DEVIKALOTTARA scriptures  [shastras] spread out like the sky.

SUPREME WISDOM
4. Therefore cast aside all fears on following
Introduction this path and shed all doubts. Giving up
attachment or desire for anything, be
This work is one of the 108 Upa-Agamas ardent [zealous / eager / passionate] in
[Minor Agamas] and explains the Supreme seeking the ultimate knowledge with
wisdom to be attained by mature souls and wholehearted devotion and with a clear mind
their mode of life, expounded by the Supreme [without any trace of confusion].
Lord Shiva to Devi Parvati. It is the essence of
all Agama Shastras on matters of spiritual 5. Claiming nothing as "mine", filled with
knowledge. This is verily the boat which can compassion, giving protection to all living
rescue the mortals struggling hard, sinking beings so that no creature fears you, yearning
and rising, in the sorrowful ocean of samsara for liberation, absorbed in yoga [fusion of
of endless cycles of births and deaths and take individual self with the Universal Self], study
them by the direct path to the shore of this work  Devikalottara and follow
liberation. Let all earnest seekers after wholeheartedly and steadfastly the single
Truth, instead of groping in the dark, path shown therein.
bewildered, and losing their way, adopt the
help of this straight path and reach the 6-7. If one is to describe the person who can
Supreme state to bliss and peace. -Ramana bring under control his mind, which is
Maharshi restless and turbulent like a whirlwind, and
Meditate in the Heart upon Lord Ganesha maintain it in a tranquil state, he is
– the silent, non-dual, Universal witness – who verily Brahma [the God that does the
is the nectar of divine bliss and is full of creation], Shiva [the saviour who shows the
Grace, shining as the bountiful flowering of path to salvation] and Vishnu [the sustainer of
aspirants following the path of spiritual the world]; he is Indra, King of the devas, and
wisdom revealed in Devikalottara, which was Lord Subrahmanya [chief commander of all the
expounded by Lord Ishwara into the ears of celestial forces]; he is Brihaspati, the Guru of
Goddess Ishwari. all devas; he is a supreme yogi, and one who
DEVI :   has achieved the result of performing all
1. O Lord of all celestial beings! I yearn to austerities; he is a great scholar [who has
know that path of Supreme wisdom and the mastered all the Vedas and shastras], and an
code of conduct by adopting which one can outstanding man; he is one who has achieved
get liberation, so that all humanity may attain the true spiritual Goal.
salvation. I request you to enlighten me on
them, out of your Grace. 8-9. The means by which this mind, which
ISHWARA :   is restless and moves about quicker than
2. O Queen among women! So that everyone the wind, can be brought under control, is
may attain knowledge, I shall clearly explain indeed the means to obtain liberation; it
to you today the highest knowledge and the indeed is what is good for those who seek
discipline to be followed by which discerning the Permanent Reality; it itself is pure
seekers will attain liberation, which is free consciousness and the state of firmness;
from any blemish and is difficult to describe. moreover, it alone is the righteous duty to
be followed by discerning aspirants; it
3. O Lady with fair countenance! Understand alone is the pilgrimage to holy waters; it
that one who is not able to realise the Truth in alone is charity; it alone is austerities.
his Heart by this knowledge of spiritual Know that there is no doubt about this.
wisdom known as kala jnana, can never attain
it even by studying countless crores of 10. When the mind moves even a little, that is
worldly bondage [samsara]; when the mind

