While describing the speciality of Devi's feet, Sankara points out that they are not only at ease in the snow clad Himalayas but shine bright in the night! They grant prosperity to the followers of “Samayachara!” Devi’s feet defeat the frost bitten lotus that folds up during the night though Goddess Lakshmi resides in it for a while!
Devi is described as the bestower of kingdoms, one who upholds Truth, with the ocean forming Her jurisdiction! She has the aim of destroying Bhandsura! She has calmed down that arrogant asura! She has control over all the worlds! She grants all desires! She is called Savitri and is the personification of Existence, Awareness and Bliss-- Satchidananda! “ Rajya Lakshmi kosanatha chaturanga baleswari Samrajyadayini satyasandha Sagara mekhala Dikshita daitya samani sarvaloka vasankari sarvarthadathri Savithri Satchidananda rupini!”
Sankara is surprised at the way celebrated poets have described Devi's feet! They are cruel in comparing them to the stony and hard back of the tortoise! On the other hand they are renowned and ward off all troubles and difficulties! They are also tender and delicate like the flowers! It is difficult to think how Kamesa, though compassionate, lifted both the feet of Devi and pressed
them on the grinding stone during the wedding ceremony!
In the eighty ninth sloka, Sankara continues to speak about the significance and glory of Devi's feet and nails. Says Sankara, “ O Mother! Your lotus feet grant immense prosperity to the poor the moment they pray! At the same time they grant prosperity to Devas! They are similar to the Kalpavruksha! It is similar to the lotus hands of Divine damsels (apsarasas) whose moonlike nails seem to laugh!” In other words, the nails on your feet appear to have a hearty laugh at the Divine damsels!
Devi is so munificent that Her lotus feet grant prosperity to the poor very quickly! The Divine damsels fold their hands in worship soon after they have the darshan of Devi's feet! Devi covers up the “Thamo Guna” qualities of Her devotees by the brightness of Her finger nails! “Nakha didhiti sanchanna namajjana tamoguna”
No comments:
Post a Comment