Soundarya Lahari (bliss of the eternal beauty or waves of beauty) written in Sanskrit originally composed by Sri Adi Sankaracharya praising Sri Lalithambika (Goddess) consists of 100 stotras and divided into two sections of stotras. The first is Ananda Lahari, waves of happiness (first 41 stotras) and the second is Soundarya Lahari, waves of beauty (the next 59 stotras). The Lord sri Ganesha himself has composed the Ananda Lahari on Mount Meru (Some people believe that Sage Pushpa Dhantha did the etching). It was read from there by Sage Gouda Pada who taught it to Adhi Sankaracharya. Adhi Sankara himself composed the rest of the 59 stotras and completed it. These 100 stotras are supposed to be the foremost among Mantra literature. It is said that by Making suitable Yanthras and reciting particular stotras (Each stotra is meant for obtaining each different things both spiritual and material wishes are included) and by worshipping the yantras with devotion almost anything can be obtained in the world. A stotra can be chanted by worshiping the particular Yantra meant for it. Chanting the stotras alone also allowed but more beneficial is ‘yantra worshiping’. Yantra is a worshiping element made in Gold or silver with particular drawing and mantra on it which is prepared by experts (people with experience in mantra science) There are more than 36 commentries to Soundarya Lahari written in Sanskrit itself. Of them the most famous is that written by Lakshmi Dhara alias Lalla. His commentary is used to understand the meaning of the different verses. Though there are large number of translations and commentaries of Soundraya Lahari available this is perhaps the first time an attempt is made by a mere novice to translate them in to English verse. The aim is to bring to the notice of the devotees who know English better than other languages, the majesty of the medium of worship called Soundarya Lahari. A transliteration in roman script is also given. May all those who read this be enlightened for ever by blessings of jagadamba ( The mother of all )
