Soundarya Lahari Series (Article 13) : Verse 11 – “Getting a Meaning for Life, Good Progeny”

Kundalini is believed to be 31/2 coils, it is our imagination of how to understand it. The om is compound akshara having in it A, U, M and three rounds last nadha. 31/2 rounds is nothing but nadha or AUM, that is the energy.

3/12 rounds is nothing but pranava nadha. 3 is A, U , M and mmmm is nadha. That is the energy . This is the soundarya lahari , shakara bahgavad padha composed in a rare chandas. Here he has used Shikharini chanda which is very rara. The speciality of these chandas is 17 aksharas in each line. The first stop for one line is after 6 letters remaining 11 letters can be read as one line as a result the meaning will not change. This mantra speaks about Srichakra. This mantra is meditation on Srichakra.

Four triangles that enclose the supreme energy.

Shiva Yuvathi bhi — shakti triangles and 5 triangles.

The first square is mentioned here. What we call the first square, three lines as bhupura is not taken here. He has mentioned circles.The bhupura or the first avarana in some sampradaya is three lines or in some it is the three squares.This mantra illustrates the Srichakra. It is unique because it is a symbol of microcosmic if you call pindanda as well as relation to brahmanda. (macrocosm) one is limited and the other one is unlimited. Sri chakra is not a simple triangle, perfectly establishes the connection between the two different dimensions once is microcosm and other is macrocosm.An evolution of consciousness into matter and involution of matter back to consciousness ,therefore this yantar her own form bestows both material wealth, pleasure as well as liberation from bondage of matter. Matter can become consciousness. This yantra is the linear representation of experience of kundalini . The experience of this shakti union with Shiva takes place at the microcosm level. The same thing is happening with the infinite galaxies as well.It is happening all the time and at all levels is contained in Sri Yantra. The kundalini experience takes place in the body. So it is not the experience that takes place at the body level, it also happens in the entire universe. Infinite universe emans galaxies (Innumerable). That experience is happening all the time somewhere or some place. This cosmic experience whether in the microcosmos or macrocosmic, the interplay between conscious play between consciousness and energy pragana and shakti at all levels is contained in Srichakra or Sri Yantra. It is not a geometrical expression it is a 3D expression. This is the speciality of tantra shastra particularly Srividya tantra shastra that offers mandala , yantra and mantra. For each and everything in the universe srividya tantra offer a yantra and mantra.Yantra and mantra are the told for meditation and dhyana there by one can attain higher states of consciousness by experiencing the kundalini which is the subtlest form. Yantra and mantra are sadhana for meditation. All the living beings have consciousness. Human beings have better consciousness than lower beings. Going deeper, what we call as jada has consciousness. All us are in some states of consciousness.

It is a very normal level of consciousness. By dhyana or mantra yoga or be mantra alone the consciousness goes to a higher level. We are in normal consciousness, when he loses consciousness it is because of pragna. There is a state of higher consciousness that can be attained by realising that energy of the goddess in her subtlest form of kundalini. Srichakra is an intersection of four triangles facing upwards and 5 triangles facing downwards. These nine triangles represent nine mulaprakriti .

“ mulaprakriti ravyaktha vyaktha vyaktha swaroopini”

Mulaprakriti is root manifestation pointing in opposite directions. Even in Bhagavad Gita there is a mention of main mulaprakriti or defined. The nine mulaprakriti, Out of nine onepara prakrithi. Para is used to define supreme nature. The eight apara ( normal nature)parkrithi’s are high attvas (Prithvi,apu, tejo ,Vayu, akasa, mind ,intellect, anhamkara, manasu).Shiva yuvathi the four triangles facing updown is shiva yuvathi represent maha prakruthi and maha kundalini forever gazing upwards. As para prakriti is yuvathi — virgin divine who interlaste with the four downward facing triangles called Srikante entrapped in the sensurreal world which is her own world. The word kante a sense of getting caught up in something which is the exact condition of kundalini.

