Essay name: Soundarya Lahari of Shri Shankara (Study)
Author:
Seetha N.
Affiliation: University of Kerala / Department of Sanskrit
The essay studies in English the Soundarya Lahari of Shri Shankara, focusing on its philosophical and devotional aspects. The Saundaryalahari represents an epitome of Shaktism (worship of the divine Goddess) by expounding the ultimate goal of liberation (moksha) through the non-dual knowledge of Nirguna Brahman, as taught by the Advaita philosophy.
Chapter 7 - Philosophical aspects in Saundaryalahari
48 (of 57)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
Download the PDF file of the original publication
- 372 - The Anahatacakra pictures them as Hamsesvara and Hamsesvarī who bless the votary with knowledge in the eighteen vidyas like the four six Vedangas, four Vedas, Purva and Uttara mimamsas, Nyāya, Purānas, Dharmasastra, Ayurveda, Gandharvavidyā and Niti sastra. 168 In Svadhisthāna, they are meditated as Samvartesvara and Samayamba. By this meditation the votary can defend himself from 169 prickly heat on earth and act as cool balm to heat.
Manipura Her lustre dispells the prevailing darkness.
In the
She is
called Saudamini, and He is called Megheśvara. The devotee is
by
initiated Her into true knowledge,
^
act as shower of cool bath.
and Amrtesvara. 170
To the entire universe, they
They are otherwise called Amrtesvari
In Mūlādhāra, Siva and Sakti are in dancing posture,
acting as the father and mother of the Universe, in Hibiscus red
complexion.
171 They are called Natesvara and Samayamba or
Mahanatesvara and Lasyesvari or Mahabhairava and Anandabhairavi.
Brahmanda
Sakti resides in the gross body of Siva.
Brahmanda
(Universe) is said to be the gross body of Viratsvarūpa (Śiva).
She prevails all over the Universe.
Here Siva is Avyakta (vague)
168. S.L. 38.
169. S.L. 39.
170. ibid. 40.
171. ibid. 41
