MAHAMERU from DEVIPURAMSri Amritananda Natha MAHA MERU from DEVIPURAM by Sri AMRITANANDA NATHA Sri Vidya Trust Devipuram, Anakapalle 531 001 Andhra Pradesh First Edition Published by January 2007 Sri Vidya Trust, Devipuram Ammulapalem Post (Via) ANAKAPALLE 531 001 Andhra Pradesh India Tel: +91 8924 207652 Email: [email protected] Web: http://www.devipuram.com Edited by Designed by: Michael Bowden Imagic Creatives Pvt. Ltd. Bangalore 71 Tel: +91 80 25356310/1/2 Email: [email protected] ” 1 . skillfully fashioned in Divinity’s own self-image. “Sri Chakra is the technology of the Absolute. It is intelligent. It is nothing less than the genetic code of the Cosmos. As one commentator aptly explained. The sublime geometry of the Sri Chakra is revealed wisdom. said to be the Mother of all Mandalas. is a three-dimensional projection of the great yantra known as Sri Chakra. It is not of human origin. or Sri Meru Chakra.Maha Meru An Introduction The Maha Meru. the Christian cross. peace. Mahayana Buddhism. are ascribed to the sixpointed Star of David. offices. shrines and places of worship. to protect against unfavorable planetary influences. and to bring about healing. Certain powers. prayer halls and wedding centers. The Meru’s particular configuration is revered in all Eastern traditions: It integrates the essence of Indian Mother Goddess worship. Its mere presence is said to cleanse the home of defects under both the vaastu and feng shui systems. everything that is needed. and so on. health. and wealth – in short. Once received from a proper and well-intentioned Guru. Sri Chakra is said to contain within itself the essence of all other yantras. for example. healing centers. the Egyptian and Meso-American pyramids. 2 . Sri Chakra radiates an aura of Love and Order. the five-pointed star. to ward off and neutralize negative energies and the “evil eye”. because the Meru subtly connects itself to the other major yantras in the world.Every yantric shape emits a very specific frequency and energy pattern. happiness. prosperity and peace of mind. and thus it contains the essence of all traditions. Chinese feng shui. In its Maha Meru form. the Eleusinian mysteries of the Ancient Greeks. People of all beliefs. literally creating a sacred space around itself. Just keeping it in one’s home will confer great blessings. it brings order. religions and sects may reap the benefits of peace. healing and prosperity by installing the Maha Meru in their homes. as well as in hospitals. and so much more. the Maha Meru can bring unbounded happiness and every good thing in life. Wherever it is placed. for adult children setting out on their own. Devipuram Maha Merus are available in two sizes: 5” x 5” x 2. The establishment of this extraordinary temple has an amazing and inspiring story behind it – one that is intimately related to the creation of these distinctive Devipuram Maha Merus. and seat of Sri Meru Nilaya temple. This very special Maha Meru comes to you from Devipuram. Here one can literally walk into and circumambulate a true Sri Chakra. meeting life-sized murthis (divine images) of all the yoginis within. India – your Global Resource for Goddess Worship.It may be given as a loving and auspicious gift for newlywed couples embarking on their lives together. the largest. for friends and relatives moving into a new home or embarking on a new endeavor. Guruji shares this story in an exclusive conversation elsewhere in this booklet.5” (complete with an elegant. • Bronze/ Bright Finish • Bronze/ Antique Finish • Bronze/ Silver Coat • Bronze/ Gold Coat • Pure Silver • Pure Silver/ Gold Coat • Pure Gold 3 . even as a corporate gift from employers to valued employees – in each case. specially designed box) 10” x 10” x 5” The Maha Merus are currently available in the following metals and finishes. it will empower the recipient in every possible way. most unique Maha Meru in the world. relatives and fellow seekers! 4 . or contact us at +91-8924-207652. Also please be sure to spread the word about these extraordinary Maha Merus to your friends. devotees are given the option to supply the metal for making their Merus.When ordering Pure Silver and Pure Gold Merus. Only a limited number of these special Devipuram-inspired Maha Merus will be created. Please send a query to [email protected] to obtain further details about the Maha Merus and how they may be obtained. affectionately known as “Guruji. India. Andhra Pradesh.” was born in Vishakapatnam. N.The Merus of Devipuram A Conversation with Guruji Sri Amritananda Natha Saraswati (Dr. he developed a spiritual inclination that was to intensify later in life. 5 . the first child of Sri Narasimha Rao and Srimati Lakshminarasamma. Blessed with divine experiences early in his childhood. Prahalada Sastry). During a Devi yagna in 1983. Guruji spent 23 years involved in defense projects at TIFR. Guruji returned to India in 1981. while also gradually developing means to help improve quality of life for humankind as a whole. After a two-year sabbatical as a