Lord Ardhanarishwara showing the Eternal Oneness of Shiva and Shridevi Shakti

Manas tvam vyoma tvam marud asi marut saarathir asi
Tvam aapaastvam bhoomis tvayi parinathayam na hi param |
Tvam eva svatmanam parinamayithum vishva-vapusha
Chidanand’aakaram Shiva-yuvati-bhaavena bibhrushe ||
- Soundarya Lahari 35

Benefits: Curing of Tuberculosis.

Meaning: O Shridevi! You are the mind, you are the Ether, you are the Air, you are the Fire, you are the Water, you are the Earth,
When you have transformed yourself, there is nothing beyond you!
You yourself, with a view of manifesting as the Universe,
inwardly assume the form of consciousness and bliss! 

Insights:
This is a very mystical verse with a great message. It declares: Shridevi is everything. She is beyond everything.  There is nothing beyond Her. Let us understand it clearly.

1. Shridevi is Mind, Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. All these six elements correspond to six psychic chakras viz., Ajna, Vishuddha, Anahata, Manipuraka, Swadhistana and Muladhara respectively, considered from top to bottom of our body.
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   According to this verse, Shridevi herself transforms into six elements and manifests herself as the Universe(macrocosm).  As discussed earlier, Shridevi becomes the chakras and gives birth to our body(microcosm).
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   Further,  from the perspective of macrocosm, as Shiva and Shakti She is  the Ultimate Reality beyond our Universe. Within our body(microcosm),  She lives in the seventh chakra, i.e. Sahasrara along with Lord Shiva, beyond six chakras.
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2. Esoteric Meaning #1: This verse unveils the fundamental principle of the Tantras and the nature of Shiva and Shakti. Shridevi herself manifests as the Universe and She is beyond the Universe, always united with Lord Shiva.
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3. Esoteric Meaning #2: The verse uncovers the principles of chakra system in Kundalini Yoga. The six psychic chakras are the manifestation of Shridevi herself as Mahamaya(Great Illusion). She stays as Mahadevi(Great Goddess) in the seventh chakra, i.e. Sahasrara, united with Lord Shiva as the Ultimate Reality.
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4. Esoteric Meaning #3: Focus on the phrase Chidanada’karam Shiva-yuvathi meaning “as consciousness and bliss”. According to our Scriptures Tantras, Lord Shiva is embodiment of Bliss(Ananda). Shridevi Parvati is nothing but consciousness (Chit). Both Lord Shiva and Shridevi Parvati together for the eternal Truth(Sat). All these three aspects viz., Sat, Chit and Ananda are the divine attributes of the Ultimate Reality.
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5. Esoteric Meaning #4: Ponder on the word Chidanandakaram Shiva yuvathi.  The word Shiva means Lord Shiva and yuvathi means Lord Shiva’s lady, i.e. Shridevi Parvati. So, the two words together indicate the oneness of Shiva and Shakti, like the word and its meaning(vagartha).As discussed in the meaning  #3 above, the phrase  Chidanandakaram Shiva yuvathi means that Lord Shiva and Shridevi Parvati together form the Ultimate Reality.
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6. Esoteric Meaning #5: Ponder on the two words Vishva vapusha (Body is universe) and Chidananda’karam (embodiment of consciousness and bliss). These two words say that Shridevi herself is the universe and She is the transcendental Ultimate Reality in the form of consciousness and bliss, beyond the world.
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7. Secret Hidden Meaning: Look at the strategic use of the phrase, tvameva svatmanam meaning you yourself.
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   A. It says that “Shridevi, you are nothing but the Universal Self(Paramatma)”.
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   B. If we apply this phrase to ourselves, it says “(understand that-) real yourself(tvam) as the Individual Self(Svatmanam)”.
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   So, by combining A and B, we get the great message of Advaita principle of our Vedas which is established by our Great Universal Master Shri Shankara Bhagavatpadah : Tat Tvam Asi(That thou Art) or Your Individual Self is same as the Universal Self. This is the Highest Knowledge that leads us to liberation(moksha) from infinite birth and death cycle.

Words of Beauty: Here are the group of words that provide a melodious rhythm and sweet tone: Marud-asi, marut-saratirasi; parina-thayam, parina-mayitum; Shiva, yuva-thi. Relish and enjoy!

Let us pray Shridevi, who is both the manifested Universe and the Ultimate Reality beyond the Universe, for Her kind Grace!

Om Namah Shivaya ||

- Kalidas

Greatest Goddess Shridevi Durga: The Supreme Mother of the Universe

Hari Om! Namaste!!

Rudraksha Yoga wishes everybody around the world very happy Navarathri and Vijayadashami festivals!

Navarathri(a.k.a Dasara) starts on the first day of bright lunar fortnight of Ashvina month on the Hindu calendar. This year, it starts today, i.e. 5th October 2013. Vijayadashami is celebrated on the 10th day after nine days of Navarathri, i.e. on 14th October.

The word  Nava-rathri means nine-nights. Traditionally, on each night of Navarathri, a specific form of Great Goddess Shridevi Durga is worshiped. According to the Scripture Markandeya Purana, the nine forms are   Shailaputri, Brahmcharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri, in that order.

When the entire world  was terrorized by a notorious daemon called Mahishasura(Buffalo-headed daemon), the Gods prayed the Greatest Goddess Shridevi for help. Their devoted prayers were finally answered. Suddenly, a brilliant flame appeared. The Supreme Mother Durga  emerged from that flame.

Gods asked her who she was. She announced  “Gods, don’t be scared! I am Durga(meaning inaccessible and invincible). I am none other than Adishakti Parvati, the Primordial power and the consort of Lord Shiva. I have come in this form to fight Mahishasura.”

The Gods became very happy. They donated their weapons to her: Indra gave his Vajrayudha(thunderbolt), Lord Vishnu gave Sudarshana Chakra(wheel), Lord Shiva gave his Trishula(Trident) and so on.

After nine days of fierce battle, the Goddess Durga killed Mahishasura finally.  Entire world was jubilant and happy! This day on which Shridevi slayed the daemon Mahishasura is celebrated even in this era as Vijayadashami(Literally,10th Day of victory). This auspicious day comes after Navarathri festival.

On this very auspicious occasion of Navarathri, let us all pray the Divine Mother and the Greatest Goddess Shridevi Durga with full devotion and complete surrender for her compassionate and kind Grace on us.

Ya Devi sarva bhooteshu Shakti roopena samsthita |
Namstasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namah ||
- Durga Saptashati

Meaning: Salutations to Shridevi Durga, who is present as power in all beings. Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her and Salutations to Her(…again and again, always and forever!…)..

May the Goddess Shridevi bestow health, longevity, wealth, prosperity, the Highest Knowledge and the liberation to every one of us!

Om Shri Durgayai Namah |

Om Namah Shivaya ||

- Rudraksha Yoga

Supreme Mother Parameshwari Shridevi Lalita Maha Tripura Sundari

Ahah sute savyam tava nayanam ark’athmakathaya
Triyamam vamam te srujati rajani-nayakataya |
Trithiya te drishtir dhara-dhalita-hemambuja-ruchih
Samadhatte sandhyam divasa-nishayor antara-charim ||
- Soundarya Lahari 48

Benefits: Removal of problems created by nine planets.

Meaning: Shridevi ! Your right eye, being the form of the Sun, brings the day,
Left eye of yours is the form of the Moon, creates night,
Your third eye which is like slightly blossomed lotus with a golden sheen,
Brings forth twilight, which interfaces day and night.

Insights: What a splendid description of Shridevi’s lotus like eyes!

1. The shloka says that Shridevi’s right eye is the Sun, who is responsible for day. Her left eye is like the Moon, who gives light in the night. Her powerful middle eye creates twilight which is the transitional time between day and night.
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2. The mention of three eyes indicates Shridevi’s oneness with Lord Shiva who also has three eyes.
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3. Shridevi’s lotus eyes themselves bring about day, night and twilight.  It indicates the Shridevi is responsible for kaala(time). Since Her eyes bring about concept of time, She as a whole, is beyond time. What a great revelation!
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4. The function of eyes is seeing. Apart from seeing, Shridevi’s eyes make time happen. What does it mean? Shridevi transcends time. It means she is beyond time, i.e. She is eternal.
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   The eyes see and create time. In other words, eyes see all times, i.e. past, present and future. It suggests that Shridevi is the knower of time in its entirety, i.e. past, present and future because She is making the time happen through Her lotus eyes. It implies the Shridevi is omniscient.
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   Shridevi is also called Kaali since She is the consort of Kaala(Time) who is Lord Shiva himself. In other words, she makes Lord Shiva function(happen). It suggests that Shridevi is the dynamic force of Lord Shiva.
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5. Esoteric Meaning #1: According to the verse, the right, left and middle eyes  of Shridevi function as  Sun, Moon and slightly-opened golden lotus respectively. These three symbolize Pingala, Ida and Sushumna nadis of our psychic system respectively.
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   The Pingala and Ida nadis are of hot and cool nature respectively. This is why they are also called Surya nadi (Sun nadi) and Chandra nadi(Moon nadi) respectively. The central nadi is called Sushumna which is in golden color with psychic lotuses.   The golden color is due to the presence of Mother Kundalini , who appears a molten gold during deep meditation.
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   The word Dara-dalitha Hemambuja ruchih means slightly blossomed golden lotus-colored. When awakened, the Divine Mother Kundalini moves upwards psychic lotus(chakra) opens up. So, the third eye of Shridevi represents awakened Kundalini Devi.
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   Thus, the third eye of Shridevi is like slightly opened lotus with the golden color of Shridevi Kundalini. In a nutshell, three eyes of Shridevi are nothing but three principal nadis of our psychic body.
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6. Esoteric Meaning #2: Shridevi’s right eye is the Sun who is the light of knowledge for the enlightened people. The left eye of Shridevi is the moon who gives the cool light of inspiration for the people who are in darkness of ignorance. The third eye is the Mother Kundalini for the people who awakened Her by the Grace of Sadguru(Great Realized Master).
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   So, it suggests that Shridevi helps everyone in spiritual evolution leading to liberation(moksha). After all, Shridevi being Universal Self, She is the ultimate refuge for everybody(as Individual Self) after liberation.
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7. Esoteric Meaning #3: Ponder on the phrase sandhyam divasa-nishayor antara-charim for a moment. It suggests that Shridevi is like twilight who bridges day and night. It means Shridevi is that power which is inherent in time that flows through day and night. She is the principle that connects all times, i.e. every moment of past, present and future, almost like a thread that connects beads in a garland.
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   In other words, Shridevi herself is time kaala(time). Who is kaala? It is none other than Mahakaala Lord Shiva. By the concept of oneness of Shiva and Shakti(Shridevi), Shridevi is also kaala who is same as Lord Shiva.
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8. Hidden Meaning: The words day, night and twilight are symbolic of three states of a person, viz.  Jagrit(awakened), Sushupti(deep sleep) and Swapna(dream) respectively. According to this verse, Shridevi’s three eyes located at the right, the left and the middle bring about these three states. What about Shridevi as a whole then?  She is beyond three states of everybody!
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   Where could She be? Focus on the word: antara-charim, She is inherent in three states!  How? Sutre manigana iva. i.e. all the states are like beads held by the thread of eternal blissful state, the Ultimate Reality Shridevi.
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   Our real question is: How can She be realized? In the fourth state called Turiya or Samadhi .  In this state, we can realize Shridevi, who is beyond three states in Her full glory, within ourselves.
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   What a great insight, indeed! Just amazing! How can we, as mere mortals, appreciate Greatest Goddess Mother Shridevi more with any of our own words? All words are indeed Herself. She is varnamayi(made of words) and lives as the power within the words!
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   Alright. This is enough. Let us stop ourselves from delving into greater depths. 

