Shri Lalitha Sahasranamam: Namam 854: Shri Gambhira (ōṃ gambhīrāyai namaḥ)

The Divine Mother is unfathomable. We are incapable of fully understanding Her.

She cannot be measured as She is limitless. She cannot be fully understood. The universe we see is widespread. The open space within the universe and within us, is expanding. However, when we dig in deeper, it is difficult to measure that depth of the open space. Outside and inside spaces are spreading wide.

Due to the Divine Mother’s Nama recitation, those Namams gain strength. This Gambhira is one such Namam to gain strength when we recite. Those who recite the Divine Mother’s Namams attain Her fast.

She is widely spread; Her form is limitless. We cannot define Her or Her glory. Shiva Shakti (Arthanareswara form) is where we cannot measure the deep depth or limit of the divinity. The bottom of the clear water lake or collection can be seen, but when we go deep inside it, the actual depth cannot be measured; similarly, the Divine Mother’s glories cannot be measured or fully understood.

Gambhira signifies a depth that cannot be described or understood. The Shiva sutra says, “through meditation on the Maharaja or the divinity, one can experience the power of the mantra”. That great depth is to be experienced with the Divine Mother, who is beyond all space and time. She is omnipresent or widely or constantly widespread.

Taking Gambhira to a place of great depth, the scriptures say that worship done in holy waters where the water is deep gives special benefit.

Bhaskararacarya gives the following interpretation. Gan stands for Ganpati, bhi is fear and ra is that which drives out. That means the Divine Mother frees us from the fear of Ganesa and other deities. Various pujas such as Rahupuja and Sanipuja are conducted in the Divine Mother’s presence.

It is practice in Kerala (India), after any yagam or yajna, (a Hindu ritual of sacrifice), Durgha Suthakam is recited a few times to ensure the Divine Mother’s presence was there to witness the offerings made in that yagam.

The Divine Mother is unfathomable, meaning

 we are incapable of fully understanding Her.

C N Nachiappan

Singapore, 27 May 2022; updated 18 August 2025.

References:

1.     The Thousand Names of the Divine Mother published in English by Mata Amritanandamis AparnaSan 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