professor of physics at Lusaka University in Zambia. In 1977. The temple is unique in allowing devotees to perform puja to the Devi themselves. he received his first initiation – from Sri Bala Tripurasundari herself – at the Balaji Temple in Hyderabad. With numerous loving disciples all over the world. he received his doctorate from the University of Bombay while working at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. Guruji was approached about building a temple to the Divine Mother on the parcel of land that would eventually become home to Devipuram. resigned from TIFR and settled at Vishakapatnam to concentrate upon Sri Vidya upasana and worship of the Devi. With Her blessings. he built the Kamakhya Peetam on a hillock there and a Siva temple on the peak in 1984. It proved to be a major turning point in his life: Delving more deeply into spiritual practices. Construction of the Devipuram’s Sri Meru Nilaya temple began in 1985 and was completed in 1994. without distinction of caste or creed. 6 .Having graduated from Andhra University with a Master’s degree in Nuclear Physics. he soon thereafter received Sri Vidya Poorna Diksha from Sri Swaprakashananda Natha Thirtha Avadhutha of Anakapalli. but over time grew uncomfortable with the destructive nature of his research. whereupon the kumbhabhishekam (consecration) was celebrated with great pomp and piety. at which time he was given the diksha name of Amrita. please visit http://www. I later discovered.Guruji and his wife. It had some significant differences from the typical Sri Chakra Meru. belonging to all religions – 7 . where I unearthed a yantra resembling a Maha Meru. that a magnificent yagna had been performed at that very location more than 250 years earlier. Awakening from my meditative state.devipuram. One day while in meditation. Q: Is Maha Meru primarily a Hindu Yantra? A: I would prefer to say that it’s a universal yantra. with flames emanating from my body. but of a unique design like none I had seen before. through meditations and circumstances. before the Sri Meru temple was built at Devipuram. (For a full biography. On the slopes of this hillock. which – at 108 feet wide and 54 feet high – remains the largest Maha Meru in the world. establishing the Sri Vidya Trust for this purpose. Srimati Annapoornamba (lovingly known as Guruji Amma) have dedicated their lives to the service of humanity. I was prompted to dig at that very spot.com) Interviewer: What is the origin of the Devipuram Maha Meru? Guruji: In 1984. During purnahuti. This Maha Meru became my inspiration for building the Sri Meru temple. I had the experience of lying on this peetam while four others performed a homam. I noticed a formation very similar to that of the Kamakhya Peetam in Assam. I felt a heavy object being placed on my heart. there was a small hillock where I would often spend time in meditation. It creates and sustains the entire Cosmos. The Meru is one form of the power and beauty found in the principles of 8 . The Egyptian Pyramids are yet another form of this yantra. who used to meditate for four or five hours a day. So I have found this yantra to be a universal concept. the Maha-Devi [Great Goddess] at Sri Meru’s center. and the Mahayana Mandala of Buddhism. and we should therefore strive to understand. and he built that same yantra in the Arizona desert. worship and realize this power and intelligence that runs the world. Q: What is the specifically Hindu interpretation of Maha Meru? A: It is worshiped as the source of the Cosmos and of all power. there was a gentleman in the United States called Bill Witherspoon. in various religions and in various forms. measuring a mile on each side. All gods worship Her power in order to share it and to do good. Chinese feng shui employs similar yantras.yantras resembling this one include the Sri Chakra of Hinduism. the goddesses that inhabit Sri Chakra] emanate like rays from Sri Lalita. existing in all religions. these yantras keep appearing again and again and again. For anyone who meditates. including the Himalayan masters. all demons worship Her power in order to loot and exploit. At some point he saw a huge Sri Yantra in his meditation. the Greek Eleusinian Mysteries involved still another. As a fairly recent example. The Khadgamala yoginis [i.e. it will connect itself to all the other yantras in the world through its Bindu and attract organizing. Kali. Vaishnavi. one experiences infinite enjoyment. may – without the slightest doubt – keep it in their homes and worship it in any way they can. Even if one does no puja. And if one worships the Supreme Power in the Meru with devotion. peaceful and loving vibrations from wherever they are in the world. Lakshmi. Saraswati. Aspects of Her immense powers are variously called Yoga-Maya. If kept in the home. both here and in the hereafter. Chandika.geometry and symmetry that govern the world. the Sri Chakra Samhita. Durga. like the fruits of a wish-fulfilling tree. It is also a good thing to keep in 9 . There is no siddhi that cannot