Sri Maharajni
Divine Mother Tripurasundari, as Śrī Mahārājñī, is honored as the ruler of all creation, the life force weaving through all things, upholding the universe with her unseen presence. She is the compassionate mother, whose boundless love reaches every being.
Lalita Sahasranama Insights: Discovering the Mystical Names of the Divine Mother
Sri Lalitha Rahasyanama Stotram from the Brahmanda Purana, widely known as the Lalita Sahasranama, is a profound and esoteric journey through the thousand names of the Divine Mother, Śrī Lalitha Tripurasundari. Each name is a mantra with a transformative power that, when meditated upon, brings seekers closer to self-realization. In this series, we delve into the deeper meanings of these sacred names as revealed by Guruji Śrī Chaitanya, unlocking the spiritual insights held within each one.
This article presents an interpretative adaptation and commentary based on Bhaskararaya and Lakshmidhara commentaries on Lalita Rahasyanama Stotram from the Brahmanda Purana.
Sri Maharajni: The Supreme Power Behind Creation
The word “Mahārājñī” holds a deeper meaning with mantra rahasyas (secrets), representing the Divine Mother as the ultimate ruler of the universe. She embodies the nurturing energy we associate with a mother and the supreme power to govern, guide, and sustain the cosmos.
This word, “Mahārājñī,” conceals within it three sacred seed syllables or Beejaksharas: Shreem, A, and Ha. Together, they reveal hidden layers of Matrika Nyasa.
The Mystical Beejaksharas
Shreem: This is a powerful syllable, representing abundance and divine grace. When combined with the sound of “nada”, Shree becomes Shreem. It is also the source of Nitya Kala or Shodashi Kala, the eternal, unbroken energy that manifests as the first aspect of creation.
A and Ha: The letters “A” and “Ha“ hold special significance. In the Samskritam alphabet, “A“ is the first letter, and “Ha“ is the last. They symbolise the beginning and the end, encompassing the entirety of existence. When these two are brought together with nada, they form “Aham.“ Here, “Aham“ transcends the individual ego and instead represents the mantra-shakti, or spiritual power, of the Divine.
In the phrase “AhamityEva VibhaavayE Bhavaaneem”, “Aham“ signifies the oneness of all existence, as perceived in the Divine Mother. She is the source and essence of everything beyond any individual identity.
A: The Source of Creation
The letter “A“ represents the first spark of creation or Srusti. Pure energy initiates all forms and structures in the universe. In this sense, A symbolises Ishwara, the supreme being, the original light, or Prakasha Svarupa. It is the illumination that brings everything into existence.
Ha: The Resonance of Creation
The letter “Ha“ is the spanda shakti or the resonance of creation. Spanda means vibration, the cosmic pulse that continues the act of creation. While A initiates creation, Ha energises it, giving life, rhythm, and sustenance to all that iscreated. This dynamic energy is known as Vimarsha Svarupa, or the power of reflection, which sustains and nurtures the universe.
In simple terms:
- “A“ is the light of creation, the unmanifest source.
- “Ha“ is the vibration, the energy that animates and sustains all.
The Three Powers: Shreem, A, and Ha
Together, these three elements embody the essence of Sri Maharajni:
- Shreem: The eternal aspect, the unchanging divine grace that permeates all creation (Nitya Kala).
- A (Prakasha): The supreme illumination, representing Paramashiva or the unmanifest source.
- Ha (Vimarsha): The power of manifestation and reflection, embodying Kala Roopa, as Yogini Hridaya describes.
Divine Mother as Sri Maharajni
The Divine Mother is not merely a nurturing force; she is Sri Maharajni, the supreme queen who skillfully governs the entire universe. She holds the power of creation, sustenance, and transformation. This vision of the Divine Mother as Maharajni encompasses both the nurturing and the governing aspects, signifying that she is both the source and ruler of all.
As Sri Bhaskaracharya explores in the Varivasyara Rahasya, this wisdom is philosophical and a reality experienced by devotees who connect with the Divine Mother. Meditating on Sri Maharajni aligns with this cosmic rhythm, realising the unity of all life within the supreme Divine Mother.
Further Discussion:
Śrī Mahārājñī: She Who Governs All Creation
In the sacred verses of the Lalita Sahasranama Stotra, Sri Maharajni is honoured as the one who governs all of creation. She is the ruler whose presence upholds and sustains the universe. Unlike human rulers, whose power is limited to a specific realm or domain, Sri Maharajni’s influence is boundless, extending over every aspect of existence. She is the life force that weaves through all things, the invisible guide of the cosmos, and the compassionate mother whose love reaches every being.
