Shri Lalitha Sahasranamam: Namam 609: Shri Daharakasa rupini (ōṃ daharākāśarūpiṇyai namaḥ)

The Goddess Divine Mother is the subtle Self in the heart. Dahara means small and akasa means subtle space, connoting Brahman. 

The Divine Mother has the form of small akasa (sky) within the cave of the heart in humans. She makes one’s body as a temple and the heart within it is the key space; She abides to be worshipped. In consideration, one drop of water and the whole ocean full of water are same in water attributes. Subtle, akasa cannot be split which spreads all above the universe or earth. Small section of sky is part of greater sky or akasa. Subtle Daharakasa is comparable to the sky. The one who understands this aspect also understands Brahman. Understanding through meditation that Daharakasa is his real self is an achievement for the humans. The Divine Mother is Daharakasa and greater akasa (sky) form. What an ant has and what an elephant has, the human also has within the heart, called Daharakasa, the Divine Mother’s form. 

Daharakasa is very minute in size. Such minute akasa (sky) is there in human’s heart. This is called Hrdaya Daharam where the Divine Mother abides. The Divine Mother ‘s form is like aksam (sky). Such a heart cave is there for all the universal beings. The Divine Mother is within this heart as Daharakasa. 

Chandogya Upanisad  (Vlll.i.i) says, “Now in the city of Brahman, there is a mansion in the shape of small lotus with a small inner akasa. What is within that should be sought; that indeed, one should desire to understand.” 

See also Narayana Suktam, the English meaning is as follows, Here Lord Narayana is said as Supreme, although He represents the Divine Mother under Her guidance as always. 

“Narayana Suktam Meaning: 

This universe is the Eternal Being (Narayana), the imperishable, the supreme, the goal, multi-headed and multi-eyed (i.e., omnipresent, and omniscient), the resplendent, the source of delight for the whole universe. 

This universe is the Supreme Being (Purusha) alone; hence it subsists on That, the Eternal which transcends it (in every way), -the omnipresent Absolute which destroys all sins. 

The protector of the universe, the Lord of all Souls (or Lord over Self), the perpetual, the auspicious, the indestructible, the Goal of all creation, the Supreme object worthy of being known, the Soul of all beings, the Refuge unfailing (is He). 

Lord Narayana is the Supreme Absolute; Narayana is the Supreme Reality; Narayana is the Supreme Light; Narayana.is the Supreme Self; Narayana is the Supreme Meditator; Narayana is the Supreme Meditation. 

Whatever all this universe is, -seen or heard of, -pervading all this from inside and outside alike, stands supreme the Eternal Divine Being. 

He is the Limitless, Imperishable, Omniscient, residing in the ocean of the heart, the Cause of the happiness of the universe, the Supreme end of all striving, (manifesting Himself) in the ether of the heart which is comparable to an inverted bud of the lotus flower. 

Below the Adams apple, at a span, and above the navel (i.e., the heart which is the relative seat of the manifestation of Pure Consciousness in the human being), effulges the Great Abode of the universe, as if adorned with garlands of flames. 

Surrounded by nerve-currents (or arteries), suspends the lotus-bud of the heart in an inverted position. It is in a subtle space (a narrow aperture, the Sushumna-Nadi), and therein is to be found the Substratum of all things. 

In that space within the heart resides the Great Flaming Fire, not decaying, all-knowing, with tongues spread out in all directions, with faces turned everywhere, consuming food presented before it, and assimilating it unto itself. 

His rays, spreading all around, sideways as well as above and below, warm up the whole body from head to foot. In the center of That (Flame) abides the Tongue of Fire as the topmost of all subtle things. (Note: Due to the attachments and entanglements of the Jiva in worldly enjoyment and suffering, the Consciousness is enshrouded in potential as well as expressed objectivity, and hence it appears like a tiny streak of flame within the dark clouds of ignorance. But when the Jiva rises above worldliness the Consciousness is realized as he Infinite.). 

