Saundaryalahari, सौन्दर्यलहरी Shlokas 51-60

Saundaryalahari, सौन्दर्यलहरी

by Jagadguru Shri Adi Shankaracharya

Shlokas 51-60 

Shloka 51 (Attracting all people)

शिवे श‍ृङ्गारार्द्रा तदितरजने कुत्सनपरा

सरोषा गङ्गायां गिरिशचरिते विस्मयवती ।

हराहिभ्यो भीता सरसिरुहसौभाग्यजननी

सखीषु स्मेरा ते मयि जननी दृष्टिस्सकरुणा ॥ ५१॥

Mother of all universe,

The look from your eyes,

Is kind and filled with love, when looking at your Lord,

Is filled with hatred at all other men,

Is filled with anger when looking at Ganga,

The other wife of your Lord,

Is filled with wonder , When hearing the stories of your Lord,

Is filled with fear , when seeing the snakes worn by your Lord,

Is filled with red colour of valour of the pretty lotus fine,

Is filled with jollity, when seeing your friends,

And filled with mercy, when seeing me.

1. Word-to-Word Meaning

• शिवे — On Shiva (her consort)
• शृङ्गारार्द्रा — Full of love and affection
• तदितरजने — On others (other beings)
• कुत्सनपरा — Inclined to criticize or show contempt
• सरोषा — Angry or displeased
• गङ्गायाम् — On the river Ganga
• गिरिशचरिते — In the stories or deeds of Shiva (Girish)
• विस्मयवती — Full of wonder or amazement
• हर-अहिभ्यः — At the snake adorning Shiva (the serpent around his neck)
• भीता — Frightened
• सरसिरुह-सौभाग्य-जननी — The lotus, which is the origin of fortune (referring to Lakshmi, who was born from the lotus)
• सखीषु — Among friends
• स्मेरा — Smiling or pleased
• ते — Your
• मयि — On me
• जननी — O Mother
• दृष्टिः — Gaze or look
• सकरुणा — Full of compassion

2. Overall Meaning of the Shloka

O Divine Mother, your gaze holds many moods: tender with love for Shiva, contemptuous towards others, angry at Ganga (flowing from Shiva’s locks), full of wonder at the stories of Shiva's exploits, fearful of the snakes adorning him, the creator of fortune like the lotus for Lakshmi, smiling among your friends, and filled with compassion when directed at me.

3. Expanded Spiritual Commentary

This verse encapsulates the multifaceted nature of the Divine Mother’s expressions and her relationship with Shiva and the world around her. When she gazes at Shiva, it is with affection and romance, symbolizing the deep union of Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (nature). Her critical look towards others suggests her discerning, powerful nature that upholds righteousness.

Her anger towards Ganga represents the competition among divine entities, signifying that even celestial relationships have their complex dynamics. The Mother’s amazement at Shiva’s stories reflects her devotion and admiration for his transcendent acts. Her fear of the snakes on Shiva’s neck indicates the tender and human-like aspect of the divine.

The reference to the lotus as the source of fortune points to her role as the universal source of auspiciousness and prosperity. Her smile among friends conveys her approachable, joyous nature, and finally, her compassionate look towards the devotee highlights her motherly care and grace.

4. Additional Points

• The verse reflects the rich emotional tapestry of the Divine Mother, portraying her as relatable and approachable, yet embodying cosmic power and divinity.
• The mention of her compassion reassures devotees of her unconditional love and mercy.
• The interactions with Shiva and the natural elements emphasize her integral role in the cosmic play of creation, sustenance, and transformation.

Shloka 52 (Victory in love, Curing of diseases of ears and eye)

गते कर्णाभ्यर्णं गरुत इव पक्ष्माणि दधती

पुरां भेत्तुश्चित्तप्रशमरसविद्रावणफले ।

इमे नेत्रे गोत्राधरपतिकुलोत्तंसकलिके

तवाकर्णाकृष्टस्मरशरविलासं कलयतः ॥ ५२॥

Oh , flower bud,

Who is the head gear ,

Of the king of mountains,

Wearing black eye brows above,

Resembling the feathers of eagle,

And determined to destroy peace,

From the mind of He who destroyed the three cities,

Your two eyes elongated up to thine ears,

Enact the arrows of the God of love.

