Writings on Divine mother..........Sai Maa

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Aum Sai Ram,

 

(Source........Sri Lalita Sahasranama printed by Sri Ramakrishna Math)

IV CONTINUED---------For instance in passage in Taittirya Aranyaka she is

referred to by three different names--Katayani ,Kanyakumari and Duga .In the

Kena Upanishad she is identified with Uma Hemavati ,who symbolizes

Brahama-vidya . And two other names which afterwards become associated with

her,viz. Kali and Karali ,occur in the Mundaka Upanishad where they denote two

tongues of fire .This process of syncreticism which begins in the Vedic period

itself continues in the epic period on a much larger scale ,till at last a Devi

worshipper sect is formed,equal in status to the worshipper of Vishnu and Shiva

,by the begining of the Puranic period . There are two hymns in the Mahabharata

which illustrate the process .They are both addressed to Durga .One is by

Yudhishtra just before the Bhagvad Geetas episode .Both are evidently later

interpolations ,for they are not found in the

best South Indian manuscripts. However they afford interesting study .In the

earlier hymn we are told that the Goddess is a virgin observing a vow of

chastity . Her constant abode is on the Vindhya mountains . She is called Durga

, Kali ,and Mahisha sura --nashini . She takes delight in wine and meat and in

sacrificial victims . She is identified , all the same , with Vidya ,Siddhi

,Kanti etc . And ,in the introduction to the hymn ,she is described as the

child of Yashoda and the sister of Krishna --the one who ascended the sky when

dashed by Kamsa on the stony grounds .

 

Regards,

Meena.N.Nath