15 April 2009

Sri Maha Pratyangira Devi



Om Aparajeethayeh Vithmahey
Pratyangirayeh Teemahey
Thano Ugra Prajothayaath...
Om Pratayangirayeh Vithmahey
Sathrunisoothiniyeh Teemahey
Thano Devi Prajothayaath...


Sri Maha Pratyangira Devi is a powerful aspect of divine mother. Lion headed and having human body riding a lion is all powerful and protects devotees against all odds and guides them along the right path. She is considered to be a powerful repellent of the influences generated by witch-craft.

Terrible in aspect, having dark complexion, reddened eyes and in four hands she hold a trident, a serpent in the form of a noose and a hand drum. Her hair strands at the ends. As Pratyangira energy manifests, it's often a very swift and sometimes ferocious current. Many of the Saints who've seen its energetic expression have described her as a 1008 headed (symbolically representing the 1008-petalled Sahasrara Chakra, the universal chakra of the cosmic energy) and with 2016 hands, riding majestically on a chariot pulled by 4 lions (representing the 4 Vedas), lion-faced mother, armed with many swords for removing obstacles. The jaws of so many lions make it very powerful for destroying negative karmas, and a great help to anyone on a spiritual path. Though such a current can be understandably rough and it's wise to approach with respect and some consideration of what our heart is asking for, it's with that same intensity that Pratyangira radiates her love, so it's best to also be open to deeply receive.

Seeing Pratyangira in any form was considered an enormous blessing, and an indication that you were in similar company.

Sri Maha Pratyangira Devi is a powerful Devi who is said to have destroyed Sarabheswara's arrogance. Sarabheswara is an ugra avatar of Lord Shiva. Lord Vishnu took the ugra avatar Narasimha to destroy evil. By drinking the blood of rakshas (demons), Lord Narasimha was in a destructive mood which made everyone tremble. Lord Shiva came to pacify him but could not succeed. Then Lord Shiva took the form of Sharabheswara – a bird and human combination. One wing was Devi Shoolini and other was Devi Pratyangira. Lord Sharabheswara’s efforts and Devi Shoolini’s efforts could not control Lord Narasimha. Devi Pratyangira was released from his wings and took the female form of Narasimha and calmed down Lord Nara Simha. She is also known as Narasimhika [in Kalisahasranama Stotram).

The Pratyangira aspect of the Divine has been a bit of a secret for most of these past ages. Many believed that direct experience with this energy was reserved for Saints and Rishis. Two Rishis in the ancient times, Pratyangira and Angiras, in their deep meditation, discovered this goddess through her Moola Mantra in the ethereal waves of the sound current. And though this Mother is nameless, she honored these Rishis by giving the blessings to be named after them. She has hence been known as Sri Maha Pratyangira Devi.

To best receive the Pratyangira energy, it's helpful to have some understanding of it. Pratyangira comes from a deep, deep place within the Divine Mother; an area simply known as the Void. In the Void there are no thoughts of fear, or pain, or loss, or want, or time, or even space… just the warmth of the Mother’s love. She is enveloped as bliss in the letter "Ksham".

Pratyangira sadhana is done mainly to protect yourself from attacks of black magic and to prosper in your life. It will help people who try to achieve Moksha (Final liberation). Advantages of this sadhana are too many. It is told that if her mantra is used to harm others for material gains and settle enmity it can react and adversely affect the person performing such rites. Don’t use this mantra praying for small reasons. It is a ugra sadhana. The most detailed source for worshipping Devi Pratyangira is Meru Tantra. Pratyangira mantras are also given in Mantra-mahodadhi and some other texts. The best is practicing from a proper Guru.

These are the temples of Sri Maha Pratyangira Devi:1. Ayyavadi(Aivar Padi) near Kumbakonam, South India.
(Here Deity is lion faced with 18 hands)
2. Vedian Enthal a small village near Manamadurai, South India.
(Here she is five faced and seated on a lotus)
3. In the corridor of the Karumariamman Temple, Thiruverkadu, Chennai.
4. A private Temple in Solinga Nallur, Chennai

Om Shakthi