There is one such triangle in Srichakra which is the first triangle. which is the baode of shakti. The intersection of the nine triangles creates 43 triangles. The four triangles represent kalpa vriksha and 43 triangles represent kadamba trees. At the center of srichakra is the bindu– the seat of shakti. The last triangle is her palace, her east who remains asanga separate. The 43 triangles are surrounded by 8 lotus petals which are symbolic of apara prakriti ( panchabhutas , mind intellect and ego). 16 petals symbolic of waxing phases or moon culminating to Sodashi, represents shodasha kalas. 15 petals is also the 15 thithi nitya devis. And the 16th is the moon which is the pournima and comes back to the outermost is the bhupura, the earth element that contains all of these. With 36 tattvas along with the sapta dhatus which include blood, flesh, fat,nouse, bone marrow and semen. So 36 tattvas and 7 dhatus makes 43 formed by descent of energy. The intersection of nine triangles which create the intricate mesh of 43 triangles is the symbolic of microcosmic experience of the manifestation of matter from pure consciousness. The matter has manifested from pure consciousness, the microcosmic experience is enshrined in the innermost 43 triangle which has bindu in the center.Some traditions advocate that 44 triangles make up the srichakra. This bindu center is the innermost triangle is shambhu metaphorically described as the coach in which Tripurasundari majestically reclines in union with Kameshwara or paramashiva. Manidveepa is where Ambal is sitting majestically. That is the bindu part is what we see in pictures. At the cosmic level Srichakra represents total, the body of the supreme shakti is Trigunathitha– beyond three gunas ( Satva, Rajas, Tamas) as well as tattva thitha. Sankhay shastra described 24. In 24 numbers also 36 tattvas are present. In a simple way of 36 tattvas, when we compress them into three they become atma tattva, Vidya attatva, Shiva tattva. She is beyond all these tattvas.These tattvas emerge from Shiva and Shakti. The shiva tattvas: beginning is Atma tattva and end is Shiva attava.

Shiva tattvas emerge from Shiva the pure consciousness and Shakti pure energy. Shudha tatva and shudha shakti from this ire consciousness and pure energy Ichcha, Guyana and Kriya shakti emanate. Ichcha is willing force, kriya is activating force and Gyana is Knowing force or knowledge and these three at that level, shiva tattva ends.

Vidya tattva : begins from Maya illusory force dlie. Then somes five kanchukas, Kala, Vidya, rag, kaala and niyathi. Up to her it is macrocosm.

The microcosm is the atma tatva, that is purusha the individual soul , jivatma prakriti and nature.

So these 44 triangles surrounding the bindu create 5 avranas or coverings. The bindu itself is avarana making it 6th avaranas. Apart from these 6 avaranas, 3 more are there avaranas made up of the 2 circles and 2 walls. Avarana means compound, obscure all together Tripura Sundari has 9 avranas which keep her very well concealed in the same way as the litus is concealed by it’s petals.These 9 avranas are in manidweepa. It is compared to the core of lotus. She is concealed as an inner part of lotus core. The meditation on Srichara are three levels that depicts the three parts of Devi’s body.

Agni: From the neck to the face is Vagbhavakuta
Sun: Neck to the waist and is known as kamakalakuta or madhya kuta.
Moon: From waist down to toes, Shaktikuta. Shaktikutaika

At the individual level Srichakra represents our own body. Srichakra at the cosmic level represents the individual and cosmic level. Our only effort is to establish the link between the individual and cosmic mother. When the link is established by inner worship. We have to superimpose a specific point in the body with the help of a guru. Sri Chakra represents Bramhanda and pindanda. When that designated individual has one specific point in the body, the quality of sadhaka’s awareness, She will reveal her other half shiva.homogenous pure unadulterated awareness. All the purpose of Srichakra puja is this. When one establishes connection within himself with srichakra, that would be the goal which is transcendence. Shankara indicates that meditation is through the Srichakra.

A doubt that a common man has regarding keeping Sri Chakra can be cleared now.? When we can live in this body and align it with Srichakra, Why not keep Srichakra in the house. A causal, subtl and to gross dimension. The frequency of sounds is altered to adjust the dimension and space. Sri yantra is a very potent means from the gross to the transcendental. Sri Yantra is a very potent means to penetrate all the dimensions of sound from the gross to the transcendental because Srichakra is the exact replica of geometrical design. Geometry is the measurement of the universe. It has squares, triangles and circle.The tantras measurements of vidya tantra enter those areas of calculation that are beyond the field of geometry. Vidya Tantra has even attempted to define the calculation of energy contained in sound. The sound alters from para which is inaudible to normal ear to a lower frequency that can be heard. The foremost being Sriyantra. The lowest frequency is referred to in Lalitha Sahasranama. “Parapratyakchitirupa pashyanti paradevata Madhyama vaikharirupa bhaktamanasa hansika – 81 “

This is only part. Srichakra is the representation of Universal consciousness and energy which can be identified by Sri chakra in one’s own self , one can establish the connectivity with universal consciousness.

