The Lalita Sahasranama is the thousand names of the Divine Mother, Shri Lalita Tripurasundari, from the Brahmanda Purana. It is taught by Hayagriva to the sage Agastya and, as the text itself says, was composed by eight goddesses of speech at the Mother's own command. It has 1,000 names in 182½ verses, with no name repeated and no filler words, and is recited on Fridays, Purnima, Ashtami and through Navratri. At a steady pace it takes about half an hour.
Every one of the 1,000 names, numbered and explained.
Shri Lalita Sahasranama with Meaning: the four dhyana verses, all 182½ verses in Devanagari and transliteration, and under each verse its names with their meanings, numbered in the traditional order used in archana books.
Get Lalita Sahasranama · ₹299Lalita Sahasranama at a glance
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Source | Brahmanda Purana, Lalitopakhyana |
| Taught by | Hayagriva to the sage Agastya |
| Composed by | The eight Vagdevis (goddesses of speech) |
| Names | 1,000, none repeated |
| Verses | 182½, after 4 dhyana verses |
| First names | Shri Mata, Shri Maharajni, Shrimat Simhasaneshvari |
| Last name | Lalitambika |
| Classic commentary | Bhaskararaya's Saubhagya Bhaskara |
| Time to recite | About 30 minutes; 20 to 25 once familiar |
Who composed it
The Sahasranama tells its own origin. After the Mother, Lalita, destroyed the demon Bhandasura, she commanded the eight Vagdevis, Vashini, Kameshvari, Aruna, Vimala, Jayini, Modini, Sarveshvari and Kaulini, to compose a hymn of her thousand secret names. They recited it before her assembled court. Hayagriva, the horse-headed form of Vishnu and lord of knowledge, later taught it to Agastya, and through Agastya it came to the world.
What makes it unique
- No repetition. All 1,000 names are different.
- No filler. Many sahasranamas use small words like ca, tu or eva to fit the metre. The Lalita Sahasranama uses none; every syllable belongs to a name.
- It has a shape. After praising the Mother's appearance, the names describe her from head to foot, then her victory over Bhandasura, then the Kundalini rising through the chakras, then her subtle and supreme forms.
How to recite it at home
- Sit facing east or north before a picture of the Mother or a Shri Yantra, and light a ghee lamp.
- Begin with the four dhyana verses, picturing the Mother as they describe her.
- Recite the 182½ verses at an even pace. Clear pronunciation matters more than speed.
- For archana, recite the names one by one in namavali form, adding Om before and namah after (Om Shri Matre Namah), offering a pinch of kumkum or a flower with each name. This kumkum archana is a favourite on Fridays and in Navratri.
- Close with the phalashruti, an aarti and a simple offering.
When to recite
- Fridays, the Mother's day
- Purnima (full moon), especially Kartik Purnima on 24 November 2026
- Ashtami and Navami, and every day of Navratri
- Any morning or evening, as a daily practice
Five names and what they mean
| No. | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | श्रीमाता Shri Mata | The auspicious Mother |
| 2 | श्रीमहाराज्ञी Shri Maharajni | The great Empress of the universe |
| 3 | श्रीमत्सिंहासनेश्वरी Shrimat Simhasaneshvari | Queen of the lion throne |
| 4 | चिदग्निकुण्डसम्भूता Chidagnikunda Sambhuta | Born from the fire of pure consciousness |
| 1000 | ललिताम्बिका Lalitambika | Mother Lalita, "she who plays" |
The full book explains all 1,000 in the same way, so that every name you chant carries its meaning.
Lalita and Vishnu: the two great sahasranamas
Many families recite the Vishnu Sahasranama, from the Mahabharata, alongside the Lalita Sahasranama. Read our guide to the Vishnu Sahasranama: meaning and how to recite, and see our Vishnu Sahasranama with Meaning (₹299).
Chant every name knowing what it means.
126 pages: introduction, dhyanam, all 1,000 names numbered and explained, the phalashruti and a quick reference. Sanskrit text checked name by name. A5 PDF, instant download, perfect on a phone at the puja.
Download Lalita Sahasranama · ₹299Frequently asked questions
How many verses are in the Lalita Sahasranama?
182½ verses containing the 1,000 names, after four dhyana verses. Some books round this to 182 or 183.
How long does it take to recite the Lalita Sahasranama?
About 30 minutes at a steady pace, and 20 to 25 minutes once you know it well.
Can I recite the Lalita Sahasranama without initiation?
Most households recite it freely as a devotional hymn, and many teachers encourage it. Some lineages ask for initiation for particular forms of worship; follow your family's or teacher's guidance.
Which Purana is the Lalita Sahasranama from?
The Brahmanda Purana, in the section called the Lalitopakhyana.
What is the best day to recite it?
Fridays, Purnima and Navratri are traditional, but any day is good.