Saundaryalahari, सौन्दर्यलहरी Shlokas 41-50

Saundaryalahari, सौन्दर्यलहरी

by Jagadguru Shri Adi Shankaracharya

Shlokas 41-50 

Shloka 41 (Seeing of the Goddess in person, curing of sexual diseases)

तवाधारे मूले सह समयया लास्यपरया

नवात्मानं मन्ये नवरसमहाताण्डवनटम् ।

उभाभ्यामेताभ्यामुदयविधिमुद्दिश्य दयया

सनाथाभ्यां जज्ञे जनकजननीमज्जगदिदम् ॥ ४१॥

I pray in your holy wheel of Mooladhara,

You who likes to dance,

And calls yourself as Samaya,

And that Lord who performs the great vigorous dance,

Which has all the shades of nine emotions.

This world has you both as parents,

Because you in your mercy, wed one another,

To recreate the world,

As the world was destroyed in the grand deluge.

Word-to-Word Meaning

• तव आधारे – At your base (Mooladhara Chakra),
• मूले – In the root (chakra),
• सह समयया – Along with Samaya (the inherent Shakti),
• लास्यपरया – Engaged in the graceful dance (feminine dance of joy),
• नवात्मानं – The ninefold manifestation,
• मन्ये – I consider,
• नवरसमहाताण्डवनटम् – The great dancer of the cosmic dance rich in nine emotional essences (navarasa),
• उभाभ्याम् – By both (Shiva and Shakti),
• एताभ्याम् – These two,
• उदयविधिम् – The process of creation,
• उद्दिश्य – With the purpose,
• दयया – Out of compassion,
• सनाथाभ्याम् – Blessed or graced by these two,
• जज्ञे – Was born,
• जनकजननीम् – The parents (creator and mother),
• अज्जगदिदम् – This entire world/universe.

Overall Meaning of the Shloka

At the Mooladhara Chakra, I contemplate you, O Goddess, as united with Samaya Shakti, who gracefully performs the divine dance of Lāsya (feminine dance) in harmony with Shiva, who performs the Tāndava (cosmic dance). The ninefold essence of the divine dance symbolizes the universal emotions (navarasa). From the union of these two, who represent the cosmic parents out of compassion, the entire creation was born.

Expanded Spiritual Commentary

This verse reveals profound insights into the union of Shiva and Shakti at the Mooladhara Chakra, the foundational energy center. The Goddess is described as performing the Lāsya dance, which is graceful, soft, and nurturing, while Shiva embodies the vigorous and powerful Tāndava dance. This juxtaposition represents the harmonious balance of creation and destruction, activity and passivity, masculine and feminine energies.

The term navarasa or "ninefold essence" relates to the range of emotions experienced within the universe, all of which emerge from this cosmic dance. The divine dance at the Mooladhara Chakra symbolizes the awakening of the primal energy (Kundalini) that supports and sustains the entire creation.

The compassionate nature of both Shiva and Shakti is emphasized, portraying them as the cosmic parents who, through their dynamic union, give rise to creation. This imagery also implies that the universe is not just a result of cosmic principles but a manifestation born from the loving dance of divine energies.

Additional Points

• Mooladhara Chakra is associated with the root or base, symbolizing stability and the dormant potential energy known as Kundalini.
• Samaya Shakti indicates the inherent power within the Goddess that collaborates with Shiva, symbolizing both unity and diversity in creation.
• The dual dances of Tāndava and Lāsya highlight the dual nature of existence—destruction and renewal, indicating that true cosmic balance is achieved through their integration.
• The nine emotions (navarasa), such as love, laughter, sorrow, anger, heroism, fear, disgust, surprise, and peace, encapsulate all human experiences, underlining the completeness of creation.

*Part II सौन्दर्यलहरी Soundarya Lahari (The waves of beauty)*

This stanza onwards till the end describes the great mother Shakthi from head to foot.These are supposed to be composed by the Adi Sankara himself.

