Among the Shaktipeethams of Southern India, Meenakshi is very famous. The name ‘Meenakshi’ means- she who has beautiful fish-like eyes. Lalita Sahasranama extols these eyes in the verse- ‘vaktralakshmī parīvāha chalan meenābha locana’.

In an aquarium, we come across many varieties of colourful fish that swim swiftly from one end to another. Needless to say, their beauty is breath-taking! Even in a pure, clean pond, we can enjoy the beauty of the fish that are swiftly moving in a zig-zag fashion.

If the Divine Mother’s face is a crystal-clear pond, then Her eyes are the beautiful fish that are swimming rapidly in it! This is the meaning of the above verse.

While this meaning seems apt, we wonder if a great text like Lalita Sahasranama would explicitly extol this name in the absence of any other deeper purport? In our Scriptures, ‘eyes’ have always been used to convey deeper significance.

Mŗgakshi- She who has deer-like eyes; Bhramarakshi- She who has bee-like eyes; Vishalakshi- She who is wide eyed; Padmakshi- She who has lotus-like eyes. What could our Scriptures be conveying to us through these names?

Bhramarakshi: When we say someone has eyes that resemble a bee we presume that she is a black-eyed beauty. However, only the bee knows the art of sucking the nectar from every flower it sees! Likewise, there are only a few who have the knack of seeing the Supreme Existence within every form of life. The truth is that the Lord has provided us eyes so that we learn to see divinity in every existence! By addressing Divine Mother thus, we are highlighting this significance.

Padmakshi: The word ‘Padma’ should instantly bring to our memory the ‘Sahasrara padma’ or the thousand petalled lotus located invisibly at the top of the head. Lotus symbolizes Yoga. The eyes of any Yogi radiate divinity. A rare glow is visible in them. To symbolize that they are in that supreme yogic state, they are addressed as lotus-eyed. The real purport of addressing Mother Goddess as Padmakshi is to bring to our memory Her yogic-state!

Mrgakshi- Deer, as we know, have gentle eyes which constantly move about due to fear. Although their eyes are moving rapidly due to fear, to the onlooker they are delightful. This is the common inference of the name. However, one of the most important qualities of a deer is to always move in groups and seek the well-being of the group members. As such, with their eyes, they are always scanning their surroundings to ensure the well-being of their near and dear ones. She who is always scanning the surroundings seeking the well-being of Her children is Divine Mother Mrgakshi. This is the real meaning.

Meenakshi- She who is fish-eyed. A fish eats the algae and other impurities in the pond and ensures it is clean. It ensures its surroundings are clean. Secondly, it moves along with the waves- however the waves seek to push it, it happily travels. What should we infer from these qualities?

In a heart that is totally pure, the divine vibrations are received. Meenakshi is She who receives the waves known as divine vibrations and gently moves in accordance to them.

Also, it is known that the purity of a person reflects in his eyes. However, Yogis and Mahatmas, have in them the ability to purify all their surroundings! In other words, with their gaze, they purify the people who are in their vicinity. This is reflected in their eyes! For having both these divine qualities, Mother Goddess is addressed as Meenakshi.

The common inference of the name as well as the in-depth inference, both hold good in these divine names!

(Navaratri 1989, Telugu Bhaktimala Feb 1991)