Shakti

Time and again, the world has turned to the east for spiritual needs.   India, “the Cradle   of   Timeless Relics,” the receptacle of ‘the Ocean of Spiritual Knowledge’ has unfailingly provided succour to the seeker, no matter what his perspective is, or how varied his needs are.   The Vedas, the Upanishads, Puranas, Ramayana Mahabharatha - .that constitute this ocean have provoked,   inspired and guided mankind, endeavoured to enhance their reach   in transcending the borders of region and religion.   These “Granthas“ or sacraments revealed such reach to the seekers (Rishis or sages) whether they were thinkers, whether they were challengers or   critics or even the skeptics and of course beckoned   the devout.In these granthas, thoughts were generally expressed through symbols, requiring deep contemplation and experiencing to grasp their hidden meanings,
The Shri Lalitasahasranama Stotram which is chanted devoutedly in many Indian homes is one such Hymn.   As the name suggests, Lalitasahasra nama stotra is a Hymn consisting of a thousand names apparently extolling   the glory of Lalitaparameshwari through ‘words of praise’.   To call it simply a compendium of names would be inappropriate for it contains profound truths implicitly hidden in layers of symbols visible only to the true seeker.
S hi Lalita sahasranama stotra is a part of the Lalitopakhyana in the Brahmanda purana.   The shlokas, pregnant with meanings are arranged in a highly logically order. Shlokas   24 to 34 are specially relevant to the materialistic world of today.   Of course materialistic approach to life is a fact of life as it has   always been and will be. The hymns narrate the slaying of   Bhandasura ( a lesser known demon, though very potent).   They picturesquely narrate the   terrible war between the forces of   Lalitaparameshwari and   Bhandasura,   culminating in the slaying of the latter finally.   This symbolises the tussle or war between the dark (totally materialistic) forces and the forces that...