In the Middle of That Flame, the Supreme Self dwells. This (Self) is Brahma (the Creator), Siva (the Destroyer), Hari (the Protector), Indra (the Ruler), the Imperishable, the Absolute, the Autonomous Being. Prostrations again and again to the Omni-Formed Being, the Truth, the Law, the Supreme Absolute, the Purusha of blue-decked yellow hue, the Centralized-Force, Power, the All-Seeing One. 

Prostrations again and again to the Omni-Formed Being, the Truth, the Law, the Supreme Absolute, the Purusha of blue-decked yellow hue, the Centralized-Force, Power, the All-Seeing One. 

We commune ourselves with Narayana, and meditate on Vasudeva, may that Vishnu direct us (to the Great Goal). 

Om. May there be Peace, Peace, Peace.

     The Divine Mother is in subtle space in heart connoting Brahman 

C N Nachiappun

Singapore, 25 September 2021.

References:

1.      The Thousand Names of the Divine Mother published in English by Mata Amritanandamayi Center, San Ramon, California, USA, with Commentary by T. V Narayana Menon

2.      Shri Lalitha Sahasranama Stostram published in Tamil by N. Ramaswami Iyer charities’ societies, Trichirapalli, India, with Commentary by C. V. Radhakrishna Sastry.

3.      The Lalitha Sahasranamam published in Tamil by Shri Ramakrishna Thapovanam, Thiruipparaithurai, Trichy District, Tamilnadu, India with commentary by Shrimath Swami Sithbavandar

 

Shri Lalitha Sahasranamam: Namam 608: Shri Dandanitistha (ōṃ daṇḍanītisthāyai namaḥ)

The Goddess Divine Mother maintains the strict rules of justice without the slightest error in implementation. Dandanitistha means who sits on the throne of justice. 

The Divine Mother gives appropriate punishment to guide the souls to good path and towards Brahman. Billions of universal beings mostly look for easy and pleasant paths. When a child misbehaves, its biological mother will comfort it, but at the same time discipline the child to correct path. The Divine Mother does that for all universal beings. For every action, humans cannot escape karma. One gets punishment from which he cannot hide. When humans analyze why they get the punishment, they will understand where their fault lies. Those who have good karma enjoy life. When someone slips from the right path, he understands that it is his fault. By granting the suffering to those souls, the Divine Mother is correcting them. Therefore, She is called Dandanitistha 

Srimad Bhagavatam 7.5.19 speaks about Sama Dana Beda Danda.'

catustayam—the four diplomatic principles

1. saama, the process of pacifying

2. daana, the process of giving money in charity

3. bheda, the principle of dividing

4. danda, the principle of punishment 

It is essential for a person who is going to be a ruler or king to learn the four diplomatic principles. There is always rivalry between a king and his citizens. Therefore, when a citizen agitates the public against the king, the duty of the king is to call him and try to pacify him with sweet words, saying, "You are very important in the state. Why should you disturb the public with some new cause for agitation?" If the citizen is not pacified, the king should then offer him some lucrative post as a governor or minister-any post that draws a high salary—so that he may be agreeable. If the enemy still goes on agitating the public, the king should try to create dissension in the enemy's camp, but if he continues, the king should employ argumentum ad baculum—severe punishment—by putting him in jail or placing him before a firing squad. 

The Divine Mother maintains the justice to correct souls.

C N Nachiappun

Singapore, 24 September 2021.

References:

1.      The Thousand Names of the Divine Mother published in English by Mata Amritanandamayi Center, San Ramon, California, USA, with Commentary by T. V Narayana Menon

2.      Shri Lalitha Sahasranama Stostram published in Tamil by N. Ramaswami Iyer charities’ societies, Trichirapalli, India, with Commentary by C. V. Radhakrishna Sastry.

