Mahatantra (महातन्त्रा, IAST: Mahātantrā) is a Sanskrit-origin Hindu girl-name meaning “She who is the supreme Tantra itself”. From mahā (great) and tantra (sacred framework of ritual and knowledge), this name reveals Lalitā as the very foundation and essence of all tantric wisdom.

Meaning, etymology & significance

The word tantra derives from the root tan (to expand or weave) and tra (instrument of protection), signifying a system that expands consciousness while protecting the aspirant. As Mahātantrā, Lalitā is not merely the subject of tantric scripture but its living, breathing source — the cosmic loom upon which all esoteric knowledge is woven. Every syllable of every tantra is said to pulse with her presence.

This epithet appears in the Lalitā Sahasranāma, honoring the Goddess as the supreme authority over all tantric traditions. Pronounced mah-haa-tun-traa, with equal weight on both long vowels.

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Scriptural source

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

Astrology — nakshatra, rashi & numerology

By the standard Vedic correspondence between a name’s first syllable and the lunar mansion, Mahatantra aligns with the Magha nakshatra, under the Simha rashi (Moon sign). Its Chaldean name-number is 1.