Maa Lalita Amba — Tripura Sundari. Presiding deity of Shri Vidya, the Kalpavriksha of Kali Yuga.

Worship in Three Forms

In Shri Vidya, Maa Lalita is worshipped in three forms—Sthula (gross), Sukshma (subtle) and Para. The sadhaka practises one or more of these as per the guru's instruction.

• 1. Sthula Rupa (gross form): The deity's idol form—four arms, pasha-ankusha, sugarcane bow and flower arrow. These symbolise respectively raga, control of aversion, mind and the five tanmatras. Worship in the form of idol or image.
• 2. Sukshma Rupa (subtle form): Shri Chakra (Shri Yantra)—nine interlocking triangles (four Shiva, five Shakti), bindu at centre, lotus petals and bhupura. The geometric form of the universe and consciousness. Yantra worship is an extension of this form.
• 3. Para Rupa (supreme form): The Mother's mantra form—pure consciousness. Panchadashakshari (15 syllables) and Shodashi (16 syllables) mantras express this; they are recited only after guru diksha.

Shri Chakra and Auspicious Times

The Shri Chakra has nine chakras—Tripura Sundari is enshrined at the central bindu; outward are the triangle, eight-petalled lotus, fourteen corners, outer ten corners, ten corners, eight corners, triangle and bhupura (four gates). Full moon (Purnima), Pradosh and the sixth day of the bright fortnight (Lalita Shashthi) are considered especially auspicious for the Mother's worship. Chaitra and Phalgun months have special importance for Shri Vidya rituals.

Shri Vidya Service Method — Daily Worship

Maa Lalita's service method is highly systematic and royal. The sadhaka must follow daily practice. A brief method is given below; learn the full method as per guru's instruction.

• 1. Morning routine and bath: Bathe before sunrise and wear pure white or red clothes.
• 2. Arrangement of vessels: Place worship materials (flowers, incense, rice, lamp) to your right.
• 3. Shri Chakra (yantra) meditation: If Shri Yantra is available (Meru or bhuprishtha), place it in front. Shri Yantra is considered the geometric form of the universe—nine chakras symbolise the union of Shiva and Shakti.
• 4. Nyasa and sankalpa: Establish the matrika letters in various parts of the body (nyasa) so that the body becomes mantra-filled.
• 5. Avarana puja: Worship of deities from the outer cover of Shri Yantra to the bindu (order of creation). If short on time, recite Khadgamala Stotra—it is the mental worship of all the shakti-yoginis of Shri Yantra.
• 6. Lalita Sahasranama: Reciting Lalita Sahasranama at the end of worship is considered the best service. This stotra, in the dialogue form of Hayagriva and Agastya Muni, is most dear to the Mother.

Soundarya Lahari — Vashikaran and Prosperity

Adi Shankaracharya's Soundarya Lahari is an ocean of tantra and mantra. With Maa Lalita's grace, its verses are used for fulfilling specific desires.

• Vashikaran and attraction: Recitation of verses 13 and 33 creates such attraction (tej) in the sadhaka that even an old and unattractive person begins to seem as charming as Kamadeva. Infallible for attracting everyone.
• Wealth and prosperity: Recitation of verse 99 makes the sadhaka the recipient of both Saraswati and Lakshmi—both knowledge and wealth are attained.