Shodshi Pooja

Goddess Shodashi | Tripura Sundari | Goddess Lalita

Goddess Shodashi is also known as Tripura Sundari. As the name suggests Goddess Shodashi is the most beautiful in all three worlds. In Mahavidya, She represents Goddess Parvati or also known as Tantric Parvati.

Goddess Shodashi is also known as Lalita and Rajarajeshwari which means “the one who plays” and “queen of queens” respectively.

Shodashi Origin

As Shodashi, Tripura Sundari is represented as a sixteen year old girl. She is believed to embody sixteen types of desires. Mantra to worship Goddess Shodashi also consists of sixteen syllables. Tripura Sundari is also worshipped as the Shri Yantra. According to Hindu calendar, Shodashi Jayanti is celebrated on Magha Purnima.

Shodashi Iconography

Tripura Sundari is described as being dusky, red or golden in complexion and in union with Lord Shiva. The couple is portrayed on a bed, a throne or a pedestal that is upheld by Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra, Ishana and Sadashiva forming the plank.

Goddess Shodashi has a third eye on the forehead. She is clad in red costume and richly bejeweled. She sits on a lotus seat laid on a golden throne. She is shown with four arms in which she holds five arrows of flowers, a noose, a goad and sugarcane as a bow. The noose represents attachment, the goad represents repulsion, the sugarcane bow represents the mind and the arrows are the five sense objects.

Shodashi Sadhana

Shodashi Sadhana is done for pleasure as well as for liberation. Tripura Sundari Sadhana provides strength to control body, mind and emotions.

Shodashi Sadhana is also done for family pleasure, favorable life partner and potency.

Shodashi Mool Mantra

ॐ ऐं ह्रीं श्रीं त्रिपुर सुंदरीयै नमः॥

Om Aim Hreem Shreem Tripur Sundariyai Namah॥