The ', also called the ', is the 125th ' (hymn) occurring in the 10th mandala of the . It was composed by the female seer VÃÂc ÃÂmbhá¹Âá¹Âë, daughter of the sage Ambhá¹Âá¹Âa. In the present day, the ' is popularly chanted during the worship of the ' (Universal Goddess in any form), in the daily rituals of temples, and also in various Vedic sacrificial ceremonies like ', etc. It is also chanted at the end of '. The hymn portrays the Feminine Divine as the supreme origin, creative energy, and ultimate deity. It conveys a profound, all-encompassing experience of the Self and highlights the ancient Vedic acknowledgment of women's enlightened consciousness. Furthermore, it introduces the notion of the Divine Feminine as an immanent creative force. The Vedic hymn is an important basis for Shaktism.
The proper sequential occurrence of ', in the text is:
The ', in its apparent, general sense, is the proclamation by the ' of her own power, glory, pervasiveness, and actions. The hymn depicts the Feminine Divine as the Ultimate Source, Creative Force, and Supreme Divinity. It portrays a mystical experience of the Self as pervasive, unlimited, and nonlocal. It underscores the early Vedic recognition of women's enlightened awareness and introduces the idea of the Divine Feminine as immanent, experienceable creative power.
The origins of Tantric à Âaktism can be traced to the VÃÂgÃÂmbhá¹Âá¹Âë Sà «kta. This hymn depicts Vac as the Supreme Power, governing various deities such as Vasu, Soma, Tvasta, the Rudras, and the Adityas while also being the source of treasures, sustainer of natural forces, and bestower of favors. It encapsulates key monotheistic ideas, forming the basis of historical SÃÂktism.
, in his commentary, states that , (, the daughter of ) â a ' (one who has realized ) â has eulogized herself in this '. , having dissolved her individuality â the ego â has hence identified herself with the ' (Brahman who is none other than the '), the all-pervasive ' (the indivisible Existence-Knowledge-Bliss-Absolute), and thus with all the forms in the universe and the functionaries thereof, has praised herself.
Hence, she is the ' of this ' and also the '.
An audio recording of the recitation of the Devësà «kta: