Lalita

Meanwhile Vishnu, the sole guardian of all the worlds, duly worshipped Lalita, who is the very form of His own oneness.

Beholding the Goddess’s sacred deed, Brahmā, the Pitāmaha of the worlds, then bestowed upon her the name “Kāmākṣī,” and also “Kāmeśvarī.”

Homage to her who rides the foe of the nāgas (Garuḍa), protectress of the nine regions; radiant like Nīlācala, with a shining splendor at her throat; light in her stride, named Lalitā, sovereign of letters, whose nature is like the salt…

Now, the excellent apsaras named Lalitā and the gandharva also named Lalita—both, inflamed with passion—were a married pair, tormented by desire.

Transcending the worlds by her grace and charm, she is therefore called Lalitā. Pinākadhṛt (Śiva, bearer of the bow Pināka) took as his consort that goddess, the beauty of the three worlds.

Then (come) Nandā, and Lalitā; likewise the sacred ford (there); the auspicious Māyāpurī; and also Mitrapada, O king; and thereafter the excellent Kedāra.

She is served by Vimala and the other goddesses; the virtuous Goddess is worshipped by Lalitā and the rest. Abiding amid a multitude of lotuses, she is joyful, and she is continually attended upon by Tripurā.

Tārā, Athogrā, Mahogrā, Vajrā, Kālī, Sarasvatī, Kāmeśvarī, and Cāmuṇḍā—these eight are remembered in tradition as the Tārikās.

Candrāvalī and Lalitā are the two ever-beloved sakhīs. Among the group of eight headed by Mālāvatī, Candrāvalī is remembered as the leader.

Īśvara said: “Then, O Mahādevī, one should go to the Third (Goddess), beloved of the crossroads (catvara). She is situated in the eastern quarter of Lalitā, at a distance of ten dhanus.”

Rājñī, and the goddess Nikṣubhā, and also Lalitā known by name; likewise the gods who partake of sacrifices, and the others who have been enumerated.

Once, wishing to obstruct the austerities of yogins, Indra entreated Brahmā; and Brahmā created a captivating woman named Lalitā.