Sri Lalitha Sahasranamam

Sri Lalitha Sahasranamam is the only Sahasranamam, which does not repeat itself. Its language is ornate, with abundant alliteration, but the text contains many hidden strings of mantras and messages. Sri Lalitha Sahasranamam can be chanted in two different ways. One in Sthotra form and the other in mantra form. In the Sthotram form, all 1,000 names are separated into sthotrams of a few names each and recited in this way. In the mantra form, each name is said individually, preceded by "Om" and followed by "Namah". When chanted in mantra form, the endings of each name are generally changed to "e" or "yai". Mantra form is commonly used to recite Lalitha Sahasranamam during archana. Both ways, however, are equally effective.

Meaning of the Dhyana (continued)

Sakumkumalepana –malikachumbi-Kasthurikam,
Samanda hasithekshanam sashra chapa pasangusam,
Asesha jana mohinim –maruna malya bhoosham bara,
Japa-kusuma-basuram japa vidhou smarathembikam.

Meditate on her,
Who applies saffron on her body,
Who applies musk attracted by bees on her,
Who has a beautiful smile,
Who has with her bows, arrows and Pasangusa,
Who attracts all the souls,
Who wears red garland,
Who wears ornaments great,
And who is of the colour of the red hibiscus.

(…..to be continued)