Shri Lalitha Sahasranamam: Namam 639: Shri Avarada (ōṃ avaradāyai namaḥ)

The Goddess Divine Mother destroys the “unholy”. 

‘Da’ can signify both giving and cutting; avara means “unholy being”, one of demonic nature. These lead us to interpret this Namam as the Divine Mother is the destroyer of evil or asuras (demons). 

In another way, ava means “shining “and rada means “tooth”; thus, the interpretation of this Namam can be that “one who has shining teeth”. Namam 25, “Suddha vidyankurakara dvija pankti dvayojjvala” with the meaning: She has radiant teeth which resemble the buds of pure knowledge. 

She disciplines the asuras, to the extent of destroying them. People can act beyond dharma rules; however, the divine established rules cannot be broken. Whatever sorrow they face are the punishments to them. Even mature souls face such sorrows. Those matured souls can witness the beings in the universe; without claiming ownership to them, they can enjoy the benefits from those universal things. 

As an example, on Shri Seetha Devi’s request, Shri Rama went to capture a deer which led to sorrow for Seetha Devi and for Rama. When it is not a rightful act, when trying to claim it for us, we would face sadness or sorrow. Those who act against this dharmic rule are called asuras, who face punishment after punishment. Even the richly matured people like Seetharama can also get into trouble for not following dharmic rules. Whoever do evil or mistake cannot escape from this punishment, can be one another interpretation of this Namam.

The Divine Mother to safeguard Her devotees, destroys evil people. Those who are dishonest, evil doers and lower maturity humans go through the required punishment, as part of discipline and control by the Divine Mother. However, She bestows suitable boons on Her devotees (a: similar to, as befits the qualifications; Varada is bestowing of boons.). Earlier Namam 331” Varadha” discussed Her kindness to grant boons to her devotees.

The Goddess the Divine Mother destroys the “unholy”.

C N Nachiiappun

Singapore, 25 October 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