1. Word-to-Word Meaning

• गते कर्ण-अभ्यर्णम् — Reaching up to the ears
• गरुत इव — Like the wings of Garuda (mythical bird)
• पक्ष्माणि — Eyelashes
• दधती — Bearing or possessing
• पुरां भेत्तुः — Of the destroyer of the three cities (Lord Shiva)
• चित्त-प्रशम-रस-विद्रावण-फले — With the result of dispelling the essence of peace in the mind
• इमे नेत्रे — These eyes
• गोत्र-अधर-पति-कुल-उत्तंस-कलिके — O crest-jewel of the mountain king's family (addressing the Goddess)
• तव — Your
• आकर्णाकृष्ट-स्मर-शर-विलासम् — Enacting the playful drawing of Cupid’s arrows up to the ears
• कलयतः — Displaying or manifesting

2. Overall Meaning of the Shloka

O Goddess, the jewel of the mountain king's lineage, your eyes, with long, dense eyelashes that reach to the ears like the wings of Garuda, seem to playfully draw Cupid’s arrows. These eyes are potent enough to dispel the essence of tranquility from the mind of Lord Shiva, the destroyer of the three cities (Tripura). The glance emanating from your eyes carries an allure that captivates even the greatest beings.

3. Expanded Spiritual Commentary

The verse celebrates the captivating beauty and power of the Divine Mother’s eyes. Her gaze, adorned with long, wing-like eyelashes, evokes the swift and mighty image of Garuda, signifying their vast reach and ability to influence. The comparison highlights how her divine glance can draw in and wield the playful yet potent arrows of Kāma (Cupid), symbolizing her ability to stir desire and love even in ascetic deities like Shiva.

Her eyes hold an enigmatic quality capable of disrupting the peaceful state of even the most disciplined mind, including Shiva’s. This alludes to the potent and transformative power of the divine feminine, which balances austerity with grace and attraction. This union of opposite forces—asceticism and allure—demonstrates her mastery over both the material and spiritual realms.

4. Additional Points

• The mention of "Cupid’s arrows" symbolizes the captivating and enchanting power that even divine beings are not immune to.
• The portrayal of the Goddess’s eyes reaching the ears metaphorically suggests their far-reaching influence and unparalleled beauty.
• The three cities (Tripura), which Shiva destroyed, represent ignorance, ego, and attachment; the Goddess’s glance symbolizes the energy that can pierce through these barriers.
• The verse reflects the Shakta philosophy where the feminine divine (Shakti) is central, showing that even Shiva, the epitome of detachment, is influenced by her power.

Shloka 53 (Attracting all the world, Seeing the Goddess in person)

विभक्तत्रैवर्ण्यं व्यतिकरितलीलाञ्जनतया

विभाति त्वन्नेत्रत्रितयमिदमीशानदयिते ।

पुनः स्रष्टुं देवान् द्रुहिणहरिरुद्रानुपरतान्

रजः सत्त्वं बिभ्रत्तम इति गुणानां त्रयमिव ॥ ५३॥

Oh, Darling of God Shiva,

Those three eyes of thine,

Coloured in three shades,

By the eye shades you wear,

To enhance thine beauty,

Wear the three qualities,

Of satvam, rajas and thamas,

As if to recreate the holy trinity,

Of Vishnu, Brahma and Rudra,

After they become one with you,

During the final deluge.

1. Word-to-Word Meaning

• विभक्त-त्रैवर्ण्यम् — Differentiated into three colors
• व्यतिकरित-लीलाञ्जनतया — By the playful application of collyrium (kajal)
• विभाति — Shines or appears
• त्वत्-नेत्र-त्रितयम् — Your three eyes
• इदम् — This
• ईशान-दयिते — O beloved of Ishana (Shiva)
• पुनः स्रष्टुम् — To recreate or recreate anew
• देवान् — Gods
• द्रुहिण-हरि-रुद्रान् — Brahma, Vishnu, and Rudra (Shiva)
• उपरतान् — Resting or lying dormant
• रजः सत्त्वं बिभ्रत् तमः इति — Possessing the three qualities of rajas (activity), sattva (purity), and tamas (inertia)
• गुणानां त्रयम् — The trio of qualities
• इव — Like

2. Overall Meaning of the Shloka

O beloved of Ishana (Shiva), your three eyes appear radiant and distinguished with three hues, which seem to be playfully enhanced by the application of dark collyrium. These eyes of yours symbolize the three fundamental qualities (gunas) — rajas (passion), sattva (purity), and tamas (inertia) — as if they are preparing to create anew the gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Rudra, who embody these gunas respectively.

