Lalita Sahasranama
Word by Word
Word by Word
Word by Word
Word by Word
Word by Word
Word by Word
Word by Word
Introduction
The Lalita Sahasranama Stotram is a sacred hymn containing one thousand divine names of Goddess Lalita Tripura Sundari, the supreme form of Adi Shakti (the primordial feminine power). It is found in the Lalitopakhyana section of the Brahmanda Purana. In this text, Hayagriva (a horse-headed incarnation of Lord Vishnu) narrates the thousand names of the Goddess to the sage Agastya.
According to the legend, a powerful demon named Bhandasura terrorized the three worlds. The Goddess Lalita emerged from the Chidagni Kunda (the fire of consciousness) and vanquished Bhandasura, restoring cosmic order. This stotram describes her divine form, powers, and glories manifested during this cosmic event.
Significance
The Lalita Sahasranama is considered the supreme hymn of the Shakta tradition, the branch of Hinduism that worships the Divine Mother as the ultimate reality. It holds a special place in Sri Vidya worship, the most refined school of Shakta tantra. Each name reveals an aspect of the Goddess’s power, attributes, or divine play. The stotram encodes within its names the profound mysteries of Kundalini Yoga, the Sri Chakra, and Tantra Shastra. Regular recitation is believed to bestow devotion, knowledge, prosperity, and ultimately liberation.
How to Recite
- Fridays are considered especially auspicious for reciting this stotram.
- Daily recitation during the nine days of Navaratri is highly meritorious.
- Begin with the Dhyana Shlokas and meditate upon Goddess Lalita before starting.
- Worship the Goddess with kumkum (vermilion), red flowers, and red cloth before recitation.
- Meditation upon the Sri Chakra during recitation is considered ideal.
- Recitation on Purnima (full moon) days is believed to bestow special grace.