Sahasranama position 668 of the 1,072 names

Sushila

सुशीला

Suśīlā

What Sushila means

Sushila is name 668 in the Adya Mahakali Sahasranama, the 1,072-name devotional text to Maa Kali. The bearer of an excellent character and gentle nature.

Also spelled

  • Susila
  • Source transliteration: SUSHHILA

Sanskrit names travel into English in several romanizations. This page keeps the common spelling, the IAST form, and the source transliteration together so the same name is discoverable under each spelling readers use.

Meaning and elaboration

Meaning: The bearer of an excellent character and gentle nature.

Elaboration

The name Sushhila is formed from the Sanskrit prefix "Su," meaning "good," "excellent," or "well," and "Shila," meaning "character," "conduct," "nature," or "virtue." Thus, Sushhila means "She who possesses excellent character" or "She of gentle and virtuous nature."

Paradox of Kali's Nature This name offers a deeper understanding of Mahakali. While Kali is often perceived through her fierce, terrible, and destructive manifestations, Sushhila reveals her inherent purity, moral perfection, and benevolent disposition toward those who are truly devoted. Her ferocity is not born of anger or malevolence. It is a divine instrument directed toward the destruction of evil and ignorance, and ultimately toward the good.

Divine Virtue and Auspiciousness Sushhila emphasizes that Kali's actions, however extreme they may appear, are always grounded in dharma (righteousness) and absolute compassion. Her "good character" means that she embodies divine virtues such as truth, righteousness, compassion, unwavering justice, and protection. She is never capricious or malevolent. Her actions remain in harmony with cosmic law and divine will.

Inner Serenity Amidst Chaos This aspect suggests that beneath the tempestuous exterior and the cosmic dance of destruction there abides an ultimate serenity and an unblemished purity of being. It invites the devotee to look beyond appearances and perceive the divine Mother's inherent goodness even when she is engaged in the most terrifying cosmic acts. Her "gentle nature" may not be obvious in her fearsome iconography, but it is deeply experienced by those who surrender to her with sincere devotion and find immense comfort and protection in her presence.

Text and sources

The name list follows the Adya Mahakali Sahasranama as compiled for this project. The English meaning and elaboration are interpretive notes for devotional study, not a translation of a single critical edition.

Read the editorial method and source notes →

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