Enjoyed the article and insights? Are you a devotee of Shridevi?

If so, you must read other articles on Soundarya Lahari in the category here.

Words of Beauty: Here are the words that provide a melodious rhythm to the shloka: Triya-mam, va-mam; athmaka-thaya, nayaka-thaya;  Relish and enjoy!

Om Namah Shivaya ||

- Kalidas

Supreme Goddess Shridevi Durga: the Divine Mother of the Universe

Nimesh’on-meshabhyam pralayam udayam yaati jagati
Tave’ty ahuh santho Dharani-dhara-raajanya-thanaye |
Tvad-unmeshaj jatham jagad idham asesham pralayatah
Pari-trathum shankhe parihrita-nimeshas-tava drishah ||
-Soundarya Lahari 55

Benefits: Power to protect and curing of diseases of kidney.

Meaning: O daughter of king of mountains![1] The sages say that dissolution and genesis of the world happens by closing and opening of your eyes.  I think, your eyes do not close to protect this world from dissolution!

Insights:

1. According to our Scriptures, Shridevi Parvati is the daughter of the Great Himalayas, the king of mountains.
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2. It has been said that the divine beings do not blink. Their eyes remain open always! This fundamental divine attribute of Shridevi is described very beautifully here. According to Nala-Damayanti story in the Scripture Mahabharata there other properties of deities that distinguish them from human beings. They are: 1. Deities do not sweat. 2. The flowers they wear do not whither. 3. They do not keep their feet on the ground, out of respect for the Mother Earth. 4. They have a glow(hallow) around them.
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3. According to this shloka, during unmesha, i.e. when Shridevi opens her eyes, the world gets created. When She closes her divine eyes, the dissolution of the world happens. So, Shridevi does not close her eyes at all. She keeps her eyes open always without blinking, to protect the world or to sustain the universe.
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4. The opening of the eyes of Shridevi creates the world. This means Shridevi is Jagajjanani, i.e. the Supreme Mother of the Universe. It also means Shridevi is the Ultimate Source of the world. According to the verse, She always keeps her eyes open to protect the world. What does this mean? It suggests the affectionate and motherly caring nature of Shridevi. It states that Shridevi is very kind and compassionate to the world.
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5. Shridevi as Mahamaya: Shridevi opens her eyes to bring the world. As power of Matrika, hidden in the words, she brings the illusion of the world. So, She functions as Mahamaya, Great Illusion.  The dissolution of the world, esoterically means moksha(merging with the Shridevi). As Mahamaya she keeps her eye open to prevent people from moksha. Why? We need to burn our past karmas, before we merge with Shridevi. So, She helps us in this process.
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6. Shridevi as Mahadevi: By Nimesha(closing of eyes),  Shridevi brings about masking of the Highest Knowledge, i.e. Our Individual Self is nothing but the Universal Self, Shridevi. Unmesha, i.e. opening of eyes of Shridevi causes Udaya(rise). Of what? of Highest Knowledge. So, here the word Udaya has to be interpreted as Jnanodaya, which is the rise of Highest Knowledge.
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   Now, the verse says: Shridevi keeps her eyes always open. For what? To protect the Highest Knowledge evolved in the fortunate person.  What kind of knowledge She sustains? Jagadidam ashesham pralayatah (Jnanam). i.e. that knowledge which destroys the illusory and temporary world. In other words, the knowledge that helps us to merge with the Ultimate Reality, who is Shridevi Herself!
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   So, this shloka esoterically suggests the Mahadevi role of Shridevi that brings about spiritual evolution in us. So, from both the meanings #5 and #6, it becomes very clear that Shridevi functions as both Mahamaya and Mahadevi who bring illusion and spiritual evolution respectively.
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7. The Powers of Hindu Trinity: If Shridevi opens her lotus eyes, world is created. If She closes the eyes, the world gets dissolved. She is kept her eyes to protect or sustain the world.  What does it tell us? Shridevi is capable of performing the functions of Hindu Trinity, i.e. Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva by creating, sustaining and dissolving the world.
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   So, Shridevi is the Supreme Power which is the Universal Self, beyond the deities.
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8. The Process of Kundalini Yoga: Shridevi is nothing but Mother Kundalini. Nimesha, Closing of the eyes of Shridevi results in the deep sleep of Mother Kundalini. Then what happens?  Pralaya, masking of the Highest Knowledge). Shridevi’s Unmesha (opening of eyes)  indicates the awakened Mother Kundalini.
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   What does She do? Udayam yati. i.e. She brings the evolution of the Highest Knowledge that wipes out the temporary world which is said as: Jagadidam ashesham pralayatah. Shridevi keeps her eyes always open to protect the Highest Knowledge in the spiritually evolved person.
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   What does it say? It suggests that once Mother Kundalini is awakened by opening  Shridevi’s lotus eyes, she will protect the Highest Knowledge in the person by keeping her ever watchful eyes open.
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   So, the entire verse describes the process of awakening Mother Kundalini to evolve the Kundalini Yoga practitioner to help him achieve the real yoga with the Ultimate Reality, Shridevi.

Words of Beauty:  The following words provide melody with added rhyming to give an nice tone and rhythm: Nimesho’-nmesha; pralayam-udayam; yaati-jagati; dharani-dhara. Excellent and delicious nectar of words! Relish and enjoy!!

Om Namah Shivaya ||

- Kalidas

Related Reading:
1. If you are new to Rudraksha Yoga,

Traditional Japa Mala of 108+1 Rudraksha Beads

Hari Om! Namaste!!

Folks,

Japa Mala or mala beads has been used by our Great Masters from time immemorial. Traditionally, Master(Guru) gives the mala  to his disciple along with a mantra to initiate him into a spiritual path.

In modern times, mala  has become an essential accessory in many new age yoga schools and classes. Unfortunately, many people wear malas used for meditation as ornaments, more as a fashion statement and to show off their spiritual associations, without knowing the spiritual importance of a mala. May be they should have read this article to educate themselves.

OK. Come along! Let us uncover the symbolism and significance of a mala and understand it clearly from a perspective of Sanatana Dharma(Traditional Hinduism).

What is mala?

In Sanskrit language, mala or more correctly, maala means a garland of beads.  Mala used for counting the affirmations or mantra repetitions in meditation is called japa mala or simply mala. The process of repeating a mantra or a phrase is called japa.  

Why 108 beads?

Generally, a Hindu japa mala consists of 108+1 beads with a knot between the beads. The number 108 has several meanings. Some of them are:

1. 27 constellations x 4 padas(parts)     = 108
2. 12 zodiac houses x 9 planets               = 108
3. Upanishats  Scriptures of the Vedas = 108

In other words, 108 beads represent the entire universe.  When we count the mantra using the mala, we are remembering the presence of the deity who is the Universal Self in every part of the universe. So, after each cycle of repetition, we cover the entire universe by feeling and touching the presence of deity of the mantra in it.

108 beads symbolize the universe and repetition on each reminds us the omnipresence of the Universal Self(a.k.a God)! It suggests the immanent nature of the Universal Self.

The Guru, 109th Bead of mala

Additional 109th bead is knotted to the mala. It is called by different names Sumeru, Meru bead,  Guru bead etc. To show respect to the Master(Guru),  Guru bead is never crossed when counting the mantras during meditation. Instead, the mala is turned around so that the next round of counting begins with the 108th bead.

The Guru bead is separate from the main mala.  As discussed earlier, main mala of 108 beads makes the universe.  Since Guru bead is separate from the main mala(i.e. universe), it suggests that the Universal Self is transcendental, i.e. beyond the universe.

The name of 109th bead is Guru bead. It is separate from the universe of 108 beads. It means that Guru is the force beyond the universe and is nothing but the Universal Self that directs everything. It means that Guru is nothing but God.

The tassel after the Guru bead indicates the fourth state called Turiya.  It is a transcendental state beyond three states, viz., waking, dream and deep sleep.

The string

The string of the mala symbolizes the Universal Self. How? Remember, we discussed that beads form the part of the universe.  The string holds and supports the beads. So, it symbolizes the Universal Self which is the force that supports or sustains every part and every being of the universe.

Circular arrangement of beads

In a japa mala, 108 beads are strung in a circular fashion. It represents the cyclic nature of the universe, without an end or a beginning. The Universal Self is the only unchanging principle, just like a string in the mala.

The circular arrangement also signifies infinite birth and death cycle. Individual Self also changes the bodies in an endless cycle. So, the highest goal of our lives is to permanently escape from this cycle by merging with the Universal Self. The beads are like different births or bodies. By contemplating the mantra of the deity continuously, we would like to access the inherent thread of the universe, the Universal Self, which is eternal and unchanging.

Knot between the beads

Traditionally, a knot is kept between the beads to ensure that the beads won’t touch each other. This is to avoid the distraction that may be caused due to frictional sound of bead during mantra meditation.  Knot signifies the divine link present between all beings of this universe. It reminds us that all of us are strung in the thread of the Universal Self like Sutre maniganaa iva, meaning the beads strung by a thread. What a great teaching, indeed!

Here are some questions now:

What kind of mala needs to be used for mantra chanting?

To recap, the mala should have 108+1 beads strung in a traditional way with a knot between the beads, with a tassel at the end of the Guru bead. The color of the thread is normally yellow or orange.

The material of beads depends on the deity. For Lord Vishnu, Thulasi(Holy basil) beads are used. To chant Shri Durga mantras red sandalwood beads are recommended. To please Shri Lakshmi Devi, lotus seed mala is suggested. To meditate on Lord Shiva, Rudraksha seeds are the best.

