Lalitha Sahasranamam
Lalitha Sahasranama is in the 36th chapter of Lalitopakyana in Brahmanda
Purana. It is presented in the form of instructions imparted to the sage Agasthya
by Hayagriva who is the horse headed incarnation of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu.
Hayagriva tells Agasthya the story of the incarnation of Lalitha Devi and describes
her sports. He then describes the city of Sripura, Her abode, the greatness of Her
Mantra, the panchadasakshari, the essential oneness of Sri Yantra, Sri Vidya,
Lalitambika and Sri Guru, and initiates Agastya into the Sahasranamas of Devi's
attendant deities. Though he described every thing so far, Hayagriva did not
mention any thing about Lalitha Sahasranama. On repeated questioning of the
anxious student, Agastya maharishi, Hayagriva first explains the reasons why
Lalitha Sahasranama is so divine and sacred, and why it can be imparted only to
the highly potent and exalted and that the reasons why it was not imparted in the
first place.
Lalitha Sahasra Naama is one of the principal texts of Sakta Cult the other two
being are Durga Sapta Sati and Soundarya Lahari. Generally, only two
Sahasranaamas ( thousand Divine names), i.e., Lalitha Sahasra Naama and Vishnu
Sahasra Naama are popular in India though all deities like Siva, Laksmi, Parvathi,
etc are having their own Sahasranaamas and corresponding rituals. When Vishnu
Sahasra Naama helps the devotee to attain spiritual well being and subsequent
Moksha(salvation) the Lalitha Sahasra Naama imparts saadhaka both spiritual and
material upliftment.
The Text of Lalitha Sahasra Naama consists 320 verses in three chapters. This text
was first recited and strung into a garland of mantras by Vasini and other
Vagdevathas on the command of Mother Goddess herself as remembered in the
Nyaasa. The metre is Anushtup and Devatha is Lalitha Parameshwari. The other
details in nyaasa are Vagbhava koota (the first of three kootas) as seed, the
Kaamarajakoota (the second) as Sakthi and the Sakthikoota (the third) as spike or
Keelakam. The purpose of the recitation is given in nyaasa is to accomplish the
grace of Goddess Lalitha and to procure the benefits accompanying.
There is Lalitha Thrisathi, which consists of three hundred sacred names of
Mother in Lalithopakhyaana. This mantra has a close relationship with seed
syllable, Panchadasi. Each set of verses start from each syllable of Panchadasi. It is
also as potent as Lalitha Sahasra Naama.
In spite of being, only a part of Brahmaanda Puraana, Lalitha Sahasra Naama
enjoys august status in Saktha tradition and has merited plenty glosses and
commentaries among which the following are well known:
1. Soubhaagya Bhaaskaram: An elaborate and much dependable commentary by
celebrated tantrik saadhaka, Bhasuranda Natha whose earlier name was Bhaskararaya-
makhin.
2. Vidyaaranya-Bhaashya: Vidyaranya Muni who was the disciple of
Anandaaranya
Poojyapaada who wrote commentary on Lalitha Sahasra Naama in nine chapters.
3. Vimarshaananda’s commentary consisting 200 verses in nine parts.
Vimarshananda is said to be the disciple of Vimalanda Natha
4. Saubhaagya Rathnaakaram: A commentary in 36 tharangas by Vidyaranya
Natha, a disciple of Sachidananda Natha.
5. A commentary of Bhattanarayana, disciple of Sivananda Natha in 2500 verses
All above authors are tantriks belonging to different margas and preserve esoteric
doctrines preserved by their own traditions, and they classify the thousand names
in different ways. The Soubhaagya Bhaaskaram is considered as the best of these
commentaries. The author, Bhaskara-raya or Bhasurananda, who was versatile
scholar and accomplished saadhaka lived between 1690 and 1785 A.D.He is also
well known for his other works like Sethu Bandha, Varivasya Rahasya, etc.
The thousand names are classified into 10 groups.
Lalitha Sahasranama is in the 36th chapter of Lalitopakyana in Brahmanda
Purana. It is presented in the form of instructions imparted to the sage Agasthya
by Hayagriva who is the horse headed incarnation of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu.
