"The chakra of the letters of the alphabet is based
upon time and so is identical with the sidereal zodiac."
-
Tantraraja Tantra
The Nityas or Eternities of Lalita represent the fifteen lunar days or tithis of the waxing Moon. Each has
her own yantra, mantra, tantra and prayogas or ritual applications. The full
circle of the Nityas also represents the 21,600 breaths a human being takes in a
full day and night. As such, the Nityas are the Kalachakra, or Wheel of Time.
The information in this section is drawn from a number of tantras including the
Tantraraja, the Dakshinamurti Samhita and the Jnanarnava Tantra,
as well as the Kalpasutra, which seems to be
the primary source. Readers will also find it
useful to refer to Sir John Woodroffe's digest of
the Tantraraja (Ganesh & Co, 1971), although
here he fails to give sufficient idea of the number
of prayogas (magical rites) associated with the Nityas. Yantras and mantras, where given, are drawn from Tantraraja, although it is necessary
to point out that the Dakshinamurti Samhita gives somewhat different versions.
The 15 Nityas are modifications of Lalita as red goddess with her three gunas and her five
elements of aether, air, fire, water and earth. As the moon remains itself, though appearing differently according to
phase, so too does Lalita. Each Nitya has her own vidya (that is mantra), yantra and group of energies (Shaktis).
Their names appear in the first chapter of Vamakeshvara Tantra.
Gopinath Kaviraj, a renowned scholar of tantra in the first half of this century, describes
the Kalachakra and the Nityas succinctly in the introduction to the Sanskrit edition of
Yogini Hridaya. (Sarasvati Bhavana Granthamala, 1963):
"What the Bhavanopanishad says implies that the Human Body is to be conceived as the Sri Cakra, being the expression of
one's own self. (Svatma). This means that while on the one hand the Body is to be
regarded as non-different from the atma, the entire cosmic system associated with the
body should also be viewed in the same light. This outer system in its manifestation rests
on Time (kala), Space (deha) and a combination of the two. The exponents of the School
hold that the well known fifteen Kalas of the Moon, representing the 15 lunar tithis, are
to be regarded as identical with the fifteen Nityas (Kameshvari to Citra). The sixteenth
Kala called Sadakhya should be viewed as one with Lalita or the Supreme Deity Herself.
In other words, one has to feel that what appears in Kalacakra is nothing but an
expression of what exists eternally as Nityas in the supreme Sri Cakra itself. The
tithicakra or the wheel of time is constantly revolving and the Sri Cakra is within it and
not without. It should also be remembered that from the standpoint
of an esoteric yogin the tithis are in the last
analysis to be identified with the 21600 shvasas
supposed to be the average number of breaths per
day of a normal human being."
Hence Lalita or Tripurasundari is the 16th day or full moon, with her 15 digits. Each of
the Nityas has a certain number of arms, the totality of arms (= rays) of the whole circle
being 108. Because any unit of time is taken as a microcosm or parallel of any other
valid unit, each of the fifteen Nityas thus has 1,440 breaths (see Bhavanopanishad).
This identity between space, time, Tripurasundari and the individual is elaborated at
great length and with considerable sophistication by the author of the Tantraraja.
According to that text, the Nityas are the vowels of the
Sanskrit alphabet and are identical with both time and
space. For example, if the number of tattvas or
consonants (36) are
multiplied by the 16 Nityas the number of letters
is 576. The multiples of this number provide the number
of years in the different Yugas. So the circle of
the matrikas and the Nityas is identical with the
sidereal zodiac as well as mantra.
This theme is further elaborated in the 28th chapter
of the same tantra, where Shiva says that in the centre of the world is the Meru,
outside of this being the seven oceans and beyond this
the
Kalachakra or wheel of time which moves in a clockwise
direction by the power of Iccha (Will) Shakti. The
circle is divided by 12 spokes and the planets
or grahas are within this. Lalita, says the tantra, is in the Meru, while
14 Nityas from Kameshvari to Jvalamalini reside in
the seven islands and seven oceans. Chitra, who is
the 16th Nitya, occupies supreme Space or Paramavyoma.
In the Dakshinamurti Samhita, the Nityas are
identified with kalas or parts of the different stages
of deep sleep, dreaming, waking, and full
consciousness or Turiya. Here it is said that the
Nityas, including Lalita, are the 16 parts of
the continuum of consciousness, while the 17th
Kala is beyond all of this. Each of the Nityas
has the respective vowel letter associated with
her mantra vidya.
Similar ideas are found in the Matrikachakra
Viveka, which classifies the nine mandalas
of the Shri Yantra according to Knower, Knowledge
and Known (subject, means of knowledge and object) and
relates the different states of consciousness to the
yantra. See Tattvas on this site.
According to the Tantraraja, the 15 Nityas are
limbs or rays of Lalita, who is herself pure
consciousness without additions. Varahi and Kurukulla
bear the relationship of father and mother
respectively.
The Nityas themselves can be meditated upon and
worshipped in different forms and colours for the attainment
of different ends. In daily worship (puja) of the Nityas, each has her
own nyasa and ritual sequence and they are to receive
puja on the lunar days associated with them. The vidya mantras of the different Nityas below are
prefaced by Aim Hrim Shrim bija mantras and
suffixed with Shri Padukam Pujayami Tarpayami Namah,
that is Hail. I worship and libate the auspicious
lotus feet [of the appropriate Nitya]. The yantras
used below are those from the Tantraraja
while the Sanskrit syllables are the vowel letters
associated with each Nitya and day of the Moon.
The images embedded in the text above are
taken from a sadhaka's manuscript of the 1,000 names
of Lalita.