Sandalwood and Rudraksha beads can be used to chant on almost any deity. Using Sandalwood bead calms the mind and leaves a lingering pleasant aroma on the hand after meditation. The Rudraksha beads are the embodiment of Shiva and Shakti loaded with divine power that supports the meditation to merge with Shiva and Shakti, i.e. Rudraksha Yoga.

How to use a mala?

Good question. Here is a general method to use mala:

1. Keep the index finger and thumb spread so that they are perpendicular to each other.
2. Make a group of rest of the three fingers and bring them together to make them perpendicular to the index finger.
3. Place the mala on the middle finger while keeping the index finger pointing away from you. Index finger symbolizes our ego. So, we need to ensure it does not touch any bead. In other words, we must park our ego separately during meditation.
4. Start chanting the mantra from bead next to the Guru bead, i.e. starting bead is above the Guru bead so that the Guru bead is not crossed.
5. Continue chanting the mantra for each bead till you reach the Guru bead.
6. When the Guru bead is reached, mala should be turned around to start the next cycle of chanting from the last bead(108th). As a matter of respect to the Guru, while counting the beads, Guru bead should never be crossed. Also, remember that the movement of beads should always be towards you, to invite the auspicious Divine Energy into you.

Caution: The above instructions are just the guidelines for illustrative purpose only; not for experimentation. Kids! do not  start chanting some mantra on the mala  by reading books, without guidance. Improper practice may lead to undesirable psychological effects and may be potentially harmful. Your safety is important to us. So, we strongly suggest you to learn practical usage of mala from an experienced Master.

Should I have to use mala for meditation always?

Good question. Short answer is no. Remember, mala is a tool to help you focus in the process of connecting your Individual Self  to the Universal Self via mantra. Once you get the required concentration and trick, you should(may) do away with the mala altogether!

Here is why. Manual support and hand-holding is important when you are learning how to ride a bicycle or swimming safely. Once you get the balance and learn the trick, the same support hinders you from going faster! We hope you got the message. In any case, we strongly suggest you to follow the advice of your Master in this.

May I wear the mala that is used for chanting?

No. Not recommended. Spiritual energy is stored in the mala because of chanting. So, it is best to keep the mala at a clean high place or altar. According to our Masters, displaying or showing the mala to others reduces the stored energy. Use a different mala for wearing if your intention is to remember the divinity always. Conversely, do not use the mala used for wearing to chant mantras.

May I exchange my mala with others?

No. Do not do it. Because of chanting, a special bonding gets developed between you and your mala.  As discussed, part of spiritual energy of your practice gets stored in the mala as well.   Keep your meditation mala private to yourself.

Do not share it with anybody, like a toy. Do not show off with others too, it is not a fashionable jewellery either. If you protect and respect the mala, it helps you in your spiritual progress for sure.

How should I keep the mala?

Traditionally, mala is kept inside a cloth bag and is placed on the altar or at a high sacred place to show our respect to power of deity that is accumulated by our meditation. Never drop/keep the mala  on the floor for two reasons: 1. To show respect to the mala. 2. The spiritual energy gets reduced due to “earthing”, just like static electric charge.

Adore the mala  like your favorite deity and it takes care of you, just like God! If mala falls on the floor by accident, we need to purify and re-energize the mala as described in our Scriptures.

Esoteric teachings of  the thread and the beads of mala

Entire string of the mala is the Universal Self. The beads are like every one of us having a portion of the divine thread called  Individual Self within us.

The clear symbolism of the mala is that all the beings of this entire universe are strung together by the string of the Universal Self. So, we need to show the compassion to others including  animals.

We should not take away the right of living from sentient beings for the sake of satisfying the taste buds and filling the stomach. Let us eat pure vegetarian food to keep our body and mind free of diseases and bad karmas.

Consider bead as our body with mind and thread inside the bead as the Individual Self. Entire thread of the mala is the Universal Self. So, the teaching of the mala is that every one of us has the part of the Universal Self, called Individual Self.

One more thing: notice that the thread in the bead is not clearly visible in the mala, unless we move the bead.  Likewise, we cannot feel our own divinity, Individual Self within us, unless we transcend our limited body and mind machinery. In other words, if we go beyond(or transcend) our body and mind, we can access the thread of the Universal Self.

For it to happen, we need to get the Grace of a Sadguru and Shridevi to remove our ignorance to access the Highest Knowledge. By this, we can realize that part of thread of the Universal Self within ourselves.

Let us pray our Great Goddess Shridevi, who is the eternal Ultimate Reality and string that holds the universe, for her kind Grace:

Ya Devi sarvabhooteshu chetanetyabhideeyate |
Namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namah ||
- Durga Saptashati

Meaning: Salutations to Her(Shridevi), who is the consciousness present in all being. Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her and Salutations to Her..(..always, again and again, forever..)..

Om Namah Shivaya ||

- Kalidas

Greatest Mother Parameshwari Shridevi Lalita Tripura Sundari

Drisa draghiyasya dhara-dhalita-nilotpala-rucha
Dhaviyamsam dhinam snapaya kripaya mam api Shive |
Anenayam dhanyo bhavathi na cha te hanir iyataa
Vane va harmye va sama-kara-nipaatho himakarah ||
- Soundarya Lahari 57

Benefits: All round luck.

Meaning: O Shridevi, consort of Lord Shiva!  By your far-reaching glance from your slightly-opened eyes having a glitter of blue lotus,
Shower your Grace on me too,  who is standing far off and needing your mercy.
By this, I become rich and no loss is sustained by you! (Just like-)
The Moon spreads his cool rays equally on a forest  as well as a mansion.

Insights:

1. In the shloka, devotee prays for a shower of Grace from Shridevi to help him. How? Shridevi has to just look at the devotee with kindness. That’s all! What happens then? The person becomes rich! So, the shloka says that Shridevi’s Graceful kind look on the devotees  makes them prosperous.
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2.  The verse says: Shridevi helps everybody who prays her, irrespective of distance. She takes care of everybody whoever is in distress. For Shridevi, distance does not matter, but the devotion does, to shower her kind Grace.
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3. Esoteric Meaning #1: The word deena means the person who is poor, needy or distressed. So, if anybody who is deena, prays Shridevi, he will become:  Dhanyo bhavati  means becomes happy. How? by just a kind look of Shridevi. The Sanskrit word Dhanya means one who has dhana, meaning auspiciousness, money, good luck, happiness, prosperity and so on. So, Shridevi’s look itself brings all these  to the devotee who is in distress.
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4. Esoteric Meaning #2: Look at the phrase: na cha te hanir iyataa meaning you sustain little loss,  if Shridevi bestows dhana (means prosperity etc. vide supra) to her devotees. It suggests that Shridevi is the infinite source of prosperity and bliss. So, She can bestow them to everybody without sustaining any loss at all!
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5. Esoteric Meaning #3: Vane va harmye va means whether it is a forest or a mansion. The Moon does not distinguish between the forest or mansion to spread his cool and pleasant rays.
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   In Shridevi’s case, forest and mansion refer to the devotees who are poor or rich respectively. Shridevi treats both  of them equally and showers her kind Grace just by a Graceful look. It is important to understand that people may be distressed, notwithstanding their economic status, viz., rich or poor.
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6. Esoteric Meaning #4: The shloka says that the Shridevi helps both householder and renunciates in their respective goals.
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   From householder perspective, the word deena means poor. So, the poor householder is requesting Shridevi to shower her kind Grace so that he becomes dhanyah prosperous.
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   A monk does not need money or prosperity. But, he is deena, i.e. distressed from the vicious cycle of birth and death. His goal is to get away from this cycle by achieving moksha(liberation) by merging with Shridevi herself.  So, he is also praying Shridevi to shower her kind Grace to make him fulfilled(dhanyah) by accomplishing liberation(mukti).
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   Thus, Shridevi’s Grace is required for both the householders and monks to achieve their respective goals.
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7. Esoteric Meaning #5: Look at the phrase vane va harmye va, meaning whether in forest or mansion. It echoes the earlier meaning again. Householders live in mansions and monks in the forest. But, Shridevi graces both to achieve their goals, just like the moon who shines equally on the mansion and forest.
   >
8. Esoteric Meaning #6: Again, the word harmye(on mansion) symbolizes the prosperity and material enjoyment(bhoga) that emphasizes the Shri Mahalakshmi aspect of Shridevi who is its ruler. Vane(in forest) suggests Shri Mahakali aspect of Shridevi, who brings liberation(moksha). Remember, householders and monks live in mansion(houses) and forest respectively.
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9. Esoteric Meaning #7: Notice the phrase samakara-nipaato, which means two things: 1. In case of Shridevi, equally placing the hand on devotees heads to bless them. Here the word kara is to be interpreted as hand. 2. When referring to moon, equally shines(on both mansion and forest). Here, kara means rays. Just amazing play of words!

Words of Beauty: Interesting bunches of words that offer melody and a nice rhythm: dhara-dhalita; sna-paya kri-paya; sama-kara, hima-kara. Relish the nectar and enjoy!

Om Namah Shivaya ||

- Kalidas

The Three Great Powers of Shridevi: Shri Lakshmi Devi, Shri Parvathi Devi and Shri Saraswati Devi

Shruthinam murdhano dadhati thava yau shekharathaya
Mama’py etau Matah sirasi dayaya dehi charanau |
Yayoh paadhyam paathah Pasupathi-jata-juta-thatini
Yayor laksha-lakshmir aruna-Hari-chudamani-ruchih ||
- Soundarya Lahari 84

Benefits: Getting liberation and entering into another person’s body.

Meaning: O my Mother Shridevi !  The Holy Vedas hold your lotus feet as ornaments on theirs heads.
[So,] Please be pleased to kindly keep your lotus feet on my head!
The water that washes your lotus feet is the river Ganga(a.k.a Ganges) which flows over the matted hair of Lord Shiva.
Your lotus feet, are adorned with red lac-dye, which have a red luster from crest jewel of Lord Vishnu!

