Power of Chanting Lalitha Saharanamam

What is Lalitha Sahasranamam?

Lalitha’ refers to the playful and graceful aspect of the Divine Mother, and ‘Sahasranamam’ means ‘a a thousand names.’, Lalitha Sahasranamam is a thousand names of the Divine Mother, Goddess Lalitha Maha Tripura Sundari each name symbolizing a different facet of her infinite glory and power.

Maha Tripura Sundari, literally means "the most beautiful in all the three worlds,"  She is considered even above the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. She is known as the Universal Mother, the mother of all beings in the universe.

Goddess Lalitha is believed to have created every living being, from the smallest earthworm to Brahma, the Creator himself. She is the source of energy for the trinity—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—allowing them to perform their duties of creation, protection, and destruction of the universe. Without her energy or Shakti, it is said that Shiva would be like a lifeless body, Shiva without Shakthi is like Shava incapable of any movement. The wives of the trinity—Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Parvati—are all considered different forms of Goddess Lalitha herself.

It was Her form that destroyed the greatest Demon or asura in the Hindu puranas, Bhandasura  who had acquired the boon from Shiva Himself that no man or God could beat him in combat. Armed with the greatest weapons in all the 3 world’s  She defeated Bhandasura.

The scriptures also proclaim that chanting the name of Shiva once (Om Nama Shivaya) is as beneficial as chanting the name of Vishnu (Om Namo Narayana) one thousand times. But chanting just one name of Goddess Lalitha gives benefits equivalent to chanting the name of Shiva a thousand million times. I’m not exaggerating—these are the exact words from the scriptures.

Reciting these names isn’t just about chanting words; it’s about invoking the divine energies  within us.

History of Lalitha Sahasranamam

The Lalitha Sahasranamam is part of the Brahmanda Purana, one of the eighteen major Puranas in Hinduism. It is said to have been revealed in the Lalitopakhyana, a section within the Brahmanda Purana, during a conversation between Lord Hayagriva, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and Sage Agastya, a revered sage known for his wisdom and devotion.

According to the legend, the Lalitha Sahasranamam was composed by the Saptarishis (the seven great sages) under the guidance of the Vak Devatas. The Vak Devatas are divine beings who personify speech, sound, and the power of articulation. There are 8 vak devatas , they are considered to be the embodiment of Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music, and speech.

That’s why whoever chants Lalitha sahasranamam regulary will have the blessings of this 8 vak devatas, the goddesses of speech and wisdom.

The Role of the Vak Devatas

The Vak Devatas were assigned  the task of articulating the thousand names of the Divine Mother, Sri Lalitha Tripura Sundari. It is believed that they received this knowledge directly from the Divine Mother herself, who revealed her various aspects, attributes, and glories to them.

The Vak Devatas inspired and guided the sages in arranging these thousand names in a specific order, which not only glorified the Divine Mother but also followed a poetic and rhythmic structure. The sotra is composed in a way that chanting it generates powerful vibrations, which are believed to resonate with the energy of the Divine Mother.

The 1000 names are not just descriptive but are considered to be potent mantras. Each name, when chanted with devotion, is believed to invoke the specific aspect of the Divine Mother that it represents..

The Lalitha Sahasranamam is thus not just a sotra but a divine gift to humanity, a means to connect with the boundless grace and power of the Divine Mother.

How to Chant, When to Chant, All the Rules of Chanting

"Chanting the Lalitha Sahasranamam is a sacred practice, and like any spiritual discipline, there are a few guidelines to enhance its effectiveness.

First, purity of body and mind is essential. It’s best to take a bath, wear clean clothes, and create a calm environment before you begin.  The best place is the pooja room in your home or Find any quiet place where you won’t be disturbed, light a lamp or incense to create a sacred space.

As for the timing, early morning during Brahma Muhurta – the pre-dawn hours – is considered ideal. However, the Divine Mother is beyond time, so you can chant whenever you feel most connected.

The best days to chant are Tuesdays, Fridays and Full moon days.  Again my suggestion is to chant everyday.

While chanting, reflect on the meanings of the name and visualize the Divine Mother’s form and presence. The pace should be steady, not rushed, allowing the vibrations of the sounds to permeate your being.

Remember, it’s not about perfection but devotion. Even if you stumble or mispronunce a line, its fine, the sincerity in your heart is what matters most."