3.      The Lalitha Sahasranamam published in Tamil by Shri Ramakrishna Thapovanam, Thiruipparaithurai, Trichy District, Tamilnadu, India with commentary by Shrimath Swami Sithbavandar   

                                                  

Shri Lalitha Sahasranamam: Namam 607: Shri Devesi (ōṃ dēvēśyai namaḥ)

The Goddess Divine Mother is the protector of the gods. 

The Divine Mother is the Eswari (protector) of all devas and gods. Devas have come up in their maturities, they are yet to reach the Brahman. The Divine Mother guides them. 

Eswari means having Eeshitvam (power to attract) and Vashitvam (power to captivate. The Divine Mother has these powers over all other divine beings. Therefore, She is called Devesi; we note that Lord Shiva is called Esvara for the same reason. 

The word devas mean senses also. Devas must use their senses in proper manner through Atman (the spiritual life principle of the universe, especially when regarded as immanent in the individual's real self.) to handle wonderful eyes, the Atman is needed. Without Atman the whole process of reaching the Brahman for the soul is not fruitful. So, by properly using the sensory elements to reach Brahman is guided for the soul by the Divine Mother. 

She protects devas, Brahma, and other divinities. She controls them to do their assigned tasks. In human body sensory elements such as eyes and ears receive needed energy from the Divine Mother to function properly. She is celebrated as Devesi.

The Divine Mother is celebrated as Devesi, the protector.

C N Nachiappun

Singapore, 23 September 2021.

References:

1.      The Thousand Names of the Divine Mother published in English by Mata Amritanandamayi Center, San Ramon, California, USA, with Commentary by T. V Narayana Menon

2.      Shri Lalitha Sahasranama Stostram published in Tamil by N. Ramaswami Iyer charities’ societies, Trichirapalli, India, with Commentary by C. V. Radhakrishna Sastry.

3.      The Lalitha Sahasranamam published in Tamil by Shri Ramakrishna Thapovanam, Thiruipparaithurai, Trichy District, Tamilnadu, India with commentary by Shrimath Swami Sithbavandar

Shri Lalitha Sahasranamam: Namam 606: Shri Guha janma bhuhu (ōṃ guhajanmabhuve namaḥ)

The Goddess Divine Mother is the mother of Guha (Lord Subramanya). 

Guha means Subramanya; also, it means covered or veiled; janmabhu means birthplace. 

Lord Shiva’s and Goddess Parvathi’s second son is Kartikeya or Guha. As he is said to live in the cave of the heart, he is called Guha. The Upanishads and the Bhagavat Gita say that Eshvar, Lord Shiva, resides in the cave within the heart of each being. Due to ignorance, we may not realize Lord Shiva who is residing within us. By worshipping Guha, our ignorance will be eliminated. Guha had been the Guru to Lord Shiva, demonstrating that such greatness can be achieved by the devotees. The devotees who worship Lord Guha can unify with Brahman. With the Divine Mother’s grace, the devotees can attain the Guha rupa can be one understanding of this Namam “Guha janmabhuh”. 

There is a statement, “The essence of dharma is hidden in Guha”; which may be interpreted as “The essence of dharma is veiled.” It is also said, “Truth remains behind darkness.” 

The jivas (souls) who are bound by ignorance are indicated by the word “Guha” in the sense given above. The Divine Mother is the mother of Guha. All creation after all, comes from that Mother, just as sparks scatter from the fire. Therefore, She, is called “Guhajanmabhuh”.

Guha (Lord Muruga) the second son of the Divine Mother.

C N Nachiappun

Singapore, 22 September 2021.

References:

1.      The Thousand Names of the Divine Mother published in English by Mata Amritanandamayi Center, San Ramon, California, USA, with Commentary by T. V Narayana Menon

2.      Shri Lalitha Sahasranama Stostram published in Tamil by N. Ramaswami Iyer charities’ societies, Trichirapalli, India, with Commentary by C. V. Radhakrishna Sastry.

