Shyamala Navaratnamalika — Benefits & How to Chant
श्यामलानवरत्नमालिका
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting Shyamala Navaratnamalika
Invokes Raja-Shyamala (Matangi), the Sri Vidya Goddess of music, learning, speech and the fine arts
Especially cherished by musicians, singers, dancers and students for mastery of the arts and eloquence
Each verse is a compact, musical meditation on the Goddess and her veena
Cultivates devotion, refinement of mind and a love of sacred music
A worthy shorter companion to the Shyamala Dandakam for daily recitation
Believed to bestow the grace of Saraswati-like wisdom and the fulfilment of creative pursuits
Recited during Shyamala worship and Navaratri for the Mother's blessings
How to Chant Shyamala Navaratnamalika
Instructions
Sit before an image of Shyamala (Matangi) holding the veena, with a lamp and flowers. Recite the nine verses slowly, dwelling on the imagery of each — the parrot of Om, the veena, the seven notes, the compassionate glance. Musicians and students often chant it before practice or performance to invoke the Goddess of the arts. It may be recited once or three times daily, and is especially auspicious during Navaratri.
Spiritual Significance
Devotees and musicians hold that the grace of Shyamala, invoked through such hymns, loosens the tongue of the dull, perfects the art of the singer and the dancer, and brings the favour of Saraswati herself — for she is the very 'Mother of music' (saṅgīta-mātṛkā) praised in the second verse.
Origin & History
Source: Devotional Sri Vidya / Shakta hymn, traditionally attributed to Adi Shankaracharya
Author: Adi Shankaracharya (traditional attribution)
Raja-Shyamala (Matangi) is the Goddess of music, speech and the arts in the Sri Vidya tradition, serving as the mantrini — minister and intimate companion — of Lalita Tripurasundari, who directs the celestial music and counsel of the Mother's court. This 'garland of nine gems' distils her worship into nine jewel-like verses overflowing with the imagery of the veena and the seven notes. Together with the longer Shyamala Dandakam, it is a favourite of devotees and of artists who seek her grace before they sing, play or compose.