Shri Lalitha Sahasranamam: Namam 21: Shri Kadamba Manjari Klpta Karnapura Manohara (OM kadambama ~ njarIklRRiptakarNapUramanoharAyai namaH)

The Divine Mother is very charming or capable of attracting the minds of the devotees to hold an interest in her. Kadamba flowers are worn around her ears looking like her ornaments for her ears adding to her immense beauty.

Kadamba flower is part of the Kalpaga Virucham, a desire fulfilling tree according to Vedic scriptures. A Virucham or a tree gives oxygen, life, shadow, rain and food etc for the mankind. This is useful for all living creatures.  

The Divine Mother is mostly shown as having Kadamba blossoms behind her ears, which adds to her original beauty.  She is said to like the Kadamba forest. Needless to say that Kadamba trees are one of her favourites.

Actually in one of the later namams is talking about her place of living “SRIPURAM”. Just outside this Sripuram or Chintahmani Graham (house) there is supposed to be a Kadamba forest.

Madurai Meenakshi is portrayed as Kadamba vana vasini, meaning that she lives in a Kadamba Vanam (forest). Well, now a day, we do not see much of Kadamba flowers in Madurai. There are more of whitish Jasmine flowers coming out of Madurai now. There is a good commercial trade in Jasmine flowers these days.

The Divine Mother with Kadamba flower in her ears is more beautiful looking. She attracts the minds of her devotees very much.

                                             Kadamba flower not blossomed yet.                                             

Kadamba flower blossoming

C N Nachiappun
Singapore, 14 February 2020.