Kameshvari Nitya
The first Nitya in the cycle is Kameshvari, a name which means Lady of Desire. Her
vidya (mantra) according to the Tantrarajatantra, is
Aim Hrim Shrim Am Aim Sa Ka La Hrim Nityaklinne Madadrave Sauh Am
Kameshvari Nitya Shri Padukam Pujayami Tarpayami Namah.
The same tantra gives her dhyana or meditation image as red like 10 million dawn suns,
having a diadem of rubies, wearing throat ornaments, necklaces, waistchains and rings. She
is red, has six arms and three eyes, and bears a crescent Moon, smiling softly. She
holds a bow of sugar cane, flowering arrows, noose, goad, and a nectar-filled begemmed
cup, showing the mudra of bestowing boons. The five arrows of desire (Kama) in the five petals are Longing, Maddening, Kindling,
Enchanting and Wasting. These five Kamas are five forms of Kamadeva, Lalita as Krishna,
who are Kamaraja (Hrim), Manmatha (Klim), Kandarpa (Aim), Makara (Blum) and Manobhava
(Strim) with the colours yellow, white, red, purple and blue. Each of the Kamadevas
has two eyes and two arms, the hands holding sugar cane bow and flowering arrows, the
very form of the five elements.

Bhagamalini Nitya
Nitya Bhagamalini, whose name refers to the flowering yoni, is the second of the
cycle of the waxing Moon and has a remarkable and very long vidya (mantra) which runs:
Aim Hrim Shrim Am Aim Bhagabuge Bhagini Bhagodari Bhagamale Bhagavahe
Bhagaguhye Bhagayoni Bhaganipatini Sarvabhagavashankari Bhagarupe Nityaklinne
Bhagasvarupe Sarvani Bhagani Me Hyanaya Varade Rete Surete Bhagaklinne
Klinnadrave Kledaya Dravaya Amoghe Bhagavicce Kshubha Kshobhaya Sarvasatvan
Bhagodari Aim Blum Jem Blum Bhem Blum Mom Blum Hem Blum Hem Klinne
Sarvani Bhagani Me Vashamanaya Strim Hara Blem Hrim Am Bhagamalini Nitya Shri
Padukam Pujayami Tarpayami Namah.
She has six arms, three eyes, sits on a lotus and holds in her left hands a night
water lily, a noose and a sugar cane bow and in her right a lotus, a goad and flowering
arrows. Around her is a host of Shaktis all of whom look like her, according to the
Tantrarajatantra.
The Dakshinamurti Samhita has a different image (dhyana). Here (chapter 41), she
is described as dwelling in the middle of a flowery forest, adorned with various
gems, holding noose, goad, book, scales, nail (?) and writing implement, showing the mudras
or hand gestures of allaying fears and bestowing boons. Her yantra is described differently,
too, as triangle, hexagon, 16 petals, eight petals, then the bhupura or fence.

