Tryakshari (त्र्यक्षरी, IAST: tryakṣarī) is a Sanskrit-origin Hindu girl-name meaning “She who is embodied in three sacred syllables”. From 'tri' (three) and 'akṣara' (syllable, imperishable, from 'a-kṣara' — that which does not perish), this name identifies Lalitā with the three-syllabled mantras that are her essence, most notably the Pañcadaśī or the syllables of the Ṣoḍaśī.

Meaning, etymology & significance

The word 'akṣara' means both 'syllable' and 'imperishable,' suggesting that the three syllables in question carry divine, indestructible power. Most commonly this name is linked to the three-syllable Śiva mantra 'na-ma-śi' or the three parts of the Śrī Vidyā mahāmantra, though commentators also associate it with the sacred syllables Aiṃ-Hrīṃ-Śrīṃ. As Tryakṣarī, Lalitā is herself the mantra — not merely its object but its living substance.

This tantric epithet of Lalitā is significant in Śrī Vidyā mantra practice, where the Goddess and the sacred syllables are understood as non-different. Pronounced try-AHK-shah-ree, it is unusual as a given name but carries deep esoteric beauty; needsReview is set because multiple three-syllable mantric identifications exist.

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Scriptural source

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