be attained by regular worship of a faultless Meru. Q: Should the Maha Meru be kept in places other than the home or temple? A: It can be kept anywhere. Various scriptures – such as the Shakti Upanishads. especially women. the Sri Chakrartha Sara and others – all state in a single voice that merely seeing the Sri Chakra washes away all sins and grants auspiciousness. and so on. People of all castes and religions. the Sri Chakra Yoga Sara. the Brahmanda Purana. there remains no desire unfulfilled. just keeping it in the home attracts all good to the home. A mere touch burns away sin like a wad of cotton wool consumed by a fire. So if you can do pooja to the Meru. but that does not imply that it needs puja. Since it then connects itself with the all other yantras in the world. which can be kept anywhere and everywhere. It receives abundance and grace. where soft music is played to bring about a peaceful attitude in the people who enter these places. When the Maha Meru is taken from the Guru’s hands. So it’s a universal symbol. abundance and organization in the office. truth. Or it can be kept in the office. but all forms of divine blessings of peace – love. it does not need any puja as such. However. Thus. that wards off evil and brings prosperity. the nature of the vibrations it radiates can be enhanced very positively if you play soft music in the place where it is kept – similar to what we see in the entrance lobbies of hospitals and hotels. non-violence. as it has healing properties. well and good. by itself. you just play some soft music to it. including the cosmic centers of power. it is already energized with his vibrations and powers. and redistributes them in its own vicinity. it continuously receives vibrations and powers from all over the world.hospitals. If you can’t. and so on. It is good to keep in public places too. because it attracts wealth. And not merely currency. 10 . principles that empower everyone. because there will be an aura of grandeur and peace coming from this yantra. Q: Should we do puja to the Maha Meru? A: You can do puja if you wish to. It will absorb the vibrations and emit divine music that protects and heals. and thus miss the chance to obtain the power than can alter your destiny in every way. there are those pundits who say a Meru should never be kept in the home. So I would tell these people to please not succumb to the misinformed. cement. the Goddess. In a sense. who insist that the power should be kept with them only. ourselves. Actually the temples made by human beings are constructed of rocks. thoughtless statements being made by these so-called pundits. The Vedas say Matru Devo bhava: “There is no duty higher than worship of the 11 . then why can’t it live in your home? Q: But what do you say to people who are afraid to bring a Meru into their home (or other environment)? After all. a yantra in which the Awareness. your body is itself a Sri Chakra. A: These fears are mainly induced by certain members of the orthodox Brahmin community.Q: Many people are fond of keeping a Maha Meru in their homes as a kind of protection for their families. and when it is kept in the home it enhances the quality of life for all the people living there. is simply the body of human beings. to share the power with everyone. We’ve got to get over this barrier of fear. If you can live in your body. steel and things like that – whereas the temple that the Goddess has made. if your awareness can live in your body. We want to give. Life itself is derived from this yantra. lives. Why is that? A: The Maha Meru represents the Cosmic Power as it manifests itself through human beings. think of it as a long-term investment – like having a good spouse! Don’t compromise on quality. in our families. She assembled us from life-giving 12 . The hand that blesses does not strike. whether we acknowledge it or not. because She is verily the life within us. in our minds. The Meru is a symbol of our power to overcome evil. in our bodies. health and happiness. it is Savitri. We cannot lose Her without losing our life. give it as a gift. The Meru is Gayatri. absolutely. Whether we know it or not. Just to clarify. in all that we see – because She is the All-Pervading Awareness. Q. in our notions of I and mine. who protects those who utter Her name. How can nectar become poison? It is not in its nature to harm. It is in its nature to bless. Adi Para Shakti is already in our homes. giving ecstasy to him. other forms being icons or women empowered as the Goddess. because it is priceless. and to create unlimited wealth. who conceives all good karmas for Her worshipers. Pay any price. So keep a Meru in your home. which means everything. does this statement apply to everyone? Can the uninitiated also keep Sri Chakra Merus in their homes without incurring the wrath of the Goddess? A. Her highest form.Mother” – and the Mother is available to everyone as the Meru. Yes. She extracted the seed from our father. Does the fact that we breathe require initiation? She has already