Shloka 42 (attracting everything, Curing diseases caused by water)

गतैर्माणिक्यत्वं गगनमणिभिः सान्द्रघटितं

किरीटं ते हैमं हिमगिरिसुते कीर्तयति यः ।

स नीडेयच्छायाच्छुरणशबलं चन्द्रशकलं

धनुः शौनासीरं किमिति न निबध्नाति धिषणाम् ॥ ४२॥

Hey daughter of the ice mountain,

He who chooses to describe,

Your crown ,bedecked with shining jewels,

Which are but the transformed form,

And arranged very close to one another,

Of the twelve holy suns,

Will see the crescent in your crown,

In the dazzling light of those jewels,

And think them as a rainbow,

Which is but the bow of Indra.

Word-to-Word Meaning

• गतैः – By those (jewels),
• माणिक्यत्वं – Rubies,
• गगनमणिभिः – With celestial gems,
• सान्द्रघटितं – Densely composed,
• किरीटं ते – Your crown,
• हैमं – Golden,
• हिमगिरिसुते – O Daughter of the Himalaya (Parvati),
• कीर्तयति यः – Whoever praises or glorifies,
• स नीडेयच्छायाच्छुरणशबलं – He (whose mind) becomes filled with the variegated hues of the shadow of the rainbow,
• चन्द्रशकलं – Crescent moon,
• धनुः – Bow,
• शौनासीरं – The Indra's bow (rainbow),
• किमिति न निबध्नाति – Why does it not bind,
• धिषणाम् – The intellect or wisdom.

Overall Meaning of the Shloka

O Goddess, daughter of the Himalayas, whoever praises your crown, which is adorned with rubies and celestial gems and shines with golden brilliance, is filled with the radiant and variegated glow akin to a rainbow, reflected by the crescent moon. Such a person’s intellect becomes naturally imbued with the splendor of the rainbow, symbolizing the bow of Indra.

Expanded Spiritual Commentary

This verse highlights the divine adornment of Devi's crown and its symbolic significance. The crown is described as golden and encrusted with rubies and other celestial gems, symbolizing supreme sovereignty and divine illumination. The presence of the crescent moon further emphasizes her connection with the cosmic cycles and time.

The bow of Indra, which is represented by the rainbow, is a symbol of divine might and transcendental wisdom. The comparison of the crown's radiance to the colors of the rainbow suggests that the divine glory of Devi permeates all aspects of creation. Praising and contemplating this divine form enhances one's intellect and binds it with higher spiritual knowledge.

The crescent moon on her crown indicates the presence of the eternal principle that oversees all changes yet remains unaffected. This imagery invokes the idea of Devi as a sovereign force governing the universe with compassion and balance, merging strength and serenity.

Additional Points

• The crown (किरीट) represents supreme authority and cosmic consciousness.
• The crescent moon symbolizes control over time and the mind, while the rainbow (Indra's bow) symbolizes hope, diversity, and divine connection.
• The verse implies that deep meditation on the adorned form of Devi leads to spiritual wisdom and an expansive intellect, echoing the vastness of the sky filled with radiant hues.

Shloka 43 (Victory over all)

धुनोतु ध्वान्तं नस्तुलितदलितेन्दीवरवनं

घनस्निग्धश्लक्ष्णं चिकुरनिकुरुम्बं तव शिवे ।

यदीयं सौरभ्यं सहजमुपलब्धुं सुमनसो

वसन्त्यस्मिन् मन्ये वलमथनवाटीविटपिनाम् ॥ ४३॥

Oh, Goddess , who is the consort of Shiva,

Let the darkness of our mind be destroyed,

By the crowning glory on your head,

Which is of like the forest of opened blue lotus flowers,

And which is soft , dense and shines with luster.

I believe my mother,

That the pretty flowers of Indra's Garden,

Are all forever there,

To get the natural scent of thine hair.

