Shri Lalitha Sahasranamam: Namam 427: Shri Ayi (ōṃ ayyai namaḥ)

In Namams 381 to 474, the Divine Mother’s Jnana Yoga worship methods are discussed in details. 

The Divine Mother is the “Oh, Mother!” 

Ayi can mean Aya. When we call our mother, we call Ayi or Aya affectionately. This is mostly universal of addressing one’s mother. In the Indian Marati language, Mother is called Ayi. Happiness, softness and affection are all the virtues of the Mother. Universal Mother and Jagathambal, You are the one in all things. I see you in all things; the interpretation of  this Namam can be you are the only one I see in all things. The three words turn into mahavakya “Tat Tvam Asi”. Soul and Brahman merging is explained in this Mahavakya. The Divine Mother is the universe and all the universal beings are with the Divine Mother are also represented in this Mahavakya. In Namavali form “om Ayyai namah” is used. 

Mother, sister and other close relations are called ”Ayi”. Mahishasura marthini Stottram starts with “Ayi Giri-nandini” to represent the Divine Mother. For all beings, She is the Mother and She is affectionately called Ayi. 

“Ayi!” addresses the Mother as the “dear one”. This Namam brings out oneness of the heart of the devotee and the Divine Mother, the object of the devotee’s worship. This address is not only respectful, but is also filled with utmost feeling of love. 

Tattvanarayaniya makes it clear that three words “Tat, Tvam and Ayi” indeed make up the Mahavakya, “Tat Tvam Asi” (Please refer to previous Namam 426 Tvam write up for details.). Perception of this meaning will not be clear merely from the study of scriptures. It comes out directly in one’s experience, inspired by worshipful attributes. 

 

    The Divine Mother with all Her kindness.

C N Nachiappun          

Singapore, 27 March 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 Chithbavandar.