they had to endure persecution from the Asurās. Devī determined that each Deva should experience the fruits of their actions. She bestowed upon them wonderful gifts and sent them on their way. The Devas pleaded with her to slay Bhandāsurā, and the compassionate Mother of the Universe decided to fulfill their prayers.

Devī completed all preparations for war against the Asurās. This marks the beginning of the mantras related to Bhandāsurā’s destruction in the Sri Lalitha Sahasranama: “She who is endowed with an army of Shaktis intent on slaying Bhandāsurā.” We are currently hearing the details leading up to Bhandāsurā’s demise and will learn more in the upcoming episodes.

To be continued….
#Lalita #LalithaSahasranāma

Bhandā was granted a boon of immense prosperity for sixty thousand years. However, contrary to the Devas’ expectations, Bhandā exhibited all the traits of an evil and aggressive asurā, making him unacceptable among the Devas. When desire (Kamadeva) was destroyed, it gave rise to intense anger, from which Bhandāsurā was born.

The Devas, having forgotten their trials under Tārakāsurā, could not endure the persecution of Bhandāsurā. One of the Devas had blessed him with the power to gain half the strength of each opponent he fought. With this blessing and others granted by the Devas, Bhandāsurā grew even stronger. He had the Devas’ architect construct a vast city for him, called śonithapurā or śunyakanagaram.

In this story, we encounter many unfamiliar names. Bhandāsurā slapped his shoulders, and from them emerged his two chief henchmen, Viśukran and Viśaṅgan, who were considered his brothers and stayed by his side until the end. He also had a younger sister named Dhūminī. Bhandāsurā had four wives—Sanmohini, Kumudinī, Chitrangini, and Sundari—and thirty sons, all given peculiar names. One significant difference set Bhandāsurā apart from other Asurās.

The entire city of Bhandāsurā regularly chanted the Rudra Mantra. It is the nature of the Devas to bless those who pray to them, and in this case, it was as if they had cursed themselves. Bhandāsurā and his citizens became devout upāsakās (worshippers) of the Rudra Mantra, growing stronger as their fervent prayers were rewarded with boons. Meanwhile, the Devas’ strength steadily declined. They were driven from their homes, forced to seek refuge in forests and mountain caves.

The Devas fell into deep distress as Bhandāsurā became invincible, strengthened by his spiritual austerities and the boon of a prosperous sixty thousand years. For this long period, the Devas endured immense suffering. As the end of those years approached, Narada Maharshi, seeking to end Bhandāsurā’s tyranny, held discussions with the Devas. Even Lord Maha Vishnu could not kill him, but Vishnu offered a suggestion.

Ordinary people often lose their focus due to lust, and only if Bhandāsurā succumbed to desire would his spiritual strength diminish and his power weaken. It is said that the Lord created many Mohinis (enchantresses). While Bhandāsurā was enjoying the lake with his wives, he noticed several beautiful Mohinis by the lakeside. Overcome with lust, he grew eager to approach them. His fellow asurās—Viśukran, Viśaṅgan and Dhūmralocānā—also fell victim to desire. Thousands of Mohinis reportedly entered Bhandāsurā’s city, luring all the asurās with their charm.

The citizens forgot their dharma, responsibilities, and stopped performing Yajnas and chanting the Rudra Mantra. Many years passed this way. Sage Narada visited Devendra again, warning, “If you delay any longer, it will become impossible to kill Bhandāsurā.” He urged the Devas to collectively pray to Devi Jagadambika, the Universal Mother, as she alone could save them from this peril. The constant remembrance of her divine feet is the only remedy for those drowning in sorrow and misery. We are currently hearing the events leading up to the slaying of Bhandāsurā, as recounted in the Sri Lalitha Sahasranama, with more to follow in the coming days.

To be continued….
#Lalita #LalithaSahasranamam