The word "lalita sahasranama" is a Sanskrit term that refers to a sacred text that includes 1,000 names of the Goddess Lalita. In terms of pronunciation, "lalita sahasranama" is spelled as [ləˈlɪtə səˈhʌsrʌnəmə], with the stress on the third syllable of each word. The IPA phonetic transcription breaks down the sounds in each syllable, with the "a" pronounced as a short "uh" sound and the "i" as a short "ih" sound. Overall, "lalita sahasranama" is a complex but beautiful term that is deeply meaningful in Hindu spirituality.
The term "Lalita Sahasranama" refers to a revered Hindu text that is a unique compilation of a thousand names of the Divine Mother, Lalita or Rajarajeshwari. Lalita Sahasranama, which translates to "a thousand names of Lalita," is found in the ancient scriptures of Hinduism, particularly the Brahmanda Purana.
The text describes the Divine Mother in her most enchanting and divine form, encompassing her various qualities and attributes. Each name mentioned in the Lalita Sahasranama carries immense spiritual significance and represents a specific aspect of the goddess. These aspects include her beauty, power, compassion, abundance, and wisdom, among others.
Devotees of Lalita Mata use this profound text as a potent spiritual tool for worship, meditation, and the attainment of spiritual liberation. Recitation or chanting of the names in the Lalita Sahasranama is considered a devotional practice that helps connect with the Divine Mother's divine energy and seek her blessings. It is believed that by assimilating the qualities embodied in the names, devotees can invoke transformation and spiritual growth within themselves.
The Lalita Sahasranama is often recited during special occasions, rituals, and festivals dedicated to the Divine Mother, particularly in the Shakta tradition of Hinduism. It is also regarded as a source of profound spiritual knowledge and serves as a guide for devotees seeking the path of divine love and devotion towards the Mother Goddess.
The term "lalita sahasranama" is derived from Sanskrit.
"Lalita" means "playful" or "charming" in Sanskrit. It is also one of the names given to the Hindu goddess Devi, who represents the feminine energy or Shakti.
"Sahasranama" is a compound word made up of "sahasra" meaning "thousand" and "nama" meaning "name" in Sanskrit. Thus, "sahasranama" translates to "thousand names".
Therefore, "lalita sahasranama" refers to the "thousand names of Devi" or specifically the sacred text Lalita Sahasranama Stotram, which is a devotional hymn dedicated to the goddess Lalita.