initiated us into life as the Mother who gave us SRI. These forms are not different. I asked Divine Mother Herself. provided that it is received from a well-intentioned Guru. and most importantly. seven in number. skin. She made us atom by atom. blood and all. The moment any one of them is present. So forget what people say. in my meditation.substances of Her own body. Again.” [A full account of Devi’s words to Guruji follows this conversation. (5) Hamsa Gayatri. they are all one and the same. molecule by molecule. (3) the psychic chakras in our subtle bodies. the Sri Chakra Meru is but one of Her forms. flesh. from Muladhara to Sahasrara. they all represent Sivayor Vapuh. all others are present in them as well. symbol of union of Shakti (the Yoni base) and Siva (the Linga characteristic of the Godhead). because his life force goes into it then. the others being (2) our own physical bodies. She put Her awareness into us. this question: “Will you harm some one if they take a Meru home without initiation?” She said “I will not harm. gave us our hormones and endocrine system. There is no need to fear. 13 .] The gifting of this Meru involves a gifting of Power. our bones. (4) the world we live in. and (6) Siva Linga. and provided that it is accurate. the breath of life which goes in and out as long as we live. But so many questions have been raised about the hollowness of the Sri Chakra! Even when I was building the Sri Chakra temple here at Devipuram. But it has to be hollow! There is no other way! Why? It is hollow because it is supposed to represent a viyat chakra – a wheel in space. first attracting the Supreme Power. people complained that it was hollow. well-lighted place in the home with Vedic or mantric chants being played to it. or else in a prominent. Light and sound are two higher forms of worship. Then the Meru will act like an antenna. That is why it is kept hollow. bringing good to all. energizes them.Q: Accurate in which way? A: Well. and then seals them off inside and gives that to the disciple. Q: Why is the Maha Meru hollow? A: That’s a legitimate question. and then retransmitting it all around your home. not as triangles (a marma is a joint of three straight lines). 14 . (2) it must come from a Guru who has the best of intentions towards you. such as roots and herbs. because when the Guru gives the Meru to a disciple. he traditionally fills it with various life-giving substances. or simply soft music. having 28 marmas as points. three conditions must be satisfied: (1) The Meru must be perfect. and (3) it must be placed in the puja room. to get the sorts of benefits we’ve discussed. It was intentionally made hollow. It is embellished with the symbols of the Chatura Ayatana (“Four Seats”) deities – Ganapathy at Nairuti (southwest). Thus even the supposedly “solid” atoms and molecules that make up the manifest world consist mostly of empty space. represent the Shakti Pancha Ayatanam (“Five Seats of Shakti”). even if you think you’ve made it totally solid. taken together with the Bindu (Devi). the whole nucleus is very hollow and inside it there are only probability waves traveling through. as the Meru itself contains them all. it consists of stage particles. 15 .And by the way. Vishnu at Vayu (northwest). which are like the Sun in the solar system – the electrons and neutrons orbit through relatively vast spaces around the nucleus. So it is not true to say that the Meru has to be solid – because there is nothing that is solid. thus making it very unique. Somehow this concept requiring solidity does not really stand up in light of scientific views. Q: You said earlier that the Devipuram Meru design is significantly different from that of a typical Meru. Surya at Ishanya (northeast) and Shiva at Agni (southeast). even if you are determined to make it totally solid. And atoms and molecules have nuclei at their centers. it is still not solid. How so? A: This particular style of Meru was inspired by the design of the original that we unearthed here in 1984. People doing Shakti Pancha Ayatana puja need not obtain each of the idols individually. In fact. still it is ultimately composed of atoms and molecules. The Shakti Pancha Ayatanam are present right in the Meru itself. These four symbols. Even if you go to the nucleus itself. This was unusual. which is manufactured in Bangalore with the help of the former director (he has asked to remain anonymous) of a company known for its accuracy and testing. This characteristic does qualify to make it a good Sri Chakra. I attach great significance to it. and with my guidance. it differs from most Sri Chakra Merus to the extent that I don’t know whether it can be called a conventional Sri Chakra Meru at all. ten. That accuracy comes from the very definition of the yantra found in the texts that define Sri Chakra in Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism. Finally. But since I found it at the same place where I had darshan. We spent a lot of time – about nine months – in checking out the precision of this