3. Expanded Spiritual Commentary

This verse elaborates on the divine symbolism of the three eyes of the Goddess, depicting them as more than just physical eyes but as manifestations of cosmic forces. The three eyes represent the triad of qualities inherent in creation: rajas (dynamic activity, represented by Brahma the creator), sattva (purity and balance, represented by Vishnu the preserver), and tamas (inertia or dissolution, represented by Rudra/Shiva the destroyer).

By attributing the playful touch of collyrium to these eyes, the verse emphasizes the Goddess's role in blending these primal energies with ease and beauty, maintaining cosmic balance and rejuvenating creation. Her eyes are the source from which these qualities emanate, showcasing her as the source of the Trimurti's power.

4. Additional Points

• Three Eyes of the Goddess: These symbolize the sun, moon, and fire, which are connected to time cycles — past, present, and future. In the context of spiritual symbolism, they indicate her oversight of all aspects of existence.
• The Gunas (Qualities): Rajas, sattva, and tamas are fundamental to understanding the nature of reality in Vedanta and Sankhya philosophies. The Goddess's embodiment of these qualities signifies her role as the ultimate force governing creation, sustenance, and destruction.
• Application of Collyrium: This metaphorically enhances the beauty and depth of her eyes, symbolizing how she holds together and enriches the diversity of the universe through her nurturing power.

Shloka 54 (Destruction of all sins., Curing of eye diseases)

पवित्रीकर्तुं नः पशुपतिपराधीनहृदये

दयामित्रैर्नेत्रैररुणधवलश्यामरुचिभिः ।

नदः शोणो गङ्गा तपनतनयेति ध्रुवममुं

त्रयाणां तीर्थानामुपनयसि संभेदमनघम् ॥ ५४॥

She who has a heart owned by Pasupathi,

Your eyes which are the companions of mercy,

Coloured red, white and black,

Resemble the holy rivers,

Sonabhadra , which is red,

Ganga which is white,

Yamuna , the daughter of Sun, which is black,

And is the confluence of these holy rivers,

Which remove all sins of the world.

We are certain and sure,

That you made this meet and join,

To make us, who see you, as holy.

1. Word-to-Word Meaning

• पवित्रीकर्तुम् — To purify
• नः — Us
• पशुपति-पराधीन-हृदये — In the hearts surrendered to Pashupati (Lord Shiva)
• दयामित्रैः — Compassionate and friendly
• नेत्रैः — Eyes
• अरुण-धवल-श्याम-रुचिभिः — With hues of red, white, and dark (black/blue)
• नदः शोणः — The river Shona (red river)
• गङ्गा — The river Ganga (white river)
• तपन-तनया — The daughter of the sun, i.e., Yamuna (dark river)
• इति ध्रुवम् — Thus, certainly
• अमुम् — This (referring to the eyes)
• त्रयाणां तीर्थानाम् — Of the three sacred rivers
• उपनयसि — You bring forth
• संभेदम् — The confluence
• अनघम् — Pure, faultless

2. Overall Meaning of the Shloka

O Devi, you, with your compassionate eyes that shine in the colors of red, white, and dark, bring about the spiritual confluence of the sacred rivers Shona (symbolizing the red hue), Ganga (white), and Yamuna (dark) in the hearts devoted to Pashupati (Shiva). These eyes, embodying mercy and protection, purify the devotees and lead them to the bliss of spiritual sanctity.

