Lalita Sahasranama meanings per name
631. Divya-gandhāḍhyā
Meaning – She has adorned herself with divine sandal paste (divya gandha) that emits rich fragrance/perfume.
Sandal paste (gandha) is symbolic of the earth element. This brings out Her form as Mother earth (bhu māta).
This sandal paste is divine because the deities (Devatas) themselves prepare it for Her. In many temples it is said that the Devatas come in the very early hours of the day and offer morning worship to the Mother Goddess.
632. Sindūra-tilakāñcitā
Meaning – She wears sindūra (red) mark on Her forehead.
633. Umā
Meaning –
a) The name Uma contains in it the Omkara.
The A, U and M of Omkaara are reversed as U, M and A. When Uma is recited continuously, it transforms into Aum.
This is an extremely auspicious name.
b) This is the name with which Parvati’s mother addressed her when she was a little girl.
When Parvati Devi as a young maiden set out to perform tapas and win Shiva as her husband, Mena Devi, her mother called out to Her as U-ma. ‘U’ is the reference with love to a young girl, and ‘ma’ suggests don’t. It means- ‘O dear, don’t undertake intense tapas. You are a tender and young girl. This is not the age for severe penance’. So she said- ‘U–ma, U-ma’. Without heeding to her mother, young Parvati set out for penance and finally accomplished Her goal.
This is a lesson to everyone. When others dissuade against spiritual practices, do not give in but carry on your path.
634. Śailendra-tanayā
Meaning – She is the daughter of Himavān or Shailendra.
635. Gowrī
Meaning – She is the wife of Shiva, who is also known as Goura.
Gowri symbolizes auspiciousness and is of Sattva guna (traits of purity).
636. Gandharva-sevitā
Meaning – All the Gandharvas serve Her.
637. Viśva-garbhā
Meaning – This entire universe is contained in Her womb. Alternatively, this entire universe is itself Her womb.
Vishwā is the name given to the being in its waking (jāgrat) state (refer nama no 256 -Viśwarūpā). The Divine Mother retains this entire wakeful state within Her womb and takes on the name Vishwagarbhā.
638. Swarṇa-garbhā
Meaning – a) Gold (swarnā) and other valuables are held within Her womb.
b) In her womb She retains alphabets that are as valuable as gold.
The word Swarnā comprises of two alphabets Su+ Varna. Varna refers to the alphabets (aksharas). This denotes that the Divine Mother retains the aksharas that are extremely valuable. Without these alphabets no communication would have been possible and hence are compared to gold. In addition She retains the valuable shastras in Her womb.
Shastras are invaluable as they are the only sources that show the way to Paramatma.
639. Avaradā
Meaning –
a) She destroys demons or demonic traits and hence is adored as Avarada.
Demons are known as asuras or avaras.
b) She possesses shining wisdom tooth (jnana damta).
640. Vāgadhīśvarī
Meaning – She is the ultimate ruler (Ishwari) for speech (vak).