Newsletters
A Special Project: Sri Lalitha Sahasranama In Context - By Aravindan Neelakandan
1. Sri Lalitha Sahasranama - a new commentary
A Thousand Names! Some time back, my senior colleague Aravindan Neelakandan, had embarked on a project to research and write on the names of the Goddess as mentioned in the Sri Lalitha Sahasranama.
As we step into the nine glorious days of Navratri, we're sending you a sharp summary of select explanations of the devi's names - one every day, starting today.
This project is only a continuation in the grand tradition of writing commentaries on the Sahasranama - we humbly follow in the footsteps of our ancestors!
- Arush Tandon, Asst Exec Editor
2. The eight name of the goddess
Ragaswarupa-pashadhya—the one holding the noose of desire. That is the eighth name of the Goddess in the Sri Lalitha Sahasranama.
It is among the most meditative and delved-upon names of the Goddess because even while it is an exploration into the human psyche, it is also a description of how the same psyche can be used as an instrument for a spiritual ascent.
The meaning behind the meaning: In the hands of the Goddess, even desire becomes a medium for mortal beings to effect an upwards spiritual journey to realise Her.
The word Raga here is used in the same sense as used by Patanjali in his Yoga Sutra—to imply attachment/desire and the karmic memories formed as a result of attachment.
Raga in this sense is taken to be one amongst the five obstacles to Self-realisation.
However, for the Goddess, the same raga turns into iccha-shakti (energy of the will) and manifests in her hand as the noose or pasha.
Further, with her blessings, the raga of mortal beings can be sublimated; i.e., for one who has realised the Goddess, even attachment to materialistic things will not bring karmic memories and nor will it lead to more feelings of attachment.
In the hands of the Goddess, even an all-powerful feeling like desire undergoes a transformation.
The core of the meaning: With the blessings of the Goddess, what may originally be an impediment, becomes a force through which one can reach Her.
Adapted from Aravindan Neelakandan's article.
3. The Swarajya Heritage Program
What is it? For 3+ years we've been diligently investing in reporting and researching topics on Indic heritage and cultural themes.
Our objectives for this campaign are
First, raise awareness about the gross misgovernance in affairs relating to Indic heritage by culturally iliterate government bodies.
Second, promote heritage tourism through our reportage and special products.
Third, invest in meaningful in-depth reportage on heritage issues such as idol theft, protecting monuments and cultural practices.
Back us this festive season: You can contribute as little as Rs 2999/ towards the program - be a part of the Swarajya Heritage!
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.
Latest