3.      The Lalitha Sahasranamam published in Tamil by Shri Ramakrishna Thapovanam, Thiruipparaithurai, Trichy District, Tamilnadu, India with commentary by Shrimath Swami Sithbavandar

Shri Lalitha Sahasranamam: Namam 605: Shri Go mata (ōṃ gōmātrē namaḥ)

The Goddess Divine Mother had become Surabhi, the Kamadhenu, the cow that grants all the wishes of the devotees. 

The Divine Mother is in Cow form as Mother. Kamadhenu is the mother of all worldly cows. Kamadhenu provides all the food needed for the universal beings.  Kamadhenu’s head is like a human head, legs, horns etc all are in animal form and two wings are like a bird. Kamadhenu can provide for the universal beings is an interpretation of this Namam. 

Go can also mean Soul. Gopalan, a form of Vishnu, means the one who saves the souls. Govindan, again a Vishnu form, means the one who understands the soul. Gomata is the mother of the souls. She is there giving brightness; Vajrayutham was established by Her, She, created the earth, moon and other of the five elements. She is spreading like water in ten directions. She is the one who created the speech and fire. These are all included in this Namam “Gomata”. 

The word Go has many meanings like words, heaven, light, moon, speech, water, fire, Satyam (truth). In another version, Go’s meanings are listed as: word, intelligence, heaven, rays from stars, lightning, moon, eye, hair, earth, direction, arrow, water, fire, truth, and path. The Divine Mother is in all these, and She, is the mother of all these universal things.

The Divine Mother as Gomata provides for all universal beings. 

C N Nachiappun

Singapore, 21 September 2021.

References:

1.      The Thousand Names of the Divine Mother published in English by Mata Amritanandamayi Center, San Ramon, California, USA, with Commentary by T. V Narayana Menon

2.      Shri Lalitha Sahasranama Stostram published in Tamil by N. Ramaswami Iyer charities’ societies, Trichirapalli, India, with Commentary by C. V. Radhakrishna Sastry.

3.      The Lalitha Sahasranamam published in Tamil by Shri Ramakrishna Thapovanam, Thiruipparaithurai, Trichy District, Tamilnadu, India with commentary by Shrimath Swami Sithbavandar

Shri Lalitha Sahasranamam: Namam 604: Shri Guna nidhihi (ōṃ ōṃ guṇanidhayē namaḥ)

The Goddess Divine Mother is the treasure house of all qualities. 

Three gunas (qualities of life) Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas, have been used in creating this universe. Static forms of things has many divine aspects with them. The earth’s glory is immense. Stones unearthed have high qualities such as diamonds and rare gems; these are the glories of the Divine Mother who created the universe. 

During sleep, which has tamasic qualities, the universal beings are given re-birth every morning, when they wake up. While sleeping, the souls are suffering to reach the Brahman. The Divine Mother is in beings’ sleeping as well. 

Nature has static and cit shaktis. Heat, sound, lightning are static shaktis and they occupy the key conditions in the universe. In living creatures, feelings, knowledge etc are in cit shakti form. Various feelings indicate the glories of the Divine Mother. Those who are arrogant about their knowledge and intelligence levels must learn many more things from nature or the Divine Mother, the creator of nature. Dogs have smelling skills, which is not the specific skill available to mankind. All these kinds of knowledge and special skills are basically from the Divine Mother. 

Sattva guna is one of the basis for life. With Sattva guna, various lifestyles of the universal beings come up. Yogins understand all the living beings are divine. Yogins, devotees and sages have superior qualities in countless ways. Praising the three gunas is a form of the Divine Mother’s worship. 

Gunas also means “rope”; the Matsya and Kali Purana describe the following incident which dates to incarnation of Lord Vishnu as a fish. Before the whole universe was to be destroyed in Great Dissolution or Pralaya, all the good seeds in the world and seven great Rishs were put in a large boat. The boat was tied to the horn of the Great Fish with the rope called ‘Vatirika’ as mentioned in Matsya Purana. To keep the rope from breaking,the Rishs prayed to  the Divine Mother to infuse it Her strength. As She made the rope (guna) the repository (nidhi) of Her strength, She, is called “Gunanidhi”. 