Word-to-Word Meaning

• धुनोतु – May it dispel,
• ध्वान्तं – Darkness (ignorance),
• नः – Our,
• तुलित-दलित-इन्दीवर-वनं – Resembling a dense forest of dark blue lotuses,
• घनस्निग्ध-श्लक्ष्णं – Thick, smooth, and lustrous,
• चिकुर-निकुरुम्बं – The cluster of hair,
• तव शिवे – Of yours, O Goddess Shiva’s consort (Devi),
• यदीयं – Whose,
• सौरभ्यं – Fragrance,
• सहजं – Natural,
• उपलब्धुं – To experience,
• सुमनसः – The divine beings,
• वसन्ति – Dwell,
• अस्मिन् – In this (hair),
• मन्ये – I consider,
• वलमथन-वाटी-विटपिनाम् – Like the trees in the grove of the god of love (Kamadeva).

Overall Meaning of the Shloka

May the dense, smooth, and lustrous tresses of your hair, O Goddess, resembling a forest of dark blue lotuses, dispel the darkness of ignorance from our minds. The divine fragrance that naturally emanates from your hair attracts celestial beings, who reside there as if it were a grove of trees in the garden of Kamadeva, the god of love.

Expanded Spiritual Commentary

This verse poetically describes Devi's hair, comparing its appearance to a dense grove of dark blue lotuses, which signify depth, mystery, and spiritual knowledge. The hair's fragrance is said to be so divine that celestial beings are drawn to it, dwelling within as if in a paradise of Kamadeva. This imagery symbolizes the allure of divine beauty and the supreme wisdom embodied by the Goddess.

Devi's hair represents not only her external beauty but also the esoteric nature of cosmic knowledge. The dark blue color symbolizes the boundless, unfathomable depths of space and spiritual truth. The natural fragrance signifies the inherent, effortless grace and purity that attracts seekers of divine wisdom.

The invocation for the hair to dispel darkness signifies the Goddess's role as the dispeller of ignorance. Her mere presence brings light and clarity to the minds of her devotees, leading them towards spiritual awakening and liberation.

Additional Points

• Dark blue lotuses: Symbolize profound spiritual knowledge and divine mystery.
• Kamadeva's grove: Represents love, attraction, and the beauty of creation, hinting at the idea that even divine beings find bliss in the presence of Devi.
• The reference to celestial beings suggests that the Goddess's attributes are so compelling that they become the focal point for higher beings in search of divine love and truth.
• Dispelling darkness refers to the removal of ignorance and the awakening of higher consciousness.

Shloka 44 (curing of all diseases)

तनोतु क्षेमं नस्तव वदनसौन्दर्यलहरी-

परीवाहस्रोतःसरणिरिव सीमन्तसरणिः ।

वहन्ती सिन्दूरं प्रबलकबरीभारतिमिर-

द्विषां वृन्दैर्बन्दीकृतमिव नवीनार्ककिरणम् ॥ ४४॥

Oh mother, let the line parting thine hairs,

Which looks like a canal,

Through which the rushing waves of your beauty ebbs,

And which on both sides imprisons,

Your Vermillion , which is like a rising sun

By using your hair which is dark like,

The platoon of soldiers of the enemy,

Protect us and give us peace.

Word-to-Word Meaning

• तनोतु – May it bestow,
• क्षेमं – Well-being,
• नः – To us,
• तव – Your,
• वदन-सौन्दर्य-लहरी – The wave of beauty of the face,
• परीवाह-स्रोतः-सरणिः – Flowing like the main stream of a river,
• सीमन्त-सरणिः – The parting line of hair,
• वहन्ती – Carrying,
• सिन्दूरं – Vermilion,
• प्रबल-कबरी-भार – The heavy mass of hair,
• अतिमिर-द्विषां – For the enemies of intense darkness (ignorance),
• वृन्दैः – By the multitude,
• बन्दीकृतम् – Captured,
• इव – As if,
• नवीन-अर्क-किरणम् – The rays of the rising sun.

Overall Meaning of the Shloka

May the line of parting in your hair, which resembles a river stream and carries the bright vermilion that looks like the rays of the morning sun, grant us well-being. This parting line, adorned with vermilion and framed by the dense, lustrous hair, appears as if it captures the brilliance of the sun's early rays, overpowering the forces of darkness.