yantra. the Devipuram Meru is unique in the sense that a lot of care has been taken to ensure that the yantra is accurate. In fact.Another unique feature is that the Meru I found had extra diamond-shaped plates above the star shapes having fourteen. This Meru has been made under his personal supervision. They served to demarcate the triangles from the undefined areas. So it can be said that a lot of technical time and effort have been invested into 16 . And on the other hand there was the accuracy – three lines joined without forming triangles – which was very good. ten and eight corners. which seemed so much more logical. I am totally convinced about its nature and capacity to do good. When the first perfect sample came into my hands.making this a fault-free yantra. and moreover that it comes from the hands of a Guru who received it directly from Kamakhya Devi at Devipuram. demonstrating Her powers of attraction to all beneficent divinities. I can. And finally it came to Devipuram for a Guru Puja Utsavams on Guru Poornami Day. it was taken to Kanya Kumari – showing Her potential to create oceans of beauty. The next day it received puja at Madurai Meenakshi Amman Kovil. and presided over by the Meru – demonstrating its intention to supply power to the people. without the slightest doubt. 17 . And then it went ’round all the shakti kshetras made by Parashurama in God’s own land of Kerala. proof of the lineage it belongs to. and everywhere it went the highest good happened. Q: Have you personally found the Devipuram Maha Meru to be very auspicious? A: Yes indeed. What a sequence of coincidences! I can only conclude that it was all planned by Her. on the banks of the Uttara Vahini Krishna River. the very next day I did a Chandi Yagna at Kalayarkovil near Madurai in a power factory. recommend this Meru to everyone. Then Sringeri Peetha’s Vedic University received a second Meru for the Sharada Peetham at Sweta Srigachalam. On the third day. Then in Bangalore it witnessed a marriage of a computer professional. in the presence of a thousand people. not me. All of these yagnas. We’re also making ceramic Merus.Q: How are these Devipuram Maha Merus going to be produced and distributed? A: A limited number of copies of the Meru are being made by the Srividya Trust at Devipuram. with fine arts and education. And in fact.5”. Hiranya garbha garbhastham Hema bijam vibhavasoh. Copper destroys poverty and gives enough to survive above mere wants. We prefer bronze instead of panchaloha – where they say they put in some gold. Devipuram Merus are mostly available in this form. and other smaller sizes will also be available. It brings untold prosperity. gold. because gold is supposed to be like Sun’s seed. It has a price tag on it. silver. It is like a collectible. Thus we recommend bronze. Gold makes it a Meru. an alloy of copper and tin as a good choice for most. which will be available at lower cost and in larger quantities. The “designer” type of Meru can be made in bronze. The material of which it is made can have a say in what it promotes. Tin wards off and prevents evil from happening. It promotes progeny and peace of mind. panchaloha [a traditionally holy five-metal alloy] – all sorts of possibilities exist. but 18 . We’re making it in different sizes – 10” x 10” x 5” and 5” x 5” x 2. made out of earth and fired at high temperatures. It can be plated with gold for better results. Silver is the seed of Siva. we can go in for pure gold or gold and silver. When a bronze Meru is left unattended and gets oxidized. and merely called panchaloha – we are avoiding that. it looks silvery.it usually doesn’t happen. 19 . We avoid this problem by keeping it permanently as either gold or copper. For big temples and other places. When you use a zinc and tin mixture. What happens with the inauthentic so-called panchaloha is that the outer gold layer eventually wears or washes off and becomes flat – that’s how you come to know that it is made out of brass. which is black. It’s usually a brass thing coated with gold. which is brass. The molds we’ve made allow us to manufacture to any specifications. it oxidizes and reduces to the color of zinc. asking whether Her Meru could harm the uninitiated. for you already know the 20 .The Divine Mother Speaks When Guruji addressed the Goddess in his meditation. She replied thus: “I know you are not asking the question for yourself. their noses smell. then where is the harm in bringing another. being loving. because – just as you can’t unlock a lock that is already open – you can’t put life into an already living being. their skins touch. It is because I am within them that their eyes see. to help you in improving every good quality around you. they need to be invoked: Compassion. truthful. Healing. “If a guru initiates. It will organize your life along the most excellent lines! 