C N NACHIAPPAN, SINGAPORE:
Shri Lalitha Sahasranamam - Simple English Explanations by C. N. Nachiappan
Project Purpose: To provide simple English explanations of the Shri Lalitha Sahasranamam (1000 Sanskrit divine names of Goddess Lalithambika) and to be accessible to Globally English-speaking audiences, including Singapore Primary 4 students.
Background:
Composed by the 8 Vak Devis to describe the goddess’s glories and compassion.
Taught by Lord Hayagriva to Sage Agastya.
Baskar Araya’s Sanskrit commentary is considered authoritative.
Motivation: The author (C.N. Nachiappan), a Nagarathar or a Chettiar (non-Brahmin), has recited these divine Goddess divine names since 1977 and wanted to share his understanding with fellow citizens and friends.
Additionally, this 1000 names explanations earlier have been done in all indian Regional languages like Tamil, Malayam, Kanada, Telegu, Oriya, Maharastrian and Hindi. There is no known in simple English language to reach most of the English speaking Singaporeans and also to even at Primary 4 level, and all English speaking areas all over global , where other religious people can have opportunities to read and understand world's oldest Sanskrit based Hindu religious concepts. One of the key benefits in reciting and understanding these divine 1000 names, is the ultimate gain of eliminating the rebirth and death cycles for the humans.
Process:
Started writing on Thai new moon day in January 2020.
Each name explanation took ~3 hours (some even took up to 8 hours) and involved research from three sources, drafting, review by a Sanskrit guru in the USA, and blog updates at https://cnnachi.blogspot.com
Referenced materials include Soundarya Lahari, Narada Sutra, Panchadasi, Sri Vidya, Abirami Anthathi, Bahavatgita, Four Veda's concepts and Devi Mahatmyam.
Duration & Effort:
The project took 6 years, aided by the COVID-19 lockdown period, during which the author wrote daily.
Support System:
Guidance from a Sanskrit guru and mentorship from Mr. Adikalavan Chettiar, from Malaysia/ Melbourne.
A WhatsApp group (Shri Lalitha) with 300+ members provided feedback and encouragement.
Outcome:
The author can now discuss any of the 1000 names in depth for over 90 minutes.
Future Plans:
Publish a book with four-color images of the goddess alongside each name.
Seek voluntary contributions to cover printing costs due to the author's retired status.
Distribute hard copies to all devotees sincerely interested in understanding the goddess’s glory.
Contact:
C.N. Nachiappan,
Singapore
Phone / WhatsApp: +65 91818027