The Upanishads express her role in simple yet profound words: “By her will, the universe was created, and by her presence, it continues to thrive.” Sri Maharajni’s governance is not enforced by power but is manifested through her compassionate energy — a graceful force that nurtures all of creation. In her, we find both the light of knowledge and the mystery of the unknown. She exists beyond the dualities of creation and dissolution. Her presence is constant, yet she remains unseen, moving through each atom and heart as a hidden guide.
The Sacred Syllables of Sri Vidya
The title of Sri Maharajni holds a profound secret. This name conceals the sacred syllables of Sri Vidya. Within Sri Vidya, there exists a concept called Shodashī Kāla, or the “sixteenth part” of the mantra, which signifies the highest state of spiritual awareness. Only a select group of devoted seekers are privileged to receive this teaching directly from a Guru, as it is bestowed upon those prepared to perceive the subtleties of consciousness and the divine energy that permeates everything.
Prakāśa and Vimarśa: The Dual Forces of Creation
The syllables of Sri Vidya embody the essence of Prakāśa (the radiance of consciousness) and Vimarśa (the reflective force, Śakti). Prakāśa, which means “light” or “radiance,” represents Shiva, the pure consciousness that is the source of all creation. Vimarśa, meaning “reflection” or “self-awareness,” symbolises Śakti, the dynamic energy that brings creation to life. Together, they form the essence of Sri Maharajni, who governs the cosmos by harmonising these dual forces.
In the language of sacred texts, Prakāśa is symbolised by the letter ‘A’, while Vimarśa is symbolised by the letter ‘Ha’. These two syllables unite in the sacred chant of Sri Vidya, signifying the union of Shiva and Śakti. This union serves as the foundation of all creation, with Sri Maharajni as the governing presence. The Yogini Hridaya, an ancient mystical text, describes these energies as residing within specific points in the universe, transitioning from the unmanifest to the manifest, and guiding the continuous cycle of creation.
Queen of Maya: The Wielder of Divine Power
The term Rajñī, or Queen, signifies Sri Maharajni’s sovereign mastery over Maya — the divine, creative force through which she shapes and experiences reality. In Sri Vidya, Maya is not merely an illusion; it is the sacred power of the Divine Mother, the energy through which she unveils the tapestry of existence. As the supreme ruler over this cosmic play, Sri Maharajni expresses herself through every aspect of creation. Maya allows the universe to unfold in its vast diversity, forming unique beings and worlds yet remaining interconnected within her divine essence.
In her role as the ruler of Maya’s power, Sri Maharajni invites us to recognise the divine beauty within the diversity of existence. By invoking her, we seek guidance to perceive the sacred presence within all things, realising that every form and distinction expresses her boundless energy. Through her, we experience unity and variety as expressions of a single divine essence.
When we turn to Sri Maharajni as the sovereign force behind Maya, we open ourselves to her wisdom, which clarifies our perception. She helps us recognise the sacredness within all forms, guiding us to see beyond individual appearances and embrace the unity that underlies creation. In this way, her mastery over Maya is not a veil but a revelation, illuminating the profound truth that every aspect of existence is part of her divine play, eternally whole and interconnected.
The Divine Governance of Sri Maharajni
Sri Maharajni is not only the queen of the universe but also its compassionate governor, guiding all beings with wisdom and grace. She exists beyond the limitations of form and name, ruling with nurturing love rather than control. Her name embodies the mysteries of creation, symbolised by the sacred syllables of Śrī Vidyā, which possess the transformative power to awaken divine understanding.
To honour her as the governor of all creation means recognising her presence in every aspect of life. She is the light in the stars, the force in our breath, and the stillness in our hearts. Through her grace, we are invited to see beyond illusion, understand the true nature of reality, and experience the divine within ourselves. In her compassionate rule, Sri Maharajni calls us toward this profound truth, reminding us of our place within her vast, loving embrace.
Explore the mysteries of the Lalita Sahasranama and the journey of Sri Vidya Sadhana, as revealed by Bhagawan Dattatreya and documented in the Parashurama Kalpa Sutra. Begin a transformative journey to uncover ancient secrets and spiritual truths, guided by Sri Vidya Guru, Sri Chaitanya, at the Mahavidya Sadhana Centre.
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