Mooka Panchasati is a hymn in praise of Goddess Kamakshi and it is said that the poet Mooka Kavi was inspired and graced by Devi to compose this brilliant work. The entire hymn, in praise of the various aspects of Devi’s greatness, comprises five satakas.
Each sataka is a set of hundred verses; the Arya Sataka meditates on the Devi; the Padaravinda Sataka shows how her divine feet is our only succour; the Stuti Sataka praises her greatness; the Kataksha Sataka highlights her infinite compassion that flows ceaselessly from her kataksha or divine glance; and the Mandasmitha Sataka describes her smiling face as the sole source of grace and comfort to all.
The poet explains that as the consort of Siva, her smile and glance are exclusively reserved for the Lord, while they confer untold benefits for the rest of humanity, pointed out Sri B. Sundarkumar in a discourse. Siva is the source of all sastras and is the essence of all auspiciousness. Siva has no sorrow or joy and is always in a state of perfect equanimity, while remaining a sakshi for the entire creation. He who remains unchanged is moved by her smile and glance which cause joy and gladden his heart. He alone has the sole right to enjoy it.
But to the jivatmas, her smile is worthy of meditation and is capable of removing their distress. Every jivatma gains by paying obeisance to her smile.
When her benign and merciful glance falls on the devotees, their devotion is increased and they get purified in mind and heart and the intense heat of their worries is mitigated. Devi’s glance sees no difference between the jivatmas — the wise or the unlearned, the pious or the impious, the good or the bad, and even those who have no idea of the purpose of life as salvation.
She protects one and all in the most impartial manner.