Śrī Lalitha Sahasranama – Detailed Explanation

Introduction

A divine hymn of a thousand sacred names of Goddess Lalita Tripurasundari — embodying immense spiritual power and grace.

Divine Origin

The Lalitha Sahasranama (Sanskrit: ललिता सहस्रनाम) is unique among sacred hymns. It was first composed by the eight celestial goddesses of speech — the Vāgdevatās (Vasini, Kameshwari, Aruna, Vimala, Jayinee, Modhinee, Sarveshwari, and Kaulini) — under the direct command of Goddess Lalita Tripurasundari herself.
Later, it was transmitted to humanity through the sacred dialogue between Lord Hayagriva — the horse-headed incarnation of Vishnu symbolizing supreme wisdom — and Sage Agastya, one of the revered Saptarishis.

This dual origin — divine composition followed by scriptural transmission — preserves its sanctity and sets it apart from other Sahasranamas composed solely by sages. Its placement in the Brahmanda Purana one of the eighteen major Puranas of Hinduism,
specifically in the Uttara Khanda (the last section) situates it firmly within authoritative scripture, ensuring its preservation and accessibility through the ages.

Scriptural Context

Within the Lalitopakhyana section of the Brahmanda Purana, Sage Agastya seeks guidance from Lord Hayagriva on the highest form of devotion. In response, Hayagriva reveals the glory of Goddess Lalita and the thousand names as a supreme path to devotion and liberation. This sacred discourse reinforces the Sahasranama’s authority and spiritual power.

Structure of the Thousand Names

The hymn is carefully structured:

The first 84 names (in the initial 34 verses) vividly depict the goddess’s form from head to toe.

The remaining names describe her cosmic powers, compassion, and her roles in creation, preservation, and dissolution, as well as her grace as the Supreme Mother.

Dhyāna Śloka – Meditative Visualization

With its divine and scriptural foundation established, the Sahasranama opens with Dhyāna Shloka — verses of meditative visualization. These guide the devotee to mentally envision the goddess’s form in a precise, symbolic sequence, from her radiant crown to her posture.
This portion is deeply contemplative and devotional. It presents her not only as the boundless cosmic power but also as a loving, radiant, motherly form of supreme consciousness. Each name here is a sacred mantra, carrying profound esoteric meaning in the Śrīvidyā tradition, describing her ornaments, weapons, and expressions with symbolic depth.
This practice elevates the mind, awakens devotion, and prepares the heart for the inner spiritual journey.

Unique Features

No repetition — each of the thousand names is distinct and deliberately chosen.

It is said that reciting this Sahasranama is possible only through the will and grace of Goddess Lalita.

Recitation is believed to fulfill desires, remove obstacles, purify the mind, and ultimately lead to moksha (liberation).