Insights:

1. Shridevi’s lotus feet Grace the Highest Knowledge(Jnana): The verse suggest that all the secret knowledge of Holy Vedas are present in the Lotus feet of Shridevi. In Hinduism, the feet is synonymous of teachings of Great Masters. From this perspective, Shridevi’s lotus feet themselves are the guiding principle of the Guru(Master) which bestow the Highest Knowledge(Jnana).
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   The devotee is pleading Shridevi to place Her lotus feet on his head. It means that he is requesting Shridevi to transmit the Highest Knowledge of the Holy Vedas from her sacred feet into his brain(or mind) directly.
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2. Shridevi’s divine feet bestow the liberation(moksha): In Sanatana Dharma(Hinduism) Scriptures, the holy river Ganga washes away the sins of a person so that he can attain liberation from a vicious cycle of birth and death. So, the verse, says the lotus feet of Shridevi are capable of cleansing ourselves to make us free of our past karmas to achieve liberation. The devotee is requesting Shridevi to grant him liberation(moksha).
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3. Shridevi’s beautiful feet grant material wealth(bhoga): Look at the words: 1. Lakshmih means splendor. It also means Shridevi Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu.  It is amazing that this word has been so nicely and strategically used to mean both! 2. Chudamani(Crest jewel) and Hari(Lord Vishnu). All these words esoterically suggest one thing: luxury and material prosperity(bhoga). So, the shloka implies that Shridevi’s lotus feet are infinitely powerful to bestow material prosperity(bhoga) to the devotee.
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4. Esoteric Meaning#1: From the above discussion(points 1-3), it is very clear that the verse describes Shri Mahasaraswati, Shri Mahalakshmi and Shri Mahakali aspects of Shridevi, which confer the knowledge, prosperity and liberation respectively to the devotee.  All covered. What more to ask?
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5. Esoteric Meaning #2: The first two lines of the verse deal with the knowledge, the next line pertains with liberation and the last concerns with prosperity. It shows the relative priority and importance to be given for these aspects in human life.
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   So, for the seekers on the spiritual path, the first priority is to gain the Highest Knowledge to achieve complete liberation from our trans-migratory existence. The last priority is to attain temporary prosperity.
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   For the house-holders, the order of priority is reverse. To become prosperous should be the first priority to sustain the family life and related obligations.  The next is to gain the Highest Knowledge to liberate oneself from the continuous cycle of birth and death.
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   In fact, material enjoyment(bhoga) and liberation(moksha) are two most important aspects of human life. The order of priority and significance depends on affiliation and goals of the person.
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6. Esoteric Meaning #3: The first three lines of the verse are on the top, towards the sky. They indicate the supreme goal beyond this world. The last line at the bottom of the verse  is closer to the ground(as you read!), implying the need of prosperity while living in this world as house-holders.
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   The esoteric message is that Shridevi’s Grace is very helpful in having  prosperous life on this Earth and liberation beyond this temporary world.
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7. Esoteric Meaning #4: Ponder on the words Pashupati jata-juta(plaited hair of Lord Shiva) and Hari chudamani(crest jewel of Lord Vishnu). They indicate ascetic life of a true seeker and material life of a house-holder. Shridevi’s lotus feet are very powerful to help us in both the cases.
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   The word Shruthinam(of the Vedas) indicates the Guru(Spiritual Master), who is the bridge between material and spiritual lives and guides us to realize the Ultimate Reality.
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8. Esoteric Meaning #5: Think again on the phrase pashu-pathi-jatajuta-tatini meaning the river that flows from plaited hair of Lord Shiva, i.e. holy river Ganga. Why is Lord Shiva coming into picture here? It is to show the oneness of Lord Shiva and Shridevi Parvati!
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   It suggests the Ardhanarishwara form of Lord Shiva in which right half is Lord Shiva and the left half is occupied by Shridevi. Since Lord Shiva and Shridevi are together as one, the Ganga flowing from the plaited hair of Lord Shiva obviously washes the lotus feet of Shridevi Parvathi on the other side!  What a great insight! Hats off to the mystical nature of Soundarya Lahari hymn!
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9. Esoteric Meaning #6:  Matah sirasi dayaya dehi charanau meaning Mother, kindly keep your lotus feet on my head. Here, the devotee or Great Universal Master Shri Shankara Bhagavatpadah is addressing Shridevi as caring and affectionate mother. Not only that he has completely surrendered to Shridevi to request her to keep the divine feet on his head!
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   What is the message here? If we respect Shridevi as our Divine Mother and surrender to her completely, She takes care of us in every aspect of our lives whether it is spiritual or material. Period.
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Let us pray all powerful Shridevi Durga for Her Grace!

Gauri Narayani Namostu Te | – Devi Mahatmya
We salute Shridevi Durga, who is both Shri Parvati and Shri Lakshmi! (for the Grace)

Words of Beauty: Here are the bunch of sweet words that offer a nice melody and rhythm to the verse: tha-va, shekhara-thaya; mama-pyetau, ma-tah; da-yaya,de-hi; paa-dyam, paa-thah, Pa-shupati; ja-ta, ju-ta, ta-tini; laksh-a, laksh-mih. Relish and enjoy!

Om Namah Shivaya ||

- Kalidas

The Message of Deepavali: Light the lamp of the Highest Knowledge to realize the God within You!

Hari Om! Namaste!!

Rudraksha Yoga wishes everybody around the globe a very happy Deepavali festival! Enjoy the moments!

Deepavali(or Diwali) is the festival of lights, celebrated in India from 14th day of dark lunar fortnight of Ashwina month on the Hindu calendar. This year it falls on 2nd November.

What is Deepavali?

Deepavali is a Sanskrit word which means “row of lights”. Traditionally, Deepavali is celebrated by lighting a series of oil lamps in the night to remember the following events in our Scriptures:

1. Return of Lord Rama after completing 14 years of his forest life in exile. The lamps are lighted to welcome him.
2. Evil daemon Narakasura was killed by Lord Krishna.
3. Pandavas returned home after completing 12 years of forest life and one year of Ajnatavasa(living incognito).

How to Celebrate?

In modern times, it has become almost mandatory to burst crackers in Deepavali festival. Actually, there is no mention of crackers in our Scriptures at all! The thundering sound of crackers scares away insects, birds, small puppies and other living beings.   Crackers also pollute the environment by releasing obnoxious gases. Then, why should we do it for our so called enjoyment(or celebration), if it harms the interests of other beings? Just think about it.

Actually, Deepavali  is about victory of good over evil. So, we should celebrate life’s good time with family and friends by sharing the joy with fun. We have to worship our favorite deity by offering flowers, fruits, incense, sweets and good food, to help us overcome our #1 enemy, ignorance.  We need to listen to some pleasant classical music or devotional songs/hymns to have the peace of mind. Thus, our celebration should be filled with tranquility; not to be disturbed by roaring harsh sound!

Mystical Symbolism and Spiritual Significance of Deepavali

As discussed earlier, Deepavali is the celebration of triumph of good over evil. The lamp and darkness symbolize the good and the bad respectively. We should conquer our darkness of ignorance by lighting the lamp of the Highest Knowledge to realize God(a.k.a the Universal Self) within us. To this end, we ought to seek a Perfect Realized Master(Sadguru) to kindle the light of knowledge in us by his kind Grace via Shaktipat. Then, not only Deepavali, our entire life as humans becomes more meaningful.

So, on this holy occasion, let us pray the Great Goddess Shridevi Durga and Sadguru with complete surrender and devotion for our enlightenment:

Jyot se jyot jagao Sadguru Jyot se jyot jagao |Mere antara timira mitao Sadguru jyot se jyot to jagao ||
Meaning: O Revered Master! kindle the lamp(in my Heart) by yours!
Eliminate my ignorance within me(to realize mySelf)!

Tamaso maa jyothirgamaya |
Take us from the darkness(of ignorance) towards the light(of the Highest Knowledge)!

Om Namah Shivaya ||

- Rudraksha Yoga

Greatest Mother Parameshwari Shridevi Lalita Tripura Sundari

Himani-hanthavyam hima-giri-nivasaika-chaturau
Nishayam nidranam nishi cha parabhaghe cha vishadau |
Varam lakshmi-pathram shriyam ati srijanthau samayinam
Sarojam thvad-padau janani jayatas chitram iha kim? ||
- Soundarya Lahari 87

Benefits: Attracting of serpents.

Meaning: Lotus blights in snowfall; your Lotus feet are experts in dwelling in snow-clad mountains,
Sleeps during the night;  shine in both the night and the day,
Able to attract the Shri Lakshmi’s Grace; capable of bestowing Shri Lakshmi(wealth) to the devotees, (So, between a Lotus and your Lotus feet,)
O Mother Shridevi !  what is the wonder if your lotus feet win over lotus? 

Insights:

1. It is very natural for poets to compare the feet to lotus. But, this beautiful verse shows the fallacy of  such comparison. Lotus blights in snow where as Shridevi’s lotus feet are experts in dwelling on the snow-clad mountains of the Great Himalayas[1].
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   The lotus closes itself(sleeps) during night, whereas lotus feet of Shridevi are shining and awake at all times. This is because Shridevi is beyond time and space.
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   Our Scriptures say that Shridevi Lakshmi dwells in the lotus(Padmaalayaa) and She likes lotus(Padma priyaa). So, the lotus has got the Grace of Shri Lakshmi to host her and for being favorite to her. What about lotus feet of Shridevi? They are capable of bestowing Shri Lakshmi herself to the devotees!
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   According to the verse, there is no real comparison between lotus and lotus feet of Shridevi. What is the wonder if lotus feet of Shridevi win over lotus?
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2. Esoteric Meaning #1: The word snow is a metaphor for cooling bliss that is obtained during advanced traditional yoga path like Kundalini Yoga. So, the verse says that Shridevi is the embodiment of bliss(Ananda).
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   The words day and night, imply the eternity(Sat) of Shridevi. Also, According to Tantras, another name for Shridevi is Chiti meaning she is  the embodiment of consciousness(Chit). So, the verse indicates that Shridevi is the Ultimate Reality which is described in our Scriptures as formless energy that is characterized by  Sat-Chit-Ananda.
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3. Esoteric Meaning #2: Focus on the phrase, nishi cha parabhage meaning night and day. These words connect to the word samayinam meaning the devotees[2]. The lotus feet of Shridevi are ready to help the devotees day and night, i.e. any time!
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4. Esoteric Meaning #3: Look at the phrase: nishi cha parabhage cha vishadau meaning shining in the night and the day. It refers to the lotus feet of Shridevi. This phrase mystically indicates that the Shridevi is the continuous Force(Shakti)  that is ever-present which is beyond sleep and wake states of human beings. In other words, Shridevi is the continuous thread that binds different states of humans, such as deep sleep, dream and waking state.
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5. Esoteric Meaning #4: Ponder on the phrase: Shriyam ati Srijanthau samayinam meaning Shridevi’s Lotus feet themselves are capable of bestowing immense wealth(Lakshmi) to the devotee. This phrase deals with the Shri Lakshmi aspect of Shridevi Durga that confers the votaries with  material prosperity and enjoyment(bhoga).
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6. Esoteric Meaning #5:  As discussed above in the point #2, the word hima (snow) implies the bliss. The word hima-giri means the mountain of bliss. So, the meaning of the first line of the verse becomes: “the lotus feet of Shridevi are experts in dwelling in the supreme eternal bliss”.  It indicates the Shri Parvati aspect of Shridevi which grants the eternal bliss to the  devotee by helping them to achieve liberation(moksha).
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7. Esoteric Meaning #6: By the points #5 and #6 above, that the verse clearly suggests that lotus feet of Shridevi have both Shri Lakshmi and Shri Parvati aspects of Shridevi. Hence, they are capable of granting both material prosperity(bhoga) and liberation(moksha) to her staunch devotees. Thus, Shridevi’s lotus feet can bestow material prosperity to house-holders and the liberation(moksha) to monastic seekers.

