Lalitha Pancharatnam is a revered Sanskrit hymn dedicated to Goddess Lalita, attributed to the esteemed philosopher and theologian, Adi Shankaracharya. The hymn, composed of five verses, extols the virtues and grandeur of Goddess Lalita, a principal deity in the Shakta tradition of Hinduism. Below is an expanded discussion on the text and its numerous benefits.
Lalitha Pancharatnam Text And Description
pratah smarami lalitavadanaravindam bimbadharam
prthulamauktikashobhinasam | akarnadirghanayanam manikundaladhyam mandasmitam
mrgamadojjvalaphaladesam || 1 ||
pratarbhajami lalitabhujakalpavallim
raktanguliyalasadangulipallavadhyam | manikyahemavalayangadashobhamanam
pundrekshucapakusumesusrdadhanam || 2 ||
pratarnamami lalitacaranaravindam bhakteshtadananiratam
bhavasindhupotam | padmasanadisuranayakapujaniyam
padmankushadhvajasudarshanalanchanadhyam || 3 ||
pratah stuve parashivam lalitam bhavanim
trayyantavedyavibhavam karunanavadyam | vishvasya srstivilayasthituhetubhutaam
vidyeshvarim nigamavangmanasatiduram || 4 ||
pratarvadami lalite tava punyanama kameshvariti kamaleti
mahesvariti | shrishambhaviti jagatam janani pareti vagdeva teti vacasa
tripureshvariti || 5 ||
yah shlokapancakamidam lalitambikayah saubhagyadam sulalitam
pathati prabhate | tasmai dadati lalita jhatiti prasanna vidyam shriyam
vimalasaukhyamanantakirtim || 6 ||
iti shrimatparamahamsaparivrajakacaryasya
shrigovindabhagavatpujyapadashishyasya shrimachshankarabhagavatah krtau shri
lalita pancaratnam |
The Lalitha Pancharatnam hymn paints a vivid picture of
Goddess Lalita, portraying her in a state of serene meditation, seated in the
lotus position (Padmasana). Each verse of the hymn encapsulates different
aspects of her divine form and attributes:
Padmasana: Goddess Lalita is described as sitting gracefully
in the lotus posture, a symbol of purity and enlightenment.
Symbolic Objects:
- Lotus (Padma): Represents beauty, purity, and spiritual awakening.
- Ankusha (Goad): Symbolizes control over the mind and the ability to direct spiritual energy.
- Dhvaja (Flag): Represents victory and sovereignty.
- Sudarshana Chakra: A powerful discus that signifies the destruction of evil and protection of righteousness.
- Kameshwari: The goddess of love and desire.
- Maheshwari: The great goddess, consort of Maheshwara (Shiva).
- Tripureswari: The ruler of the three worlds.
- Shambhavi: The consort of Shambhu (Shiva).
- Vagdevi: The goddess of speech and knowledge.
Benefits of Chanting Lalitha Pancharatnam
Chanting the Lalitha Pancharatnam hymn is believed to bestow
several spiritual and material benefits upon devotees. These benefits include:
Fulfillment of Wishes: Devotees believe that sincere
recitation of this hymn can lead to the fulfillment of their desires and
wishes. Goddess Lalita is considered a benevolent deity who grants the boons
sought by her devotees.
Spiritual Growth: The hymn's profound and sacred verses
foster spiritual awakening and growth. Chanting it with devotion helps
cultivate inner peace, focus, and a deeper connection with the divine.
Mental and Emotional Well-being: Regular recitation is said
to alleviate mental stress and emotional turmoil. The divine vibrations
produced by chanting the hymn create a calming effect on the mind and heart,
promoting overall well-being.
Protection from Negativity: The hymn's powerful verses
invoke the protective energies of Goddess Lalita, safeguarding devotees from
negative influences, evil forces, and misfortunes.
Enhanced Intellect and Speech: As Vagdevi, Goddess Lalita is
the embodiment of wisdom and eloquence. Chanting her praises is believed to
enhance cognitive abilities, improve communication skills, and foster
intellectual growth.
Divine Blessings and Grace: Devotees experience a profound
sense of divine grace and blessings in their lives. This grace manifests as
harmony in personal and professional relationships, success in endeavors, and
overall prosperity.
Devotional Strength: Regular recitation of the hymn
strengthens one's devotion (Bhakti) and reinforces the bond between the devotee
and the deity. This deepened devotional relationship brings joy, contentment,
and spiritual fulfillment.
In summary, the Lalitha Pancharatnam hymn is a potent and
revered prayer that offers a multitude of benefits to those who chant it with
faith and devotion. It is a timeless spiritual tool that connects devotees to
the divine feminine energy, enriching their lives with peace, protection, wisdom,
and divine blessings.