Śrī Lalitā Sahasranāmam 98
Channel: Consciousness Research Centre
Date: 2020-10-11

This series is classified Vivartha-vāda | Rāja-yoga | Suśupti | Viśuddhi-cakra
98. Samayācāra-tatparā समयाचार-तत्परा 
Worshipping Lalitai in the cakras of kuṇḍalinī, beginning from mūlādhāra-cakra is called samayācāra. This is explained in Rudrayāmala, an ancient scripture, as told by Śiva Himself to Śakti. This nāma means that She likes samayācāra worship. This worship can be done only mentally. Initiation from a guru is the first step in this worship. This initiation will culminate in pūrṇa-abhiṣeka (mantra bath) of the disciple by guru. The initiation by the guru will make the kuṇḍalinī ascend from the perineum through the six cakras. Guru will guide his disciple at each level and at each cakra. Guru will not perform the mantra bath on the disciple unless he is convinced that the disciple has attained a particular stage, from where the disciple could carry on independently. Guru also will not perform this ritual unless the disciple pursues the right path of Self-realization. After this ritual of mantra bath, there is yet another ritual called mahā-veda-samskāra, a fire ritual. This mahā-veda-samskāra will be done only on the day of mahā-navami (ninth day of Dasara celebrations) which occurs once a year. After completing all such formalities, the sādhaka will have to go to an isolated place and commence his samayācāra meditation on the six cakras and the sahasrāra. There is a prescribed procedure for this worship.

Kuṇḍalinī is aroused from the perineum and taken to mūlādhāra-cakra in Her subtle mantra form in this cakra. From mūlādhāra-cakra, She is taken to the next higher cakra: svādhiṣṭhāna cakra. She has to be mentally worshipped in this cakra. She is in Her subtler kāmakalā form at this stage. After the worship at this cakra, She is adorned with rich clothes and ornaments. Remember that everything associated with Her is red in color. She is then taken to maṇipūraka-cakra. At this stage, changes occur in the gross body of the sādhaka. People around him start noticing these changes. In this cakra She is offered arghya, pādya, etc. (washing Her hands and feet) and She accepts the offerings made by the sādhaka. Then She is made to adorn the throne that has been discussed in nāma 3, Śrīmat Siṁhāsaneśvarī. In this cakra She is in Her subtlest form: Kuṇḍalinī. Kuṇḍalinī energy gets the name of Kuṇḍalinī only from the navel cakra. From this cakra onwards, She becomes very powerful. It is to be remembered that this is a mental worship that happens within.

Then she is taken to the heart cakra or anāhata-cakra, where She is offered betel leaves (nāma 26, karpūra vītikā). She is then taken to viśuddhi-cakra where is worshiped with ārati. Ārati means offering (showing) various types of lamps lit with pure ghee (clarified butter). Each such ārati has its own significance. For example pañca-ārati means the five elements, pūrṇa-kumbha ārati signifies that everything was created out of totality and everything merges in totality. From viśuddhi-cakra, she is then taken to ājñā-cakra, where is offered karpūra-ārati. Karpūra-ārati means ārati lit with camphor. Ārati with camphor has a lot of significance. Pure camphor (edible camphor) is not easily available nowadays. Most camphor is made of toxic chemicals and is actually unofferable. If pure camphor is not available, better to use a ghee lamp, which does not cause pollution. The soot coming out of impure camphor affects the purity of the energy level that prevails during rituals. She is adorned with garlands of sweet-smelling flowers and perfumes. She is to be visualized as a bride at this stage. She is then taken to sahasrāra where Śiva is waiting for Her. When She enters sahasrāra, a veil is placed around Them, and the sādhaka awaits Her return. Once She returns from sahasrāra, She is taken back to mūlādhāra-cakra. 

This nāma means that She likes this type of worship. Kuṇḍalinī meditation is highlighted here. Śakti alone can take one to Śiva, the Supreme Brahman. The Supreme Brahman is Śiva, and Śakti is māyā. There is yet another interpretation possible for this nāma. Kuṇḍalinī represents jīvātma or soul. Soul is a dynamic energy where our karmas are embedded. When the soul realizes Paramātma or Brahman, this is called Śiva-Śakti union. The jivātma’s realization of Paramātma is discussed in this nāma. Further it is also emphasized that emancipation can take place only if Kuṇḍalinī reaches sahasrāra. Repeated practice of this samāyācara worship is necessary to stay with Brahman forever.

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