Expanded Spiritual Commentary

This verse beautifully describes the Goddess's sindoor (vermilion) adorning the parting of her hair. The sindoor represents marital bliss and divine energy, symbolizing Devi's role as the supreme consort of Shiva and the embodiment of auspiciousness. The parting line is likened to a river that flows with the radiant sindoor, suggesting a stream of life and prosperity emanating from her.

The image of the vermilion shining like the sun's rays dispelling darkness indicates Devi's power to remove ignorance and usher in light and knowledge. The word atimira-dvisham (enemies of darkness) metaphorically refers to the divine forces that oppose ignorance, emphasizing the Goddess's role as the remover of obstacles to enlightenment.

The vermilion's comparison to the rays of the rising sun reflects not only physical beauty but the dawn of spiritual awakening. The hair parting, like a divine river, carries the essence of purity and cosmic power, symbolizing Devi's role as the nurturer and protector of the universe.

Additional Points

• Sindoor: A potent symbol of divine femininity, power, and the bond between the divine couple.
• Sun's rays: Represent light, knowledge, and the dispelling of darkness (ignorance).
• The river-like parting: Suggests continuous grace and the nurturing aspect of the Goddess.
• Symbolic victory: The vermilion is depicted as capturing or binding the light of the sun, indicating Devi's dominion over cosmic powers.

Shloka 45 (Blessing of Goddess of wealth, Your word becoming a fact)

अरालैः स्वाभाव्यादलिकलभसश्रीभिरलकैः

परीतं ते वक्त्रं परिहसति पङ्केरुहरुचिम् ।

दरस्मेरे यस्मिन् दशनरुचिकिञ्जल्करुचिरे

सुगन्धौ माद्यन्ति स्मरदहनचक्षुर्मधुलिहः ॥ ४५॥

By nature slightly curled,

And shining like the young honey bees

Your golden thread like hairs,

Surround your golden face.

Your face makes fun of the beauty of the lotus.

And adorned with slightly parted smile,

Showing the tiers of your teeth,

Which are like the white tendrils,

And which are sweetly scented.

Bewitches the eyes of God,

Who burnt the god of love.

Word-to-Word Meaning

• अरालैः – Curved,
• स्वाभाव्यात् – Naturally,
• अलि-कलभ-श्रीभिः – Like the beauty of a swarm of young bees,
• अलकैः – By the tresses (locks of hair),
• परीतं – Surrounded,
• ते वक्त्रं – Your face,
• परिहसति – Competes with or mocks,
• पङ्केरुह-रुचिम् – The beauty of a lotus,
• दरस्मेरे – Slightly smiling,
• यस्मिन् – In which,
• दशन-रुचि- – The radiance of teeth,
• किञ्जल्क-रुचिरे – Resembling the filaments of a flower,
• सुगन्धौ – The fragrance,
• माद्यन्ति – Become intoxicated,
• स्मर-दहन-चक्षुः – The god of love (Kama) whose eyes can burn (with desire),
• मधुलिहः – Bees.

Overall Meaning of the Shloka

Your face, O Goddess, surrounded by naturally curved tresses resembling the beauty of a swarm of young bees, outshines the splendor of a lotus. In this face, where a slight smile graces the lips, the radiance of your teeth resembles the delicate filaments of a lotus. The god of love, whose gaze can ignite passion, and the bees, intoxicated by the natural fragrance, both find themselves enchanted and captivated by this divine beauty.

Expanded Spiritual Commentary

This verse poetically describes Devi’s divine face, accentuating its enchanting qualities. The naturally curved locks of hair framing her face are likened to swarms of bees, which symbolize the attraction and devotion of beings to the divine. Her face surpasses the beauty of a lotus, often considered the epitome of natural beauty and purity in spiritual traditions.

The imagery of the slight smile and the teeth compared to the filaments of a lotus brings out the idea of delicate charm and purity. This smile, coupled with the brilliance of her teeth, suggests an invitation to divine bliss and spiritual intoxication.

The verse also alludes to Kama, the god of love, whose eyes can spark desire. Here, even he and the bees—symbolizing sensory attraction—are overwhelmed and enraptured by Devi's divine form. This reflects the theme of Devi as both the source of worldly attraction and the ultimate divine that transcends it.

