Narayana-Narayani

  The term 'Narayana' means 'Eternal Flow (naarah yaana) of Consciousness'. It also means the path (ayana) of journey of jiva (nara). In the term 'Narayani', the 'a' at the end of the word Narayana stands for the 'brahmn' or 'paramatman and the same replaced by 'i' in Narayani stands for the creative energy, power of the supreme brahmn. Thus, these two are the two fundamental principles of 'Purusha' and 'Prakriti'. 'Purusha' is Supreme, and 'Prakriti' borne out of Purusha is Sovereign. This sovereign power is 'Mahalakshmi', the 'I-hood' (ahanta) of Narayana. In Lakshmi Tantra, Devi Lakshmi speaks to Shakra (Indra). See ''Lakshmi Tantra'', Pub.: MLBD. Here, it is very interesting to note how Lakshmi wields Her sovereign power in creation, sustenance, and dissolution in Her different forms and functions.  She, Mahalakshmi only manifests as Mahashree, Mahavidya and Mahamaya. She is called by different names like Lakshmi, Sarswati, Sharada, Kali, Durga, Roudri, etc. There is no question of any 'limitations to her Shakti (powers) or jnyan (Knowledge), or aishvarya (resources), or even bala (strength), virya (valour), and tejas (glory) for She is the reigning queen (samrajni) of the cosmic entity called the Universe. She creates the universe and enters into it as 'chit shakti' (Consciousness). She has, no doubt, conceded that the power She wields is that of Sri Hari. However, She, the Devi, is not bound by any limitations or control of any sort by any authority. She is thus Independent. She is the supreme Mother.

  The supreme Lord Paramatman, called parabrahman only manifests as 'Atman', and enters into all living beings as 'jivatman'. This aspect of Atman is Myslef pronounced as 'I. I-hood' of paramatman is attributed to Me, says the Blessed Devi. She, the Devi, further asserts that "I am the creative power (kriya shakti) of Sri Hari, paramatman. I am the I-hood, 'Shree', power of Hari, Narayani. The supreme Lord is said to be pure (parishuddha), nishchala (inert), shanta (silent), and takes no part in any activity. Just a particle of His dynamic aspect has pervaded the universe. Devi Mahalakshmi says, "a minute particle of My transcendent power' (Shakti) has created this illusory world!

  Mahalakshmi says, the attributes of Paramatman cannot be explained except the by the Suris. tad vishnoh parmama padam sada pashyanti surayah diviva chakshus atatam | [Rk veda 1. 22. 20]. He has no attributes, qualities, forms or functions. Yet the Vedic doctrines, enunciated by the great sages, attribute all the best qualities to Him. He is sat-chit-ananada svarupi. He is the bestower of ananda, bliss. Meditate, contemplate on brahmn and the manifest aspects of parabrahman and attain to the Highest bliss.

  Chant the name of 'Shree Hari' and be Blessed!