Nityaklinna Nitya
Her name means Wet Nitya, or Always Wet. The third Nitya's mantra is Aim Hrim Shrim Nityaklinne Madadrave Svaha
im Nityaklinna Nitya Shri Padukam Pujayami Tarpayami Namah.
She is surrounded by 19 Shaktis, according to the Tantraraja, who are Kshobhini,
Mohini, Lila, Nitya, Niranjana, Klinna, Kledini, Madanatura, Madadrava, Dravini, Vidhana,
Madavila, Mangala, Manmatharta, Manashvini, Moha, Amoda, Manomayi, Maya, Manda and
Manovati. The Nityaklinna herself, the same tantra says, is restless with desire, smeared with
red sandal paste, wears red clothes, smiles, has a half moon on her head, and holds
noose, goad, cup and makes the mudra dispelling fear.
The Dakshinamurti Samhita (chapter 42) gives her root mantra as being of 11 syllables,
Hrim Nityaklinna Madadrave Svaha. The image is similar except that she holds a noose, a goad,
a skull and dispels fears. Her face is bathed in sweat and her eyes move with desire. Here
the yantra is described as trikona, eight petals, and earth square (bhupura). She bestows
enjoyment and liberation and subdues the three worlds for one siddha (successful) in her
vidya (mantra).

Bherunda Nitya
Bherunda, the fourth Nitya, has three eyes and eight arms, with her body the colour of molten
gold, wearing beautiful ornaments on her hands, feet, arms and around her waist. She smiles
sweetly with her hands holding noose, goad, shield, sword, mace, thunderbolt (vajra), bow and
arrow.
The vidya mantra is: Aim Hrim Shrim Im Om Krom Bhrom Kraum Jhmraum Cchraum Jraum Svaha Im
Bherunda Nitya Shri Padukam Pujayami Tarpayami Namah, says Tantraraja. Using her
mantra destroys poison.
The DS describes her yantra as being triangle, eight petals and bhupura. In the
triangle are Shikhini, Nilakanthi and Raudri. Bherunda, according to this source,
rules the Vetalas. The vidya mantra also differs.
Vahnivasini Nitya
Vahnivasini is the sixth Nitya (Eternity) in the cycle, her name
meaning the dweller in fire.
Her mantra is Om Hrim Vahnivasiniyai Namah.
The Shaktis in the eight trikonas are Jvalini, Visphulingini,
Mangala, Sumanohara, Kanaka, Ankita, Vishva and Vividha.
In the 12 petals are the 12 signs of the Hindu (sidereal)zodiac.
Her description in the Tantraraja Tantra is as a
beautiful young woman, the colour of gold, with eight
arms, dressed in yellow silk garments, adorned with rubies.
She holds a red lotus, a conch, a bow of red sugarcane and the
full moon in her left hands; in her right a white water lily,
golden horn, flowery arrows and a citron. Around her are
numberless Shaktis who look like her. She is the dweller in
fire who devours the universe.

Mahavajreshvari Nitya
Her vidya-mantra is Um Hrim Klinne Aim Krom Nityamadadrave
Hrim Um Mahavajreshvari Nitya Shri Padukam
Pujayami Tarpayami Namah.
She is described in the Tantraraja as having four
arms, three eyes, garmented in red, red in colour,
wearing red jewels and strewn with red flowers, wearing
a crown of rubies. She sits on a throne on a golden
boat which floats on an ocean of blood, and holds
noose, goad, sugar cane bow and flowering arrows. She
is surrounded by a host of Shaktis similar to her and
sways while she smiles mercifully.
The description in the DS differs. Here, she is
described as resembling the china rose, wearing
red clothes, and holding noose, goad, skull
and dispelling fear. She is swaying from having
drunk pure wine. The yantra here is described as
having a triangle, four petals, eight petals and
a bhupura.