3. Expanded Spiritual Commentary

The shloka praises the divine eyes of the Goddess, depicting them as compassionate forces that provide solace and purification to devotees devoted to Shiva. The hues of the eyes—red, white, and dark—represent the sacred rivers Shona, Ganga, and Yamuna, which, in Hindu tradition, symbolize a triveni (triple confluence) known for its purifying power. By describing her eyes as bringing forth this divine union, the verse elevates the power of her gaze to the level of these sacred waters, illustrating her as a benevolent force capable of spiritual transformation.

The symbolism also reflects the integration of various spiritual energies within the divine feminine. The red hue suggests passionate action and energy (rajas), the white implies purity and balance (sattva), and the dark symbolizes depth, mystery, and dissolution (tamas). Through her eyes, the Goddess embodies all these qualities, thus playing a key role in guiding devotees on their spiritual path and ensuring their purification.

4. Additional Points

• Triveni Sangam: The confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati is known as the Triveni Sangam, a sacred site for Hindus. By linking her eyes to this holy union, the verse implies that the Goddess herself is a living embodiment of sacredness and spiritual unity.
• Pashupati: Refers to Shiva, the lord of all beings. Devotion to him is seen as complete surrender, wherein the Goddess's compassionate gaze aids and purifies the devotee.
• Three Colors: The hues of her eyes align with different aspects of existence and consciousness, indicating the comprehensive nature of her divinity.

Shloka 55 (Power to protect, Curing of diseases of kidney)

निमेषोन्मेषाभ्यां प्रलयमुदयं याति जगती

तवेत्याहुः सन्तो धरणिधरराजन्यतनये ।

त्वदुन्मेषाज्जातं जगदिदमशेषं प्रलयतः

परित्रातुं शङ्के परिहृतनिमेषास्तव दृशः ॥ ५५॥

The learned sages tell,

Oh, daughter of the king of mountain,

That this world of us,

Is created and destroyed,

When you open and shut,

Your soulful eyes.

I believe my mother,

That you never shut your eyes,

So that this world created by you,

Never, ever faces deluge.

1. Word-to-Word Meaning

• निमेष-उन्मेषाभ्यां — By the closing and opening (of your eyes)
• प्रलयम्-उदयं — Dissolution and creation
• याति — Attains/goes through
• जगती — The world/universe
• तव इति — Of yours, so say
• आहुः सन्तः — The wise say
• धरणिधर-राजन्य-तनये — O daughter of the king of the mountains (Himavan)
• त्वत्-उन्मेषात् — By your eye-opening
• जातम् — Is born
• जगत् इदम् — This world
• अशेषम् — Entire
• प्रलयतः — From dissolution
• परित्रातुं — To protect/save
• शङ्के — I suspect/believe
• परिहृत-निमेषाः — Without the closing of the eyes
• तव दृशः — Your eyes

2. Overall Meaning of the Shloka

O Daughter of the King of Mountains, the sages say that the universe undergoes cycles of creation and dissolution through the opening and closing of your eyes. From the mere opening of your eyes, this entire creation comes forth, while it dissolves into non-existence with their closing. I believe that your eyes remain open without blinking to protect the world from dissolution and to ensure its continued existence.

3. Expanded Spiritual Commentary

This verse highlights the cosmic power embodied in the Divine Mother’s gaze, attributing the cycle of creation and dissolution to the simple act of her opening and closing her eyes. In Hindu thought, the universe undergoes cycles of manifestation (sṛṣṭi) and dissolution (pralaya). Here, the Goddess's eyes symbolize the source of existence itself, showcasing her supreme control over cosmic rhythms.

The verse reflects the idea that the universe is continuously sustained by the benevolent and watchful gaze of the Devi. The notion that her eyes remain open implies an act of perpetual grace, ensuring the protection and continuity of all creation. This unwavering focus represents her role as the ultimate nurturer and protector of life.

Philosophically, this can also be seen as a metaphor for consciousness (chit). The act of "blinking" symbolizes the fluctuation between awareness and ignorance. The Devi's unblinking gaze signifies her all-knowing, ever-present awareness that safeguards the universe.

