Describing the different attributes of Devi's form, Sri Lalita Sahasra Nama Stotra points out the beauty of Her feet. Her feet mock at the beauty of the lotus by their radiance! Her lotus feet are adorned by the jingling chains- manjira! Her gait is dignified as that of the female Swan! She appears to be the very limit of charm! Her entire figure is draped in red and She is adorned with with all ornaments! She is seated on the lap of Lord Siva and has Her spouse in Her control! “Padadwaya prabhajala parakruta saroruha Sinjana Mani manjira manditha Sri padambuja Marali mandagamana Maha lavanya sevadhi Sarvaruna navadyagi sarvabharana bhushita Siva Kameswrankastha Siva swadhina Vallabha”
It is significant to note that the descriptions are minute and does not leave the so called unimportant parts! Even Devi's nails are described. They are very bright .” Nakha didhiti sanchanna namajjana tamoguna! She resides on the center of the peak of Meru mountain! She is the Queen of Srinagara! She is in the Chintamani Home and settled on the plank of “ Pancha Brahma” “ SuMerusrunga madhyasta Srimannagara nayika Chintamani grihantasta Pancha Brahmasana sthita”
Earlier Sankara has compared Devi's neck to the stalk of Her lotus face! The three folds on her neck are the three sutras tied along with the mangalasutra! Sankara now, in this sloka, describes the significance of the nails! Creator Brahma, reflects on how Lord Siva clipped one of his five heads and praises Devi to save his other four heads! says Sankara, “ O Mother! You have mocked at the newly blossomed lotus by the color of the nails of Your hands! Oh! can the lotus be in any way compared to your rosy hands? It may be a distant reality if the “Laksharasa” on the feet of Lakshmi is available!
As it is usual for Sankara, the metaphorical description is very engaging! Devi's hands are very beautiful with the rosy nails! This rosy color mocks at the natural color of the lotus! The color of Devi's nails heightens the beauty of Devi! “How can I describe Your beauty?” exclaims Sankara. “ Is it possible for the lotus to equal Devi's hands in any way?, he asks and concludes by saying that it is a very remote possibility unless the lotus gets the ‘Laksharasa’ from under the feet of Goddess Lakshmi
Nails are very important factors for the beauty of an individual. Healthy nails are usually rose in color. They add beauty to the personality of the individual! Devi's nails are, no doubt, rosy. But Sankara exaggerates and uses metaphorical description. In modern times we find young men and women growing long nails on their hands under the misconception that it adds to their beauty. In fact, they spoil their personality and beauty. To Sankara there is no ideal beauty other than that of his chosen Devi Lalithambika!
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