Introduction:
The Panchadasi, composed by Vidyaranya Swami, is a renowned text of Advaita Vedanta. It consists of fifteen chapters that systematically explain the nature of reality, the self, and the path to liberation. The work combines philosophy, reasoning, and scriptural insights to guide seekers toward self-knowledge. Click Here To More Detail.
- Nirvana Shatakam (Atma Shatakam) – Click to view Chanting
- Dakshinamurthy Stotram – Click to view Chanting
- Vivekachudamani – Meditation Verses – Click to view Chanting
- Panchadasi – Click to view Chanting
- Mandukya Upanishad – Click to view Chanting
Through her clear and melodious chanting, she brings these ancient compositions to life, allowing practitioners and enthusiasts to connect with their profound teachings on a deeper level.
Composition Details: What is Panchadasi?
Origins and Meaning
Panchadasi is a philosophical text composed by Swami Vidyaranya, a great scholar of Advaita Vedanta, in the 14th century. This text serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the nature of the Self (Atman), Brahman (Absolute Reality), and the path to liberation (Moksha).
The name Panchadasi means “Fifteen Chapters”, as it is divided into three sections of five chapters each:
- Viveka (Discrimination) – Understanding the difference between Reality and Illusion.
- Deepa (Illumination) – The nature of consciousness and its manifestation.
- Ananda (Bliss) – The experience of the Self as eternal bliss (Ananda).
The text serves as a step-by-step guide for seekers on the path of Self-inquiry and realization of the non-dual truth. Click to view Chanting
Śrī Lalitā Tripura Sundarī Stuti
Om Śrī Mātā Parānanda, Śrīmantripura Sundarī
Bhaktānugraha Kāriṇi, Bhavabhaya Vināśinī
Chandrāmshu Kōṭi Sadr̥śī, Chaturbhuja Vilāsinī
Paśāṅkuśa Dhāriṇī Devi, Padmahasta Nivāsinī
Kārunyāmr̥ta Vārāśiḥ, Kātyāyanī Namōstute
Sarvānanda Karī Mātaḥ, Sadaiva Māṁ Prasīda Hi
Om Hrīm Śrīm Lalitāmbikē, Parāśakti Mahēśvarī
Kāmēśvari Jagadvandē, Bhaktānām Ābhayaprada
Sindūrāruṇa Devi Tvaṁ, Nityānanda Pradāyinī
Tripura Sundarī Mātā, Rakṣa Mām Karuṇāmayi
Jaya Jaya He Mahādevī, Śakti Rūpē Sanātani
Namō Namaste Sukhakārini, Bhavabhaya Nāśini
The Significance of Bīja Mantras in Spiritual Practice
The term “Pañcadaśī” originates from Sanskrit, meaning “fifteen-syllabled.” It consists of fifteen sacred syllables (bījas), which are divine sound vibrations with unique spiritual potency. These syllables are not just phonetic elements but are considered powerful keys that unlock higher states of consciousness and connect the devotee with the supreme goddess, Lalitāmbikā. \
The root syllables of the mantra hold profound esoteric meanings. For instance, the first letter ‘A’ in the Sanskrit alphabet symbolizes origin (OM), unification, and indestructibility. The interpretation of bīja mantras often depends on the context in which they are used in spiritual practices. Click to view Chanting
Structure of the Panchadasi Mantra
The Pañcadaśī Mantra is structured into three distinct sections called Kūṭas:
- Vāgbhava Kūṭa (Face of Lalitāmbikā)
- Bījas: ka-e-ī-la-hrīṃ
- Represents Lalitāmbikā’s divine face
- Symbolism:
- ka – Brahma (the creator)
- e – Goddess Sarasvati (knowledge & wisdom)
- ī – Lakshmi (prosperity)
- la – Indra (king of heavens, power)
- hrīṃ – Union of Shiva and Shakti (pure consciousness)
- Madhya Kūṭa (Kāmarāja Kūṭa) – Middle Section:
- Represents Sustenance and Love.
- Resembles the left side of an inverted triangle, symbolizing passion and power.
- Bījas: ha-sa-ka-ha-la-hrīṃ
- Meaning:*
- ha – Denotes Lord Shiva
- ka – Represents Brahma, the Creator
- la – Refers to Indra, the king of gods
- hrīṃ – The fusion of Shiva and Shakti, divine consciousness
- Śakti Kūṭa (Śakti Kūṭa) – Dissolution
- Bīja Syllables: sa-ka-la-hrīṃ
- Meaning:*
- sa – Represents Divine energy of Shiva
- ka – Represents the principle of action
- la – Destruction and transformation
- hrīṃ – Cosmic energy of unity
The third section, Śakti Kūṭa, represents the energy of dissolution. It is also associated with the lunar power (Chandra Khaṇḍa), symbolizing divine feminine energy. Click to view Chanting
The Secret Significance of the Panchadasi Mantra
The 15 sacred syllables of the Pañcadaśī (Panchadasi) Mantra are hidden within a secret verse, which reveals the divine nature of this powerful mantra. This verse signifies the mantra’s connection with Brahman, the universal consciousness, and its role in creation, sustenance, and dissolution.
The mantra is believed to hold esoteric meanings and spiritual vibrations that guide the seeker towards enlightenment, spiritual growth, and ultimate liberation. It is said that chanting this mantra correctly activates spiritual centers (chakras) within the body, leading to the unification of the individual soul (Jīvātman) with the Supreme Consciousness (Brahman).
The Sacred Symbolism of the Panchadasi Mantra
The arrangement of the mantra into three sections forms an inverted triangle, which symbolizes Shakti’s yoni, the origin of the universe. This is why the mantra is deeply mystical and often kept secret by initiated practitioners.
The Secret Within the Mantra
The esoteric meanings of the bījas are often kept undisclosed, as their vibration awakens the Kundalini Shakti, guiding the seeker toward spiritual enlightenment. It is said that the bījas within the mantra must be recited correctly, following precise time intervals:
- The entire Pañcadaśī (Panchadasi) Mantra is recited in 31 mātrās (units of time).
- When recited continuously, without gaps between Kūṭas, the pronunciation takes 29 mātrās.
These time intervals align with the cosmic vibrations and help awaken the latent energy within. Click to view Chanting
Why is the Panchadasi Mantra Powerful?
- Symbol of Supreme Energy: Represents Lalitāmbikā, the divine feminine energy.
- Sacred Geometry: Forms an inverted triangle, symbolizing the universal source of creation.
- Three-fold Power: Corresponds to the cosmic functions of Creation, Preservation, and Dissolution.
- Unlocks Higher Consciousness: The vibrations of its sacred bījas elevate spiritual awareness.
- Power of Śakti: The mantra embodies the merger of Shiva and Shakti, the ultimate cosmic unity.
Author and Composition Relation: How are They Related?
Vijaya Gosala’s association with Panchadasi lies in her role as a conduit for its oral transmission. Through her precise and melodious chanting, she brings this philosophical text to life, making it more accessible for meditation, reflection, and self-inquiry.
Her Contributions Include:
- Preserving the Authenticity of the Chant
- Spreading the Teachings of Advaita Vedanta
- Aiding in Meditation and Self-Realization
- Bridging Ancient Wisdom and Modern Seekers Click to view Chanting
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Panchadasi serves as a comprehensive manual for understanding non-duality and realizing the Self as pure consciousness. It inspires seekers to rise above ignorance and illusion, leading to peace, wisdom, and liberation. Truly, it is a shining gem of Vedantic literature.
