Name 20: Tārākānti-tiraskāri-nāsābharaṇa-bhāsurā (ताराकान्ति-तिरस्कारि-नासाभरण-भासुरा)
Meaning: She who shines resplendently with a nose ornament that eclipses the brilliance of the stars.
Introduction Following the delicate meditation on the Mother’s perfectly shaped, Champaka-like nose in the previous name, the vision of the Vāgdevīs now rests upon the magnificent jewel adorning it. Name 20, Tārākānti-tiraskāri-nāsābharaṇa-bhāsurā, describes the dazzling beauty of the Goddess’s nose-ring (known as a besari or mukkuthi), a gem so radiant that it puts the brightest stars in the night sky to shame.
Linguistic Breakdown
- Tārā: Stars, or celestial luminaries.
- Kānti: Brilliance, radiance, or luster.
- Tiraskāri: Outshining, eclipsing, excelling, or putting to shame.
- Nāsābharaṇa: Nose ornament or jewel (Nāsā = nose; Ābharaṇa = ornament).
- Bhāsurā: Shining brilliantly, radiant, or resplendent.
Together, Tārākānti-tiraskāri-nāsābharaṇa-bhāsurā translates to “She who shines resplendently with a nose ornament that outshines the brilliance of the stars.”
Spiritual and Esoteric Significance The imagery of this radiant jewel carries deep metaphysical and yogic symbolism within Sri Vidya:
- The Source of All Illumination: The stars represent the vastness of the cosmos and the highest, most distant physical light known to humanity. Yet, a single jewel upon the Mother’s nose outshines the entire galaxy. This signifies that the Divine Mother is the supreme light of consciousness (Prakasha). The physical universe merely reflects a fraction of Her infinite, self-luminous splendor.
- A Yogic Focal Point (Dharana): The nose jewel rests right at the threshold of the breath (Prana). In the practice of Pranayama and meditation, the tip of the nose is a vital focal point for concentration. By visualizing this brilliant, star-eclipsing gem at the entrance of the breath, the sadhaka’s wandering mind is effortlessly captivated, anchoring awareness and bringing luminosity to the meditative state.
- The Supreme Grace of Shukra: In astrological symbolism, dazzling diamonds and exquisite facial ornaments are governed by the planetary energy of Venus (Shukra), which dictates grace, beauty, and refined aesthetics. This ornament signifies that the Mother is the ultimate bestower of supreme auspiciousness, beauty, and spiritual wealth.
Conclusion Meditating on Tārākānti-tiraskāri-nāsābharaṇa-bhāsurā draws our attention to the dazzling, invincible light of the Mother’s grace. By visualizing this resplendent jewel, we allow Her divine brilliance to pierce through the darkness of our own ignorance, remembering that Her inner light eclipses all worldly and celestial wonders combined.