“Lalitha” is a name associated with the goddess Lalita Tripurasundari, a form of the Divine Mother in Hinduism. Lalita is a beautiful and gracious aspect of the goddess, and her worship is a part of the broader Shakta tradition, which focuses on the worship of the divine feminine energy, Shakti.
Here are some key aspects related to Lalita:
- Lalita Tripurasundari: The name Lalita Tripurasundari is often used to refer to the goddess Lalita. “Lalita” means “playful” or “charming,” and “Tripurasundari” translates to “the beautiful goddess of the three cities,” referring to the three cities of the universe in Hindu cosmology.
- Iconography: Lalita is typically depicted as a radiant and beautiful goddess seated on a throne, often in a yogic posture. She is adorned with various ornaments and holds symbols like the noose, goad, sugarcane bow, and flower arrows. Lalita is sometimes depicted with four arms, each holding different items symbolizing aspects of divine power.
- Sri Yantra: Lalita is closely associated with the Sri Yantra, a sacred geometric diagram representing the cosmic order. The Sri Yantra is considered a powerful symbol of Lalita’s divine presence and the interconnectedness of the universe.
- Sahasranama: Lalita Sahasranama, meaning “the thousand names of Lalita,” is a hymn that lists a thousand names of the goddess. It is a sacred text recited by devotees during worship and meditation.
- Navaratri Celebration: Lalita is worshiped during the Navaratri festival, a nine-night celebration dedicated to the divine feminine. The final three nights, known as Durga Puja, are particularly significant for Lalita worship.
- Spiritual Significance: Lalita represents the essence of beauty, compassion, and divine grace. Her worship is often associated with the seeking of spiritual knowledge, wisdom, and the ultimate realization of the divine.
- Tantric Tradition: Lalita is a prominent figure in Tantra, where her worship is considered a means to attain spiritual enlightenment. The Lalita Sahasranama is highly revered in Tantric practices.
Devotees of Lalita seek her blessings for spiritual growth, inner peace, and the realization of the divine. Lalita is regarded as the embodiment of love and compassion, and her worship is a path to connect with the divine feminine energy.