Srichakra begins with a square that has three lines drawn which is the outermost square. The other square having three lines or three squares making one is called Trailokya Mohana Chakra. Trilokya — it dilutes three stages of consciousness. Mohana – delusion.Jagruth avastha pragna, Swapana avastha pragna, sushumna avastha pragna. This is the first enclosure of Srichakra. The deity that is ruling this avarana is Tripura Devi. Each avarana is ruled by a presiding deity and her independent yogini.In the first avarana the yogini is Prakata Yogini.What are the divinities in this avarana? Anima Sidhamba, Laghima Sidhamba, Mahima Sidhamba, Isitva Sidhamba, Vasitva Sidhamba, Prakamya Sidhamba, Bhuti Sidhamba, Iccha Sidhamba, Prapti Sidhamba and Sarva Kama Sidhamba.Second Line: Sri Brahmi Matruka, Maheswari Matruka, Kaumari Matruka, Vaishnavi Matruka, Varahi Matruka, Mahendri Matruka, Chamunda Matruka, and Mahalakshmi Matruka.Third Line: Sarva Sankshobhini Devi, Sarva Vidravini Devi, Sarvakarshini Devi, Sarva vashankari Devi, Sarvonmadini Devi, Sarva Mahankusa Devi, Sarva Khechari Devi, Sarva Beeja Devi, Sarva Yoni Devi, Sarva Trikhanda Devi, Trilokya Mohana chakra swamini Devi and Prakata Yogini Devi .10 divinities and they represent 10 siddhis (superhuman powers in the outermost wall). Animadhi, we will be worshiping the superhuman siddhis.

In the middle wall there are ashtamatrukas, Bramhi, Varahi, Kaumari, Vasihnavi, etc. Along with their consorts they are the ashta bhairavas. Each matruka are served by 8 yogini’s : “ Mahachatushashtikoti yogini ganasevita “ Lalitha Sahasranama talks about devi served by 64 yoginis in the middle wall. Eight of each serve ashtamatrukas.

Also these ashta bhairavas represent eight directions (Cordinal).

The bhairava are explained very vastly. These are beyond reach. In Vijnana Bhairava in 167 or 166 we had different types of meditation. We can choose any one of those.

Vignana Bhairav is a part of Rudrayamala tantra. These bhairava are consorts if ashtamatrukas. These superhuman siddhis are easily attainable. IN the inner wall yoni mudra devata it is the hand gestures. 28 divinities are present in the front chakra? How do we enter this avarana? It’s opening is just below the apex. The innermost triangle facing the worshipper. When a Srichakra is placed in front of the sadhaka with five inner triangles, the direction becomes east. The puja should be offered by standing. After worshipping 28 goddesses and obtaining permission from them, we have to move to the next enclosure. chatushashtikoti yogini koti– koti does not mean crore, koti is the number. Sixty four yoginis. Here we have entered the second enclosure which is called Sarvashaparipuraka Chakra. All the desires, here lives the spiritual hope of the Sadhaka.

After the square we have three circles, three lines. What are the three circles which also belong to the first avarana only. Whatever we have in three squares is also present in three circles.

Petals: In this enclosure dietary is Tripureshi, his assistant is Gupta Yogini. The first one is Prakata Yogini. The following are deities that we can see in the 2 nd avarana . Kamakarshini Shakti, Buddhyakarshini Shakti, Ahankarakarshini Shakti, Sabdakarshini Shakti, Sparshakarshini Shakti, Rupakarshini Shakti, Rasakarshini Shakti, Gandhakarshini Shakti, Chittakarshini Shakti, Dhairyakarshini Shakti, Smrutyakarshini Shakti, Namakarshini Shakti, Beejakarshini Shakti, Atmakarshini Shakti, Amrutakarshini Shakti, Sharirakarshini Shakti, Sarva Aasha Paripurka Chakraswamini and Gupta Yogini.The second enclosure has 16 lotus petals. In the three-circles no worship takes place.