1
abides firmly and motionlessly in the state of austerities and arduous practices, mastering
Self, that is liberation [mukti]. This is several techniques and incidentally attaining
certain. Therefore know that the wise man extraordinary supernatural powers as well. All
must hold his mind firm by Supreme Self- these are to be shunned as they do not lead to
awareness. ultimate peace and joy. On the other hand,
the path of Kala Jnana described here is a
11. The happiness attained in this Aloneness direct path to mukti.
is the highest, boundless bliss. Which learned
persons will not revel in that Supreme Reality, 16. Those who seek everlasting liberation
in which there is absolutely no action? Tell me. need not endeavour to practise repetition
and countless verse mantras [repeating
12. Being rid of the worldly knowledge, the potent scriptural words or texts to gain various
great hero who has acquired pure wisdom, in ends], and methods of yoga such as breath-
which there are no sense objects, and which is control [pranayama], breath
all-pervading and without any form, will attain retention [kumbhaka] and concentration.
immutable moksha without fail, even though
he may have no desire to attain liberation. 17. There is no room for performing 
puja [worship of deities], namaskaram 
13. The consciousness [chaitanya] associated [paying homage, like prostrating],  japa 
with the aspect "am" is called shakti. The [incantation], dhyana [contemplation] and so
universe shines by Its light. The entire creation on. Hear from me that the highest Truth
is Shakti's thought [sankalpa]. The state of acclaimed in the Vedas can be known only
mind which is completely devoid of all through jnana; hence, there is absolutely no
attachment is the pure [wisdom] to be need to know anything outside of oneself.
attained.
18. For those whose minds are constantly
14. The Void which is the Infinite and all- expanding, clinging to external objects, factors
encompassing one Whole without a second, will always arise causing increasing bondage. If
which is just the effulgence of pure wisdom, the outward-wandering mind is turned inwards
which is completely devoid of visible to stay in its natural state, know that one will
phenomena and which consists of the aspect "I" not undergo any suffering in the world.
is the seed which fructifies as liberation,
bestowing salvation by enabling one to unite 19. Unite with that One Totality, which is all-
with the Supreme. pervasive, which has no inside or outside,
which is bereft of all [concept of] directions
15. Instead of following this direct path, do such as above, below and in between, which
not ever contemplate even in the least assumes all the forms in creation and yet is
upon chakras [located in six adharas or Itself formless, which can be known only by
centres in the body], nadis [subtle nerves that Itself, and which is Self-luminous.
produce the ten divine sounds, such as
Pranava], the deities associated with the 20. People perform their actions having their
Lotus seats [in the adhara chakras, beginning own aims in mind, and they accordingly reap
with Vinayaka], the mantraksharas [potent the consequences of their actions by attaining
sound syllables for the worship of these those aims. Therefore do not engage in such
deities] and the diverse mandala murtis [the actions which are not free from flaws [leading
God-aspects, starting from those controlling to bondage]. Turn the attention completely
the sun, Surya Mandala, the moon, Chandra away from external objects and concentrate
Mandala, and fire, Agni Mandala]. only upon That [the Self] which cannot be
seen.
Note: Some aspirants indulge in severe

2
21. In our natural state, actions, cause and controls it from wandering after external
result of such actions, and all the various things and holds it in the Void of non-matter
other theories propounded [in the [Sarvasunya], one will attain liberation
scriptures] do not exist. In fact, even the directly.
diverse world does not exist. As such even
the worldly individual who is attached to 28. The full consciousness [purna chit] which is
[the various attractions of] the world is also not other than the true import of the word "I",
nonexistent. being non-different in all the principles
[tattvas] and being other than the sense "I am
22. This entire universe is nothing but the the body", is the all-pervading Reality.
niralamba [the Reality which exists without
any support]. Further, it shines being illumined 29. This Complete Wholeness pervades inside
by the niralamba. The yogi [with his mind and outside all creations like ether, merging
turned inward] merges with this Whole One by with them, and is itself formless. Dear, those
making every object in this world one with it. who are submerged in this Supreme bliss
Know this. become that Supreme bliss themselves. See,
how wonderful!
23. If any person does not meditate on this
great all-pervading Void, which is the space of 30. The expanding mind will attain peace,
consciousness [chidakasa], he will be a samsari becoming still of its own accord, if it is
[a worldly individual] forever in bondage to deprived of something to hold on, just as fire
worldly attachments, like the silkworm in its gets extinguished gradually if not fed with
self-made cocoon. Understand this. fuel.

