Tripurasundari Ashtakam: An Octad to Tripurasundari by Sri Sankaracarya (Sanskrit Text, Translation and Commentary)

Sakti worship effects a reconciliation of the paths of work, love and reason. It is in agreement with the findings of modern science. While followers of different creeds quarrel among themselves, the Sakta has no quarrel with any of them. Sankara Bhagavatpada in ancient times and Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa in modern times have demonstrated through their lives and teachings that such a reconciliation is not only possible but also necessary. They have proved that all paths pursued with devotion to truth lead to the same goal, that Mantras are efficacious, that Devatas and higher powers exist and that step by step the divine Mother leads the Sadhaka to higher and higher levels of consciousness till he reaches perfection and becomes one with the Supreme Reality.

Sri Sankaracharya's Soundaryalahari, Lalita Trisati Bhashyam, Prapancha Sara and numerous Stotras give us a deep insight into the secrets of Sakti worship. The Tripura Sundari Ashtakam, short and sweet in a mellifluous metre, mountains, as if in a nutshell, the entire philosophy of Sakti worship. This is able brought out in this little book by Sri S. Kameswar of Bombay, as a result of his deep study and meditation. The full significance of the name Tripura Sundari is explained in his introduction. Each Sloka is given in the original Sanskrit followed by a running translation in beautiful verse and explanatory notes on important points. The author has given several interesting anecdotes gathered from folklore, about places of Sakti worship and persons reputed as recipients of the mother's grace.

The implications of Kundalini Yoga, Guru Tattwa, Siddhis and allied topics are discussed in their context and the conclusions are supported by scriptural texts and writings of learned scholars and saints. With regard to Siddhis for example, the author quotes Swami Vivekananda: "These powers, however, are obstructions to the attainment of the highest Goal the knowledge of the pure Self and freedom. These are, as it were, to be met on the way and if the Yogi rejects them, he attains the highest. If he is tempted to acquire these, his further progress in barred."

The author has attempted to explain in simple language the profundities of Sri Vidya and the Divine Mother has blessed his effort with success.