The Tantric Secret Seed Syllables of the Seven Hundred Verses to Durga

The "unknowable darkness" original: "apraketa tamas", which is pointed toward by the Rigvedic Nasadiya Sukta as being devoid of name and form, is that very Tamasic primal power that had covered Vishnu, the Cosmic Universe, and whom Brahma worshipped. The Vedic and Tantric Night Hymns original: "Ratri Sukta" are the proponents of the glory of that very power.

This veiling power of the Supreme Shiva original: "Parashiva", which pervades the entire universe, is the Maya illusion posited by Vedanta. The name or primal sound original: "pranava" representing this Maya-power is "Hrim." At the time of the dissolution of creation, this Maya-power "Hrim" keeps the seed of the entire creation nourished and safe in its womb. That is why it is called the "Nourisher of Hrim" original: "Hrimkari Pratipalika" in Tantric texts. When this Great Illusion desires creation, its designation or indicator seed becomes "Klim" the seed of desire, and this Great Power engaged in the creation of the universe is represented by the "Aim" seed the seed of creation.

In this way, the Great Illusion expresses itself in the form of creation, remains established in itself while maintaining it, and finally, by covering itself with itself, remains in an unknowable state devoid of name and form.

All the seed-mantras of the "Tantra Durga Saptashati" are merely expansions of these three great seeds of the Great Power Durga—Aim, Hrim, and Klim—and the seven hundred mantra-verses of the "Durga Saptashati" are the diverse flowering trees of these seeds. From these mantra-trees, the great forest narrative of the Goddess Mahamaya has been created. In this introduction to "Tantra Durga Saptashati," an attempt has been made to roam in this deep and profound forest. I have not reached the ends of this forest, but I have received plenty of its cool shade.

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2. See the Vedic and Tantric Ratri Suktas of the Durga Saptashati.
3. Kunjika Stotram.