Hayagriva tells Agasthya the story of the incarnation of Lalitha Devi and describes
her sports. He then describes the city of Sripura, Her abode, the greatness of Her
Mantra, the panchadasakshari, the essential oneness of Sri Yantra, Sri Vidya,
Lalitambika and Sri Guru, and initiates Agastya into the Sahasranamas of Devi's
attendant deities. Though he described every thing so far, Hayagriva did not
mention any thing about Lalitha Sahasranama. On repeated questioning of the
anxious student, Agastya maharishi, Hayagriva first explains the reasons why
Lalitha Sahasranama is so divine and sacred, and why it can be imparted only to
the highly potent and exalted and that the reasons why it was not imparted in the
first place.
Lalitha Sahasra Naama is one of the principal texts of Sakta Cult the other two
being are Durga Sapta Sati and Soundarya Lahari. Generally, only two
Sahasranaamas ( thousand Divine names), i.e., Lalitha Sahasra Naama and Vishnu
Sahasra Naama are popular in India though all deities like Siva, Laksmi, Parvathi,
etc are having their own Sahasranaamas and corresponding rituals. When Vishnu
Sahasra Naama helps the devotee to attain spiritual well being and subsequent
Moksha(salvation) the Lalitha Sahasra Naama imparts saadhaka both spiritual and
material upliftment.
The Text of Lalitha Sahasra Naama consists 320 verses in three chapters. This text
was first recited and strung into a garland of mantras by Vasini and other
Vagdevathas on the command of Mother Goddess herself as remembered in the
Nyaasa. The metre is Anushtup and Devatha is Lalitha Parameshwari. The other
details in nyaasa are Vagbhava koota (the first of three kootas) as seed, the
Kaamarajakoota (the second) as Sakthi and the Sakthikoota (the third) as spike or
Keelakam. The purpose of the recitation is given in nyaasa is to accomplish the
grace of Goddess Lalitha and to procure the benefits accompanying.
There is Lalitha Thrisathi, which consists of three hundred sacred names of
Mother in Lalithopakhyaana. This mantra has a close relationship with seed
syllable, Panchadasi. Each set of verses start from each syllable of Panchadasi. It is
also as potent as Lalitha Sahasra Naama.
In spite of being, only a part of Brahmaanda Puraana, Lalitha Sahasra Naama
enjoys august status in Saktha tradition and has merited plenty glosses and
commentaries among which the following are well known:
1. Soubhaagya Bhaaskaram: An elaborate and much dependable commentary by
celebrated tantrik saadhaka, Bhasuranda Natha whose earlier name was Bhaskararaya-
makhin.
2. Vidyaaranya-Bhaashya: Vidyaranya Muni who was the disciple of
Anandaaranya
Poojyapaada who wrote commentary on Lalitha Sahasra Naama in nine chapters.
3. Vimarshaananda’s commentary consisting 200 verses in nine parts.
Vimarshananda is said to be the disciple of Vimalanda Natha
4. Saubhaagya Rathnaakaram: A commentary in 36 tharangas by Vidyaranya
Natha, a disciple of Sachidananda Natha.
5. A commentary of Bhattanarayana, disciple of Sivananda Natha in 2500 verses
All above authors are tantriks belonging to different margas and preserve esoteric
doctrines preserved by their own traditions, and they classify the thousand names
in different ways. The Soubhaagya Bhaaskaram is considered as the best of these
commentaries. The author, Bhaskara-raya or Bhasurananda, who was versatile
scholar and accomplished saadhaka lived between 1690 and 1785 A.D.He is also
well known for his other works like Sethu Bandha, Varivasya Rahasya, etc.
The thousand names are classified into 10 groups.
Following are the beginning of
each of ten centum:
1. Sri Maatha
2. Mani pooraantharuditha
3. Sadgathi prada
4. Hrimkaari
5. Vividhaakaara
6. Gudanna preetha maanasa
7. Daraondolitha deerkhaakshi
8. Desa kaala paricchinna
9. Pushta
10. Naadaroopini
It is also to be noted that no name is used for a second time with the same
meaning.
In this materialistic world, with an intention to create a mind devoted to mankind,
sincere love, unity and by thus to God and avoid hatred and animosity towards our
enemies, chanting of Sree Lalitha Sahasra Namam, a Sanskrit namavali from the
ancient Brahmanda Purana, forms an integral part.
It is natural that, we mankind has to face many obstacles and set backs in our life.
However, it is our will to conquer them makes us successful in our endeavours.
