Krodhakarankushojvala

The Radiant One Who Wields the Goad of Wrath and Illuminates the Path of Worldly Wisdom.

In the Lalita Sahasranama, the Divine Mother is described as Krodhakarankushojvala, or “She Who Shines with the Goad of Anger and Wisdom.” This title reveals her profound mastery over emotions and the wisdom that helps us manage our impulses, especially anger. She holds the ankusha in her hand — a goad traditionally used to guide elephants, symbolising control over the mind’s powerful tendencies.

The Symbolism of the Goad: Mastery and Discipline

An ankusha is a simple yet powerful tool used to steer mighty elephants, representing the need to control strong forces. Just as an elephant can be directed with gentle pressure, our mind—often compared to an elephant in its strength and impulses—also requires guidance. The goad in the Divine Mother’s hand teaches us that even the most intense emotions, like anger, can be harnessed and transformed with wisdom.

In the hands of Krodhakarankushojvala, the goad takes on a deeper meaning. It symbolises discipline and reminds us to direct our emotions toward growth and understanding. Anger becomes not a source of turmoil but a catalyst for self-awareness and transformation through her guidance.

Dual Forces of Desire and Aversion

In spiritual teachings, pasha (noose) and ankusha (goad) represent the dual forces within our minds: desire and aversion. Pasha binds us through attraction, drawing us toward things we crave, while ankusha pushes us away from what we resist or dislike. Together, they reveal the mind’s tendency to cling to some experiences while avoiding others. When left unchecked, these forces can lead to cycles of attachment and aversion, ultimately binding us to suffering.

However, these symbols take on a transformative role in the Divine Mother’s hands. Pasha becomes a way to gather us toward her love, and ankusha becomes a guide that keeps us from being consumed by negative impulses. Her mastery over these forces shows us that desire and aversion, when guided by wisdom, can lead to liberation rather than limitation.

Anger (Krodha) as a Path to Self-Understanding

In yogic philosophy, anger (krodha) is often seen as a disruptive force, a mental wave that distorts clarity and can lead to suffering. But Krodhakarankushojvala teaches us that when we understand and observe anger, it can become a path to self-knowledge. Rather than viewing anger as purely destructive, she shows us that it can reveal hidden desires and fears, inviting us to look deeper.

With the Divine Mother’s guidance, anger becomes an opportunity for growth. Just as a goad helps control a strong animal, her ankusha helps us see anger as a tool to better understand ourselves and choose our responses consciously rather than impulsively.

The Power of Knowledge (Jnana Shakti)

In esoteric traditions, the ankusha also represents jnana shakti, the power of knowledge. True knowledge goes beyond mere information; it is a profound awareness that guides and refines us. Like the goad, this deeper wisdom directs us toward clarity and understanding. Just as an elephant responds to the light touch of a goad, our minds can be guided by the gentle influence of wisdom, bringing us balance and harmony.

Ankusha shines with the light of wisdom, reminding us that true mastery over emotions requires awareness and self-discipline. Through surrendering our impulsive reactions, we find inner peace and self-control, which guide us on the path to self-mastery.

Reflection on the Path to Inner Mastery

Through her name, Krodhakarankushojvala, the Divine Mother shows us that all emotions, including anger, have the potential to be refined and uplifted. When we bring awareness to these emotions, we gain the power to transform them from sources of suffering into sources of strength. The goad in her hand reminds us that while inner forces may be strong, they can be directed toward a higher purpose.

In Srividya’s journey, even powerful emotions like anger and desire become transformation tools, bringing us closer to the Divine. Through Krodhakarankushojvala, we are reminded that true mastery lies not in resisting our emotions but in understanding and elevating them, allowing us to experience deeper peace, clarity, and self-awareness.