श्री सूक्तम्

श्री सूक्तम् is the central Vedic hymn to श्री लक्ष्मी, the divine power of auspiciousness, prosperity, beauty, nourishment, royal grace, and moral abundance. It is received in the Rigvedic खिल or appendix tradition, and living recitation often preserves more than one textual layer: the Vedic core, ritual verses, phala verses, and later devotional Lakshmi/Narayani prayers. This Vedic chant reflects that liturgical breadth.

This Vedic hymn teaches what kind of prosperity is worth seeking. It does not ask for wealth in isolation; it asks for श्री, the sacred fullness that includes virtue, fertility, food, cattle, capable people, good speech, reputation, and the removal of अलक्ष्मी, misfortune and disorder. It therefore corrects the common mistake of reducing Lakshmi to money alone.

The hymn begins by invoking जातवेदस्, Agni as knower of all births, to bring Lakshmi. Then it unfolds images of gold, lotus, elephants, fragrance, grain, truthful speech, lineage, and royal dignity. These images show prosperity as a living ecology: beauty, nourishment, ethics, social trust, and divine grace must support each other.

Read this text as a discipline of abundance under dharma. Key concepts include श्री, लक्ष्मी, अलक्ष्मी, अनपगामिनी (that which does not depart), सत्य-वाक् (truthful speech), and तपस्. The prayer asks us to invite auspiciousness into the home and also to become the kind of person, family, and society where auspiciousness can remain.

ओम् ॥ हिर॑ण्यवर्णां॒ हरि॑णीं सु॒वर्ण॑रज॒तस्र॑जाम् ।
च॒न्द्रां हि॒रण्म॑यीं-लँ॒क्ष्मी-ञ्जात॑वेदो म॒माव॑ह ॥

Meaning (पदार्थ):
हिरण्य-वर्णाम् - golden-hued, radiant like gold
हरिणीम् - shining, tawny, graceful, or remover of dullness
सुवर्ण-रजत-स्रजाम् - garlanded with gold and silver
चन्द्राम् - moon-like, cooling and pleasing
हिरण्मयीं लक्ष्मीम् - golden, luminous Lakshmi
जातवेदः - O Agni, knower of all births
मम आवह - bring her to me

Translation (भावार्थ):
O Jatavedas Agni, bring to me Lakshmi who is golden-hued, radiant, adorned with gold and silver, moon-like, and filled with luminous auspiciousness.

Commentary (अनुसन्धान):
The hymn begins by asking Agni to bring लक्ष्मी. The golden and moonlike images must be held together: prosperity should be bright and valuable, but also cooling, gentle, and nourishing.

In Vedic symbolism, Agni carries offerings and connects human prayer to divine powers. Sri Vaishnava tradition sees Lakshmi as inseparable from Narayana, while Advaita can read श्री as auspicious manifestation of the same Brahman-supported order.

Practically, ask for wealth that brings light without heat. A good home, career, or institution should be prosperous without becoming harsh, arrogant, or exhausting.

ता-म्म॒ आव॑ह॒ जात॑वेदो ल॒क्ष्मीमन॑पगा॒मिनी᳚म् ।
यस्यां॒ हिर॑ण्यं-विँ॒न्देय॒-ङ्गामश्व॒-म्पुरु॑षान॒हम् ॥

Meaning (पदार्थ):
तां मे आवह - bring her to me
जातवेदः - O Agni, knower of beings
लक्ष्मीं अनपगामिनीम् - Lakshmi who does not depart
यस्याम् - in whose presence
हिरण्यं विन्देयम् - may I obtain gold or wealth
गां अश्वं पुरुषान् अहम् - cows, horses, and capable people

Translation (भावार्थ):
O Jatavedas, bring to me Lakshmi who does not depart. In her presence may I obtain wealth, cattle, horses, and worthy people.

Commentary (अनुसन्धान):
अनपगामिनी is important: the prayer asks for stable prosperity, not a flash of gain followed by loss. Wealth includes money, livestock, mobility, and human support.

Dharmic prosperity is relational. The Gita's yajna-cycle teaches that wealth is sustained by order, offering, rain, food, and beings. Lakshmi stays where generosity, cleanliness, and truth support her.

In modern terms, build durable prosperity: ethical income, reliable teams, healthy family systems, and clean habits. Fortune that rests on deception will not remain.