Additional Points

• Bees and Lotus Imagery: Represents devotion and longing for the divine. Bees are attracted to nectar, just as beings are attracted to divine grace.
• Smile and Teeth: Symbolize the Goddess's compassionate and benevolent nature that captivates even the highest of gods.
• Surpassing the Lotus: Indicates that while the lotus symbolizes purity and beauty, Devi’s beauty is beyond any earthly comparison.
• Kama: Represents worldly desires, yet even he is subdued by the supreme, spiritual beauty of the Goddess, suggesting her power over both spiritual and mundane realms.

Shloka 46 (Getting blessed with a son)

ललाटं लावण्यद्युतिविमलमाभाति तव य-

द्द्वितीयं तन्मन्ये मकुटघटितं चन्द्रशकलम् ।

विपर्यासन्यासादुभयमपि संभूय च मिथः

सुधालेपस्यूतिः परिणमति राकाहिमकरः ॥ ४६॥

I suspect oh, mother,

That your forehead,

Which shines with the beauty of the moon,

Is but an imprisoned half moon,

By your glorious crown,

For If joined opposite

To the inverted half moon in your crown,

It would give out the nectar like luster,

Of the moon on a full moon day.

Word-to-Word Meaning

• ललाटं – Forehead,
• लावण्य-द्युति-विमलम् – Radiant with pure beauty,
• आभाति – Shines,
• तव – Your (of the Goddess),
• यत् – Which,
• द्वितीयं – Second,
• तत् – That,
• मन्ये – I consider,
• मकुट-घटितं – Set in the crown,
• चन्द्र-शकलम् – Crescent moon,
• विपर्यास-न्यासात् – Due to their reversed placement,
• उभयम् – Both,
• अपि – Even,
• संभूय – Coming together,
• च मिथः – And mutually,
• सुधा-लेप-स्यूतिः – A mixture of nectar-like paste,
• परिणमति – Appears as,
• राका-हिमकरः – The full moon.

Overall Meaning of the Shloka

O Devi, your radiant forehead shines with unparalleled beauty. I consider it to be a reflection of the crescent moon adorning Shiva’s crown. When seen together and with their positions reversed—your forehead and the crescent moon—they blend into one harmonious vision, appearing as if they form the perfect full moon, exuding nectar-like radiance.

Expanded Spiritual Commentary

This verse highlights the divine harmony between Shiva and Shakti through the depiction of their celestial adornments. The forehead of Devi, symbolizing wisdom and supreme beauty, is described as luminous and flawless, suggesting her transcendent nature. The crescent moon in Shiva’s crown, representing time and the waxing and waning of existence, is seen as a complementary reflection in Devi’s luminous forehead.

The "reversed placement" imagery suggests a deep, mystical union where Shiva and Shakti are interwoven aspects of the same cosmic essence. This vision of their union produces a metaphorical "full moon," representing completeness, fulfillment, and the blissful state of merging dualities. The full moon is associated with Amrita, or nectar, symbolizing immortality and the divine grace that nourishes the spiritual seeker.

Additional Points

• Forehead Symbolism: In Indian aesthetics, the forehead is often a sign of intellectual and spiritual radiance. For Devi, it symbolizes her omniscient wisdom and enchanting beauty.
• Crescent Moon: A symbol of change, cycles, and cosmic rhythm, linking Shiva’s attributes with those of the Goddess.
• Union of Dualities: The blending of the crescent moon with Devi’s radiant forehead signifies the non-dualistic philosophy in which Shiva (consciousness) and Shakti (creative energy) are one.
• Nectar (Sudha): Represents spiritual nourishment, immortality, and the bliss bestowed by the union of the divine masculine and feminine principles.

Shloka 47 (Victory in all efforts)

भ्रुवौ भुग्ने किंचिद्भुवनभयभङ्गव्यसनिनि

त्वदीये नेत्राभ्यां मधुकररुचिभ्यां धृतगुणम् ।

धनुर्मन्ये सव्येतरकरगृहीतं रतिपतेः

प्रकोष्ठे मुष्टौ च स्थगयति निगूढान्तरमुमे ॥ ४७॥

Oh Goddess Uma,

She who removes fear from the world,

The slightly bent eye brows of yours,

Tied by a hoard of honey bees forming the string,

I feel Resembles the bow of the god of love

Held by his left hand .