Now we enter into 16 petals by a goddess. Each petal has one vowel AM to Ah. 16 petals or 16 devatas sound form as 16 vowels. So it is almost refers to vishuddhi chakra and at the gross level it is visudhi.

Srichakra is in our body. In kadhividya it is wonderfully said about the Srichakra in the body.

3rd Avarana: In this avarana we see following deities. Anga Kusuma Shakti, Ananga Mekhala Shakti, Ananga Madana Shakti, Ananga Madanatura Shakti, Ananga Rekha Shakti, Ananga Vegini Shakti, Ananga Ankusha Shakti, Ananga Malini Shakti, Sarva Sankshobhana Chakraswamini, and Gupta thara Yogini.

After obtaining permission from them we can enter into the 3rd enclosure which is Sarva Sankshobhana Chakra. This is the 8 petal lotus and the deity is Tripurasundari. Here Tripurasundari is different from Mahatripurasundari in bindu and her yogini is Guptatara Yogini. Here also we have 8 goddesses each petal. Hence it becomes 64.

After this avarana we enter the 1st set of triangles that is called Sarva Soubhagya dayaka Chakra, this is the place which provides Spiritual and material comforts, has 14 triangles and deity is Tripura Vasini and yogini is Sampradaya yogini.

This is again ruled by a goddess. In this avarana the deities are Sarvakshobini Devi, Sarva Vidravini Devi, Sarvakarshini Devi, Sarvahladini Devi, Sarva Sammohini Devi, Sarva-Sthambhini Devi, Sarvajhrumbhini Devi, Sarvavashankari Devi, Sarva Ranjani Devi, Sarvonmadini Devi, Sarvatha Sadhika Devi, Sarva Sampatti Purani Devi, Sarva Mantramayi Devi, Sarva Dvandva Kshayankari Devi, Sarva Soubhagya Dayaka Chakraswamini Devi, and Sampradaya Yogini Devi.

5Th enclosure is Sarvartha Sadhaka makes the sadhaka Spiritually prosper –there are 10 triangles presiding deity is Tripurashri kulorthina Yogini. Sarva Siddhiprada Devi, Sarva Sampathprada Devi, Sarva Priyankari Devi, Sarva Mangala Karini Devi, Sarva Kamaprada Devi, Sarva Dhuhkha Vimochani Devi, Sarva Mrithyu Prasamani Devi, Sarva Vighna Nivarini Devi, Sarvanga Sundari Devi, Sarva Sowbhagya Dayani Devi, Sarva Ardha Sadhaka Chakraswamini and Kulotheerna Yogini.

6th Avarana — In this avarana we see the following deities: Sarvagya Devi, Sarva Shakti Devi, Sarva Aishvarya Pradayani Devi, Sarva Jnanamayi Devi, Sarva Vyadhi Vinasini Devi, Sarvadhara Swarupa Devi, Sarva Papahari Devi, Sarva Anandamayi Devi, Sarva Raksha Swarupini Devi, Sara Epsitha Phalaprada Devi, Sarva Rakshakara Chakra Swamini and Nigarbha Yogini.10 triangles Bahirdashara known as Sarvarakshakara is where one protects the sadhaka. It protects from external hurdles from the goal. Protects him from getting attached to samsara. A person who does Srichkra puja properly he gets everything.

Antardashara is 10 triangles and deity Tripuramalini and yogini is Nigarbh yogini. After worshipping her, having permission from them we enter into 7th avarana.

In the 7th avarana the presiding deity is Sarvarogahara Chakra and the following deities: Vasini Vagdevi, Kameswari Vagdevi, Modhini Vagdevi, Vimala Vagdevi, Aruna Vagdevi, Jayani Vagdevi, Sarva Eswari Vagdevi, Kaulini Vagdevi, Sarva Rogahara Chakraswaini, Rahasya yogini, Banini, Chapini, Paasini and Ankusini. Roga is not referring to physical health. Sarvarogahara chakra is the removal of all mental afflictions. Even at this level also we have problems of mental afflictions. We have crossed so many avaranas, even at this stage we have mental afflictions.

