Aruna Karuna Tarangitakshim (Lalita Dhyana) — Word-by-Word Meaning
अरुणां करुणातरङ्गिताक्षीं (ललिता ध्यान)
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
अरुणाम्
arunam
rosy-red, of the colour of dawn
करुणा
karuna
compassion, mercy
तरङ्गित
tarangita
rippling, surging like waves
अक्षीम्
akshim
(of) eyes — whose eyes ripple with compassion
धृत
dhrita
holding, bearing
पाश
pasha
the noose
अङ्कुश
ankusha
the goad
पुष्पबाण
pushpa-bana
the flower-arrows
चापाम्
chapam
the bow
अणिमादिभिः
animadibhih
by the siddhis beginning with Anima (the eight mystic powers)
आवृताम्
avritam
surrounded, encircled
मयूखैः
mayukhaih
by rays of light
अहम् इति एव
aham iti eva
as my very own Self (as 'I am')
विभावये
vibhavaye
I meditate upon / I contemplate
भवानीम्
bhavanim
Bhavani, the Divine Mother, consort of Bhava (Shiva)
Complete Translation
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'.
Origin & History
Source: Dhyana verse of the Lalita Sahasranama, Brahmanda Purana (Lalitopakhyana)
Author: Traditional (Lalitopakhyana of the Brahmanda Purana)
Period: 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this dhyana special?▼
Its closing words 'Ahamityeva vibhavaye bhavanim' — 'I meditate on Bhavani as my very own Self' — express the non-dual (advaita) heart of Sri Vidya, where the worshipper realises identity with the Divine Mother rather than worshipping her as separate.
What are the four emblems she holds?▼
She holds the pasha (noose), ankusha (goad), pushpa-bana (flower-arrows) and chapa (bow). These represent the powers by which the Goddess governs the mind and senses of all beings.
Who is Bhavani?▼
Bhavani is a name of the Divine Mother, consort of Bhava (Shiva). Here she is identical with Lalita Tripura Sundari, the supreme Goddess of the Sri Vidya tradition.
What are the 'animadi' powers mentioned?▼
They are the eight siddhis or mystic powers — Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Ishitva and Vashitva — depicted as rays of light surrounding the Goddess.
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