Bengali Version
Introduction
The Dashamahavidyas are the ten great wisdom goddesses, each representing a unique cosmic function and divine aspect of Adi Parashakti—the supreme primordial feminine energy. Among them, the third Mahavidya is Tripura Sundari, also revered as Shodashi. She is the embodiment of ultimate beauty, bliss, knowledge, and the supreme consciousness that pervades the three worlds: the earthly realm (Bhuloka), the atmospheric realm (Antariksha), and the celestial realm (Swarga).
Tripura Sundari is the most aesthetically refined and spiritually elevated form of the Divine Mother. She is the queen of Shri Vidya Tantra and is often considered the soul of the universe—the union of Shiva and Shakti expressed in pure bliss and beauty.
Names and Their Meanings
1. Tripura Sundari
Literally means "The Beauty of the Three Cities" or "The Most Beautiful in the Three Worlds".
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Tripura = Three cities/realms/states
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Sundari = Beautiful one
She is the embodiment of beauty that transcends all three planes of existence—physical, subtle, and causal.
2. Shodashi
This name means “The Sixteen-Year-Old One”.
She is eternally young, representing fullness, perfection, and the complete blossoming of the Divine Feminine. In tantric thought, sixteen is the number of completion, symbolizing the complete development of all faculties.
Iconography and Symbolism
Tripura Sundari is described as a four-armed goddess, seated upon a throne supported by the five forms of Shiva (Pancha-Brahmas: Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra, Ishvara, and Sadashiva).
She is often depicted with:
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A bow made of sugarcane – symbolizing the mind
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Five flower arrows – representing the five senses
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An ankusha (elephant goad) – controlling desires
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A pasha (noose) – binding attachment
She is red or golden-hued, radiating the beauty of the rising sun. She sits at the center of the Sri Chakra, the most powerful yantra in the Sri Vidya tradition.
Tripura Sundari in Tantra – The Shri Chakra
Tripura Sundari is worshipped primarily through the Sri Chakra or Sri Yantra, the mystical diagram made up of nine interlocking triangles symbolizing the cosmos and the human body. At the central bindu (point) of the chakra resides the goddess herself, representing non-dual bliss and consciousness.
Her worship in the Sri Chakra involves layered worship of each level of the yantra, representing the ascent of the soul from the outer world into the supreme state of union with the Divine.
The Goddess of Knowledge, Rasa, and Bliss
Tripura Sundari is:
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Jnaneshwari – The bestower of ultimate wisdom
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Shringara Rasa Swaroopini – The embodiment of love, beauty, and aesthetic essence
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Lalita – The graceful, playful goddess who creates the universe as a divine play (Leela)
She is both Brahmavidya (spiritual knowledge) and Kamavidya (mystical desire). Her worship reveals the unity of spiritual knowledge and worldly enjoyment, leading the seeker beyond both into non-dual bliss.
Mentions in Scriptures and Tantras
1. Brahmanda Purana – Lalitopakhyana
The Lalitopakhyana portion of this Purana extensively describes Tripura Sundari as Lalita Devi, the sovereign goddess who resides in the Sri Chakra. She is praised as the Supreme Mother who defeated Bhandasura in a cosmic battle.
Quote:
"Lalita Tripurasundari is the omniscient, all-powerful goddess seated at the bindu of the Sri Chakra. She is the Supreme Shakti."
– Brahmanda Purana, Lalitopakhyana
2. Lalita Sahasranama
A sacred hymn listing 1000 names of the Goddess, part of the Brahmanda Purana. Some notable names:
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“Shri Chakra Raja Nilaya” – She who resides in the King of Yantras, the Sri Chakra
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“Chidagnikunda Sambhuta” – Born from the fire of pure consciousness
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“Bindu Taraka Samaarudha” – Seated at the central point beyond comprehension
3. Tripura Rahasya
An Advaita scripture that reveals the non-dual reality of the Goddess. It declares that Tripura is the Self, the consciousness beyond body and mind. It is presented as a dialogue between Lord Dattatreya and his disciple Parashurama.
4. Yogini Hridaya Tantra
This tantra expounds on the inner worship (antar-yaga) of the Goddess through the Yogini Chakra, declaring Tripura Sundari as the center of divine consciousness. It states that the heart of the Yogini Chakra is the bindu, where the Goddess resides in pure bliss.
5. Kularnava Tantra
This tantra extols Shodashi as the highest goal of the Kaula path. It emphasizes her as the essence of Kula (family of powers) and the source of liberation.
6. Soundarya Lahari (Verses 1–41)
Attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, the Soundarya Lahari (Waves of Beauty) sings the glory of the Divine Mother, especially in her Shodashi form. The first 41 verses (Ananda Lahari) are believed to be dedicated to her tantric worship.
Symbolic Meaning of Tripura Sundari
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Tripura – The three states of consciousness: waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. Also, will (Iccha), knowledge (Jnana), and action (Kriya).
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Sundari – The highest form of divine beauty, expressing perfect harmony, balance, and bliss.
She is the one who transcends yet supports all three, the inner consciousness that illuminates all.
Fruits of Her Worship
A devotee who meditates upon Tripura Sundari and worships her with purity of mind achieves:
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Profound spiritual wisdom
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Worldly prosperity and grace
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Mastery of the tantric sciences
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Ultimate liberation (Moksha)
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Inner beauty, peace, and joy
She grants material fulfillment (bhoga) and spiritual liberation (moksha), making her the most complete of all Mahavidyas.
Conclusion
Tripura Sundari is not just a goddess of form and beauty—she is the radiant consciousness that pervades the cosmos. In her resides the perfect harmony of form and formlessness, of desire and detachment, of the manifest and the unmanifest.
She is the supreme Shakti, the serene sovereign seated on the cosmic throne, orchestrating the dance of creation through her blissful smile. The seeker who follows her path through Shri Vidya embarks on a journey of transcendence, discovering within themselves the beauty of the eternal Self.
Scriptural References
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Brahmanda Purana, Chapters on Lalitopakhyana
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Lalita Sahasranama
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Tripura Rahasya
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Tantrasara – by Abhinavagupta
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Yogini Hridaya Tantra
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Kularnava Tantra
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Soundarya Lahari – by Adi Shankaracharya
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Devi Bhagavatam – Book 11 and 12
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Kalika Purana – Mentions the Dashamahavidyas
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Rudra Yamala Tantra – Detailed discussion on Shodashi rituals
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