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 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

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

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

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

Mahavajreshvari Nitya

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

Artwork is © Jan Bailey, 1995. Translations are © Mike Magee 1995. Questions or comments to [email protected]