21 . indifferent to insult. you can improve them by healing. “If one form of me is already within you. riches. and the like. I have already initiated all living beings by my presence within them. their limbs move. their tongues taste. serving all. If some qualities of your life are reduced or missing. If certain qualities are not existing or living in you now. for what does initiation mean? It means invoking divine life. There is no higher blessing than keeping my highest form – the seed of the Cosmos. their ears hear. living and non-living alike. happiness abounds. it is just a gateway to me. negativities are removed at the source. their hormones create desires. kindness.answer: I will not harm. All this is part of initiation. which is merely a different way of looking at me? Hayagriva told Agastya of the immense benefits that accrue if Sri Chakra is brought into the home. the organizing principle of the Cosmos – in your home. their minds think. That has already been done by me for every being. Don’t get a chakra with faulty geometry. because geometry is a statement of the principles organizing the Universe. around an average star you call the Sun. So the geometry and accuracy of Sri Chakra are important. “Do I harm if pujas are not done properly to me? Do I harm myself? I am the whole of the Cosmos. If your compass is wrong.“But be careful. Also be careful about from whom you are taking it. if in one of them – in a medium-sized galaxy. don’t worry.” 22 . If they don’t listen. because it is their life and thoughts that you are also invoking into yourself. That Guru must genuinely desire your well being from the core of his/her heart. don’t bring the wrong organizing principles into your life. I won’t be – I can’t be – angry with them. Out of the billions of galaxies. is it going to affect me in any way? What an idea. that I should harm you if you don’t do puja! I could not be less bothered! “So go tell the doubters these things that I have told you. in one life form out of billions. on the tiniest speck you call Earth. because I tolerate partial truths also. That is the nature of my Maya. in one miniscule slot of time you call a day out of the infinite cycles of time called kalpas – if one person does or does not remember me. you will reach an unwanted destination. 23 . Or don’t accept. and be happy. it is your doubt. “How do I know that you really talked to Devi and that She answered you thus? Are you a prophet?” No. If you don’t believe what I say. and be happy.To this narrative. who believes in doing good to others. I am too small for that. so I have every right to tell about it. I am only saying that I happened to talk to Her in meditation. Well. You have every right to choose the answer you like. So accept. Thousands of people do that. and I am not angry with you. you don’t lose anything. But it is also my experience. then you may benefit. and they are not all prophets. Guruji adds the following statement: You may ask. Either way I want only your happiness and spiritual growth. that I am telling the truth in this instance. Because She is already with you. If you believe in me. I am just another person like you. I am not a prophet trying to change the world. ” Inside these three circles rise. name and guardian deities. through which one may visualize entry into the Meru’s precincts. one inside the other. as would surround an ancient walled city. in successive levels: 24 .e. Each is raised in graded elevations. You will note that it is comprised of nine avaranas (enclosures or divisions). literally. As a first step toward gradually fathoming these depths. why not take some time to examine the structure of your new Meru. The space between the innermost square wall and the circumference of the outermost circle (i. It is visualized as a square chaturasra consisting of three parallel lines or walls. Each side of this enclosing square has a door or portal at its midpoint. Each of these successive avaranas has its own distinct shape.. and those higher and closer to the center becoming progressively more subtle and transcendent in nature: • The ground-level enclosure of Sri Chakra is known as the Bhupura. with those lower and closest to the outer edges being the Devi’s more tangible and concrete manifestations. • Immediately inside the Bhupura are the Trivalaya. between the Bhupura and Trivalaya) is the Trailokya Mohana Chakra or “Wheel Enchanting the Three Worlds.The Structure of Maha Meru The form of Devipuram’s Maha Meru is both beautiful and deeply significant. its every curve and line is charged with layer upon layer of wisdom and meaning. three concentric circles or girdles. the earthworks. 