Srimat Simhasaneshvari

Śrīmat Simhāsaneshvarī: The Ruler on the Lion-Throne

The title Srimat Simhasaneshvari, translated as “The Ruler on the Lion-Throne,” conjures a vivid and awe-inspiring image of the Divine Mother majestically seated upon the grand throne of creation. In ancient traditions, a throne is more than a mere seat; it embodies ultimate sovereignty and profound authority. The term Simhāsana is beautifully crafted from two Sanskrit words: Simha, meaning “lion,” and āsana, meaning “seat” or “throne.” This composition indicates a seat of regality and a sacred platform imbued with divine power. As the Devi’s chosen mount, the lion exemplifies unparalleled courage, unyielding strength, and the raw, primal force of life itself. This potent imagery enhances her stature as a ruler who commands a harmonious blend of compassion and strength.

The Devi Purana narrates the gripping tale of the Devi as a fierce young warrior, gallantly riding her majestic lion into battle to confront the formidable demon Mahishasura. Through her courageous victory, she earned the exalted title Srimat Simhasaneshvari — the noble queen who reigns upon the throne of the lion. This embodiment serves as a powerful reminder of her dual nature: she is the compassionate mother who nurtures and cares for her devotees, yet simultaneously, she stands as an indomitable guardian fiercely dedicated to preserving cosmic balance by defeating the forces of darkness.

Delving deeper into the layers of meaning, the word simha also harbours a concealed significance. Some venerable ancient grammarians postulate that simha is rooted in himsa, which translates to “pain.” From this perspective, Srimat Simhasaneshvari can be understood as the transcendent being who rises above suffering and proactively dispels pain from the fabric of existence. This interpretation aligns seamlessly with her identity as the Ishvarī, the supreme power who orchestrates the dissolution of the universe once its purpose has been fulfilled. This concept echoes the profound utterance from the Upanishads: “That into which they enter at their death,” symbolising her as the ultimate destination. This eternal entity lovingly gathers all beings back to themselves as they reach the culmination of their journeys.

The Sacred Thrones of Consciousness

In various esoteric traditions, the term Simhāsana is imbued with profound significance, referring to a physical throne and a sacred ensemble of eight powerful mantras, collectively known as the Simhāsana Mantras. Each of these mantras encapsulates a distinct divine aspect, symbolically positioned in the cardinal directions — north, south, east, west — and the centre, thus representing the totality of consciousness and the interconnectedness of all existence.

Devi’s five-fold throne lies at the heart of this sacred arrangement. Pairs of these mantras are meticulously aligned within the four quarters, while the fifth mantra rests majestically at the centre. This central position emphasises the throne’s significance as a focal point of divine energy and wisdom.

The enchanting legend of Tripurasundarī brings to life the essence of these thrones, which are said to embody celestial blessings that foster and empower creative endeavours. According to the narrative, the deity Brahma was lost in a void of confusion at the beginning of creation, lacking the insight necessary to commence his great work. In his desperate search for clarity, he turned to Tripurasundarī, engaging in deep devotion and reverence. Moved by his sincerity, the goddess showered him with her divine grace. Armed with newfound wisdom, Brahma emerged as the creator of the cosmos.

Similarly, Indra, the king of the gods, achieved his esteemed position by offering worship to Tripurasundarī. He was granted dominion over the eastern direction, a testament to the transformative power of her blessings. At the centre of this sacred configuration, Tripurasundarī reigns supreme, embodying sovereignty and radiating light that illuminates every facet of existence, a beacon of divine presence that inspires all who seek her grace.

The Divine Mother Governing Creation, Preservation, and Liberation

By embodying the three essential roles—creator, preserver, and destroyer— Śrīmat Simhāsaneshvarī intricately weaves together these fundamental cosmic functions within herself. Through the first three names in the sacred Lalita Rahasyanama Stotra, she unveils her profound essence as the origin of all creation, the guardian of preservation, and the force of dissolution. She is the mother of the universe, an omnipotent presence that governs each cyclical phase of existence with grace and authority.

In her form as Simhasaneshvari, she transcends mere creation, taking on the profound responsibility of guiding each soul’s journey while promising liberation from the bonds of the material world. Seated as the Ruler on the majestic Lion-Throne, Śrīmat Simhāsaneshvari is not simply a figure of divine protection and nurturing; she embodies the limitless power of ultimate reality. Her presence conveys that she is all-encompassing and deeply connected to the fabric of existence.