Goddess

Goddess

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Stories of the Goddess Part 2 - Bala Tripura Sundari



Bala Tripura Sundari

Bala, meaning ‘child’, is conceived as the daughter of Goddess Lalitha in the Lalitha Mahatmya. When Lalitha wages battle against the Daitya (Demon), Bhanda, Bala, with Lalitha’s blessing, takes on and defeats the thirty sons of Bhanda.

In the Lalitha Mahatmya, Bala Tripura Sundari is described as a radiant nine year old girl who is well versed in all martial arts and scriptural lore. Bala is ever present at the Goddess’ side, and is as Her vital breath made manifest in the world.



Lalitha with Bala Tripura Sundari

The esoteric significance of the form of  Bala Tripura Sundari is encoded in her beeja mantra. Once the seeker of the Goddess has been initiated into that mantra, Bala resides in her/him, and overcoming all obstacles that may arise on the path, she leads them to the highest goal – Lalitha herself.

One of the renowned shrines to Bala Tripura Sundari is to be found near the Chamundeshwari Temple in the Mysore District of Karnataka.


Bala Tripura Sundari Temple in Mysore

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