24. All living beings, of whatever genus, 31. You must realise that the four states of
undergo great misery over and over again. infatuation, delusion, swoon [due to shock] and
Hear from me. In order to avert all this dreaming, as also sleeping and waking, are all
suffering and sorrow, meditate on the great to be dispelled.
Void constantly without any break.
32. If one meditates that the One
25. Good actions and good conduct have consciousness is different from the life-force
been prescribed only to guide the seeker [prana], which has subtly attached itself to
towards the path of acquiring this gross body, from the mind, from the
knowledge. Therefore, giving up even Salamba intellect and from the ego, one will become
Yoga in which an object [such as a mantra or a established in that One consciousness.
form of God] is meditated upon in the
mind, stay steadfast in your real state [sahaja 33. Due to sleep and due to thoughts the mind
swarupa], where the outside world is not always loses its sharpness, its foolishness
perceived. increases, and it goes to ruin. Awakening this
mind with effort, and without allowing it to
26. One who can destroy all the principles wander, establish it in the state of Self.
[tattvas] from the nethermost world to Shakti Persevere in this effort by fixing the mind
[one of the highest tattvas], which are all again and again in its natural state.
interdependent, by the arrow of Sunyabhava
[Emptiness] is a man of great valour. He has 34. When once the mind becomes steady, it
attained Supreme wisdom which is beyond should not be disturbed in any way. There is
matter. no need to think even in the least of
anything else, entertaining any
27. The mind, hankering after things of the doubts. Fixing the mind firmly in that state
world, is more restless than a monkey. If one [of Self-awareness], keep it still.

3
35. Make the mind, which always clings to attain the Great state which is beyond birth
some support [sense-objects], devoid of all and death.
such supports. Making the mind, which is
restless in clinging to external supports, 43. Gods and goddesses, merits, demerits and
motionless, do not disturb that tranquillity their fruits, which are likewise anya [other
even a little. than oneself], objects of attachment and the
knowledge of those objects – all these will lead
36. Meditate on the peerless Self which one to bondage in mighty samsara.
pervades all the various forms, yet remains
without any blemish [being unaffected by 44. All objects of attachments are said to be
them], just as ether, pervading all the pairs of opposites [happiness and misery, good
creations made up of the five elements, and bad, profit and loss, victory and defeat,
remains unsullied at the time of their and so on]. When one rises above those pairs of
dissolution. opposites, one realises the Supreme. Such a
yogi is a jivanmukta, liberated from bondage.
37. When one adopts the practice by means On discarding the body, he becomes a
of which one's mind, which is restless like videhamukta.
the wind, is made still perpetually, then the
purpose of taking birth as a human being is 45. A wise man should not give up the body out
fulfilled. That is also the mark of a true of aversion to it. Know that when once the
scholar. prarabdha karma [result of accumulated
actions] which was responsible for the creation
38. Do not practise meditation by fixing the of the body ceases, the bodily burden will
mind on the six adhara chakras, the ones that automatically fall off.
are up or down or in the middle, or anywhere
else. Giving up all such meditations, make the 46. The consciousness which shines as "I" in
mind always devoid of any support [either the Heart Lotus is pure [flawless] and
inside or outside]. perfectly steady [without a trace of
movement]. By destroying the ego, which
39. If the mind falls asleep, awaken it. Then if rises [from that consciousness], that
it starts wandering, make it quiet. If you reach consciousness itself bestows the Supreme joy
the state where there is neither sleep nor of liberation. Be sure about it.
movement of mind, stay still in That, the
natural [real] state. 47. With great devotion meditating constantly
that "I am Shiva, the form of the One
40. The state in which the mind is bereft of consciousness that is always unsullied by any
any support to cling to, ever faultless and adjunct", dispel all your attachments.
pure, and devoid of worldly attachments, is
the nature of liberation attained through 48. Giving up all notions about country, caste,
knowledge. Keep this firmly in mind. blemishless community, asrama [status as a
bachelor, family man, ascetic or one who has
41. Dispelling all attachments completely, renounced the world] and associated
and fixing that mind in the Heart firmly, matters, hold on to and practise always
persist in your practice always in order to meditation upon the Self, your own natural
strengthen the awareness, which then shines state.
forth with great effulgence and clarity.
49. I alone am. No one belongs to Me; nor do I
42. Know that whoever meditates on that belong to anyone else. I can see no one who
Supreme Void, and becomes established in It can call Me his; neither can I see anyone who is
by virtue of constant practice, will definitely mine. I am all alone.