अ॒श्व॒पू॒र्वां र॑थम॒ध्यां ह॒स्तिना॑द-प्र॒बोधि॑नीम् ।
श्रिय॑-न्दे॒वीमुप॑ह्वये॒ श्रीर्मा॑ दे॒वीर्जु॑षताम् ॥

Meaning (पदार्थ):
अश्व-पूर्वाम् - preceded by horses
रथ-मध्याम् - seated in the chariot's center
हस्ति-नाद-प्रबोधिनीम् - awakened or announced by elephant-sound
श्रीयं देवीं उपह्वये - I invoke the divine Sri
श्रीः मा जुषताम् - may Sri graciously favor me

Translation (भावार्थ):
I invoke the divine Sri, preceded by horses, seated in the chariot, and announced by the sound of elephants. May the goddess Sri favor me.

Commentary (अनुसन्धान):
Horses, chariot, and elephants are royal images. श्री includes momentum, dignity, governance, and public honor, not merely private money.

Classical Lakshmi iconography later preserves these symbols through elephants, lotus, and royal abundance. Acharyas often connect Lakshmi with divine grace that makes power auspicious rather than oppressive.

Practically, when influence grows, character must grow faster. Public success without humility becomes noise; success guided by Sri becomes dignified service.

कां॒सो᳚स्मि॒ तां हिर॑ण्यप्रा॒कारा॑मा॒र्द्रा-ञ्ज्वल॑न्ती-न्तृ॒प्ता-न्त॒र्पय॑न्तीम् ।
प॒द्मे॒ स्थि॒ता-म्प॒द्मव॑र्णा॒-न्तामि॒होप॑ह्वये॒ श्रियम् ॥

Meaning (पदार्थ):
हिरण्य-प्राकाराम् - enclosed or protected by golden ramparts
आर्द्राम् - moist, compassionate, fertile
ज्वलन्तीम् - blazing with radiance
तृप्तां तर्पयन्तीम् - fulfilled and fulfilling others
पद्मे स्थिताम् - seated in the lotus
पद्म-वर्णाम् - lotus-hued
श्रीयं उपह्वये - I invoke Sri

Translation (भावार्थ):
I invoke Sri who is protected by golden splendor, moist with compassion and fertility, blazing, fulfilled and fulfilling, seated in the lotus and lotus-hued.

Commentary (अनुसन्धान):
आर्द्रा is a subtle word: prosperity must be moist, living, and compassionate, not dry hoarding. तृप्ता तर्पयन्ती says true abundance is satisfied and therefore able to satisfy others.

The lotus is rooted in water but unstained by mud, a major spiritual symbol across Hindu traditions. Lakshmi's lotus teaches beauty with purity and participation without contamination.

In daily life, become fulfilled enough to nourish others. Scarcity-mind hoards; Lakshmi-mind circulates resources wisely.

च॒न्द्रा-म्प्र॑भा॒सां-यँ॒शसा॒ ज्वल॑न्तीं॒ श्रियं॑-लोँ॒के दे॒वजु॑ष्टामुदा॒राम् ।
ता-म्प॒द्मिनी॑मीं॒ शर॑णम॒ह-म्प्रप॑द्ये-ऽल॒क्ष्मीर्मे॑ नश्यता॒-न्त्वां-वृँ॑णे ॥

Meaning (पदार्थ):
चन्द्रां प्रभासाम् - moon-like and radiant
यशसा ज्वलन्तीम् - shining with fame and honor
लोके देव-जुष्टाम् - cherished by the gods in the world
उदाराम् - noble and generous
पद्मिनीं शरणं प्रपद्ये - I take refuge in the lotus-bearing one
अलक्ष्मीः मे नश्यताम् - may misfortune depart from me
त्वां वृणे - I choose you

Translation (भावार्थ):
I take refuge in the noble lotus-bearing Sri, moon-like, radiant, shining with honor, and cherished by the gods. I choose you; may misfortune depart from me.

Commentary (अनुसन्धान):
This is not only request but choice: त्वां वृणे, I choose you. To choose Lakshmi is also to reject अलक्ष्मी, the disorder of poverty, ugliness, harshness, and moral decline.

Traditional Lakshmi worship pairs invitation of Sri with removal of Alakshmi. The Gita's distinction between divine and demonic qualities works similarly: cultivating one requires rejecting the other.

Practically, choose prosperity habits and reject misfortune habits: cleanliness over neglect, generosity over hoarding, truth over manipulation, and gratitude over entitlement.