Notes:

1. According to our Scriptures, Lord Shiva and Shridevi Parvati have their abode in the Great Himalayas.
2. Literally, in Sanskrit language Sama-ya means going together. It is a tradition of Shridevi’s worship that  believes in the oneness of Shiva and Shakti.  Samayin means the devotee who follows the Samaya tradition.

Words of Beauty: The following words offer a melodious tone and beautiful rhythm to the verse: Hima-ni, Hima-giri; ni-shayam, ni-drayam, ni-shi;  va-ram, pa-tram; ja-nani, ja-yatah. Relish and enjoy!

Action Point: Let us pray the lotus feet of Shridevi for their kind Grace!

Om Namah Shivaya ||

- Kalidas

Parameshwari Shridevi Mookambika: Bestower of both Bhoga(prosperity) and Moksha(liberation)

Dhadhane dinebhyah shriyam anisham ashaanusadhrusim
Amandham soundarya-prakara-makarandham vikirathi |
Tav’asmin mandara-sthabhaka-subhage yatu charane
Nimajjan majjivah karana-charanah sat-charanathaam ||
- Soundarya lahari 90

Benefits: Cutting of bad spells cast.

Meaning:
Shridevi ! Thy lotus feet are ever-giving wealth to the helpless, in proportion to their desire.  They strongly radiate the nectar with abundant beauty and auspiciousness.
To attain your lotus feet  which are  like mandara flowers,
May myself with six limbs be a honey bee!

Insights: This is shloka praises Shridevi’s power of bestowing wealth and liberation to her staunch devotees. Let us understand clearly.

1. Shri Lakshmi  is the ruling deity for wealth. The first line of the verse deals with Shri Lakshmi power of Shridevi that confers wealth and auspiciousness.  It says the Shridevi’s lotus feet themselves are capable of giving wealth continuously to their devotees  according to their desire.
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2. The second line of the verse deals with the power of Shri Parvati who is the ruler of liberation(moksha) from vicious cycle of life and death. The word makaranda(means honey or nectar) suggests the infinite bliss which is the essential nature of the Ultimate Reality. The verse says that the lotus feet of Shridevi are the eternal abode with full of bliss, which needs to be attained by us after the complete liberation.
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3. The last two lines of the shloka say that Shridevi’s lotus feet are like a bunch of divine mandara flowers which grow in the heaven. The devotee prays Shridevi that he should become a honey bee to get fully engrossed in enjoying the beauty and the nectar of eternity emanating from the lotus feet of Shridevi. What a great concept of complete surrender and devotion!
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4. Esoteric Meaning #1: The words amandam means strong or swift and Soundarya prakara means multitude of beauty. So, one represents the force or wave(Lahari) and the other is Soundarya, the beauty. Together, they suggest Saundarya Lahari, the confluence of beauty and power of Shridevi Durga.
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5. Esoteric Meaning #2: Focus on the words Shriyam(wealth) and makarandam(nectar) . They indicate two aspects of Shridevi Durga, viz. 1. Shri Lakshmi, the ruler of prosperity 2. Shri Parvati, the ruler of liberation respectively.
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   These words are strategically used to mean bhoga(material enjoyment) and moksha(liberation) respectively. Wealth is required to lead a comfortable life on Earth. Liberation is mandatory to escape vicious cycle of birth and death.
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   The lotus feet of Shridevi themselves are capable of bestowing both material prosperity and liberation to her devotees. In this shloka, the devotee prays for prosperous life on the Earth and liberation from the ephemeral world to  attain the eternal abode of Shridevi’s lotus feet.
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6. Esoteric Meaning #3: Focus on the phrase anisham ashanusadrishim meaning continuously and as per desire. These words suggest that Shridevi gives wealth to her devotees continuously and a per their desire.
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   Shridevi is the infinite source of wealth. Giving the wealth is not a one time affair. It is perennial. Shridevi fulfills the desire of her devotees, no matter however big or impossible it may be.Thus, the shloka describes the magnanimity and compassion of Shridevi towards her staunch devotees. Parameshwari Shridevi confers anything and everything to us, if we surrender to her completely with full devotion.
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7. Esoteric Meaning #4: Ponder on the last line of the verse starting with Nimajjan. In this line, devotee says that he  is the Individual Self with six limbs(five senses and mind). He/She would like to enjoy the nectar of divine bliss by connecting to Shridevi’s lotus feet  which form the Ultimate Reality by themselves.
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   The lotus feet of Shridevi are compared with celestial flowers, Mandara and the devotee would like to enjoy the nectar of bliss just like a bee which also has six limbs! What a wonderful blend of philosophy and literary ornament!
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8. Esoteric Meaning #5: The last line mystically means that the devotee is praying Shridevi to help him/her in getting completely immersed in the eternal bliss of Shridevi, who is the Ultimate Reality. It means that the devotee seeks the help of Shridevi to liberate his own Individual Self by merging with her, i.e. to attain moksha(liberation).
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9. Esoteric Meaning #6: Notice that first line of the verse talks about prosperity(Shriyam) and the last line refers Nimajjan, merging in the bliss. So, in the entire verse Shridevi is prayed for material enjoyment(bhoga) first and then liberation(moksha). It is a complete package! Nothing more is required, after all.
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   Notice the careful order of words to convey us the priorities. During our life time, we need to enjoy the prosperity, of course, without attachment following Karma Yoga, by the Grace of Shridevi. At last, we should get ourselves liberated by merging with the lotus feet of Shridevi, the Ultimate Reality.

Words of Beauty:  Here the bunch of sweet words that offer a melodious tone and nice rhythm to the verse: Dadha-ne, dee-ne; Shriy-am,anish-am; prakara, makara-nda, vikirati; ni-majjan, majjivah; karana, charanah, charanatam. Relish and enjoy!

Om Namah Shivaya ||

- Kalidas

The Divine Mother Paramaeshwari Shridevi with Hindu Trinity- Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.

Giram aahur Devim Druhina-grihinim aagamavidho
Hareh pathnim Padmam Hara-sahachareem Adhri-thanayaam |
Thuriyaa kaapi thwam dhuradhigama-nisseema-mahimaa
Maha-maya vishwam bhramayasi parabhrahma-mahishi ||
- Soundarya Lahari 98

Benefits: Redemption of the Soul(i.e. the Individual Self).

Meaning:  O Queen of Parabrahman! The scholars of Agamas[1] call you as the Vak, Goddess of letters who is the wife of Lord Brahma. They call you as Padmaa(Shri Lakshmi) who is the consort of Lord Vishnu and Devi Parvati who is the consort of Lord Shiva.
You are the fourth one(beyond these three),  who is inaccessible and supremely powerful.  You are the consort of the Universal Self Lord Shiva. You being Mahamaya(Great Goddess of Illusion) perplex the entire Universe!

Insights: What a wonderful description of Shridevi ! It has some profound esoteric messages. Let us understand it with clarity.

1. The first two lines of the verse mention: the scholars of the Scriptures Agamas say that Shridevi is nothing but the powerful deities Mahasaraswati, Mahalakshmi and Mahakali who are rulers of knowledge, wealth and liberation respectively.
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   The third line states  Shridevi is the someone fourth(turiya kaapi) who is beyond these three forces.
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   Who is She then? The last line of verse itself has the answers: She is the consort of Parabrahman(the Universal Self), the Ultimate Reality. The Parabrahman is none other than Lord Shiva. ………..
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   We need to understand that the word ‘consort’ means power. So, the word Parabrahmahishi suggests Shridevi Parvati who is the power of Lord Shiva.
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2. Esoteric Meaning #1: Focus on the phrase Turiyaa kaapi twam duradhigama. It means you are the fourth one who is inaccessible, i.e. Durga(inaccessible)! So, Shridevi is none other than Mother Durga who is beyond the three principal powers.
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   Think about it. Why is she called inaccessible? Shridevi’s power is present in all beings, like oil in a sesame seed. We cannot feel her because of lack of the Highest Knowledge. We mistake temporary world to be permanent due to the illusory power of Mahamaya(Goddess of Illusion) who is the eternal Shridevi herself.
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   Now our real question is: How can we access the inaccessible Shridevi Durga? Soundarya Lahari reiterates the answer in many verses: we can surely merge with the Ultimate Reality Shridevi by completely surrendering to her with full devotion.
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3. Esoteric Meaning #2: Different scholars of Scriptures Agamas know Shridevi as limited to Vak Devi, Padmaa Devi or Parvati Devi. Actually, She is Nisseema mahimaa. Literally, She is the Great without bounds, i.e. infinitely powerful.  She is the fourth superpower who is beyond these three deities. The verse nicely illustrates the illusion created by Mahamaya Shridevi that deludes even the scholars from knowing this secret truth.
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4. Esoteric Meaning #3: The verse clearly says that according to the Scriptures the three forces Shri Mahasaraswati, Shri Mahalakshmi and Shri Mahakali  are different aliases for essentially one and the same supreme power called Shridevi. Also, Shridevi is beyond these three forces and the consort or power of Parabrahman(the Universal Self).
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5. Esoteric Meaning #4: The verse specifically mentions the names of deities Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva of Hindu Trinity by words Druhina, Hareh and Hara respectively. It is to emphasize the greatness that Shridevi is the embodiment of these three powers and also the fourth superpower of Parabrahman, who is beyond Hindu Trinity.
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6. Esoteric Meaning #5: Focus on the word Hara-sahachareem, meaning wife of Lord Shiva. Literally it means that one who goes together with Hara. This word is strategically use to suggest the togetherness and oneness of Lord Shiva and Shridevi Parvati.
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7. Esoteric Meaning #6: Ponder on the phrase Mahamaya vishwam bhramayasi meaning as Mahamaya Shridevi deludes the entire universe. This is a very significant statement.
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   Without Shridevi’s power of illusion, the world cannot run. In other words,  people will not have an opportunity to do good/bad deeds!  Everybody will be going on the path of liberation!
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   So, the illusion of my house, my relatives and my friends etc. are important to play a particular role in the drama of day to day life. The moment we get the Grace of a Sadguru, the veil of illusion will be destroyed to pave us the way towards the real yoga to merge with the Ultimate Reality Shridevi.
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8. Esoteric Meaning #7: Look at the phrase Vishwam bhramayasi which also means revolving the world. It says that the supreme primordial force Shridevi is responsible for revolving the world in cyclic manner by creation, sustenance and destruction, presided by Hindu Trinity. As discussed earlier, Shridevi has Hindu Trinity within herself and She is beyond them. In other words, the deities are like organs of Shridevi.

