Translation and Meaning:

The 25th shloka of the Soundarya Lahari, composed by Adi Shankaracharya, is a beautiful hymn dedicated to Goddess Parvati (Shakti), celebrating her supreme divinity and the reverence she commands from all beings, including the gods. The shloka translates as:

“Trayanam devanam tri-guna-janitanam tava Shive Bhavet puja puja tava charanayor ya virachita Tatha hi tvat-padodvahana mani-pitasya nikate Sthita hyete shashvan-mukulita karottamsa-makutaha”

Word-by-Word Translation:

  1. Trayanam devanam: Of the three gods (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva).
  2. Tri-guna-janitanam: Who are born from the three gunas (qualities of nature—Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas).
  3. Tava Shive: O Shiva (Parvati), who is the consort of Shiva.
  4. Bhavet puja: Their worship (of you).
  5. Puja tava charanayor ya virachita: Is the worship performed at your feet.
  6. Tatha hi: Indeed, thus.
  7. Tvat-padodvahana mani-pitasya nikate: Near the jeweled pedestal of your feet.
  8. Sthita hyete: These (gods) stand.
  9. Shashvan-mukulita karottamsa-makutaha: With their crests (crowns) bowed down in humility, like closed lotus flowers.

Full Meaning:

O Goddess Shiva (Parvati), the worship offered by the three gods—Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara (Shiva)—who are born from the three gunas (Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas), is nothing but the adoration of your divine feet. Indeed, these gods stand humbly near the jeweled pedestal of your feet, with their crowns bowed down like closed lotus flowers, signifying their deep reverence and surrender to you.

Significance of the Shloka:

This shloka highlights the supreme position of Goddess Parvati (Shakti) in the cosmic hierarchy. It emphasizes that even the Trimurti—the three principal deities of Hinduism (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva)—derive their power and existence from her divine grace. The gods, despite their immense power, bow down in humility before her, acknowledging her as the ultimate source of creation, preservation, and destruction.

Key themes in this shloka include:

  1. Supremacy of the Divine Mother: The goddess is portrayed as the ultimate reality, beyond even the Trimurti.
  2. Humility of the Gods: The gods, who are worshipped by all beings, themselves worship her feet, symbolizing her unparalleled greatness.
  3. Symbolism of the Feet: The goddess’s feet are described as the focal point of devotion, representing her grace, compassion, and ability to uplift her devotees.
  4. Jeweled Pedestal: The imagery of the jeweled pedestal signifies the preciousness and sanctity of her presence.

Benefits of Reciting This Shloka:

  1. Devotion and Surrender:
  • Deepens your connection with the Divine Mother, fostering devotion and surrender.
  1. Removal of Ego:
  • Inspires humility and helps dissolve ego, just as the gods bow down to her feet.
  1. Blessings of the Goddess:
  • Invokes the blessings of Goddess Parvati for protection, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
  1. Inner Peace and Calmness:
  • Brings emotional stability, reduces stress, and promotes inner peace.
  1. Alignment with Cosmic Energy:
  • Connects you with the universal flow of divine energy, ensuring balance and harmony in life.
  1. Healing and Purification:
  • Promotes physical, mental, and emotional healing by removing impurities and fostering holistic well-being.
  1. Overcoming Challenges:
  • Grants strength and resilience to face life’s difficulties with courage and faith.
  1. Cultivation of Gratitude and Devotion:
  • Inspires humility, gratitude, and surrender, strengthening your bond with the divine.

How to Practice This Shloka:

  1. Daily Recitation:
  • Recite the shloka daily, preferably during early morning or evening, when the mind is calm and focused.
  1. With Devotion and Faith:
  • Chant with sincerity, focus, and faith, visualizing Goddess Parvati seated on a jeweled pedestal, with the gods bowing humbly at her feet.
  1. Cleanliness and Purity:
  • Bathe and wear clean clothes before reciting.
  • Sit in a quiet, clean space, preferably facing east or north.
  1. Offerings:
  • Offer flowers (especially red or white), incense, fruits, sweets, and light a lamp as a gesture of devotion to the goddess.
  1. During Meditation:
  • Meditate on the qualities of the goddess—her supremacy, compassion, and grace—while chanting the shloka. Visualize her divine energy enveloping you in safety and positivity.
  1. For Spiritual Growth:
  • Use the shloka as a tool for deepening your spiritual practice and connecting with the divine feminine energy.
  1. During Auspicious Occasions:
  • Recite this shloka during festivals like Navratri, Durga Puja, or other occasions dedicated to the Divine Mother.
  1. Before Important Tasks:
  • Recite the shloka before starting significant projects, journeys, or decisions to seek the goddess’s blessings for success and obstacle-free progress.

Why This Shloka is Special:

This shloka beautifully captures the essence of devotion and surrender to the Divine Mother. By reciting it with devotion, one can align their energy with her vibrations of grace, compassion, and divine power, attracting blessings for both material and spiritual growth.

It is particularly beneficial for:

  • Those seeking humility, devotion, and surrender to the divine.
  • Individuals longing for protection, fulfillment, and emotional stability.
  • Anyone desiring spiritual progress and alignment with cosmic energy.

Through regular practice, devotees can experience profound transformation, divine protection, and unwavering support from the Divine Mother in overcoming challenges and achieving their goals.