Barbaralaka (बर्बरालका, IAST: Barbarālakā) is a Sanskrit-origin Hindu girl-name meaning “She adorned with curly, flowing locks of hair”. From 'barbara' (curly, wavy — describing hair with a natural, luxuriant wave) and 'alaka' (lock of hair, tress), Barbarālakā paints a vivid devotional portrait of the Devī's captivating beauty.

Meaning, etymology & significance

The word 'barbara' in Sanskrit can denote curly or wavy form, and 'alaka' specifically refers to the beautiful curling locks that frame a divine face — a detail celebrated in dhyāna verses and iconographic traditions. This epithet appears in the Devī's physical description within the Sahasranāma, evoking the sensory richness of her divine form as visualized in meditation.

Lalitā is praised with this name as part of a series of epithets glorifying her transcendent physical beauty, reminding the devotee that even her outward form is a manifestation of divine grace. Pronounced bar-ba-raa-lah-KAA, it has a melodic quality suitable for a given name.

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Scriptural source

Barbaralaka appears in the Lalitha Sahasranama, among the sacred names of Lalitha.