Lalitha Sahasranama Stotram

The Lalitha Sahasranama Stotram lists the thousand names of Goddess Lalitha Devi in three Chapters (320 verses) of the Uttara Khand of the Brahmanda Purana.

It draws inspiration from the Lalithopakhyana which constitutes the last four chapters of the Brahmanda Purana (Chapters 41-44).

The Uttara Khand is presented as a dialog between Sage Agastya and Lord Hayagriva, Vishnu’s horse-headed avatar symbolizing knowledge and wisdom.

The first chapter consisting of 51 verses, opens with Agastya pleading with Lord Hayagriva to teach him Devi’s 1000 names. Lord Hayagriva informs Agastya that these secret names (Rahasya Sahasranama) are supposed to be revealed to only those who are full of faith and devotion.

Since Lord Hayagriva considers Agastya worthy, he then proceeds to reveal the names by first introducing the Vaga-devatas in verse 27 of Chapter 1. These Vaga-devatas, says the Lord were inspired by Goddess Lalitha Devi to compose and recite the Sahasranama Stotra in praise of the Goddess.

In the second chapter, Lord Hayagriva, reveals the 1000 names in 183 verses.

In the third and final chapter of 86 verses, the Lord, covers the advantages of chanting the Lalitha Sahasranama by stating that no other stotra equals the Lalitha Sahasranama in merit, nor will there ever be one to equal it. He then lists all the benefits a devotee can get by reciting the Lalitha Sahasranama Stotra and finally closes by warning Agastya to never reveal it to anyone who is not full of faith and devotion.

This detailed explanation of the entire 1000 names will shine light on why this Stotra is so special and why its chanted with devotion by so many devotees.