ChampakasokaPunnagaSaugandhikaLasatKaca

The thirteenth nama of the Lalita Sahasranama, Champakāsoka-Punnāga-Saugandhika-Lasat-Kacā, describes the divine beauty of Devi’s celestial hair adorned with fragrant and sacred flowers. This nama is a 16-syllable mantra and must be recited as one continuous phrase without breaks to preserve its vibratory essence.

Divine Beauty as a Gateway to Grace

This nama initiates the description of the Divine Mother’s physical form as it manifests from the Chidagnikunda (cosmic fire altar), starting with her head and moving downward. Her radiant hair, perfumed by the Champaka, Ashoka, Punnaga, Saugandhika and other celestial flowers, symbolises her infinite grace. The fragrance from her hair is said to surpass all earthly scents, captivating even the bees. It is described as a cosmic essence that transcends ordinary comparison, revealing her divine presence to the seeker.

Symbolism of the Sacred Flowers

1. Champaka (Golden Flower): Represents purity, divine sweetness, and illumination, radiating her nurturing love.
2. Ashoka (Flower of Joy): Dispels sorrow, signifying liberation and inner joy.
3. Punnaga (Sacred Flower): Symbolises auspiciousness and her protective nature.
4. Saugandhika (Celestial Lotus): Embodies transcendence and spiritual refinement, elevating the soul to higher realms.

These flowers are not mere ornaments; they glow with celestial brilliance, adding to Devi’s mystic aura. Each flower is also associated with Mantras that resonate with unique spiritual energies, enhancing the transformative potential of meditating on this nama.

Esoteric Insights: The Cosmic Dance of Creation

The Divine Mother’s hair holds profound esoteric significance. According to tradition, Yama, the lord of death, reemerged from the dark strands of Mother’s hair after the devatas sacrificed themselves in the Chidagnikunda. This symbolises that even death and transformation are under her control.

Meditating on Mother’s hair adorned with these celestial flowers transcends the fear of mortality and escapes the cycle of birth and death. This meditation invokes her grace, allowing the seeker to overcome fear, sorrow, and attachment, ultimately guiding them toward liberation.

The Beginning of Vāgbhavakūṭa

This nama also marks the beginning of the Vāgbhavakūṭa, the first segment of the sacred Pañcadaśākṣarī Mantra. The Vāgbhavakūṭa corresponds to Devi’s head and represents the divine power of speech and wisdom. It signifies the brilliance of her face as it emerged from the Chidagnikunda.

Meditative Practice

Visualise the Divine Mother’s dark hair adorned with Champaka, Ashoka, Punnaga, Saugandhika and other flowers. Imagine their divine fragrance spreading across the cosmos, filling every corner with heavenly grace. Let this vision draw your mind inward, away from distractions, and immerse it in the Mother’s infinite love and nurturing presence.

Reflection

The ChampakāsokaPunnāgaSaugandhikaLasatKacā nama reminds us that even the smallest details of Devi’s form hold profound esoteric truths. Her flower-adorned hair reflects her cosmic embrace, nurturing every soul and guiding them toward transcendence. Those who meditate on this nama are freed from the fear of death and rebirth, as her grace leads them to liberation.

This nama beautifully illustrates that in the Divine Mother’s presence, even the ordinary—like hair and flowers—becomes a gateway to the extraordinary. Her grace flows through every aspect of her being, turning perception into a transformative spiritual experience.