And having hidden middle part*,

Hid by the wrist, and folded fingers.

Word-to-Word Meaning

• भ्रुवौ – Eyebrows,
• भुग्ने किंचित् – Slightly bent,
• भुवन-भय-भङ्ग-व्यसनिनि – Eager to dispel the fear of the world,
• त्वदीये – Your (of Devi),
• नेत्राभ्यां – By the eyes,
• मधुकर-रुचिभ्यां – Resembling the luster of bees,
• धृतगुणम् – With a string,
• धनुः – The bow,
• मन्ये – I consider,
• सव्य-इतर-कर-गृहीतम् – Held by the left and right hand,
• रतिपतेः – Of the god of love (Kamadeva),
• प्रकोष्ठे – On the forearm,
• मुष्टौ च – And the fist,
• स्थगयति – It hides,
• निगूढ-अन्तरम् – Concealed within,
• उमे – O Uma (Goddess Parvati).

Overall Meaning of the Shloka

O Uma, I envision that your gracefully curved eyebrows, bent slightly as if poised for a purpose, hold within them the hidden bow of Kamadeva (the god of love), strung tightly with its string and ready to be drawn. Your eyes, resembling the dark, glistening hue of bees, appear to be holding this divine bow in place, while your forearm and fist seem to conceal the inner power of this weapon, prepared to shatter the fears of the world.

Expanded Spiritual Commentary

This verse beautifully portrays the divine allure and subtle power of Devi's eyebrows and eyes. The arched eyebrows of the Goddess symbolize the bow of Kamadeva, the god of love, highlighting her ability to instill both attraction and fearlessness in creation. The phrase "bent slightly" conveys readiness and potential, suggesting that she is prepared to act as a protector and nurturer who can dispel the fears of the world.

Her eyes, compared to the luster of bees, signify sweetness, mystery, and depth. Bees are known for being drawn to nectar and sweetness, emphasizing the Goddess’s role as the source of ultimate attraction and sustenance. The bow string, held firmly, symbolizes control over desires and cosmic forces.

Kamadeva’s bow, made of sugarcane and strung with honeybees, is symbolic of the sensory and emotional realms. By referencing the bow being in the hands of the Goddess, this verse speaks to her dominion over the forces of love and attraction, asserting her as the supreme controller of creation’s desires and attachments.

Additional Points

• Eyebrows as a Bow: The imagery of the eyebrows as Kamadeva’s bow suggests that Devi embodies the power to evoke passion and devotion while simultaneously instilling a sense of security.
• Symbol of Eyes: The eyes of the Goddess, often described in various scriptures as powerful tools for grace and protection, here hold the cosmic bow, indicating that her mere glance can command love and reverence.
• Cosmic Significance: The bow represents the weapon of creation, capable of awakening life’s desires, symbolizing Devi’s role as the initiator of cosmic activity.
• Fearlessness: The mention of "dispel the fear of the world" underscores Devi’s role as the divine force that removes obstacles and grants courage to her devotees.

Shloka 48 (Removal of problems created by nine planets)

अहः सूते सव्यं तव नयनमर्कात्मकतया

त्रियामां वामं ते सृजति रजनीनायकतया ।

तृतीया ते दृष्टिर्दरदलितहेमाम्बुजरुचिः

समाधत्ते संध्यां दिवसनिशयोरन्तरचरीम् ॥ ४८॥

Right eye of yours is like the sun,

And makes the day,

Left eye of yours is like the moon,

And creates the night,

Thine middle eye,

Which is like the golden lotus bud,

Slightly opened in to a flower,

Makes the dawn and the dusk.