Duti Nitya
According to Nityotsava, an expansion of the Kalpasutras,
the vidya-mantra of Shivaduti Nitya is Aim Hrim Shrim Shivadutyai Namah Shivadutinitya
Shri Padukam Pujayami Tarpayami Namah. She is called
Shivaduti because she makes Shiva her messenger (Duti).
The Tantraraja describes her as being dressed in red, with nine
jewels in her crown, surrounded by Rishis singing her
praises and having eight arms and three eyes. She looks
as bright as the summer sun at midday and smiles
sweetly. Her hands hold horn, shield, mace, cup, goad,
cleaver, axe and lotus.
Tvarita Nitya
Tvarita is the ninth Nitya (Eternity) in the cycle.
Also called Totala Devi. She is called Tvarita ("Swift") as She grants fruit to the sadhaka quickly. She is of
auspicious form, in the first flush of youth, and dark in colour. She has 3 eyes and 4 hands and Her beautiful lotus-
like face smiles gently. She is clad in new leaves. She is adorned with 8 fierce and great serpents of 4 kinds, and
with waist chains and anklets. On Her head is a crystal crown with a crest of peacock feathers. Her arms are
adorned with bangles made of beautiful peacock feathers. She has an umbrella and a banner made of peacock
feathers. She wears strings of (red) gunja berries around Her throat, and Her breasts are smeared with red sandal
and kumkum. She holds noose, goad, dispels fear, and grants boons.In front of this Goddess is a black
servant carrying a mace, who is worshipped for the attainment of the desired fruit. On either side of Her are Her
two Shaktis Jaya (conquering) and Vijaya (Victorious) who are like Her and who carry and swing gold
canes.
The 8 Serpents are: Ananta & Kulika, fiery in colour, each with 1000 hoods, Her ear ornaments.
Vasuki & Shankhapala, yellow in colour, each with 700 hoods, Her upper arm bangles. Takshaka & Mahapadma,
blue in colour, each with 500 hoods, Her girdle. Padma & Kartataka, white, each with 300 hoods, Her toe
ornaments. Her Shaktis are Humkari, Khechari, Chandi, Chedini, Kahepani, Strikari, Dumkari,
Kahemakari -- these are similar to the Lokapalas, and the Shaktis in the 8 petals of the yantra. Her mantra
is Om Hrim Hum Khe Ca Che Ksah Strim Hum Kse Hrim Phat.
Tvarita Puja
Taking up a position facing East, and having done three pranayamas, one should do the
following Nyasa: Hail to the Rishi Saura on the head: Hail to the Metre Virat on the mouth: Hail to the
Devi Tvarita Nitya in the heart: Hail to the Bija Om in the genitals: Hail to the Shakti Hum on the feet: Hail to the
Linchpin Kse on the navel. Then making the anjali gesture near the heart one should do the following
Nyasa: Cm Khe Ca to the heart Namah: Ca Cche to the head Svaha: Cche Ksah to the peak Vasat: Ksah
Stri to the armour Hum: Stri Hum to the 3 eyes Vaushad: Hum Kse to the Missile Phat.
Then one should do
the Tvarita Nyasa:
(Head) Hrim Om Hrim Namah: (Forehead) Hrum Hum Hrim Namah: (Throat) Hrim
Khe Hrim Namah: (Heart) Hrim Ca Hrim Namah: (Navel) Hrim Cche Hrim Namah: (Muladhara) Hrim Ksah
Hrim Namah: (Thighs) Hrim Stri Hrim Namah: (Knees) Hrim Hum Hrim Namah: (Legs) Hrim Kse Hrim Namah:
(Feet) Hrim Phat Hrim Namah: End with a diffusion.
After placing the yantra in front of you, visualise
Devi Tvarita in the heart. Take Her to the head, resolve to do Her puja, place the flower on the yantra
centre. Worship the triple Guru line first, as being in the three circles, then Devi's servitor who is in the
west of the Yantra. Worship Jaya and Vijaya on both sides of the door. Worship Humkari, Khecari, Canda,
Cchedini, Ksepini, Strikari, Dumkari, Ksemakari in the eight petals. Tvarita Devi in the centre.

Kulasundari Nitya
Her vidya-mantra is given as Aim Hrim Shrim
Aim Klim Sauh Kulasundari Nitya Shri Padukam Pujayami
Tarpayami Namah.
She has twelve arms and six faces, says the Tantraraja. In her
right hands she holds coral mala (rosary), lotus, a gem-studded
pitcher, drinking cip, lemon and displays the exposition mudra. Her left hands
hold book, red lotus, golden pen, garland of gems, conch shell with the
last showing the boon mudra, according to the same tantra. Around her
are hostes of Kinnaras, Yakshas, Devas and Gandharvas.
The letters of the vidya Aim Klim Sauh comprise the
Tripura bulb which is the united state of knower, knowledge
and object of knowledge; the three humours of Vata, Kapha and Sleshma;
and Fire, Sun and the Moon. According to the DS (chapter 48), Kulasundari is identical
with Bala and placed in the Eastern lion-seat.