25 . • The Sarvasa Paripuraka Chakra or “Wheel Fulfilling All Desires.” which is the peak (koota) of the Universe – or the yantra’s Maha-Bindu. • The Sarvartha Sadhaka Chakra or “Wheel Accomplishing All Purposes.” consisting of the Inverted Primary Triangle (the Trikona). • The Sarva Rogahara Chakra or “Wheel Removing All Diseases. it also means seed or drop. which emanate from its 26 .” consisting of Sixteen Lotus Petals. the interplay of gravity and surface tension. and finally • The Sarvanandamaya Chakra or “Wheel of Complete Bliss.” consisting of Eight Lotus Petals. Bindu in Sanskrit means point or center. • The Sarva Sanksobhana Chakra or “Wheel Agitating/Churning All.” consisting of Ten Triangles (the so-called Outer Dasara). • The Sarva Siddhiprada Chakra or “Wheel Granting All Powers. A drop contains forces. • The Sarva Raksakara Chakra or “Wheel Granting All Protection.” consisting of Fourteen Triangles (Chaturdasa Kona).” consisting of Eight Triangles (the Ashta Kona).” consisting of Ten Triangles (the so-called Inner Dasara). • The Sarva Saubhagyadayaka Chakra or “Wheel Granting All Auspiciousness. Thus. Thus the term Maha-Bindu indicates the Great or Eternal Point. as yet unmanifest. All the rest is just an 27 . the Seed of all Creation. The sage Punyananda explained in his Kamakalavilasa that the supreme nature of the Sri Chakra is fully contained in the Bindu – that it is the cause of the nine successive avaranas and the source of the initial phonic emanations of Shakti as Brahman.center and hold it in a spherical shape. Maha means Great or Eternal. the concept of Bindu encompasses not only the center but also that which surrounds the center. One modern adept states it thus: “The Bindu alone is the Sri Chakra. upon the Isle of Gems (Ratna-Dvipa). there rises the supreme city of Srividya […] which is called Sri Chakra”. located in the city of Tripura atop Mount Meru at the center of the Universe. Guruji has 28 . However. and not very easy to learn. It further corresponds to the seat or throne ( peetha) of the Maha-Devi Sri Lalita. requiring much time and effort under the instruction and guidance of a qualified Guru.” This Maha-Bindu is also identified with the body’s uppermost yogic center. As the great sage Bhaskararaya wrote in Saubhagyabhaskara. his authoritative commentary on the Sri Lalita Sahasranama: “Outside and beyond the countless myriads of world systems. and naturally the whole chakra is within it. The Bindu is the true form of Shiva and Shakti since it is One. may be enhanced simply by playing soft music in its proximity. Everything is contained in the Bindu. in the center of the Ocean of Nectar. for example. A Simple Puja for Maha Meru The Maha Meru requires no formal prayers or worship.addition. tens of millions of miles] in extent. Its effects.e. more than a thousand crores [i. nor must it be kept only in vegetarian homes – a reverential attitude toward it is enough. Those who know how to perform a proper Sri Chakra puja (formal devotional worship) using the Meru can accrue unlimited benefits – but this is a complicated and lengthy procedure. the Sahasrara Chakra – the Thousand-Petaled Wheel at the crown of the skull. containing all other elements in their 29 . education. She brings Mahat Tattva (i. In all efforts that improve one’s quality of life in this regard – for example..provided here a simple puja designed for laypersons who are short on time but would still like to perform a more serious and formal worship of their Maha Meru: Abhishekam to the Eight Matrukas The Bhupura – the square. who symbolizes creativity in all of its aspects. Saraswati. thus it is to the eight corners of the Sri Meru’s square enclosure that we shall direct our worship. In this puja we focus upon the Ashta Matruka. The names and associations of the Devis residing at each location tell us how and why they are useful as intermediaries in helping us to obtain the grace of Para Shakti. most prominently music and knowledge. 2 Maheshwari is the Goddess of Shiva. the Eight Matruka and the Ten Siddhis. learning and creativity – worship of Brahmi is recommended. as described above – is comprised of three walls which are. in each of its cardinal and intermediate directions. 1 Brahmi is Brahma’s Atma Shakti. graced by the 28 Devis or yoginis known respectively as the Ten Mudra Shaktis. the first transformation of primordial nature.e. who govern the second or middle Bhupura wall. in turn. outermost enclosure of Sri Meru. for those who must insist on the right things being done at the right times by the right people. he is also the leader of the Devas’ armies. can assist in improving one’s relationships in life – between husband and wife. through business or enterprise in their various forms). 3 Kaumari is the Atma Shakti of Kumara or Skanda. the Kundalini Shakti. He resides in all six chakras. Ganesha’s brother. Maya means Hreemkaara. or progeny. unmanifest forms) under control. a form of Lakshmi who creates these illusions of Samsara. Worship of Kaumari is recommended for couples who wish to obtain Santana. By propitiating Kaumari – through worship of the Yoni. whose nature is Maya. 30 . and conditions suitable for conception are created. between friends. So Vaishnavi. which is the seat of Kundalini as Nagashakti – wellness hormones are generated. balancing them. So for those who aspire to greatness.subtle. it is involvement in the world. He is Shanmukha. 4 Vaishnavi is the Atma Shakti of Vishnu. for those who require a bit of aggression to preserve their competitive edge – propitiation of Maheshwari is recommended. in all kinds of interpersonal relationships. the serpent power itself. whose wives are Valli and Devasena. through whatever means (for example. 