The Sri Vidya Shodashi Dhyana Mantra is a meditation mantra associated with the sixteen-syllable (shodashi) mantra of Sri Vidya, the supreme goddess Lalita Tripura Sundari. The term 'Shodashi' means 'sixteen' and refers to the sixteen vowels (from 'ka' to 'la') of the Sanskrit alphabet that form the core of the Sri Vidya mantra, as described in the 'Mantra Mahodadhi' (Chapter 5). This dhyana mantra is used for contemplating each of the sixteen syllables, which are considered to be the body of the goddess, representing her sixteen aspects or kalas. The 'Lalita Sahasranama' (verse 142) mentions 'Shodashi' as one of the thousand names of the goddess, indicating her form as the sixteen-year-old maiden and the embodiment of the sixteen perfections.
The beej-akshara (seed syllable) of this mantra is 'Śrīṃ' (श्रीं), which combines the sounds of 'śa', 'ra', 'ī', and anusvāra, symbolizing the union of Shiva and Shakti. According to the 'Shaktisangama Tantra' (Tara Khanda), the sixteen syllables are: 'ka', 'e', 'ī', 'la', 'hrīṃ', 'ha', 'sa', 'ka', 'ha', 'la', 'hrīṃ', 'sa', 'ka', 'la', 'hrīṃ', and 'sa' (the Panchadashi plus the final 'sa' or 'śrīṃ'). The dhyana mantra facilitates visualization of the goddess seated on the Sri Chakra, surrounded by the sixteen Nityas. Traditional purposes include attainment of Sri Vidya siddhi (perfection), spiritual liberation, and worldly prosperity.
The 'Mantra-Yoga-Samhita' recommends chanting this dhyana mantra 108 times daily, preferably at dawn or dusk, after purification rituals and while facing east. It is often recited before the main Shodashi mantra japa. Cautions: This mantra should only be chanted after receiving initiation (diksha) from a qualified guru, as improper practice may lead to spiritual obstacles. It is considered a highly potent and secret mantra in the Sri Vidya tradition.
Salutations to the sixteen-syllable mantra of Sri Vidya, embodying the goddess Lalita Tripura Sundari.
The mantra contains multiple seed syllables: śrīṃ (श्रीं) is the primary beej of Sri Vidya, combining śa, ra, ī, and anusvāra; hrīṃ (ह्रीं) is the beej of Maya; klīṃ (क्लीं) is the beej of Kama; aiṃ (ऐं) is the beej of Saraswati; sauḥ (सौः) is the beej of Parashakti. These represent the five essential energies of the goddess.