We should have the Belief, Confidence and Determination to try for this. Some
cases these qualities are in-born. But for many these are developed. A useful and
beneficial method to develop this is by seeking solace in God by chanting prayers
knowing their meanings. It will give the most advantageous benefits if one chants
keerthans and namavalis with their meanings in mind. He/She will be able to
express more and get closer to God.
each of ten centum:
1. Sri Maatha
2. Mani pooraantharuditha
3. Sadgathi prada
4. Hrimkaari
5. Vividhaakaara
6. Gudanna preetha maanasa
7. Daraondolitha deerkhaakshi
8. Desa kaala paricchinna
9. Pushta
10. Naadaroopini
It is also to be noted that no name is used for a second time with the same
meaning.
In this materialistic world, with an intention to create a mind devoted to mankind,
sincere love, unity and by thus to God and avoid hatred and animosity towards our
enemies, chanting of Sree Lalitha Sahasra Namam, a Sanskrit namavali from the
ancient Brahmanda Purana, forms an integral part.
It is natural that, we mankind has to face many obstacles and set backs in our life.
However, it is our will to conquer them makes us successful in our endeavours.
We should have the Belief, Confidence and Determination to try for this. Some
cases these qualities are in-born. But for many these are developed. A useful and
beneficial method to develop this is by seeking solace in God by chanting prayers
knowing their meanings. It will give the most advantageous benefits if one chants
keerthans and namavalis with their meanings in mind. He/She will be able to
express more and get closer to God.
Blessings of Goddess Sree Lalithambika (otherwise called as
Durga, Kali, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Bhagavathi, etc, etc) list some of the benefits of
regular chanting of Sree Lalitha Sahasranamavali.
This is the most favoured form of prayer to Goddess Lalithambika and it is also
very secret and powerful than any other forms of Tantra or Mantra.
Regular chanting of Sree Lalitha Sahasranama is as beneficial as visiting religious
places, taking bath in a holy river, offering food, offering materials. It is an
indirect blessing to those who cannot do these kinds of offerings to God.
Regular chanting of Sree Lalitha Sahasranama will ward off the evil from
uncompleted pooja vidhis or rituals etc. It will also form a way
Durga, Kali, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Bhagavathi, etc, etc) list some of the benefits of
regular chanting of Sree Lalitha Sahasranamavali.
This is the most favoured form of prayer to Goddess Lalithambika and it is also
very secret and powerful than any other forms of Tantra or Mantra.
Regular chanting of Sree Lalitha Sahasranama is as beneficial as visiting religious
places, taking bath in a holy river, offering food, offering materials. It is an
indirect blessing to those who cannot do these kinds of offerings to God.
Regular chanting of Sree Lalitha Sahasranama will ward off the evil from
uncompleted pooja vidhis or rituals etc. It will also form a way
Regular chanting of Sree Lalitha Sahasranama will ward off the evil from
uncompleted pooja vidhis or rituals etc. It will also form a way of penance.
Regular chanting of Sree Lalitha Sahasranama will ward off premature death, will
provide a long and contended healthy life.
Fever can be cured by religiously ,chanting Sree Lalitha Sahasranamam by touching on a person’s forehead.
The number of times you chant the more benefit you are likely to get. The vibhuti used
for Sree Lalitha Sahasranama archana can be applied then on the forehead, which
will give much relief to fever and headache.
It is said that if one chants religiously Sree Lalitha Sahasra Namam keeping a glass
of water (or in a vessel) in front and then pours it over the head, all sorts of
troubles related to once planetary positions and from evil spirits will be warded
off.
It is said that if a person chants Sree Lalitha Sahasranama keeping in mind a
picture of Sree Lalitha Devi situated in the divine ocean which contains `Amrut’,
he will be cured from any kind of disease related to poison.
It is said that if a person consumes ghee, which is kept while chanting Sree Lalitha
Sahasra namam, he will be cured of impotency and will have children.
Regular chanting of Sree Lalitha Sahasra namam will ward off any kind of evil
deeds or rituals (black magic) aimed at the person who chants the namam. The
power derived from the chanting supersedes all other forms of prayers and the
person will no more require consulting astrologers or any sorts of occultists. He
will have tremendous self confidence in himself.
Through the regular chanting of Sree Lalitha Sahasra namam, the atmosphere will
be purified. Each nerve in our body will be invigorated and subtle energies will be
awakened in the person.
Sree Lalitha Devi will protect a person who regularly chants Sree Lalitha Sahasra
namam from accidents and from the attacks of enemy and will make him
victorious in all his good deeds.
Regular chanting of Sree Lalitha Sahasra namam will make a person blessed with
word power, fame, good will etc. Particular importance should be given to chant
Sree Lalitha Sahasra namam on Friday's and Thursday which is very auspicious for the blessing
of Devi.