5 Varahi is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces of Lalita Devi. control of floods and other such natural calamities. lobha (delusion). Thus Varahi can be used for effectively controlling diseases and improving one’s quality of life. with which She can defeat any enemy. He sends his thunderbolt. the God of Rain. to seed the clouds and bring the rain that fertilizes the Earth. 6 Mahendri is the Atma Shakti of Indra. as well as for environmental control. such as kama (lust). Thus all desires regarding the wellbeing of crops. such as those suffering from cancer and AIDS. She protects crops. and bring them under control. Varahi is especially useful in bringing relief to terminally ill patients. anything related to rain and water and fertilization of the earth – is best handled through the worship of Mahendri. mada (jealousy) and matsarya (envy). Positive use of Varahi’s powers enables us to treat various diseases and internal enemies. by chanting sankalpam³ with their names and doing japa (mantra recitation) or prokshana (the actual or visualized sprinkling of energized water on the person on whose behalf you are appealing) with the Varahi Mantra. 31 . ensures better dairy products and is generally useful for those in the agricultural industries. moha (pride). She can also be invoked to bring relief to others. Vajra. krodha (anger). Residing at the Ajna Chakra. She has vast armies at Her command (ajna). These are just general hints for the people who don’t have much time to spare. but also grants the proper frame of mind for reaching the oceanic. She is Cosmic Awareness. May the Goddess bless all of you so. riding upon a revivified corpse. She not only bestows material benefits. If you want a particular result. and removes poverty of all kinds. The Ashta Aishwaryas and Ashta Lakshmis are all under Her control and they all obey Her commands. you can make a corresponding sankalpa³ and worship that Goddess by chanting Her mantra 108 times. 32 . to help them light the path of their lives. Propitiating Chamunda will enable you to absolutely control all evils done to you and to eliminate those evils. 8 Mahalakshmi is the wealth of Sri Naraayana. It is therefore appropriate to propitiate Her in order to get a feel for the spiritual wealth of the Lord. The simplest form of worship is abhishekam using Panchamrita² – pour a spoonful of Panchamrita onto the Sri Meru location corresponding to each of these Devis as you recite their respective mantras. “Chamunda Shava Vahana” – She who lives in cemeteries. as given below. infinite antaryami (One Residing Within) of Divine Consciousness.7 Chamunda is the War Goddess. Thus She represents the infinite wealth of the Lord. a form of Chandi. and shuns pettiness in all its aspects. but still wish to maximize the benefits of their Sri Meru. or Helps Us to Overcome … maatre kama (lust) sanjeevanyai maatre krodha (anger) naashinyai I Bow to Her East South West North Southeast Southwest Northwest Northeast Om aim hreem sreem Om aim hreem sreem am aam souh Brahmi namaha namaha am aam Maheshwari souh Kaumaari Vaishnavi Varaahi Mahendri Om aim am aam hreem sreem souh Om aim hreem sreem Om aim hreem sreem Om aim hreem sreem Om aim hreem sreem Om aim hreem sreem am aam souh am aam souh am aam souh am aam souh am aam souh maatre lobha namaha (delusion) naashinyai maatre moha (pride) namaha naashinyai maatre mada (jealousy) naashinyai Maatre maatsarya (envy) naashinyai namaha namaha Chamunda maatre papa (negative namaha actions) naashinyai MahaLakshmi 33 maatre aishwarya (attachment to wealth) keertyai namaha .Mantras to the Eight Matrukas Governing Direction Beeja Mantras Avarana Mantra Name of Goddess The Mother Who Removes. the extract of all herbs. The milk is that of Kamadhenu (the divine wish-fulfilling cow). an ideal. As its name implies. with a long Vedic past. usually milk. and jaggery. is both the representation and the epitome of sweetness. the extract of sugarcane. ² Panchamrita generally refers to a ritual mixture used in Hindu worship services. yantra. guru or other human recipient. and continuity. and jaggery. it is a thought. ³ Sankalpa is a conception or idea formed in one’s mind or heart. smooth and cool luster of the moon. 34 . driven by cosmic kama – and hence it is only through sankalpa that the universe retains its karmic structure. an intention. curd (yogurt). the ghee is the food of the gods themselves.Mahendri 6 Kaumaari 3 7 Chamunda 2 Maheshwari Vaishnavi 4 Varaahi 5 1 Brahmi 8 Maha-Lakshmi ¹ Abhishekam is the ritual bathing of a murthi (temple or shrine image). it is made of five ingredients. The Vedas say that the whole universe is evolved through sankalpa – the ceaselessly acting impulses of karma. ghee. Each of these ‘nectars’ has an origin in Hindu tradition. the curd represents the white. is the essence of life with herbal healing powers. honey. honey. appearance.