ఉపాయం - 351 A thoughtful message to share on living mantra for contemporary women’s leadership and the empowerment of girls through “Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu”!
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ఉపాయం - 351

The timeless verses of the Devi Aparajita Stotram declare that the Divine Mother dwells in all beings—as awareness, intellect, strength, compassion, and even rest or illusion. Each line beginning with ‘Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu’ in the Stotram is both a hymn and a reminder that every quality of human experience is touched by Shakti. She is Aparajita—the unconquered and unconquerable—who rises again and again, and through whom women and girls can discover the strength to lead and to live fully. In today’s world, these verses offer not only a leadership philosophy for women, but also affirmations for young girls. They invite girls to see themselves as carriers of Shakti—capable, radiant, and multidimensional. Leadership today is not one-dimensional; it demands balance—strength with empathy, intellect with humility, ambition with peace. The Devi Stotram shows that the Divine dwells within us in countless forms, and each form is a lesson for how women and girls can embody leadership. When the hymn names the Goddess as Vishnumaya, it praises her as the visionary force who creates new possibilities out of challenges. For women leaders, this becomes the courage to innovate, and for girls it becomes the confidence to dream boldly. As Chetana, she is awareness—the mindful presence that helps leaders act with clarity, and teaches girls to be attentive to their choices. As Buddhi, she is intellect—the sharpness of thought that allows leaders to act with wisdom and strategy, while encouraging girls to cherish curiosity, problem-solving, and learning. Even as Nidra, the Devi reminds us that rest is sacred; leaders must model balance, and girls must learn that self-care is as essential as achievement. As Kshudha and Trishna, the hunger and thirst for growth, she fuels drive and aspiration—teaching women to push boundaries and inviting girls to embrace ambition without guilt. As Chaya, shade or shadow—quietly protecting, supporting, and being present even when unseen. As Shakti, she is strength itself—resilience in the face of storms, courage in failure, and the power to rise again. As Kshanti, she is patience, the quiet maturity that listens, forgives, and builds trust. As Lajja, she is humility, showing that dignity and confidence thrive best when rooted in grace. As Shanti, she is peace—the harmonizing force that resolves conflicts and nurtures calm. As Shraddha, she is faith—inspiring confidence in others and instilling belief in one’s own potential. This hymn continues, praising her as Kanti, the radiant light that makes leaders authentic and girls shine in their natural presence; as Lakshmi, the bringer of prosperity, who creates abundance not just in wealth but in opportunity; as Vritti, the force of livelihood, who sustains communities through responsibility and accountability; as Smriti, memory, who honors heritage while building the future; and as Daya, compassion, who shows that true strength comes from empathy. She is Tushti, contentment, grounding growth in gratitude and joy; Matru, the motherly nurturer, who uplifts and mentors the next generation; and even Bhranti, illusion, reminding leaders and girls alike to remain humble, aware of blind spots, and open to self-correction. This leadership style is holistic and rooted in Shakti’s multidimensionality. Women need not imitate rigid, hierarchical models of power; instead, they can embody a form of leadership that integrates intellect with compassion, ambition with humility, and resilience with peace. For girls, these affirmations become foundations of confidence and sense of belonging—early reminders that they too are divine, unconquered, and capable of holding the sacred balance of strength and care. Just as the Stotram repeats “Namastasye, Namastasye, Namastasye Namo Namah” after each verse, these affirmations can also be repeated by women and girls—bowing to the Shakti within themselves and recognizing it in others. In the same spirit, the Aparajita Stotram honors the Goddess who is undefeatable, teaching us that even when circumstances test our spirit, the divine within remains unconquered. Thus, ‘Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu’ is not only an ancient hymn but also a living mantra for contemporary women’s leadership and the empowerment of girls. It reminds you that true leadership is sacred, multidimensional, and deeply human—and, like the Goddess herself, ultimately Aparajita also, never defeated!

© 2025 Upaayam: Published under the Telugu Bhavanam Cultural Reflection and Educational Initiative Project.