A Special Project: Sri Lalitha Sahasranama In Context - By Aravindan Neelakandan

1. Sri Lalitha Sahasranama - a new commentary

A Thousand Names! Some time back, my senior colleague Aravindan Neelakandan, had embarked on a project to research and write on the names of the Goddess as mentioned in the Sri Lalitha Sahasranama. 

• As we step into the nine glorious days of Navratri, we're sending you a sharp summary of select explanations of the devi's names - one every day, starting today.

• This project is only a continuation in the grand tradition of writing commentaries on the Sahasranama - we humbly follow in the footsteps of our ancestors!

- Arush Tandon, Asst Exec Editor

2. The eight name of the goddess

Ragaswarupa-pashadhya—the one holding the noose of desire. That is the eighth name of the Goddess in the Sri Lalitha Sahasranama.

It is among the most meditative and delved-upon names of the Goddess because even while it is an exploration into the human psyche, it is also a description of how the same psyche can be used as an instrument for a spiritual ascent.

The meaning behind the meaning: In the hands of the Goddess, even desire becomes a medium for mortal beings to effect an upwards spiritual journey to realise Her.

• The word Raga here is used in the same sense as used by Patanjali in his Yoga Sutra—to imply attachment/desire and the karmic memories formed as a result of attachment.

• Raga in this sense is taken to be one amongst the five obstacles to Self-realisation.

• However, for the Goddess, the same raga turns into iccha-shakti (energy of the will) and manifests in her hand as the noose or pasha.

• Further, with her blessings, the raga of mortal beings can be sublimated; i.e., for one who has realised the Goddess, even attachment to materialistic things will not bring karmic memories and nor will it lead to more feelings of attachment.

• In the hands of the Goddess, even an all-powerful feeling like desire undergoes a transformation.

The core of the meaning: With the blessings of the Goddess, what may originally be an impediment, becomes a force through which one can reach Her.

Adapted from Aravindan Neelakandan's article.

3. The Swarajya Heritage Program

What is it? For 3+ years we've been diligently investing in reporting and researching topics on Indic heritage and cultural themes.

Our objectives for this campaign are

• First, raise awareness about the gross misgovernance in affairs relating to Indic heritage by culturally iliterate government bodies.

• Second, promote heritage tourism through our reportage and special products.

• Third, invest in meaningful in-depth reportage on heritage issues such as idol theft, protecting monuments and cultural practices.

Back us this festive season: You can contribute as little as Rs 2999/ towards the program - be a part of the Swarajya Heritage!

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