GLIPMSES OF MAHATMYAM OF MAHADEVI

                                       

                   

It is felt that such condensed versions will meet the need of the times characterized by “Sick hurry of present civilization”

     The title is true in letter and in spirit. The title of the section indicates one of the purposes of this book.

1.       The term Devi comes from Sanskrit root “Due” meaning self-effulgent. It also means one who helps us to see the manifested universe. (for more on it please see under the heading Devi in Section V.)

2        Mahadevi means Devi’s body comprising all Brahmandams.

Devi Puraanam states “Dhatur Maheti poojaayaam Mahadevi thatha smrithe”

She cannot be measured with words mind and intelligence. By all means she deserves to be worshipped. Mahadevi is the wife of Mahadevan and Maha means Great, Big etc.

Lakhsmi means Devi with Eiswaryam.  Some of the Mantras including the following and those given elsewhere in this book tellingly illustrate the Devi’s glory and greatness.

Ohm Maha Deviyai namah:
Ohm Maheswariyai namah:
Ohm Mahalaxmiyai namah:
Ohm Eieswariyai namah:
Ohm Bhagavathiyai namah:

298th Mantra of Lalithasahasranamam “Ohm Narayaniye namah:” declares Laxmi is the female form of Narayana - yes Lord Vishnu’s better half. It is also significant to remember that Devi appears in different forms depending upon the needs and conditions

“Naram” also means “Naran” meaning water. And Narayana is one who lives in water. ‘Naram’ also means Atmajnanam. So one who is established in Atmajnanam is Narayanan.

The following verses from Jagad Guru Sree Sankaracharya’s Kanakadhara Stothram and Devi Mahima (Dasakam 1) of Devi Narayaneeyam written by the Vedic Scholar Brahmasree Paleli Narayanan Namboothiripad, which is considered a condensed version of Devi Mahabhagavatham, give important inklings of the Mahatmyam of Devi. His “Devi Narayaneeyam” contains 480 verses spread over 41 Dasakams.

“Geerdevathethi garudadwaja sundareethi
Sakambareethi sasi sekhara vallabhethi