Manorupekshukodanda

The tenth nama in the Lalita Sahasranama, Manorūpekṣukodaṇḍa (Manorūpa, the form of the mind, and Ikṣukodaṇḍa, the sugarcane bow), unveils the profound symbolism of the Divine Mother’s mastery over the mind. This name translates to “She who holds the sugarcane bow of the mind,” embodying her control over the mind’s dual nature, which oscillates between Sankalpa (resolve) and Vikalpa (doubt). The sugarcane bow in her upper left hand signifies the mind’s pivotal role in shaping human experiences and spiritual growth.

The Symbolism of the Sugarcane Bow

The sugarcane bow is rich with meaning. Just as sugarcane, when crushed, yields sweet juice, a disciplined and focused mind reveals the sweetness of spiritual truth. The bow, often associated with Kāmarāja (Manmatha, the god of desire), reflects the mind’s natural tendency to chase fleeting pleasures.

Just as the bow in Mothers hand illustrates control and direction, the mind, too, requires disciplined guidance to achieve clarity and freedom. In the hands of Lalita Tripurasundari, this bow becomes a divine tool for transformation. It redirects the mind inward, away from distractions, guiding it toward self-awareness and spiritual clarity. This transformation embodies the power of Kriya Shakti—the divine force of action that enables growth and change.

The Nature of the Mind

The mind is inherently chanchala—restless, wandering, and constantly seeking. It clings to external pleasures, compares itself to others, and fixates on what it lacks. This endless craving creates bandhana (bondage), entangling the soul in cycles of desire and dissatisfaction.

The sugarcane bow in the hands of the Divine Mother signifies her power to guide and discipline this ever-moving mind. By meditating on this image, devotees can turn their attention inward, using their buddhi (intellect) to engage with and discipline their thoughts. In this context, the bow becomes a tool of introspection, transforming desires into stepping stones for spiritual growth.

Transformation in the Mother’s Hands

When Kāmarāja holds the sugarcane bow, it represents the endless arrows of desires that perpetuate attachment and suffering. However, in the hands of Lalita Tripurasundari, the bow transforms into a divine instrument of introspection and self-mastery.

The Divine Mother redirects the mind’s focus inward, enabling it to transcend fleeting gratifications and discover the profound joy of inner peace. Through her grace, the restless mind transitions from being a source of distraction to becoming a pathway for enlightenment. This is the essence of Manorupekshukodanda.

Meditating on the Sugarcane Bow

Meditating on the sugarcane bow involves contemplating the mind’s tendencies and transformations. Visualise the Divine Mother holding the bow gracefully, representing mastery over the mind’s oscillations. The bow transforms from a symbol of outward desires into a beacon of clarity and inner harmony in her hands.

Through this meditation, the mind shifts its focus inward, moving away from distractions and finding stillness in the Divine Mother’s luminous presence. This practice becomes a tool for aligning the mind with the ultimate truth, leading to the realisation of one’s divine essence.

Reflection

As Manorupekshukodanda, the Divine Mother embodies the power to master the mind. She teaches that the restless mind can become a tool for profound spiritual growth when guided by her wisdom. The sugarcane bow is a reminder that even the most chaotic desires can be transformed into pathways to liberation.

Through her grace, we learn to balance the mind’s tendencies, uncovering the sweetness of inner peace and the joy of aligning with the divine will. In her hands, the sugarcane bow becomes a sacred symbol of the mind’s potential to transcend its limitations, offering a bridge to the infinite truth.