"Throughout history, many great sages and saints have testified to the immense power of the Lalitha Sahasranamam.

Like  Adi Shankaracharya, he praised the sotra for its ability to bestow wisdom, peace, and divine grace. It is said that he recommended this practice to his disciples as a means to attain spiritual enlightenment.

Another great devotee, Sri Bhaskararaya, one of the foremost commentators on the Lalitha Sahasranamam, spoke of the sotra as the ultimate tool for spiritual liberation.

He experienced firsthand the blessings that flow from chanting these thousand names and dedicated his life to spreading this knowledge.

 Benefits of Chanting Lalitha Sahasranama

"So, why should we chant the Lalitha Sahasranamam? The benefits are numerous and profound.

On a spiritual level, chanting these thousand names helps us align with the divine energies, bringing us closer to the Divine Mother. It purifies our mind, body, and soul, and helps us overcome negative tendencies, replacing them with love, compassion, and wisdom.

Mentally, it brings clarity, focus, and peace. The rhythmic chanting acts like a meditation, calming the mind and reducing stress. Many people have reported that regular chanting brings about a positive transformation in their lives.

On a physical level, the vibrations of the sounds have a healing effect. They help in balancing the energies in the body, promoting overall well-being.

But perhaps the most beautiful benefit is the deep sense of connection and inner peace that comes from invoking the Divine Mother’s presence in our lives. It’s an experience of divine love and protection that words can hardly capture."

The Phalashruti (fruits of recitation) of the Lalitha Sahasranamam is detailed in the text itself, emphasizing the numerous spiritual, mental, and material benefits one can attain through sincere chanting. Here are some of the key benefits as mentioned in the Lalitha Sahasranamam:

1.     Spiritual Upliftment and Liberation (Moksha): The Lalitha Sahasranamam is said to bestow spiritual enlightenment and ultimate liberation to the devotees. Chanting the thousand names with devotion leads to the cleansing of past karmas, paving the way for moksha.

2.     Protection from Evil Forces: The text mentions that those who regularly recite the Lalitha Sahasranamam are protected from negative energies, evil spirits, and any form of black magic or malefic influences.

3.     Divine Grace and Favor: By chanting these sacred names, devotees invoke the direct grace of the Divine Mother. It is believed that Her blessings bring success in all endeavors, fulfillment of desires, and overall prosperity.

4.     Healing and Health: The Lalitha Sahasranamam is considered a powerful tool for healing. The vibrations generated by chanting the names have a positive impact on the body, helping to cure ailments, diseases, and maintain good health.

5.     Wealth and Prosperity: The text assures that those who recite the Lalitha Sahasranamam with devotion will be blessed with material wealth, prosperity, and abundance. It is particularly noted for alleviating financial difficulties.

6.     Peace and Mental Calm: Regular chanting brings about a sense of peace and tranquility in the mind. The Phalashruti mentions that the recitation helps to remove mental stress, anxiety, and brings about a state of mental clarity and focus.

7.     Family Harmony and Happiness: The text emphasizes that chanting these names brings harmony and happiness in familial relationships. It fosters love, understanding, and unity among family members.

8.     Victory over Enemies and Obstacles: The Lalitha Sahasranamam is believed to provide divine assistance in overcoming enemies, obstacles, and challenges in life. It grants strength and courage to face adversities.

9.     Divine Protection and Long Life: Devotees are assured of long life and divine protection from all dangers, accidents, and untimely death.

10.  Attaining Knowledge and Wisdom: The text also mentions that reciting the Lalitha Sahasranamam enhances intellectual capabilities, wisdom, and knowledge. It is particularly beneficial for students and those engaged in scholarly pursuits.

11.  Special Boons and Miracles: According to the Phalashruti, there are specific and special boons that devotees can attain by focusing on certain names or through intense and dedicated recitation. These boons can be miraculous and life-transforming.

12.  Spiritual Sadhana Enhancement: For those on the path of spiritual practice, chanting the Lalitha Sahasranamam enhances their sadhana (spiritual practice), making it more effective and bringing them closer to their spiritual goals.

These benefits highlight the transformative power of the Lalitha Sahasranamam. The Phalashruti serves as an encouragement for devotees to embrace this practice with devotion, promising profound positive changes in their lives.

Om Sri Matre Namaha.