4. Additional Points

• Cosmic Significance: The description aligns with the tantric and Shakta philosophies where Devi is seen as both the creator and the sustainer of the cosmos. Her eyes are depicted as the ultimate source of light and life.
• Spiritual Metaphor: The continuous watch of her eyes symbolizes unending vigilance and compassion, echoing the idea that divine consciousness never ceases in its role of protecting and nurturing existence.
• Symbolism of Unblinking Eyes: The unblinking nature suggests the Devi’s constant state of samadhi (deep meditative absorption), which maintains the balance of the universe.

Shloka 56 (To get freed from imprisonment, Curing of eye diseases)

तवापर्णे कर्णेजपनयनपैशुन्यचकिता

निलीयन्ते तोये नियतमनिमेषाः शफरिकाः ।

इयं च श्रीर्बद्धच्छदपुटकवाटं कुवलयम्

जहाति प्रत्यूषे निशि च विघटय्य प्रविशति ॥ ५६॥

Oh, She who is begotten to none,

It is for sure,

That the black female fish in the stream,

Are afraid to close their eyes.

Fearing that thine long eyes,

Resembling them all,

Would murmur bad about them,

In your ears to which they are close by.

It is also for sure,

That the Goddess Lakshmi,

Enters the blooming blue Lilly flowers,

Before your eyes close at night,

And reenter in the morn when they open.

1. Word-to-Word Meaning

• तव अपर्णे — O Aparna (a name for Devi Parvati, meaning "leafless")
• कर्णे — In the ear
• जपनयन-पैशुन्य-चकिता — Frightened by the mischief (whispering) of your eyes
• निलीयन्ते — They hide themselves
• तोये — In water
• नियतम् — Always
• अनिमेषाः — Unblinking
• शफरिकाः — Small fish
• इयं च श्रीः — This (embodiment of) Lakshmi
• बद्धच्छद-पुटक-वाटं — Closed like a gate with petals shut
• कुवलयम् — The blue lotus
• जहाति — Leaves
• प्रत्यूषे — At dawn
• निशि — At night
• च विघटय्य — Opening up
• प्रविशति — Enters

2. Overall Meaning of the Shloka

O Aparna, the small, unblinking fish, frightened by the playful movements of your eyes, hide themselves in the water. The blue lotus, symbolic of the goddess Lakshmi, remains closed during the day like a sealed gate, but at night, it blossoms and re-enters the water, signifying a return to its serene state.

3. Expanded Spiritual Commentary

This verse beautifully describes the divine playfulness and profound influence of Devi’s eyes. The mention of fish (शफरिकाः) that stay wide-eyed and motionless due to fear of the eyes of Devi is symbolic of how even the smallest creatures are sensitive to the Goddess's presence and movements. The unblinking nature of these fish reflects the quality of constant awareness and alertness attributed to devotees or beings under the gaze of the divine.

The reference to the blue lotus (कुवलयम्), identified with the goddess Lakshmi, represents prosperity and beauty. The imagery of the lotus closing at dawn and opening at night suggests the rhythm of divine grace manifesting at particular times, offering protection and blessing when least expected or during moments of stillness (night).

4. Additional Points

• Symbolism of Aparna: The name "Aparna" connects the verse to Parvati’s rigorous tapas (penance) during which she abstained from consuming even leaves, emphasizing her resolve and spiritual strength.
• Fish and Eyes Metaphor: The fish hiding from the eyes of the Devi can be seen as a depiction of beings drawn towards divine grace but also in awe or fear of it.
• Lotus and Lakshmi: The lotus serves as a metaphor for purity and detachment, traits often associated with Devi’s nurturing yet transcendent nature.
• Day and Night Cycle: The cycle of opening and closing of the lotus parallels the cosmic play of concealment and revelation by the divine energies, emphasizing the interplay of light (knowledge) and darkness (mystery).

Shloka 57 (All round luck)

दृशा द्राघीयस्या दरदलितनीलोत्पलरुचा

दवीयांसं दीनं स्नपय कृपया मामपि शिवे ।

अनेनायं धन्यो भवति न च ते हानिरियता

वने वा हर्म्ये वा समकरनिपातो हिमकरः ॥ ५७॥

She who is the consort of Lord Shiva,

Please bathe me with your merciful look,

From your eyes which are very long,

And have the glitter of slightly opened,

Blue lotus flower divine.