Nitya Nitya
The Kalpasutra's version of Nitya Nitya's mantra
runs Ha Sa Ka La Ra Daim Ha Sa Ka La Ra Dim Ha Sa Ka La
Ra Dauh Nitya Nitya Shri Padukam Pujayami Tarpayami
Namah.
The Tantraraja describes her as like the dawn
sun, ruling the Shaktis of the bodily dhatus (Dakini,
Shakini, Rakini &c), dressed in red clothes and
wearing rubies. She has three eyes and 12 arms and
holds in her hands noose, white lotus, sugar cane
bow, shield, trident, and favour mudra, goad, book,
flowering arrows, sword, skull, mudra dispelling fear.

Nilapataka Nitya
Her name means Sapphire Banner and her mantra
is Aim Hrim Shrim Phrem Strum Krom Am Klim Aim
Blum Nityamadadrave Hum Phrem Hrim Em
Nilapataka Nitya Shri Padukam Pujayami Tarpayami
Namah.
The Tantraraja says that she is nila (sapphire)
in hue with five faces and ten arms, wearing red clothes
and beautiful gems. Her left hands show noose,
banner, shield, horn bow, and the mudra granting
gifts. Her right hands show goad, dart, sword, arrows
and the mudra banishing fear. She sits on a lotus
surrounded by hordes of Shaktis like her. She rules the Yakshinis and the 64 Chetakas
and has an uncanny collection of siddhis or magical
powers to grant to her sadhaka or sadhika including
a sword unbeatable in battle (Khadga siddhi),
Treasure, the power to see through walls (Anjana),
the ability to travel miles in an instant (Paduka
Siddhi) and lots, lots more.

Vijaya Nitya
She brings victory in battle and success
in buying and selling, hence her name, Victorious.
According to Nityotsava, her vidya mantra
is Aim Hrim Shrim Bha Ma Ra Ya Aum Aim Vijaya
Nitya Shri Padukam Pujayami Tarpayami Namah. According
to the DS she has one head and 10 arms and wears a
garland of human skulls but the dhyana or meditation
image in the Tantraraja differs from this. There she has five heads and 10 arms which hold conch,
noose, shield, bow, white lily, discus, goad, arrows and
lemon.

Sarvamangala Nitya
Her name means "all auspicious" and her vidya mantra
is Aim Hrim Shrim Svaum Om Sarvamangala Nitya
Shri Padukam Pujayami Tarpayami Namah. She has two
arms and one head, sits on her lotus yantra and has
eyes which represent the sun and the moon, while she
smiles sweetly. In her right hand she holds
a citron and with the left shows the boon-giving
mudra. All her 76 attendants surround her, they are
solar, lunar and fiery.
She rules over the kalas (parts or digits) of
the sun (12), the moon (16) and fire (10). This
numbers 38 and her attendants are doubled because
each is with her consort.

Jvalamalini Nitya
Her name means "garlanded with flames" and her mantra,
according to Tantrarajatantra, is Om namo
bhagavati Jvalamalini devadevi sarvabhutasamharakarike
jatavedasi jvalanti jvala jvala prajvala prajvala
Hrim Hrim Hum Ram Ram Ram Ram Ram Ram Ram Jvalamalini
Hum Phat Svaha.
As the Nitya of flame, she is surrounded by Shaktis,
each of whom resembles her and she herself has a body
of flaming fire, with six faces and 12 arms. Each of
her faces, each with three eyes, smile sweetly.
Her 12 hands hold noose, goad, arrow, mace, tortoise,
spear, flame and she shows two mudras - granting
boons and dispelling fear.
The DS gives a different yantra to the Tantraraja,
with one of the mandalas having forty rather than 32
petals.
The Shaktis and her description also show variants. She
is described as sitting on a lion-seat, and holds
different weapons which include the damaru drum and
a jar of wine.

Chitra Nitya
The last Nitya in the cycle is Chitra, whose mantra
is Aim Hrim Shrim Ckaum Am Chitra Nitya Shri Padukam
Pujayami Tarpayami Namah. Her name means variegated
and she wears a silk garment of different colours,
has four arms, one head and holds noose, goad,
and shows the gestures granting boons and dispelling
fears.
Artwork is © Jan Bailey, 1995. Translations are © Mike Magee 1995.
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