Word-to-Word Meaning

• अहः – Day,
• सूते – Gives birth to,
• सव्यं – The right,
• तव नयनम् – Your eye,
• अर्क-आत्मकतया – Being of the nature of the sun,
• त्रियामां – The night,
• वामं – The left,
• ते – Your,
• सृजति – Creates,
• रजनी-नायकतया – Being of the nature of the moon,
• तृतीया – The third,
• ते दृष्टिः – Your glance,
• दर-दलित-हेम-अम्बुज-रुचिः – Shining like a half-opened golden lotus,
• समाधत्ते – Establishes,
• संध्यां – Twilight,
• दिवस-निशयोः – Of day and night,
• अन्तर-चरीम् – The one that moves in-between.

Overall Meaning of the Shloka

O Devi, your right eye, radiant like the sun, brings forth the day, and your left eye, gentle and moon-like, creates the night. Your third eye, glowing with the brilliance of a half-opened golden lotus, embodies the evening twilight that seamlessly transitions between day and night.

Expanded Spiritual Commentary

This shloka highlights the divine power and cosmic role of Devi’s eyes, symbolizing her as the regulator of time and the cycle of day and night. The right eye, associated with the sun, signifies her dynamic, active, and life-giving aspect, representing light, consciousness, and energy. The left eye, representing the moon, embodies her soothing, nurturing, and reflective aspect, signifying peace, rest, and the subconscious mind.

The third eye, which resembles the soft glow of a partially opened golden lotus, signifies higher perception, intuition, and the spiritual light that transcends dualities. It represents the twilight or sandhya, the transition that holds the balance between the day and night, illustrating her role as the cosmic balance and the essence of harmony in the universe.

The reference to the third eye as "half-opened" implies potentiality and grace; it can remain gentle or blaze forth in power when needed, symbolizing the latent power of Devi’s divine vision.

Additional Points

• Sun and Moon as Eyes: The depiction of the right and left eyes as the sun and moon reflects her dominion over all dualities – creation and dissolution, action and rest.
• Twilight Significance: The third eye’s connection to twilight emphasizes Devi’s role as the controller of liminal states, making her the embodiment of both material and spiritual transitions.
• Golden Lotus Imagery: The comparison of the third eye’s light to a golden lotus suggests purity, spiritual richness, and the subtlety of divine perception.
• Cosmic Mother: This verse reinforces Devi as the Cosmic Mother who, through her eyes, not only sees but creates, sustains, and transitions the cycles of time.

Shloka 49 (Victory in everything, Locating of treasures)

विशाला कल्याणी स्फुटरुचिरयोध्या कुवलयैः

कृपाधाराधारा किमपि मधुराभोगवतिका ।

अवन्ती दृष्टिस्ते बहुनगरविस्तारविजया

ध्रुवं तत्तन्नामव्यवहरणयोग्या विजयते ॥ ४९॥

The look from your eyes, Oh goddess

Is all pervasive,

Does good to every one,

Sparkles everywhere,

Is a beauty that can never be challenged,

Even by blue lily flowers,

Is the source of rain of mercy,

Is sweetness personified,

Is long and pretty,

Is capable of saving devotees,

Is in the several cities as its victory..

And can be called by several names,

According to which aspect one sees.

Word-to-Word Meaning

• विशाला – Vast,
• कल्याणी – Auspicious, benevolent,
• स्फुट-रुचिर-योध्या – Clearly radiant, victorious like Ayodhya,
• कुवलयैः – With blue lilies or lotuses (symbolizing eyes),
• कृपाधार-आधारा – The source and support of compassion,
• किमपि – Indescribable,
• मधुर-अभोग-वति – Sweet and delightful in experience,
• अवन्ती – Protective or guarding,
• दृष्टिः ते – Your glance,
• बहु-नगर-विस्तार-विजया – Expanding victory over many cities,
• ध्रुवं – Surely,
• तत्-तत्-नाम-व्यवहरण-योग्या – Worthy of being called by various names,
• विजयते – Triumphs, prevails.

Overall Meaning of the Shloka

O Devi, your expansive and compassionate gaze is vast and auspicious, radiant and victorious like the ancient city of Ayodhya. It resembles the beauty of blue lotuses and serves as the source of divine grace and sweetness. Your glance, which protects and nurtures, extends its influence and wins over countless realms. It truly deserves to be celebrated by the many names of victorious cities and triumphs without question.

