When a human being is in suffering, hunger, pain, or fear, he spontaneously calls out “Mother.” Similarly, devotees recognize the Goddess as the Universal Mother for all beings. During hardship and when the mind seeks peace, they remember the Goddess with the mantra Śrī Mātre Namaḥ, salutations to the Divine Mother.

Meaning of the Words

Śrī: A respectful and auspicious prefix meaning prosperity, grace, and auspiciousness. Mātrī/ Mātre: Mother / To the Mother (here referring to the Cosmic Mother who is the source of all creation)

Interpretive Understanding

Goddess Lalitā is The Mother of the Universe, The Nourisher, and The One who gives Compassion, Love, and Protection. Just as a mother overlooks the faults of her child and still loves and protects, so does Goddess Lalitāmbikā love and protect her devotees.

Spiritual Message

The Goddess is not a distant or unreachable power. She is near and intimate like a mother

To such a Universal Mother, Śrī Lalitā Parameśvarī, we offer our salutations.