Words of Beauty: Here are some bunch of words that offer melodious sound and rhythm: Dru-hina, gri-hinim; pa-tnim, pa-dmam; Hareh, Hara, saha-chareem; duradhiga-ma, nissee-ma, mahi-maa;bhrama-yasi, para-brahma; parabrah-ma, ma-hishi. Notice that the entire shloka is full of homophonic phrasal words with beauty and powerful meaning. Splendid! Par excellence! What more to say! Relish and enjoy!

Let us pray the Supreme primordial power Adishakti Parameshwari Shridevi for her kind Grace:

Chiti roopena ya kritsnam etad vyapya stitha jagat |
Namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namah ||
- Tantrokta Devisuktam

Meaning: Salutations to Her(Shridevi), who pervades the entire universe as Chiti[2]. Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her and Salutations to Her..(…again and again, forever…)..

Notes:

1. The Agamas are Hindu Scriptures that deal with elaborate rituals of various deities in detail.
2. Chiti  is the power of Chit(consciousness). It is the one of the powers of the Ultimate Reality, others being Sat(eternal) and Ananda(bliss). Chit enlivens everything and activates everything to work: it makes or ears hear, eyes see, brain to think and so on. Read our article on the Ultimate Reality for a detailed discussion.

Om Namah Shivaya ||

- Kalidas

Greatest Goddess Prameshwari Shridevi Lalita Mahatripura Sundari

Saraswathya Lakshmya Vidhi Hari sapathno viharathe
Ratheh paathivrithyam shithilayathi ramyena vapusha |
Chiram jivanneva kshapathi pashu pasha vyathikara
Paranandabhikhyam rasayathi rasam twadbhajanavaan ||
- Soundarya Lahari 99

Benefits: Attainment of Ultimate Bliss.

Meaning: Shridevi ! Your devotee would be enriched with so much knowledge and wealth that even Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu feel jealous of him.  He will be so attractive that he loosens the chastity of even Rathi Devi, the consort of Kama Deva. He lives forever by destroying the bonds of mortals and tastes the nectar of bliss called Paraananda.

Insights: This is a very cryptic and esoteric verse again. Let us try to uncover the hidden meaning from Shridevi’s Grace.

1. This verse explains what a devotee could potentially get by praying Shridevi. According to this verse, he gets immense wealth and knowledge so that even Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma will envy him.
   .
   What does it  mean? Lord Brahma’s power is Shri Saraswati, who is the ruler of knowledge. Similarly, Lord Vishnu is the spouse of Shri Lakshmi Devi who rules wealth.
   .The shloka says that devotee will also get so much knowledge and wealth that even Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu  will be jealous of him!
   .
2. By praying Shridevi, devotee becomes so attractive that even Rati Devi gets fascinated. According to Scriptures, Rati Devi is iconic of beauty. She is the consort of Kama Deva, the God of desire.
   .
   Moreover, the devotee of Shridevi destroys intricate mixture of karmas and pasu-bhava, i.e. limited animal-like feeling. Pasu-bhava refers to human misconception that we are different from God(i.e. the Universal Self).  This is the wrong notion of duality  that our Individual Self is different from God.  The root cause of this is ignorance.
   .According to the verse, Shridevi eliminates the ignorance and helps the devotee in enjoying the nectar of bliss(ananda) of the Ultimate Reality.
   .
3. Esoteric Meaning #1: By the above discussion, it clear that devotee gets the following by praying Shridevi: knowledge, wealth, desires and liberation.  According to our Scriptures, these four are the primary goals of human beings(called purusharthas), viz, Dharma(knowledge of duty), Artha(wealth), Kama(fulfilling desires) and moksha(liberation). So, Shridevi helps her staunch devotees in achieving all these goals. All coverered! What more to ask?
   .
4. Esoteric Meaning #2: The first two lines cover knowledge, wealth and fulfilling desires which are part of material enjoyment(bhoga). The next lines talk about liberation(moksha), i.e. forever enjoying the eternal bliss by liberating from all bondage by merging with the Universal Self.
   .
5. Esoteric Meaning #3: Shridevi has three principal aspects:1. Maha Saraswati who is the ruler of knowledge(Jnana). 2. Maha Lakshmi – the ruler of material enjoyment(bhoga) with wealth and desires. 3. Maha Kali – who rules liberation(moksha). According to the verse, the votaries get the support of these three aspects of Shridevi to achieve the goals of human life(vide supra, esoteric meaning #1).
   .
6. Esoteric Meaning #4: Focus on the phrase Chiram jeevanneva meaning eternally living. The devotee of Shridevi gets immense knowledge, enjoys the material prosperity, fulfills all his desires and finally gets connected to the bliss of the Ultimate Reality which is Shridevi herself. All of these happen while living on the earth. In other words, the devotee achieves the Jeevan-mukta state, i.e. one who is liberated while still living.
   .
7. Esoteric Meaning #5: The phrase ramyena vapusha meaning with a beautiful body, suggests that the devotee gets the healthy body enriched with beauty. How do we get this shade of meaning? Let us face it. Nobody can get attracted to a sick person no matter however handsome he may be. Right? Also, unless the person is healthy, he cannot live longer and enjoy the bliss either!
   .
8. Esoteric Meaning #6: By the above discussion on the verse, it is obvious that the staunch devotees of Shridevi would get knowledge, enjoy material prosperity and good health, fulfill all their desires and finally achieve liberation, all while living here on this earth! It means that Shridevi bestows anything and everything to her votaries.
   .

Words of Beauty: Here are some interesting words that offer melodious rhyme and rhythm to the verse: vi-dhi-hari, vi-harathe; ratheh, pathi-vrityam, shi-thi; pashu, pasha; kshapathi, vyathi-kara; rasa-yathi, rasam. Relish and enjoy!

Om Namah Shivaya ||

- Kalidas

Our Exquisite and All Powerful Goddess, the Wave of Beauty:  Parameshwari Shridevi Durga

Pradipa-jwalabhir dhivasa-kara-neerajana-vidhih
Sudha-suthes chandropala-jala-lavair arghya-rachana |
Svakiyair ambhobhih salila-nidhi-sauhitya karanam
Tvadiyabhir vagbhis thava janani vacham stutir iyam ||
- Soundarya Lahari 100

Benefits: Attainment of all Occult Powers.

Meaning: O Mother Shridevi ! Composing this hymn of yours, in the words of your own is very much like:
- adoring the Sun by nirajana (i.e. waving the light; a.k.a arati)
- offering the Arghya (water oblation) to the Moon by the water flowing out of  a Moon stone
- pleasing the ocean by giving Tarpana(pouring the water)!

Insights: This is an important concluding verse of mystical hymn Soundarya Lahari. In this shloka, Our Great Universal Master Shri Shankara Bhagavatpadah dedicates the entire hymn to Shridevi with utmost humility and devotion.

1.  According to Scriptures Tantras, Shridevi is Mantramayi, full of mystical mantras with immeasurable power. She is the inherent power of all mantras. In her capacity as Devi Saraswati, she bestows knowledge. She is also called Vak(speech). So, she is  Varnamayi, meaning made of letters, since speech consists of varnas(means letters). In Sanskrit, letter has a synonym: Akshara, meaning eternal. So, Shridevi is the eternal Ultimate Reality.
   .
   OK. Here is a paradox. To Compose any hymn one should inevitably use words. But, the words are embodiment of Shridevi herself! Actually, all the words belong to Her! So, our Great Master Shankara Bhagavatpadah puts it as – composing the Soundarya Lahari is like pleasing Shridevi by offering something that already belongs to her! Shri Bhagavatpadah explains this with beautiful literary analogies.
   .
2. Lord Sun is full of brilliant light. How can we please him by Neerajana(waving a light) that already belongs to him?
   Similarly, according to myth a cool water comes out from Moon stone which is presided by the Moon. How can we propitiate the Moon by giving him Arghya(Vedic process of giving water by folded hands)?
   The ocean is full of water. How can we give Tarpana(a kind of water oblation) to the Ocean by water that already belongs to the ocean?
   .
3. Esoteric Meaning #1: In this verse, our Great Universal Master Shri Bhagavatpadah dedicates the entire Soundarya Lahari hymn to the Greatest Goddess Shridevi with utmost devotion and complete surrender. He indirectly says: ” All words are yours. You are in words. Everything is yours, Shridevi! Nothing is mine!” This is the exact feeling that we need to have when we pray Shridevi.
   . 
4. Esoteric Meaning #2: The verse suggests the three great powers of Shridevi. How? Look at the word Pradipa jwalabhih meaning shining flame. It suggests the Goddess Parvati, who is the form of fire(Agni). Chandropala means the Moon stone. The Moon is suggestive of Shri Lakshmi, the ruler of prosperity. The word Vagbhih means speech, indicating Shri Saraswati who is the ruler of speech(Vak Devi). By analogy, all these three powers are nothing but Shridevi.
   .
5. Esoteric Meaning #3: From the perspective of Kundalini Yoga, the words Jwala means flame indicates Kundalini power in Sushumna. The words Divasakara and Chandra mean the Sun and the Moon, are suggestive of Pingala and Ida channels of our psychic body respectively.
   .
6. Esoteric Meaning #4: The verse brings in two words Divasakara and Chandra meaning the Sun and the Moon respectively. It is to signify that Shridevi is intricately present within time. As detailed in an earlier verse, she makes the time happen, by herself being above and beyond time. Look at the elegant and strategic use of words! Par excellence!

Words of Beauty: Here are some homophonic words that offer melody and a nice rhythm: Su-dha, su-teh; Chandro-pala, jala-lavai; Twadiya-bhih, vag-bhih. Relish and enjoy!

Epilogue:

OK. All good things must come to an end.  It was a great journey, indeed! With this article, we conclude our series on selected verses of Soundarya Lahari.  It was a great opportunity to express our devotion to Shridevi.  It had been a very exhilarating experience for us to study Soundarya Lahari and to understand a small bit of infinite glory of Shridevi. By now, we are sure that our regular readers would have very well appreciated the greatness and power of Shridevi via Soundarya Lahari series.