The Divine Mother has all the good qualities which are together or separately within Her. Three gunas combine to give billions of various beings in this universe. They are all covered in her original creation and form. She is the originator of all beings’ good qualities. Nidhi numerologically means number nine. 

The Divine Mother has assumed various forms resulting from combining three gunas; Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. As guna also means Vyuha (an aggregate, an arrangement of body or senses) and nidhi numerologically means number nine, Lord Shiva is said to be the form of nine vyuhas. The nine vyuhas are listed as time, family, name, knowledge, mind, nada, bindu, kala and jiva(soul).This Namam can mean, “She who is the treasure house of nine vyuhas”.

                 The Divine Mother is the Treasures House of all good qualities.

C N Nachiappun

Singapore,20 September 2021.

References:

1.      The Thousand Names of the Divine Mother published in English by Mata Amritanandamayi Center, San Ramon, California, USA, with Commentary by T. V Narayana Menon

2.      Shri Lalitha Sahasranama Stostram published in Tamil by N. Ramaswami Iyer charities’ societies, Trichirapalli, India, with Commentary by C. V. Radhakrishna Sastry.

3.      The Lalitha Sahasranamam published in Tamil by Shri Ramakrishna Thapovanam, Thiruipparaithurai, Trichy District, Tamilnadu, India with commentary by Shrimath Swami Sithbavandar

Shri Lalitha Sahasranamam: Namam 603: Shri Guru murtihi (ōṃ gurūmurtai namaḥ)

The Goddess Divine Mother has assumed a serene form or one who has assumed the form of the Guru or teacher. 

The Divine Mother is in Guru’s form. The one who is senior in age and in knowledge usually becomes the Guru for the one junior in both aspects.  The guru is the one to remove the ignorance in his disciples. For a human improving the maturity towards the Brahman, someone guides him in certain areas to be entitled as his Guru. Also depending upon the increased level of Guru Bakti, the human achieves his increased maturity. Guru Bakti is critical for one’s advancement.  Guru is the one equal to mother, father, and the deity of worship; here it is the Divine Mother. He gets all the good comforts from such Guru Bakti. 

For all universal beings, depending upon one’s maturity level, the Divine Mother sets up different Murthi as his Guru to progress the soul. So, one must praise the Guru he has got as the Divine Mother’s form. Since the Divine Mother, through Her scheme of things, takes all universal beings to higher level. She is called the “guru murti.” 

Through Her simple smile, the Divine Mother grants Her blessings to Her devotees. The form She takes is Guru. When we start a mantra Japa, we touch our head and pray to Her as Guru. In words form mantra are there; She teaches them as Guru to Her devotee. She is in” Achariya form, Guru murti”. 

Just as a pot, a jar or a cup are all different shapes of clay, mantra, deity, and Guru should all be understood as different forms of one and the same Truth. This is the significance of Adiguru, Shri Dakshinamoorthy. Gu means darkness; ru means that which removes it. So guru murti is the embodiment of light that dispels darkness. Taking Gu to mean Brahman and Ru to mean Knowledge, then this Namam can mean, “She who is in the form of the Knower of Brahman.” 

Guru murti is interpreted in Nitya Hridaya as the Divine Mother is the one who can assume any form at will.

Raja Shymala a form of Sarasvati Devi  providing Knowledge.

C N Nachiappun

Singapore,19 September 2021.

References:

1.      The Thousand Names of the Divine Mother published in English by Mata Amritanandamayi Center, San Ramon, California, USA, with Commentary by T. V Narayana Menon

2.      Shri Lalitha Sahasranama Stostram published in Tamil by N. Ramaswami Iyer charities’ societies, Trichirapalli, India, with Commentary by C. V. Radhakrishna Sastry.

3.      The Lalitha Sahasranamam published in Tamil by Shri Ramakrishna Thapovanam, Thiruipparaithurai, Trichy District, Tamilnadu, India with commentary by Shrimath Swami Sithbavandar