Scriptures speak of both Nirguna (without form) and Saguna (with form) upasana of the Supreme Being. In Nirguna upasana, the devotee focuses on the Brahma swaroopa as the essence of eternal consciousness and bliss, the Sat-Chit-Ananda roopa. In Saguna Upasana, the spiritual aspirant’s progress begins with meditation on the personal form or Ishta devata which gradually leads to the realisation of the supreme impersonal reality. A simple method of Saguna upasana of Devi is to meditate on her divine form as is described in the various hymns and dhyana slokas on the Goddess, pointed out Srimati Kausalya Sivakumar in a discourse. Texts such as the Lalita Trishathi Stotra like the Lalita Sahasranama Stotra extol the glories of the Divine Mother who is known as Goddess Lalita or Goddess Parvati, Para Sakti or Adi Sakti. It is shown that the entire creation is the result of the Maya Shakti of the Supreme Brahman. She is unequalled and unique but assumes many forms to perform the functions such as creation, sustenance, destruction, deliverance, etc.
Though highly esoteric in depth of philosophical import, these texts are effective in initiating spiritual practices that instil devotion and finally guide the devotee towards salvation. Regular chanting of her names and dwelling on their import is advised for bringing the restless mind under control. One who worships Devi with sincerity is sure to find relief from the challenges that cross one’s life. He is endowed with spiritual jnana and begins to seek from the Goddess the most worthwhile pursuit, liberation form the cycle of birth. This is the greater and unseen benefit of Devi upasana, the removal of ignorance and bestowal of the knowledge of eternal truth.