As we discussed many times earlier, Soundarya Lahari is a powerful and mystical hymn. There are many shades of esoteric meanings to a single verse. We have given a drop from the ocean of the nectar from the direct inspiration from Shridevi and the direction of the Sadguru.

As our Universal Master Shri Bhagavatpadah said in this verse, everything belongs to Shridevi. Nothing we could write on our own without her wish and command. So, naturally, with all our devotion and humility, we dedicate all our writings back to her -  just like, all the rivers must merge with the Great Ocean. No option!

We acknowledge our intrinsic limitations. So, we humbly own all the mistakes in interpreting the verses. We beg Shridevi to forgive us and help us correct them as per her wish. We are sure that- as she is the Great Mother, she showers her kind Grace and affection upon us out of her own nature of motherly care and compassion.

As Shri Bhagavatpadah says in Shri Devyaparadha Kshamapana Stotra:

Param jaane Matah twadanusaranam klesha-haranam |

Meaning: But, I know Mother! If I follow you, you eliminate sorrow(problems, worries etc.).

We second that. Let us pray Shridevi always for her kind Grace:

Maha Tripura Sundareem muhur namaskurmahe |
We salute Great Goddess Maha Tripura Sundari again and again.

Sarve janah sukhino bhavantu |
May everybody in the world be happy!

Om Namah Shivaya ||

- Kalidas

Lord Shiva’s Family: Lord Shiva, Lord Karthikeya, Shridevi Parvati and Lord Ganesha.

Folks,

Hari Om! Namaste!!

Good news! This is the 108th post on Rudraksha Yoga!  It is really another significant milestone in the journey of the blog.

How should we celebrate this exciting occasion? Simple. By another conVerse at the lotus feet of Shridevi.  This is to thank Shridevi and our Sadguru for their continuous inspiration and guidance.

Note: We have given commentary for each verse below to assist you to understand the esoteric meaning from the correct traditional perspective. These verses encapsulate greatest and secret teachings of our Scriptures, the Shaiva Agamas. Relish and Enjoy!

OK. Let us pray Shridevi with devotion and complete surrender!

Shridevi ! …

You are the subject, verb and the object |
You are the speech, and difficult to reach || 1 ||

You are the subject,  for your subjects |
You are the object,  in all the objects  || 2 ||

You are a present, for the present  |
You were the past, also of the past || 3 ||

You’ll be the future, of the future  |
You are the time, who’s beyond time || 4 ||

You are the word, of all the worlds |
You are the world, of all our words || 5 ||

You are the first, person and the last |
You are in a second, but you’ve no second || 6 ||

You are Singular, concealed  in the plural |
You are the plural, within that Singular || 7 ||

You seem negative,  for interrogative |
You are positive,  for all affirmative || 8 ||

You are the active, and also the passive |
You are universe, and cause of this verse || 9 ||

Commentary:

1. The subject is Individual Self. The object is everything else, the other feeling. The verb is the action, or power of Shridevi. Shridevi is the speech(Vak), Maha Saraswati herself. Difficult to reach means Durga(meaning inaccessible and invincible).
   .
   From the perspective of Kundalini Yoga, the Subject is the Individual Self, the object is the Universal Self. The verb is the action which is the meditation that connects both the subject and the object to realize their essential unity.
   .
2. Subject means Individual Self, branches of knowledge and so on. Subjects means devotees of Shridevi. The object is the divine power of Shridevi which is present in all objects. It represents the Universal Self, the Ultimate Reality.
   .
3. The present means the gift. It also means all creatures living at present. So, the verse means Shridevi is like a present/boon for all living creatures, since they can please her to  get anything and everything.
   .
4. This verse emphasizes Mahakali aspect of Shridevi, who is time and beyond time.
   .
5. Here the word(a.k.a Shabda in Sanskrit) of worlds refers to the primordial sound Om.  The Sanskrit word for word is Shabda which means both word and sound. According to our Scriptures, the sound of  Om created all the worlds.  Think about it. Actually, our world is really made up of words that belong to Shridevi. Remember, all words are embodiment of Shridevi and belong to her.
   .
6. First person means the creator(Lord Brahma) and the last person means the destroyer of the world, viz., Lord Shiva. The word second means second person and second(in counting time). This verse says that Shridevi has the power of these great deities.
   .
7. It means, Shridevi is the single power present in everything(plural), i.e. she is omnipresent.  Everything(plural) is contained within Shridevi who is the Only One(singular).
   .
8. It means: for non-believers(negatives) of God, Shridevi appears as  questions such as “Does Shridevi really exist? If so, is it true? Is it possible to see her? etc. This is due to their ignorance.  For the spiritually awakened devotees(positives), she is affirmatively existent, i.e. she is the final answer. Nothing else! For all her devotees, she ensures that all the doubts and questions are vanished, by showering her kind Grace.
   .
   Here is another perspective. Some people do not believe Shridevi or God due to the illusive power of Shridevi who is the Mahamaya(Great Illusory Power). Other fortunate people, believe Shridevi by their own experience  through  spiritual awakening by the Grace of Shridevi via a Realized Master. In this case, Shridevi’s Mahadevi(the Great Goddess) aspect works behind the scene.  For details, read an elaborate discussion here.
   ...
   
9. In this context, the active voice is expressed voice by which we talk outside. The passive voice means the voice we listen within ourselves. This verse says that both of these voices are nothing but Shridevi herself! This is because she is Vak Devi(Goddess of speech) in her aspect of Shri Mahasaraswati.
   .
   The active means Shakti/Shridevi. It is the active aspect of the Ultimate Reality. Passive means Lord Shiva who is the passive aspect of the Universal Self. Thus, they together reflect Oneness of Shiva and Shakti.The word the cause means two things: the goal and the reason. In other words, these verses are written because of the inspiration of Shridevi, addressing her as the goal with devotion.
   .
   From the perspective of Kundalini Yoga, the words active and passive symbolize awakened and dormant Kundalini power present within us. Let us prevent ourselves from going into greater depths .

We dedicate this 108th post and all the posts of Rudraksha Yoga to the lotus feet of Shridevi and Sadguru. Let us pray them:

Vande vichitrarthapadam chitram taam Guru bharatheem |
- Great Kashmiri Shaivate Master Mahamahopadhyaya Shri Vasugupta Padacharyah in Spanda Karika 4.1

Meaning: This is a mystical prayer that addresses Sadguru, Shridevi and Shri Kundalini  triad simultaneously. What a wonderful verse, indeed! Let us understand how:

1. Prayer to Sadguru: I pray the Sadguru’s  speech which is colorful and filled with words with mystical meanings. Here vichitrarthapada means words with mystical meanings. The word Guru is interpreted as Sadguru, a Realized Master. Bharati means speech or the spiritual discourse of the Master.
2. Prayer to Shridevi: I pray the Greatest Goddess Shridevi who is present as Vak(speech) with mystical and colorful meanings. In this case, Guru means Great. Bharatheem means speech and Vak Devi. 
3. Prayer to Shri Kundalini: I pray the Greatest Goddess Shri Kundalini, who is colorful and with mystical steps(movements). Here again, Guru Bharatheem means Greatest Goddess Kundalini, who when awakened,  moves with mystical steps and presents herself as different colors to the practitioner.

Om Namah Shivaya ||

- Kalidas

Rudraksha Yoga: Knowing the Unknown, Knower and the Known!

Folks,

Hari Om! Namaste!!

Here are some important updates and news about Rudraksha Yoga Website.

1. 108th Post published: A Milestone Reached!

Yes!  We recently published 108th post on Rudraksha Yoga. We are very happy about it. At the same time, it is humbling that we could only contribute this much to our society, without expecting any returns. We pay our gratitude to our Great Goddess Shridevi Durga and our Master(Sadguru) for inspiration and guidance throughout the journey so far. We pray these Great Forces for their kind Grace to help us in future.

We also thank all our readers and well-wishers around the world who encouraged and helped us in our mission to spread the Highest Knowledge to accomplish the vision of Rudraksha Yoga, viz., everybody must be equipped  with the right knowledge to realize the God within.

About  page has been refined to bring it up-to-date.  If have any questions or comments, you may use  the Contact Us page to leave your feedback.

2. Statistics on the Rudraksha Yoga Website from  our MBA (Master of Blog Administration )

Good news! We have crossed 45,009 views now, after its launch on January 28, 2013. It is a sustained growth of the viewership for spiritual articles in such a short span of time! We thank once again, all our readers and well-wishers who contributed directly or indirectly to this excellent growth to help us spread the Highest Knowledge. We are very fortunate to contribute something to our society by disseminating authentic information on the topics related to Hinduism and the Highest Knowledge.

2.1 Web Traffic
Actually, we are not at all bothered about mass traffic. However, we would like to reach as many qualified interested readers as possible.

As per our earlier projection, we could have reached 30,000 views in an year. However, due to continuous growth of views, we crossed the estimate well ahead. It shows that there exists a niche need for authentic spiritual articles from India, world over.

Note: Since the parameters such as number of views change almost every moment, the statistics given here is just a representative snapshot of the ongoing movie of dynamic internet transactions.

• Recent total views: 45,676
• Number of unique visitors: 30,450 (calculated)
• Traffic growth: Average 5% WoW!(Week over Week); Average 10% MoM(Month over Month)
• Projected annual views(conservative estimates): 47,007 views.
• Projected annual readership: 31,333 readers.

2.2 International Reach by Geographical Coverage

• Number of countries represented by at least a single view: 133

• Top nine countries with the number of views with digits three or more(i.e. >350):
  1. India                                :  22,796
  2. United States                 : 11,288
  3. United Kingdom            :   1,587
  4. Canada                            :   1,282
  5. Australia                         :   950
  6. Malaysia                         :   861
  7. United Arab Emirates  :   770
  8. Singapore                       :   687
  9. South Africa                   :  367

2.3 All Time Top Posts (so far!)

1. Soundarya Lahari: A Powerful and Beautiful Hymn to Shridevi ! : 5,097 views
2. Lord Ganesha and His Trunk: What is the Symbolism? : 4,330 views
3. Lord Shiva in Deep Meditation: Whom does he meditate upon? : 3,768 views
4. Why Lord Ganesha is Worshiped First? : 1,664 views
5. Vagarthaviva: A Magical Verse from the Great Poet Kalidasa: Part – 1 : 1,370 views

2.4 Subscribers

1. WordPress.com followers: 24
2. E-mail followers: 13

2.5 Shares

Total shares of various articles in social media networks(FaceBook, Twitter, Google+ etc.) : 65 .