By this look I will become rich with all that is known,

And you do not loose anything whatsoever,

For does not the moon shine alike,

In the forest and palaces great.

1. Word-to-Word Meaning

• दृशा — With the glance
• द्राघीयस्या — Long and expansive
• दरदलित-नीलोत्पल-रुचा — With the luster of a slightly blossomed blue lotus
• दवीयांसं — The far-off one
• दीनं — The distressed one
• स्नपय — Bathe
• कृपया — With compassion
• मामपि — Me also
• शिवे — O auspicious one (addressing Devi)
• अनेन — By this
• अयम् — This person
• धन्यः — Blessed
• भवति — Becomes
• न च — And not
• ते — To you
• हानिः — Loss
• इयता — By this
• वने — In the forest
• वा — Or
• हर्म्ये — In the palace
• वा — Or
• समकर-निपातः — The equal rays falling
• हिमकरः — The moon

2. Overall Meaning of the Shloka

O Devi, whose eyes resemble the radiance of slightly blossomed blue lotuses and extend far-reaching compassion, shower your benevolent glance upon me, the distressed one. This act of compassion will bless me, bringing no loss to you, just as the moon's rays equally illuminate both the forest and the palace without discrimination or depletion.

3. Expanded Spiritual Commentary

This verse poetically requests the divine glance of the Goddess, whose eyes are compared to partially opened blue lotuses, suggesting gentleness and profound beauty. The devotee identifies himself as "दीनं" (the distressed one), emphasizing humility and need for divine grace. The compassionate glance of Devi symbolizes her unconditional love that extends to all, no matter how near or far they are from her presence.

The analogy of the moon's rays ("हिमकरः") illustrates that just as the moon sheds its light equally on a forest and a palace, the divine's grace is impartial and abundant, offering solace without any diminishment to the giver. This highlights the boundless and selfless nature of divine compassion.

4. Additional Points

• Blue Lotus Symbolism: The slightly blossomed blue lotus signifies purity, tranquility, and a state of readiness to bloom fully, symbolizing the compassionate glance that carries transformative power.
• Inclusivity of Grace: The verse emphasizes that divine grace does not favor status or location, reinforcing the idea that divine love and blessings are universal and ever-present.
• Moon Analogy: The moon's light as a metaphor suggests cool, soothing, and equal-opportunity illumination, which reflects the non-discriminatory benevolence of Devi's glance.

Shloka 58 (Cure from all diseases, Victory in love)

अरालं ते पालीयुगलमगराजन्यतनये

न केषामाधत्ते कुसुमशरकोदण्डकुतुकम् ।

तिरश्चीनो यत्र श्रवणपथमुल्लङ्घ्य विलस-

न्नपाङ्गव्यासङ्गो दिशति शरसंधानधिषणाम् ॥ ५८॥

Oh goddess, who is the daughter of king of mountains,

Who will not but believe,

That the two arched ridges between your eyes and ears,

Are the flower bow of the God of Love,?

Side glances of your eyes,

Piercing through these spaces,

Makes one wonder as if the arrows have been ,

Sent through thine ears.

1. Word-to-Word Meaning

• अरालं — Gracefully curved
• ते — Your
• पालीयुगलम् — Pair of eye-lids
• अगराजन्यतनये — O daughter of the mountain (Devi Parvati)
• न केषाम् — Not to whom
• आधत्ते — Does it not induce
• कुसुमशर — Flower-arrowed (referring to Kamadeva, the god of love)
• कोदण्डकुतुकम् — The eagerness to use his bow
• तिरश्चीनः — Sideways
• यत्र — Where
• श्रवणपथम् — The path to the ears
• उल्लङ्घ्य — Crossing over
• विलसन् — Shining or playing
• अपाङ्गव्यासङ्गः — The sidelong glance
• दिशति — Directs or shows
• शरसंधानधिषणाम् — The skill of aiming arrows

2. Overall Meaning of the Shloka

O daughter of the mountain (Devi Parvati), your gracefully curved eyelids seem to inspire Kamadeva (the god of love) with a keen desire to wield his flower-arrows. The enchanting sidelong glances from your eyes, which cross the path to the ears and captivate the onlooker, appear to display the very skill needed to aim these arrows of love.

