The Hindu : Miscellaneous / Religion : Embodiment of grace

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jun 01, 2005

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Embodiment of grace

CHENNAI: : Among the devotees and saints who received the grace of the Divine Mother in abundant measure Adi Sankara is unique in that he was a philosopher who was also a great devotional mystic. He was a prolific writer who wrote different types of works for the benefit of both the scholar and the layperson. The hymns he composed on the different deities attest to the importance he gave to devotion. The Saundaryalahari is his devotional offering to the Divine Mother in 100 verses in which he describes Her divine beauty and grace.

In her discourse, Srimati Sudha Seshaiyan said though mystics could obtain whatever they desired through the grace of the Divine Mother, they composed such works only for the benefit of mankind. The hymns, which are descriptive in nature, are meant to enable the devotee to visualise the deity during worship.

Besides, they give the result of the Mantras incorporated in them, which the devotee otherwise will not be able to employ easily as there are prescribed methods to be adopted in their worship. Anyone, on the other hand, can chant devotional hymns, and derive the same benefit because the words employed by the saints have the same potency as the Mantras.

The Devi Bhagavata Purana describes the divine deeds of the Divine Mother. The feminine aspect of Godhead has the dynamic function attributed to Her and being the embodiment of grace She has an important role in the redemption of the bonded souls from worldly bondage. She is also worshipped as the Supreme, as can be seen from the hymn, Saundaryalahari and being the universal Mother is very accessible to Her creation. Sankara portrays the Divine Mother with a form to enable the devotee to comprehend the formless One in a form, which is at once endearing and within easy reach. She is described as seated on the Sri Chakra, which the devotee must visualise within his heart.

The Devi Bhagavata describes the manifestation of the Divine Mother as Lalita in response to the prayer of the creator, Brahma to protect the celestials from the atrocities of Pandasura. This demon rose from the ashes of Manmatha when Siva burnt him to ashes for distracting Him while meditating. This Puranic episode illustrates that unless one controls desires by offering them to the Divine Mother they will spring up in another form.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Miscellaneous

News Update

Stories in this Section

Cartoon

The Hindu Crossword 8308

Solution to Puzzle 8307

Embodiment of grace

dated June 1, 1955: PM explains Goa policy

dated June 1, 1955: Essentials of education

Weather