3. Research and Analysis of the web traffic from a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy )

The numbers speak for themselves! As you can see, there is an almost exponential growth of views and visitors.

Majority of our readers(almost 50%) are from India, followed by the U.S.(~25%).  The two contribute to approximately 75% of our views. Consequently, other countries are trailing by a large margin.  Although, number of countries with at least one views is increased to 133, there is a real need to spread the knowledge significantly in many areas of the globe. We solicit the help of our readers in this endeavor of fulfilling of Personal Social Responsibility to serve the society selflessly.

Top three articles on Shridevi, Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva contribute whopping 37% of the views. Obviously, these are the most popular articles on the blog and hence the statistics of number of views are heavily influenced by this. Moreover, interesting trend is  more and more of our articles are being shared in social media networks such as Twitter, Facebook, Google+ etc.

The data suggest that our readers would like to read the articles on the various topics of Sanatana Dharma, such as traditional yoga, Highest Knowledge, Hindu Deities  and  others.  However, for the reasons discussed earlier, our primary focus is going to be on the Highest Knowledge.

4. The Path Forward

As discussed above, unfortunately, there is a very less readership for articles on traditional yoga in general and Raja Yoga in particular. So, there is a great need to reach the critical mass to disseminate the right knowledge in this domain. To achieve this, we invite everybody to help us  in spreading the wealth of Highest Knowledge, described in our Divine Scriptures and practiced by our Great Masters, to the worthy and the needy.

As discussed earlier, moving forward, irrespective of statistical indications, our focus of the blog will continue to be on the Highest Knowledge and Traditional Yoga. We strongly believe that our Sadguru’s Grace and Shridevi’s Inspiration will be on our side and continue to support in our mission as ever. Our respectful salutations to them.

5. Words of Gratitude

Only by our Sadguru’s Grace and Shridevi’s inspiration, we could contribute a little to our society in some way to enrich everybody with the Highest Knowledge.  We pay our humble gratitude and respect to these Great Divine Forces for providing us an opportunity to share our insights  to help one and all, worldwide.

Enjoy Reading! Have fun!!

Vasudhaiva kutubakam | Sarve janah sukhino bhavantu |

Entire world is our family! May everybody be happy !

Om Namah Shivaya ||

- Kalidas

The Dual Powers of non-dual Reality:  Lord Shiva and Shri Shakti Parvati !

Folks,

Hari Om! Namaste!!

We are back again with the articles in this series of Great Upanishat’S peaks. But, here is a twist We will provide the meaning without any further elaboration.

Here is why. We have already discussed the fundamentals in earlier posts of this blog. It is important for the readers to assimilate them before they can make some progress in understanding experiential concepts in our Great Scriptures.

So, the article will be short and sweet! However, to help our readers, we will mention relevant prerequisites to clearly understand each post.

The format goes something like this:

1. Suggested Prerequisites
2. Original Sanskrit verse
3. Meaning
4. Notes

We hope it would be informative and enjoyable, as always.

Suggested Prerequisites

1. The Pillars of Yoga
2. FAQ

The Verse
Na vaacha na manasa praptum shakyo na chakshusha |
Asteeti bruvatoonyatra katham Tadupalabhyate? || – Katopanishat 2.3.12

Meaning: Not indeed by speech, not by mind, nor by the eye – it is to be reached. How can it be achieved by any other than one who says “It is (or It exists)”?

Notes: This verse emphasizes that the firm belief in the existence of the God  is paramount to attain the Truth. So, in the interest of time, atheists and agnostics should excuse us and exit reading immediately.

The verse clearly says that our regular body machinery is not helpful to realize the Ultimate Reality(a.k.a God). So, no logic, neither so called scientific theory, nor experiment is useful in really understanding It, i.e. God. Yes, you guessed it correctly. Now it is scientists’ turn to excuse us!

In summary, our own personal experience is the only real testimony or the proof for the existence of God, period.

Om Namah Shivaya ||

- Kalidas

OM – The Supreme Symbol of the Ultimate Reality

Folks,

Hari Om! Namaste!!

Naturally, we have many questions on the Ultimate Reality:

What is the nature of the Ultimate Reality? How does it look like? and so on.

OK. Come along! Let us try to understand the answers given in our Scriptures in Upanishats by our Great Realized Masters.

Suggested Prerequisites

1. The Pillars of Yoga
2. FAQ

The Verse
Sarve Vedah yat padamaamananti tapag.msi sarvani cha yat vadanti |
yadichchanto brahmacharyam charanti tatte padag.m samgrahena braveemi – “Om” iti etat || – Katopanishat, Mantra 1.2.15

Meaning: The word(or goal) which all Vedas declare, that which all penances proclaim and desiring which people practice austerity, that word(or goal) I tell you in brief: it is Om.

Notes: In this verse, Great Master Lord Yama(Lord of Death) teaches Nachiketa. He says that the Ultimate Reality is nothing but the word Om. According to Hindu philosophy, the holy syllable Om is the sound and an alias for the Ultimate Reality. From Om entire world came to its existence. At the end, everything  gets absorbed back into Om itself.

According to this verse,  the Ultimate Truth is nothing but the sound or the word Om. All the Vedas and penances declare that Om is the word of Brahman(i.e. the Universal Self). People live in austerity, desiring to achieve the Ultimate Reality Om.

Here the Sanskrit word Padam means word, status, step and sound(coming from word Shabda meaning word).  Interestingly, the Ultimate Reality is also known as Parama Pada, meaning Supreme Abode.

Look at the magical Sanskrit word: Parama Pada again.  It also means the Supreme Word implying the the word Om! Here Pada means word. Just marvelous!

Our supreme goal in our lives is to attain the Ultimate Reality Om, so that we will not born again and again to suffer due to accumulated  karmas.

Om Namah Shivaya ||

- Kalidas

OM – The Symbol of the Ultimate Reality

Folks,

Hari Om! Namaste!!

Let us continue to understand more secrets on the nature of  the Ultimate Reality from the great teachings of Yama( the Lord of Death) to Nachiketa.

Suggested Prerequisites

1. The Pillars of Yoga
2. FAQ

The Verse
Etatdyeva aksharam Brahma etatdyeva aksharam param |
Etatdyeva aksharam jnatva yo yat ichchati Tat || – Katopanishat 1.2.16

Meaning: This word (Om) is eternal Brahman. This word(Om) is the Universal Self. One who understands this word(Om) as eternal, gets That which he desires.

Notes: In the earlier verse, Lord Yama(Lord of Death) said that the Ultimate Reality is nothing but the word Om.  He further elaborates that Om itself is the Eternal Reality which is also the Universal Self.

One who knows the Om as the Eternal Truth, gets That which he desires.  It means that the seeker who would like to attain the Ultimate Reality achieves his desire by realizing that the Ultimate Reality is nothing but Om. Here the word That refers to the Ultimate Reality.

Notice the strategic pun in the verse by using the Sanskrit word aksharam. It means that which cannot be destroyed, i.e.  eternal. It also means letter(symbol) indicating Om . Fantastic!!

Our supreme goal in our lives is to attain the Ultimate Reality Om, so that we will not born again and again to suffer due to accumulated  karmas.

Om Namah Shivaya ||

- Kalidas

OM – The Symbol of the Ultimate Reality

Folks,

Hari Om! Namaste!!

Let us  understand more on the nature of  the Ultimate Reality from the great teachings of Yama( the Lord of Death) to Nachiketa. These teachings are the secrets that enable us to achieve the real goal of yoga.

Suggested Prerequisites

1. The Pillars of Yoga
2. FAQ

The Verse
Etatalambanagm shrestam etadalambanam param |
Etatdalambanam jnatva Brahmaloke maheeyate || – Katopanishat 1.2.17

Meaning: Relying on this word (Om) is the best of all.  This word(Om) is the Ultimate Refuge. One who understands how to depend on the word(Om), gets That which he desires.

Notes: Greatest Teacher Lord Yama, the Lord of death, continues his teaching to his disciple Nachiketa. The word Om is the best mantra of all. It is indeed the origin of all mantras. Om is the symbol and sound of the Ultimate Reality itself. If we understand how to connect Om by chanting and contemplations, we can merge with the Ultimate Reality which is Brahman. This verse suggests the contemplation and meditation on Om sound* to achieve real yoga.

Notice the strategic pun  in the verse by using the Sanskrit word alambanam. It means dependency, refuge and relying. Although, same word is repeated in the verse, it takes different shades of meanings each time. The verse says depending on the word Om is the best strategy to attain the Ultimate Reality. Om is the Ultimate Refuge. By relying on Om by chanting, one can realize the Truth. Fantastic!!

Our supreme goal in our lives is to attain the Ultimate Reality Om, so that we will not born again and again to suffer due to accumulated  karmas. Our Great Masters guide us an show the way in our Scriptures.

*Caution: Meditation using Om mantra must be learned from a Realized Master. Do not try to practice yourself without proper guidance by an adept Master. Otherwise, it may may lead to unpredictable psychological issues and potentially risky.

Om Namah Shivaya ||

- Kalidas

OM – The Supreme Symbol of the Ultimate Reality

Folks,

Hari Om! Namaste!!

Let us  continue to understand the teaching of Lord Yama(Lord of Death) that was bestowed to Nachiketa in our Scripture in Katha Upanishat. Lord Yama clearly elucidates the nature of the Ultimate Reality, that which does not take birth or dies. Who else can tell us more authoritatively on what happens or remains after death, other than Lord of Death, i.e. Lord Yama himself? Come along. Enjoy the secret knowledge!

Suggested Prerequisites

1. The Pillars of Yoga
2. FAQ

The Verse
Na jayate mriyate va vipashchit nayam kutaschit na babhuva kaschit|
Ajo Nityam Shashvato’yam purano na hanyate hanyamane shareere|| – Katopanishat, Mantra 1.2.18

Meaning: The knowing Ultimate Reality is not born; nor does it die. It came from nothing and nothing came from it. It is unborn, eternal and ancient. It is not killed when body is slain.

Notes: In this verse, Great Master Lord Yama(Lord of Death) teaches Nachiketa. He says that the Ultimate Reality is something that exists all the times – past, present and future. So, there is no question of birth or death to it. It is ancient since it is not bound by time.

Important teaching here is when the body is killed, the knower in the body, who  is the Individual Self, is not killed. It goes away from the body with its karmas. It will go into another body to experience the fruits of its karmas.

Our supreme goal in our lives is to attain the Ultimate Reality Om, so that we will not born again and again to suffer due to accumulated  karmas.

Om Namah Shivaya ||

- Kalidas