3. Expanded Spiritual Commentary

This verse paints a vivid image of the enchanting power held by Devi's eyes. Her curved eyelids and sidelong glances possess such beauty that they seem to tempt Kamadeva himself into action. This poetic description emphasizes the divine allure and grace of Devi's presence, which can captivate and transform anyone who beholds her.

The sideways glance is symbolic of subtle influence and suggests a divine playfulness. It transcends the ordinary perception of beauty, elevating it to a divine force capable of sparking love and devotion in the hearts of beings. The reference to Kamadeva's arrows being inspired by Devi's glance conveys that her power is supreme even over the god of love, showing her as the ultimate source of attraction and affection in the universe.

4. Additional Points

• Symbolism of Kamadeva: Kamadeva, with his bow made of flowers, represents desire and attraction. Devi's ability to inspire him emphasizes her unmatched power over emotions and beauty.
• Sidelong Glance (Apanga): The sidelong glance symbolizes subtlety and indirect influence. In spiritual context, it can be seen as the grace that touches devotees without direct intervention.
• Divine Feminine Power: This shloka highlights the supreme, captivating power of the divine feminine, capable of invoking love, devotion, and awe effortlessly.

Shloka 59 (Attracting every one)

स्फुरद्गण्डाभोगप्रतिफलितताटङ्कयुगलं

चतुश्चक्रं मन्ये तव मुखमिदं मन्मथरथम् ।

यमारुह्य द्रुह्यत्यवनिरथमर्केन्दुचरणं

महावीरो मारः प्रमथपतये सज्जितवते ॥ ५९॥

I feel that thine face,

With the pair of ear studs,

Reflected in thine two mirror like cheeks.

Is the four wheeled Charriot,

Of the God of love.

Perhaps he thought he can win Lord Shiva,

Who was riding in the chariot of earth,

With Sun and moon as wheels,

Because he was riding in this chariot.

1. Word-to-Word Meaning

• स्फुरत्-गण्ड-अभोग- — Shining expanse of cheeks
• प्रतिफलित-ताटङ्क-युगलं — Reflecting the pair of earrings
• चतुः-चक्रं — Four-wheeled (symbolizing a chariot)
• मन्ये — I consider
• तव मुखम् — Your face
• इदं — This
• मन्मथ-रथम् — The chariot of Kamadeva (god of love)
• यम् — Which
• आरुह्य — Ascending or riding
• द्रुह्यति — Wages war
• अवनिरथम् — Against the Earth’s chariot (signifying the world)
• अर्क-इन्दु-चरणम् — Having the Sun and the Moon as wheels
• महावीरः — The great hero
• मारः — Kamadeva
• प्रमथपतये — To Shiva, the lord of the Pramathas (divine attendants)
• सज्जितवते — Prepared for battle

2. Overall Meaning of the Shloka

O Devi, your face, adorned with the gleam of your radiant cheeks and the reflection of your earrings, resembles the four-wheeled chariot of Kamadeva, the god of love. Riding this chariot, Kamadeva wages battle against the world, represented by the Sun and Moon as wheels of the Earth’s chariot. The great hero, Kamadeva, readies himself to challenge Shiva, the lord of the Pramathas, in this cosmic play of love and divine power.

3. Expanded Spiritual Commentary

This verse poetically portrays Devi’s face as the enchanting chariot of Kamadeva, the deity of love, signifying its power to captivate and influence the entire cosmos. The four "wheels" metaphorically relate to the divine energies and the irresistible allure present in her features, symbolizing a chariot that commands universal attraction.

Kamadeva's readiness to engage with Lord Shiva illustrates the interaction between divine love and the supreme asceticism represented by Shiva. The subtle reflection of earrings on Devi's cheeks enhances this imagery, hinting at the harmonious balance between desire and detachment, a significant theme in spiritual practices where the material and transcendental meet.

The verse also subtly evokes the cyclic nature of creation and dissolution, represented by the Sun and the Moon as the wheels of existence. Devi’s beauty, as the force inspiring Kamadeva’s chariot, symbolizes the ultimate source of all creative and transformative powers in the universe.

