Of these the first consists of 6,687 slokas the second of 2,163 slokas and the third is untraceable. It is said to consist of 12,000 slokas in three sections - the Jñāna Khaṇḍa (Section on Supreme Wisdom), the Mahātamya Khaṇḍa (Section on the Greatness of Sri Devi), and the Caryā Khaṇḍa (Section on Conduct). It is also called the Haritāyana Samhitā after its author Haritāyana, son of Harita. The Tripura Rahasya is a dialogue between Lord Dattatreya and Parasurama. Lord Vishnu incarnated on earth as Sri Dattatreya, Lord of the Avadhutas, who taught this to Parasurama, who later taught it to Haritāyana. The highest truth was first taught by Lord Shiva to Lord Vishnu. The Tripura Rahasya expounds the teachings of the supreme spiritual truth.
The underlying consciousness in them all is called Sri Tripura, the Mother Goddess Chandika. The three cities or states of consciousness are waking (Jāgṛat), dreaming (Svapna) and deep sleep (Suṣupti). Thus, Tripura Rahasya means the Mystery beyond the Trinity. Therefore, mystery would be a more appropriate translation. It is only due to lack of wisdom that humans don't experience their true nature. Tripurā means 'three cities' or 'the trinity.' Rahasya means 'secret' or 'mystery.' In a sense there is no secret to be revealed.