In the 8 th avarana we have the following deities: Maha Kameswari Devi, Maha Vajreswari Devi, Maha Bhagamalini Devi, Sarva Siddhiprada Chakraswamini and Ati Rahasya Yogini.

Nava Avarana‘ / Ninth Enclosure): Bhattarika, Sarvanandamaya Chakraswamini, and Rahasya YoginiHas 8 triangles called vasukona Ashtavasu. Tripura Siddha Devi is the deity and yogini is Rahasya Yogini and each triangle is vagdevi. “Vashinyadhi vagdevatha rushyah”. There are 8 vaddevis.

The vamakeshvara tantra says that the alphabets are ruled by vag devatas. Our thoughts are sound waves. The sound you make is vagdevi. Vak sound is a primordial thing for creation. Thoughts are also vagdevi that come out of our mouths. Vamakeshvara tantra says that alphabets are nothing but vak devatas. We should speak as vag devatas.

One proceeds to worship the armories of Lalithambika. And the last enclosure of the is just outside the center bindu, innermost triangle where spiritual attainment begins to culminate with the bindu. This enclosure is Saravsidhipradha chakra, ruled by Tripuramba, Yogini is athirahasya yogini.Three goddesses are worshipped in three corners of the triangle of lalithambika. Outside the innermost Triangle there are 15 nitya devis 5,5,5, each thithi representing one lunar day and each is kameshwari to Nitya. The same place we also worship guru mandala. We draw three lines and in these lines we worship Sri guru, parama guru and parameshti guru. Our gurus are stationed in Srichakra. Guru, parama guru and parameshti guru are placed in an inner triangle. That is why Srividya sampradaya or padhathi is guru oriented.

The night enclosure is the bindu, this is known as saravnandamaya chakra, the ultimate bliss. Their self unites ever existing with jivatma and paramatma. Srichkra is not a simple drawing, this is the residence of Sri Mahatripurasundari who is known by various other names, which is the ultimate in the universe. The supreme mother, Mother of the universe. She also has yogini there, paraparathi rahasya yogini. Beyond this point, unless we have shodashi and maha paduka, we must stop here. For shodashi there is one more step, they are blessed to worship bindu once again with her ultimate mantra one more mudra called trikhandi mudra.”Dasa Mudra samaradhya tripura shrivanshankari”.

Here the conjugation of prakasha and Vimarsha, Conjugation of universal consciousness and cosmic energy takes place. The parashakti sits on the left lap of shiva. They show grace on those who sit there. When the sadhaka is uplifted with attachments in sasara enters Srichakra he gradually endorses knowledge, by the time he reaches supreme bindu he is totally transformed, From the first avarana to 9th avarana. We transform Bindu stands for creation and absorption.Sadhaka stands totally absorbed when sadhaka from bindu from the 1st avarana. Absolved sadhaka again indulges in samsara He again comes back to 1st avarana. When you ascend do not look back. We have 113 deities in Srichakra. With this in mind whatever is now understood by bhupura and all including the nine avaranas, sadhana has to meditate at the bindu, central point of Srichakra. Praying to guru is a very important aspect in Srividya.

Chanting procedure and Nivedyam( offerings to the Lord) :
If one chants this verse 1000 times every day for 8 days, and offers Kula Payasam as nivedhyam , one
is said to be blessed with a lovely male baby to represent their family ‘s riches and name.

Sri Gurubhyo Namah

Sri Matre Namah

Hema

Note: Am Nidruva penning the blog posts as an extract from attending daily online ” Soundarya Lahari Jnana Yagna” conducted by ‘ Atmanandanatha’

Link to Article 1: Introduction to Soundarya Lahari

Link to Article 2: Synopsis of first 41 verse of Soundarya Lahari

Link to Article 3: Verse1 of Soundarya Lahari explanation

Link to Article 4: Verse 2 Soundarya Lahari explanation

Link to Article 5: Verse 3 Soundarya Lahari explanation

Link to Article 6: Verse 4 Soundarya Lahari explanation

Link to Article 7: Verse 5 Soundarya Lahari explanation

Link to Article 8: Verse 6 Soundarya Lahari explanation