Lalita-Kosha Being a Collection of Texts in Sanskrit Bearing on the Cult of Lalita with an Introduction and Translation of the Thousand Names

Book Details:

• Publisher: Sri Satguru Publications

• Author: S.K. Ramachandra Rao

• Language: English (With an Introduction and Translation of the Thousand Names)

• Pages: 392 (Illustrated in B/W)

• Cover: Hardcover

• Dimensions: 22.5 cm x 14.5 cm

• Weight: 570 gm

• Edition: 2008

• ISBN: 9788170308829

About the Book:

This encyclopedic volume offers a comprehensive study of the cult of Lalita, presenting a detailed introduction that explores various aspects of her worship. The book includes the translation of the thousand names of Lalita, with explanations for each name, as well as several illustrations drawn from sculptures in temples and medieval manuscripts, especially those created in Mysore.

The book provides the text of Lalita-Sahasra-Nama-Stotra, both in verse form and in a recitational format used in worship. Additionally, it features the Lalitopakhyana from the Brahmanda Purana and the Lalita-Trisati—texts closely associated with the worship of Lalita.

Further explanations of terms like Shadadhva, Panchopachara, Dasa-Mudra, Kama-Kala, and others can be found throughout the work, linking it with the author's larger work on Agama-Kosha.

The illustrations in this volume are sourced from the Regional Design and Technical Centre (All India Handicrafts Board) in Bangalore, as well as drawings from old manuscripts and temple sculptures.

New Preface to Second Edition:

Vidyalankara Prof. S.K. Ramachandra Rao (1925–2006) was a multifaceted scholar. Born in a conservative family, he learned Sanskrit early on and went on to study psychology, later serving as the Head of the Department of Clinical Psychology at NIMHANS, Bangalore. A prolific writer, he authored over 100 books in English and Kannada, covering subjects such as Upanishads, Brahma Sutras, Agama-Sastra, and Indology. His books won several prestigious awards, including the Sahitya Academy Award.

The Lalita Kosha was originally published more than a decade ago and had been out of print for years. In memory of the author, his family members established the S.K. Ramachandra Rao Memorial Trust to preserve his works and promote his legacy. This edition of the Lalita Kosha has been reprinted with gratitude from the Trust and in collaboration with Indian Books Centre.