4
50. Know that the person who experiences the 57. By many kinds of rare austerities and
firm conviction, "I am the Supreme Brahman, I charities, everyone worships only Me. Know
am the master and Lord of the universe!" is the that this vast creation, moving and
real mukta [one who has attained stationary, and all objects, are nothing but
liberation], and that the one following Me, the Infinite One.
conflicting paths is in bondage.
58. I am not the gross body, nor am I the
51. The day one is able to see oneself with subtle body. I am also not the causal body. I
his inner eye as not the body, all his desires am the kinsman of the universe. I am the One
vanish, and he experiences Perfect peace. who is of the nature of Transcendental
knowledge. I am moreover the Eternal One,
52. He who is described in the scriptures as the Lord, the taintless One, the One who is
the Unborn and Lord, I am He, the Atman devoid of the states [of waking, dream and
[Self], who is forever without form or qualities. sleep], the One who is devoid of the universe.
There is absolutely no doubt about it.
59. The beginningless consciousness is Unborn,
53. I am pure awareness, immaculate, Whole and, residing forever in its natural home
perfectly liberated; and forever present of the Heart-cave, is without form, world or
everywhere. I am indeterminable. No one can impurity. It is beyond comparison and
grasp Me or leave Me. I am free from sorrow. I completely unattached. It cannot be
am always brahmamayam [of the nature of comprehended by the mind nor can It be seen
Brahman]. or felt by the senses.

54. I am the Self which is consciousness, 60. Repeatedly see thus: "I am He, the
Absolute completeness, deathless and Self- Eternal, Omnipresent Reality which is
established, and which is other than this Brahman." Meditating thus for a long time,
insentient body, limited between the top of whoever abides imperturbably will become
the head and the sole of the foot, and which, the Supreme Brahman, thereby attaining
beginning with the antahkaranas [the inner Immortality.
instruments such as mind and intellect] is
bounded by the covering of the skin. 61. Having thus explained the nature of
knowledge to enable everyone to attain
55. Thinking, "I am the Lord of all creations, liberation, which is always available, I shall
moving or stationary, I remain as father, now proceed to describe the conduct to be
mother and father's father for the adopted by seekers. Noble Lady, listen to
universe", aspirants for liberation them calmly.
contemplate with concentration and ardour
only upon Me, who am that great Turiya state 62. O Queen among women! Know
[the substratum of the waking, dream and that bathing in holy waters, repeating holy
sleep states]. names or words [mantras], performing daily
homa [sacred offering in specially prepared
56. I am the one who is worshipped through fire], worship, other oblations in lustrous
sacrifices and penances by all celestial beings fire, or any other means [sadhana] to be
beginning with the creator [Brahma], the followed after great study, are never
heavenly damsels who are themselves sought required for him [the earnest aspirant
after, humans, yakshas, gandharvas, nagas and seeking liberation].
other groups of superhuman beings, and also
by many others. Know that everyone worships 63. Niyamas [strict rules of conduct such as
only Me. what to eat, when to eat, how to eat, what to
wear, where to sit and so on], worship of