Sree Lalitha Sahasra namam is the form of prayer that any one and every one can
chant at any time and every time. It does not matter if one could not complete it.
Because each of the namam in itself is powerful and will provide all sorts of
benefits. It depends on what you wish and how you go about it.
It is said that chanting the name of Lord Siva once is as good as chanting the name
of Mahavishnu a thousand times. And chanting the name of Devi once is as good
It is very beneficial if all members of the family unite and chants Sree Lalitha
Sahasra namam once in a day in the evening or whenever time permits. A family
that prays together stays together. It will bring about unity, peacefulness, clear
mind to perform and by thus prosperity.
It is also to be noted that by religiously chanting Sree Lalitha Sahasra namavali,
we are seeking the blessings of Sree Lalithambika, who is also called Kali, Durga,
Devi, Parasakthi, Bhagavathi etc, who in turns is the universal mother.
Each one of the namam by itself is a powerful weapon for many sorts of day-today
problems. The importance and benefits and related stories of each one of them
will be listed successively in our page as per the wish of Sree Lalithambika.
for Sree Lalitha Sahasranama archana can be applied then on the forehead, which
will give much relief to fever and headache.
It is said that if one chants religiously Sree Lalitha Sahasra Namam keeping a glass
of water (or in a vessel) in front and then pours it over the head, all sorts of
troubles related to once planetary positions and from evil spirits will be warded
off.
It is said that if a person chants Sree Lalitha Sahasranama keeping in mind a
picture of Sree Lalitha Devi situated in the divine ocean which contains `Amrut’,
he will be cured from any kind of disease related to poison.
It is said that if a person consumes ghee, which is kept while chanting Sree Lalitha
Sahasra namam, he will be cured of impotency and will have children.
Regular chanting of Sree Lalitha Sahasra namam will ward off any kind of evil
deeds or rituals (black magic) aimed at the person who chants the namam. The
power derived from the chanting supersedes all other forms of prayers and the
person will no more require consulting astrologers or any sorts of occultists. He
will have tremendous self confidence in himself.
Through the regular chanting of Sree Lalitha Sahasra namam, the atmosphere will
be purified. Each nerve in our body will be invigorated and subtle energies will be
awakened in the person.
Sree Lalitha Devi will protect a person who regularly chants Sree Lalitha Sahasra
namam from accidents and from the attacks of enemy and will make him
victorious in all his good deeds.
Regular chanting of Sree Lalitha Sahasra namam will make a person blessed with
word power, fame, good will etc. Particular importance should be given to chant
Sree Lalitha Sahasra namam on Friday's and Thursday which is very auspicious for the blessing
of Devi.
Sree Lalitha Sahasra namam is the form of prayer that any one and every one can
chant at any time and every time. It does not matter if one could not complete it.
Because each of the namam in itself is powerful and will provide all sorts of
benefits. It depends on what you wish and how you go about it.
It is said that chanting the name of Lord Siva once is as good as chanting the name
of Mahavishnu a thousand times. And chanting the name of Devi once is as good
It is very beneficial if all members of the family unite and chants Sree Lalitha
Sahasra namam once in a day in the evening or whenever time permits. A family
that prays together stays together. It will bring about unity, peacefulness, clear
mind to perform and by thus prosperity.
It is also to be noted that by religiously chanting Sree Lalitha Sahasra namavali,
we are seeking the blessings of Sree Lalithambika, who is also called Kali, Durga,
Devi, Parasakthi, Bhagavathi etc, who in turns is the universal mother.
Each one of the namam by itself is a powerful weapon for many sorts of day-today
problems. The importance and benefits and related stories of each one of them
will be listed successively in our page as per the wish of Sree Lalithambika.
Lalitha Sahasranamam can be chanted in two different ways. One in Stotra form
and the other in mantra form. In Stotram form, all 1,000 namams are separated
into stotrams of a few namams each and recited in this way. In mantra form, each
namam is said individually, preceded by "Aum" and followed by "Namah". When
chanted in mantra form, the endings of each namam are generally changed to "e"
or "yai". Mantra form is commonly used to recite Lalitha Sahasranamam during
archana. Both ways, however, are equally.
and the other in mantra form. In Stotram form, all 1,000 namams are separated
into stotrams of a few namams each and recited in this way. In mantra form, each
namam is said individually, preceded by "Aum" and followed by "Namah". When
chanted in mantra form, the endings of each namam are generally changed to "e"
or "yai". Mantra form is commonly used to recite Lalitha Sahasranamam during
archana. Both ways, however, are equally.