Udyatbhanu Sahasrabha

Udyatbhānu Sahasrabhā:

She Who Shines with the Radiance of a Thousand Rising Suns

The sixth nama in the Lalita Sahasranama, Udyatbhānu-sahasrabhā, presents Lalitha Devi as a divine force whose radiance is like “a thousand rising suns.” This luminous name describes her as the ultimate source of all energy, embodying cosmic illumination’s visible and invisible aspects.

The Divine Radiance: Infinite Light Beyond Vision

The name Udyatbhanu sahasrabha beautifully captures a radiant essence. When we break it down, “Udyat” means rising, and “Bhānu” refers to the sun or rays of light. “Sahasra” signifies a thousand, suggesting infinite brilliance, while “abhā” represents luminosity or brightness. Together, this name evokes a dazzling image — imagine the breathtaking sight of countless suns rising simultaneously, a spectacle far beyond our physical vision.

Although our eyes cannot behold a single sun in the sky, the overwhelming brightness of thousands of suns would escape our gaze. Lalitha Devi’s divine radiance is described in this extraordinary way to convey a light that transcends normal perception. It illuminates both seen and unseen realms, inviting us to glimpse her cosmic presence through spiritual vision. This boundless light is a testament to her infinite nature, illuminating all that exists and even what lies beyond our understanding.

The First Ray of Manifestation

In the mystical realms of ancient wisdom, a captivating tale about the moment of creation exists. It is said that when the unmanifested Parabrahman — the Supreme Reality — chooses to reveal itself, it does so as a singular ray of light bursting forth from the depths of the formless void. This initial ray symbolises the awakening of creation itself, a brilliant manifestation of nirākāra tattva, or formless essence, beginning to take shape.

This divine spark is often compared to the Udyatbhanu sahasrabha, the radiant light of a thousand rising suns heralding the dawn of existence. As this light expands, it ultimately takes the magnificent form of Lalitha Devi, a representation of cosmic intention made manifest.

When Devi shines forth in her full glory, she embodies both the unmanifested and manifested aspects of divinity. The initial spark represents the profound desire to create, while her complete form —radiant like a thousand suns — illuminates her role as the Mother of the Universe, bringing forth the beauty of manifest reality. This enchanting journey from light to form captures the essence of divine expression and the artistry of creation itself.

Prakāśa and Vimarśa: The Dual Aspects of Divine

Lalitha Devi embodies an extraordinary duality that captivates the heart and mind: she is both Prakāśa, the pure light of consciousness, and Vimarśa, the dynamic energy that expresses that consciousness. Prakāśa represents her unchanging, self-luminous essence — an embodiment of pure light. In contrast, Vimarśa captures her vibrant, ever-dynamic nature, expressed beautifully through her striking red hue. This vivid colour symbolises her approachable and compassionate presence, making her feel divine and accessible to her devotees.

During upāsana or meditative worship, devotees are encouraged to envision Lalitha Devi in her glorious red form. This visualisation invites them to connect with her as the manifest embodiment of the Divine, radiating warmth and love. Her vibrant presence serves as a reminder of the beauty and compassion that lie at the heart of spiritual practice, making each moment of worship a transformative experience.

The Three Forms: Sthūla, Sūkṣma, and Para

Lalitha Devi radiates her divine presence in three enchanting forms, each revealing different dimensions of existence and levels of worship:

1. Sthūla (Physical Form): In her tangible, physical manifestation, Lalitha Devi is a vision of beauty with a warm red hue.A physical form with hands and feet symbolises her connection to the material world, inviting sadhakas to engage with her in the physical realm.

2. Sūkṣma (Subtle Form): Beyond the physical, her subtle form embodies the dynamic energy of creation itself. Here, she resonates as powerful mantras and vibrations — each sound a sacred syllable that channels the essence of the cosmos. In this state, she becomes a living symphony of divine creativity.

3. Para (Supreme Form): At her highest expression, Lalitha Devi transcends all forms, existing as pure consciousness and intention — known in esoteric teachings as Vāsanā. In this supreme state, she embodies the ultimate essence of the Divine Mother, a formless presence that fuels all of creation.

These three forms beautifully illustrate Lalitha Devi’s duality, embodying both the unchanging core of existence and its dynamic, visible reality. Each layer invites us to delve deeper into the mysteries of the universe, revealing the profound interplay between essence and manifestation.

The Symbolic Meaning of Her Radiance

In spiritual settings, Udyatbhanu sahasrabha represents a deep inner light that guides us through the darkness of ignorance. Just as our eyes struggle to adjust to bright light in the darkness, our inner awareness needs to awaken to accept this divine light. Imagining her as a beautiful red figure, shining like a thousand suns, inspires awe — a breathtaking sight for the devas. When they saw her bright form, they recognised her as the primary energy source and understood how much they depended on her light for life and wisdom.

This light goes beyond just seeing; it symbolises the ultimate truth and understanding Lalitha Devi shares with us. She appears in our world so we can access this wisdom and begin our journey toward self-realisation.

Udyatbhanu sahasrabha: An Invitation to See Beyond

Udyatbhanu sahasrabha invites us on a beautiful journey to explore the essence of Lalitha Devi. This luminous cosmic light transcends our earthly perceptions while manifesting in a form we can truly connect with. Imagine her radiant red glow, reminiscent of a thousand rising suns, representing the unseen becoming visible and the infinite becoming tangible. She embodies the divine light that awakens our consciousness, illuminating the path of truth and banishing the shadows of ignorance.

In moments of meditation, we’re inspired to envision her as this brilliant, luminous red figure. This entity ignites the primal spark of creation and is the nurturing presence guiding us all. As Udyatbhanu sahasrabha, she encapsulates the cycle of existence: both the beginning and the end, the formless light that takes shape to bless our world with her divine presence. Allow yourself to be enveloped by her warmth and let it lead you into deeper understanding and connection.