Expanded Spiritual Commentary

This shloka poetically describes the compassionate and majestic power of Devi’s eyes or glance. It highlights her divine vision as vast (विशाला), all-encompassing, and filled with grace (कृपाधाराधारा). The comparison to Ayodhya, a city known for its glory and fortitude, and the imagery of blue lotuses evoke the idea of serenity combined with majesty.

The gaze of Devi is described as sweet and filled with protective energy (मधुराभोगवतिका and अवन्ती), signifying that her benevolence reaches all beings and acts as a protective shield. The phrase that her glance is victorious over numerous cities (बहुनगरविस्तारविजया) symbolizes her far-reaching influence and power over all realms, both material and spiritual.

The concluding assertion that her glance is worthy of many victorious names emphasizes that her divine qualities are infinite and diverse, encompassing protection, compassion, and the power to bestow victory and success.

Additional Points

• Symbolism of Blue Lotuses: Blue lotuses signify divine beauty and enlightenment, indicating that her gaze brings wisdom and spiritual awakening.
• Ayodhya as a Metaphor: The comparison with Ayodhya conveys the triumph, nobility, and divine authority inherent in her vision.
• Victory and Protection: The protective and victorious nature of her glance reinforces her role as a motherly guardian who ensures well-being and success.
• Divine Names: The verse suggests that her qualities are so manifold that only various illustrious names could capture her attributes.

Shloka 50 (Seeing afar, Curing of small pox)

कवीनां संदर्भस्तबकमकरन्दैकरसिकं

कटाक्षव्याक्षेपभ्रमरकलभौ कर्णयुगलम् ।

अमुञ्चन्तौ दृष्ट्वा तव नवरसास्वादतरला-

वसूयासंसर्गादलिकनयनं किंचिदरुणम् ॥ ५०॥

Thine two long eyes , Oh goddess,

Are like the two little bees which want to drink the honey,

And extend to the ends ,

With a pretense of side glances,

To thine two ears,

Which are bent upon drinking the honey,

From the flower bunch of poems.

Presented by your devotees,

And make thine third eye light purple,

With jealousy and envy,

Word-to-Word Meaning

• कवीनाम् — Of poets
• संदर्भ — Arrangement or composition
• स्तबक मकरन्द — The nectar of the flower cluster
• एकरसिकम् — Exclusively relished
• कटाक्षव्याक्षेप — Side glances or sidelong glances
• भ्रमरकलभौ — Two young bees
• कर्णयुगलम् — Pair of ears
• अमुञ्चन्तौ — Not leaving or abandoning
• दृष्ट्वा — Having seen
• तव — Your
• नवरसास्वादतरलाव् — Full of the enjoyment of new emotions
• असूया-संसर्गात् — Due to jealousy or envy
• अलिकनयनम् — Bee-like eyes
• किंचित्-अरुणम् — Slightly red or reddish

Overall Meaning of the Shloka

The pair of ears of the Divine Mother, likened to two young bees, seem to eternally enjoy the poetic compositions (comparable to clusters of flowers full of nectar). When these ears perceive the side glances of Devi that taste the nectar of various emotions, the eyes of others, like bees, turn slightly red with envy due to their inability to match that enjoyment.

Expanded Spiritual Commentary

This verse celebrates the unique ability of the Divine Mother’s glances and her sense of hearing, likening her ears to bees that feed on the nectar of poets' compositions. The subtle implication is that true beauty and divine consciousness inherently relish the purest forms of art and devotion. The Mother’s side glances—full of nuanced emotions—add another dimension to her expression, making her an epitome of experiencing the world’s essence. Her bee-like eyes turning red with jealousy symbolize a playful representation of the divine competition for enjoying supreme bliss.

Additional Points

• The metaphor of bees and nectar emphasizes the relationship between the Divine Mother and the arts, particularly poetry and sound.
• The redness of the eyes could symbolize the passion and active engagement of the Divine in cosmic play.
• This verse reinforces the idea that the Mother embodies all aspects of life, including sensory experiences and emotions, in their most refined and divine forms.

saundaryalahari-shlokas-51-60