Sri Suktam Explained - Part 5

Even in Medha Sukta, another famous Sukta, Mata is considered the controller and provider of intelligence and intellect.

मेधा देवी जुषमाणा न आगात्
जुषमाणा means she enjoys this leela of hers—of creating and managing this colossal universe.

She is called विश्वाची here:
विश्वं भूतजातं अञ्जसा अञ्जन्ती व्याप्य नियच्छन्ती
She pervades the entire universe—living and non-living, every nook and corner.

त्वायैतद्विष्णुना चाम्ब जगद्व्याप्तं चराचरं
If we say that Lord Vishnu has pervaded the whole universe—because of which he is called Vishnu—it is through her. He doesn’t do it alone. He does it through Lakshmi. He does it by means of Lakshmi.

This is why it was said earlier: if you don’t understand Lakshmi, you won’t understand Vishnu.

Don’t think of Lakshmi as just the goddess of the business community, of the money-minded, or of those who seek only material wealth. See the depth of her tatva. If Vishnu is omnipresent, it is only through her.

Sumanasyamana: The Kind and Compassionate One

She is called सुमनस्यमाना—her mind is full of kindness.

पापानां वा शुभानां वा वधार्हाणामथापि वा। कार्य कारुण्यमार्येण न कश्चिन्नापराध्यति।
Who hasn’t committed an offence? Who doesn’t commit sin? She knows this.

So, she has karuna (compassion) towards everyone—be it a noble person, a sinner, or even someone who deserves to be punished with death. Even towards them, she is kind. That is her nature.

The Transformative Power of Her Glance

त्वया जुष्टा जुषमाणा दुरुक्तान् । बृहद्वदेम विदधे सुवीराः।
The sages say: before your kataksha (merciful glance) fell upon us, we were just blabbering, speaking meaningless and powerless words. After your glance fell upon us, we became great scholars, and our words became powerful, respected, and appreciated.

This shows that she blesses with scholarly achievements.

त्वया जुष्टः ऋषिर्भवति।
A Rishi becomes a Rishi only after her glance falls upon him.

देवि त्वया ब्रह्माऽऽगतश्रीरुत त्वया।
Why only a Rishi? Even Brahma becomes Brahma because of her kataksha.

आगतश्री—even someone who has lost everything can regain abundance and prosperity, all because of her merciful glance.

त्वया जुष्टश्चित्रं विन्दते वसु।
Her kataksha bestows immense wealth and abundance.

Knowledge Bank

Who were the foster parents of Karna?

Adhiratha and Radha. Adhiratha was the superintendent of the chariots of the Kuru dynasty. Radha was his wife.

Which are the 10 subjects of Srimad Bhagavata?

The ten subjects of Srimad Bhagavata are: 1. Sarga- primary creation. 2. Visarga- secondary creation. 3. Sthana - placement of beings in the various Lokas. 4. Poshana- their sustenance. 5. Uti- desire to act. 6. Manvantara: rule of the Manus. 7.Isanukatha- incarnations. 8. Nirodha- the annihilation of evil. 9. Mukti- liberation.10. Ashraya: Krishna the supreme shelter.