Soundarya Lahari Verse 2 — Taniyamsam Pamsum
सौन्दर्यलहरी श्लोक २ — तनीयांसं पांसुं
Also known as: taniyamsam pamsum · taniyamsam pamsum tava charana · soundarya lahari verse 2 · saundarya lahari sloka 2
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✦ Meaning
The second verse of the Soundarya Lahari magnifies the glory of the Goddess's lotus feet: a single grain of their dust is the source from which Brahma creates all the worlds, which Vishnu bears as Adishesha, and which Shiva wears as sacred ash. It teaches that the three great functions of the cosmos rest upon the smallest trace of the Mother's grace. The verse is chanted for fulfilment of worthy desires and to glorify the supremacy of Devi.
Origin & Story
Soundarya Lahari, Verse 2 · Adi Shankaracharya · c. 8th century CE
Part of the Ananda Lahari, the first section of the Soundarya Lahari, this verse continues the praise begun in the opening stanza by exalting the dust of the Goddess's feet as the support of the three great gods. It is set in the Shikharini metre and is among the most loved verses of the hymn.
✦ As told in scripture
Devotees hold that even a particle of the Mother's grace, like the dust of Her feet praised here, is enough to accomplish great works; reciting this verse is said to draw that creative blessing into one's own endeavours.
The Mantra
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तनीयांसं पांसुं तव चरणपङ्केरुहभवं विरिञ्चिस्सञ्चिन्वन् विरचयति लोकानविकलम् । वहत्येनं शौरिः कथमपि सहस्रेण शिरसां हरस्संक्षुद्यैनं भजति भसितोद्धूलनविधिम् ॥ २॥
tanīyāṃsaṃ pāṃsuṃ tava caraṇapaṅkeruhabhavaṃ viriñcissañcinvan viracayati lokānavikalam | vahatyenaṃ śauriḥ kathamapi sahasreṇa śirasāṃ harassaṃkṣudyainaṃ bhajati bhasitoddhūlanavidhim || 2||
Meaning:Gathering but a single tiny particle of dust from Your lotus feet, Brahma fashions the worlds entire and without flaw. Vishnu, as the thousand-headed Adishesha, bears that same particle only with the greatest effort upon all his hoods. And Shiva, grinding it to powder, uses it as the sacred ash with which He smears His body.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting Soundarya Lahari Verse 2 — Taniyamsam Pamsum
Glorifies the supreme power held in the dust of the Mother's lotus feet
Said to bestow success in worthy undertakings and creative endeavours
Deepens reverence for the Goddess as the source of the cosmic functions
Cultivates surrender, recognising even the gods depend on Her grace
Traditionally recited for blessings of capability and accomplishment
Strengthens faith that all power flows from devotion to Devi's feet
How to Chant Soundarya Lahari Verse 2 — Taniyamsam Pamsum
Facing east or north before the Mother's image or Sri Chakra, offer red flowers and kumkum and meditate on Her lotus feet. Recite the verse slowly, reflecting that even Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva draw their power from the dust of those feet. It may be repeated 9, 27 or 108 times, ideally after first reciting Verse 1.