Aruna Karuna Tarangitakshim (Lalita Dhyana)
अरुणां करुणातरङ्गिताक्षीं (ललिता ध्यान)
Also known as: aruna karuna tarangitakshim · arunam karuna tarangitakshim · ahamityeva vibhavaye bhavanim · lalita aham dhyana
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✦ Meaning
This is the celebrated 'Aham' dhyana verse recited among the meditation slokas before the Lalita Sahasranama. It describes Bhavani as rosy-red, with eyes overflowing with compassion, bearing the noose, goad, flower-arrows and bow, surrounded by the rays of the mystic siddhis. Its closing words — 'I meditate on her as I am She' — express the highest non-dual contemplation, identifying the worshipper's own Self with the Divine Mother.
Origin & Story
Dhyana verse of the Lalita Sahasranama, Brahmanda Purana (Lalitopakhyana) · Traditional (Lalitopakhyana of the Brahmanda Purana) · Ancient (Puranic)
Among the dhyana verses that precede the Lalita Sahasranama, this 'Aham' meditation holds a special place. Where other dhyanas describe the Goddess's form for outer worship, this verse leads the upasaka inward, culminating in the realisation 'I am She' — the supreme aim of the Sri Vidya path revealed in the Lalitopakhyana of the Brahmanda Purana.
✦ As told in scripture
Sri Vidya masters teach that one who can hold the final contemplation of this verse — 'I am the Goddess' — even for a moment with full conviction is freed of the bondage of the ego; the compassion-laden eyes of Bhavani are said to turn instantly toward such a devotee.
The Mantra
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अरुणां करुणातरङ्गिताक्षीं धृतपाशाङ्कुशपुष्पबाणचापाम् । अणिमादिभिरावृतां मयूखैः अहमित्येव विभावये भवानीम् ॥
Aruṇāṁ karuṇātaraṅgitākṣīṁ Dhṛtapāśāṅkuśapuṣpabāṇacāpām | Aṇimādibhirāvṛtāṁ mayūkhaiḥ Ahamityeva vibhāvaye bhavānīm ||
Meaning:I contemplate Bhavani — rosy-hued, her eyes rippling with waves of compassion, holding the noose, the goad, the flower-arrows and the bow, surrounded by the radiant rays of the eight mystic powers beginning with Anima — and I meditate on her as my very own Self, as 'I am She'.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting Aruna Karuna Tarangitakshim (Lalita Dhyana)
Cultivates the supreme non-dual feeling of oneness with the Divine Mother ('Aham')
Invokes Bhavani's compassion, said to ripple endlessly toward her devotees
Surrounds the meditator with the radiance of the eight mystic siddhis
Deepens concentration before the Lalita Sahasranama recitation
Teaches surrender of the ego into the Self that is the Goddess
Brings serenity, grace and inner strength when contemplated daily
How to Chant Aruna Karuna Tarangitakshim (Lalita Dhyana)
This dhyana is recited along with the other meditation verses before the thousand names. Sit calmly, visualise Bhavani rosy and compassionate, bearing her four emblems and haloed by light. As you reach the final line, dissolve the sense of separation and contemplate 'I am She', resting in the feeling of identity with the Mother. It may also be used alone as a profound daily meditation.