Paramanu (परमाणु, IAST: Paramāṇu) is a Sanskrit-origin Hindu girl-name meaning “The supremely subtle, the ultimate infinitesimal”. From parama (supreme) and aṇu (atom, that which is infinitely small), this epithet reveals Lalitā as the subtlest possible reality — smaller than the smallest, pervading existence without being grasped by any instrument.

Meaning, etymology & significance

Aṇu in Vedic and Nyāya-Vaiśeṣika philosophy refers to the ultimate indivisible particle, the smallest unit of matter, and metaphorically to anything so subtle it transcends ordinary perception. Parama intensifies this to the superlative: Lalitā as Paramāṇu is subtler than any conceived subtlety, the finest vibration underlying all existence. This resonates with the Kaṭha Upaniṣad's teaching that the Self is aṇor aṇīyān, smaller than the smallest, pointing to the identity of Lalitā with pure Cit (consciousness).

This epithet complements her title Mahāmeru (the cosmic mountain) elsewhere in the Sahasranāma, together affirming that she is simultaneously the vastest and the most minute. As a given name, Paramāṇu is unusual and carries a deeply philosophical resonance; pronounced pa-ra-maa-nu.

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Scriptural source

Paramanu 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, Paramanu aligns with the Uttara phalguni nakshatra, under the Kanya rashi (Moon sign). Its Chaldean name-number is 1.