4. Additional Points

• Kamadeva’s Chariot: Kamadeva symbolizes desire and cosmic attraction. His association with Devi's face underlines the powerful, enchanting influence she wields.
• Sun and Moon Symbolism: The Sun represents consciousness, and the Moon symbolizes mind and emotions. Together, they signify the dynamic balance of creation and sustenance.
• Divine Union: The mention of Kamadeva challenging Shiva alludes to the interplay of Shakti (divine energy) and Shiva (consciousness), essential for cosmic equilibrium.

Shloka 60 (Giving power of speech to dumb, Making your predictions come true)

सरस्वत्याः सूक्तीरमृतलहरीकौशलहरीः

पिबन्त्याः शर्वाणि श्रवणचुलुकाभ्यामविरलम् ।

चमत्कारश्लाघाचलितशिरसः कुण्डलगणो

झणत्कारैस्तारैः प्रतिवचनमाचष्ट इव ते ॥ ६०॥

Oh Goddess , who is the consort of Lord Shiva,

Your sweet voice which resembles,

The continuous waves of nectar,

Fills the ear vessels of Saraswathi,

Without break,

And she shakes her head hither and thither,

And the sound made by her ear studs,

Appear as if they applaud your words.

1. Word-to-Word Meaning

• सरस्वत्याः — Of Saraswati (the goddess of knowledge)
• सूक्तीः — Utterances or hymns
• अमृत-लहरी — Waves of nectar (symbolizing the supreme knowledge)
• कौशल-हरीः — Streams of skillful eloquence
• पिबन्त्याः — Drinking
• शर्वाणि — O consort of Shiva
• श्रवण-चुलुकाभ्याम् — With the cup of (your) ears
• अविरलम् — Continuously
• चमत्कार-श्लाघा — Admiration mixed with wonder
• चलित-शिरसः — Nodding head (in appreciation)
• कुण्डल-गणः — Pair of earrings
• झणत्कारैः — With the jingling sounds
• तारैः — High-pitched
• प्रतिवचनम् — As a response
• आचष्ट — Speaks or answers
• इव — As if
• ते — Of yours

2. Overall Meaning of the Shloka

O Shakti, consort of Shiva, as you listen attentively to the sublime and skillful hymns of Saraswati—the goddess of knowledge—flowing like waves of nectar, it is as if your earrings, with their high-pitched jingling sound, respond in delight. Your head, moved by the wonder of this sacred knowledge, subtly nods in acknowledgment, and the movement of your earrings creates melodious sounds that seem to offer an appreciative reply to Saraswati's hymns.

3. Expanded Spiritual Commentary

This verse presents an image of Devi, embodying the highest receptivity to wisdom. It portrays her as delighting in the profound, nectar-like utterances of Saraswati. This symbolism underscores the supreme unity between wisdom and divine energy—where Devi herself, though the source of all knowledge, delights in listening to the hymns that arise from it. The "cups of her ears" signify her readiness to receive and appreciate divine sound, indicating that even the most transcendent forms of divinity honor knowledge and eloquence.

The earrings' jingling becomes more than just an adornment; it takes on the role of a musical response, suggesting that every part of Devi reverberates with harmony and appreciation for divine knowledge. This harmonious response reflects how the universe, represented by the Divine Mother, reacts in symphony to spiritual insight and celebration.

4. Additional Points

• Saraswati's Connection: Saraswati's hymns represent the pinnacle of intellectual and spiritual discourse. Devi's attention to these hymns symbolizes that even the highest divine energy venerates knowledge.
• Symbolism of Earrings: The jingling sound of the earrings emphasizes that Devi's entire being is engaged in the experience, demonstrating that divine acknowledgment can manifest through subtle gestures.
• Nectar Imagery: The description of Saraswati's speech as "waves of nectar" reinforces the life-giving and immortal nature of true knowledge and eloquence.
• Unity of Shakti and Knowledge: The depiction highlights that Devi, who is the essence of Shakti, inherently possesses and delights in all forms of wisdom, illustrating her role as the ultimate source and admirer of divine speech.

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