5
deities in sacred places, nama tender roots [of fragrant plants, which is often
archanas [worship of deities by reciting sacred done for worship]; he should not even pluck
names], pitru karmas [oblations, etc., carried the leaves; he should not harm any living thing
out for the sake of forefathers to help them out of anger; he should not heartlessly pluck
reach a high state], pilgrimage to holy places even flowers.
which have come forth on earth, and
observance of great vows, are all not for 71-72. He should worship Lord Shiva using only
him, if considered deeply. flowers that have fallen naturally. He should
not indulge in vile practices such as marana
64. He does not reap the fruit of actions, good [causing destruction through the use of certain
or bad. Important dates and special mantras], uchadana [driving one out with the
observances zealously followed by the world force of mantras], vidveshana [causing mutual
are not for him. Give up all actions and all hatred between friends], the well known
kinds of worldly codes of conduct. sthambana [freezing one's capabilities],
causing fever, putting into action evil spirits,
65. Renounce completely all religious edicts causing agitation, wrongly taking control of
and disciplines. Since all kinds of action others, attracting and infatuating others, and
result in bondage, give up all action plans, so on. Abandon the worship of stones, wooden
mental conflicts, and attachment to one's objects and similar articles.
caste duties.
73. Having relinquished the great mudras
66. Even if the aspirant acquires many kinds which are adopted in order to fix the mind on
of supernatural powers and magical powers the devatas [deities] residing in holy places
such as visualising what is buried underneath and temples, and the associated sacrifices, get
the earth, and can demonstrate them before rid of the vasanas also which may have
the world, he should give up mental accumulated on account of such practices in
attachment to them. the past, and cling only to the Self, the all-
pervading real consciousness.
67. All these powers [siddhis] are only
bondages to the individual soul. Further they 74. Maintain a neutral attitude towards all
drag one to follow a low path. The Supreme things; do not get infatuated with anything;
joy of liberation does not lie in any of them, maintain equanimity whether in happiness or
but only in the Infinite consciousness. suffering; be the same to friends and
enemies; treat alike a broken piece of mud
68. One must engage unfailingly in yoga [the pot and a piece of gold.
practice of Self-abidance] in all conditions,
without allowing any special event to affect 75. Know that a flawless yogi is one who does
one adversely. If, due to doubts, delusion not ever allow himself to be swayed by desire
arises in the form of attraction to worship in for the pleasures of the senses, who frees
holy places and temples [on account of past himself at heart from mamakara [treating
practices and vasanas], reject it things as "mine"], who has a steadfast mind,
immediately. who is free from desires and fear, and who
always revels in the Self.
69. Listen to me, Lady! Know that only the
wise man who never does anything which leads 76. Being unaffected by either praise or
to the destruction of any form of life, such as slander, treating alike all creatures, he
insects, worms, animals, birds or plants, is a should always unfailingly maintain an
person who is seeking true knowledge. equality of vision [sama drishti], considering
all living beings in the world as himself.
70. He [the true aspirant] should not pull out

6
77. Avoid unnecessary arguments and worldly thereto, as you have asked. This entire path
associations. Do not create misunderstanding is indeed kalottara jnana [the knowledge to be
among others. Do not join religious bodies well revealed at the final stage of maturity]. Tell
versed in many scriptures. Give up both words me, O Lady, if you want to ask anything more.
of abuse and words of praise.

78. Gradually and completely get rid of

jealousy, slander, pomp, passion, consequent
hatred, desire, anger, fear and sorrow.

79. If a man is free from all the pairs of

opposites and always lives in Solitude
[established in himself Alone], he gains Perfect
wisdom even while in the present body and
shines forth with great effulgence.

80. Liberation is attained only by knowledge

[jnana]. By other powers [siddhis] such a fruit
is unattainable. However, aspirants become
enchanted with blemishful worldly enjoyments
and thaumaturgic powers [siddhis] and go after
them with desire.

81. Know that the pure flawless person will

experience that blemishless Lord [the
Supreme Brahman] and positively attain
liberation whether attended by the
supernatural powers or not.

82. The body is a form constituted of the five

elements [earth, water, fire, air and ether].
The One all-pervading Shiva is also nicely
seated there. Hence the entire universe, right
from the indivisible all-pervading Shivam [the
highest and most abstract tattva or principle]
to this world, is the form of Shankara.

83-84. My dearest, earnest seekers who see

the enlightened one [jnani] and worship him
with all the three instruments [mind, speech
and body] in unison, offering him with heart-
melting love, sweet-smelling sandal paste,
fruits, flowers, incense, good water to bathe,
clothes and food, will thus attain liberation.
Know that those who worship that jnani reap
the fruit of his righteous deeds and those who
slander him reap the result of his sins.

85. I have revealed the Truth about

knowledge and the conduct pertaining