Maa Tripurasundari, often recognized as a primordial wisdom goddess or adimahavidya, holds a significant place in the pantheon of the Mahavidyas. Like Kali and Tara, she embodies an elevated state of divine consciousness, though her representation is distinct, focusing on a divine universality rather than the absolute, formless reality.

The Essence of Tripurasundari

Tripurasundari is known by various names, including Sodasi, Lalita, Kamesvari, Srividya, and Rajarajesvari. Each of these names reflects a unique aspect of her divine qualities and functions.

Her dhyana mantra describes Tripurasundari with a complexion radiant like the rising sun. This rosy hue symbolizes joy, compassion, and illumination, emphasizing her role as a source of divine light and beauty.

Iconography and Symbolism

Tripurasundari is typically depicted with four arms, each holding symbolic items: a noose, a goad, a bow, and five arrows. The noose signifies the captivating power of beauty, while the goad represents the ability to detach from ego-based attachments. The bow, crafted from sugarcane, represents the mind (manas), and the five arrows made of flowers denote the sensory faculties (jnanendriyas). These elements collectively convey that the world is a place of inherent beauty and delight, to be appreciated and enjoyed.

Her body is adorned with a multitude of jewelled ornaments, underscoring her splendour and boundless abundance.

Relationship with Lord Shiva

In many depictions, Tripurasundari is shown seated on the recumbent body of Lord Shiva, who rests on a throne. Shiva represents the absolute consciousness, the foundational reality that supports all forms and phenomena. Tripurasundari, as Sakti, illustrates the essential Tantric principle that consciousness (Shiva) and its power (Sakti) are inseparable and mutually dependent. Without Shiva, Sakti would not exist, and without Sakti, Shiva would have no expression.

The Five Divine Activities

Tripurasundari’s throne is supported by four deities: Brahma (creation), Vishnu (maintenance), Rudra (dissolution), and Mahesvara (concealment). These gods represent the five divine activities (pancakritya) of the cosmos. The fifth deity, Sadasiva, symbolizes divine grace or self-revelation, which allows us to transcend the illusion of separation and experience the unity of consciousness.

Symbolism of the Triangle and the Sricakra

The Srichakra, or Tripurasundari’s yantra, prominently features a triangle that represents the initial stirrings of cosmic evolution within divine consciousness. This triangle embodies the relationship between the knowing subject, the known object, and the act of knowing. It symbolizes the cosmic process of creation, where pure consciousness becomes aware of itself and manifests the universe.

The State of Awareness

Tripurasundari represents a high state of awareness known as sadasivatattva, where one experiences the unity of the Self with all of creation. This state aligns with the Bhagavad Gita’s teaching that a realized yogi perceives the Self in all beings and all beings in the Self. It is a profound realization of universal love (visvaprema) and the interconnectedness of all existence.

Beauty and Perception

In the mundane world, Tripurasundari’s beauty can be seen in all that is aesthetically pleasing. Her flower arrows and sugarcane bow signify that the true source of beauty lies within our own awareness. The external world reflects this inner divine beauty, and through mindful awareness, one can experience joy and beauty as reflections of the divine presence within.

Sadhana and Spiritual Practice

Tripurasundari’s sadhana involves purifying one’s awareness and recognizing the inherent beauty in all things. It is about cleansing the mind from unworthy thoughts and patterns, appreciating the miraculous in everyday life, and understanding that nothing is separate from the Self. As the Upanishads teach, “All this universe is truly Brahman” (sarvam khalv idam brahma); thus, the Self (ayam atma brahma) is the ultimate reality.

In essence, Maa Tripurasundari embodies the divine beauty and unity underlying the apparent diversity of the world. Through her worship and the realization of her qualities, one can move towards a state of profound inner harmony and universal love.