आ॒दि॒त्यव॑र्णे॒ तप॒सो-ऽधि॑जा॒तो वन॒स्पति॒स्तव॑ वृ॒क्षो-ऽथ॑ बि॒ल्वः ।
तस्य॒ फला॑नि॒ तप॒सानु॑दन्तु मा॒यान्त॑रा॒याश्च॑ बा॒ह्या अ॑ल॒क्ष्मीः ॥

Meaning (पदार्थ):
आदित्य-वर्णे - sun-colored, radiant like the sun
तपसा अधि-जातः - born from tapas
वनस्पतिः तव वृक्षः बिल्वः - the bilva tree is your sacred tree
तस्य फलानि - its fruits
तपसा अनुदन्तु - may they drive away through tapas
माया अन्तरायाः - inner obstacles born of illusion
बाह्या अलक्ष्मीः - external misfortune

Translation (भावार्थ):
O sun-radiant one born of tapas, may the fruits of your sacred bilva tree, through the power of tapas, drive away inner obstacles of delusion and outer misfortune.

Commentary (अनुसन्धान):
The verse connects Lakshmi with तपस्. Prosperity is not sustained by comfort alone; it requires disciplined heat that burns inner and outer obstacles.

The bilva is sacred in Hindu worship, and here its fruit symbolizes auspicious removal. The Gita teaches that disciplined tapas of body, speech, and mind refines life when practiced with clarity.

Practically, remove two kinds of poverty: inner confusion and outer disorder. Clean accounts, clean rooms, clean speech, and clean motives are all Lakshmi practices.

उपै॑तु॒ मा-न्दे॑वस॒खः की॒र्तिश्च॒ मणि॑ना स॒ह ।
प्रा॒दु॒र्भू॒तो-ऽस्मि॑ राष्ट्रे॒-ऽस्मिन् की॒र्ति॒मृ॑द्धि-न्द॒दातु॑ मे ॥

Meaning (पदार्थ):
उपैतु माम् - may it come to me
देव-सखः - the friend of the gods, often understood as Kubera
कीर्तिः च मणिना सह - fame with jewel-like splendor
प्रादुर्भूतः अस्मि राष्ट्रे अस्मिन् - may I become manifest in this realm/nation
कीर्तिं ऋद्धिं ददातु मे - may it grant me reputation and growth

Translation (भावार्थ):
May the friend of the gods come to me along with jewel-like fame. May I arise worthily in this community, and may I be granted good reputation and growth.

Commentary (अनुसन्धान):
The prayer seeks कीर्ति and ऋद्धि, reputation and growth. But in a Vedic hymn, reputation is not publicity; it is the honor that arises from worthiness.

Chanakya Neeti and Bhartruhari both treat reputation as fragile and dependent on conduct. Lakshmi's fame must be earned through generosity, reliability, and dharma.

Practically, build a name that can survive scrutiny. Let growth be tied to service and competence, not mere display.

क्षु॒त्पि॒पा॒साम॑ला-ञ्ज्ये॒ष्ठाम॒ल॒क्षी-र्ना॑शया॒म्यहम् ।
अभू॑ति॒मस॑मृद्धि॒-ञ्च स॒र्वा॒-न्निर्णु॑द मे॒ गृहात् ॥

Meaning (पदार्थ):
क्षुत्-पिपासा-मलाम् - stained by hunger and thirst
ज्येष्ठां अलक्ष्मीम् - elder misfortune, Alakshmi
नाशयामि अहम् - I seek to destroy
अभूतिम् - non-prosperity, lack of well-being
असमृद्धिम् - non-growth, insufficiency
सर्वां निर्णुद मे गृहात् - drive all of it out of my home

Translation (भावार्थ):
I reject Alakshmi, marked by hunger, thirst, and impurity. Drive away from my home all non-prosperity, insufficiency, and lack of well-being.

Commentary (अनुसन्धान):
The hymn is honest about poverty and disorder. अलक्ष्मी is not only lack of money; it includes hunger, thirst, impurity, stagnation, and a house where well-being cannot grow.

Traditional worship often sends away Alakshmi before inviting Lakshmi. Spiritually this means removing habits that repel grace: laziness, filth, cruelty, falsehood, and waste.

In daily life, do a Lakshmi audit of the home: food security, cleanliness, debt, speech, and emotional atmosphere. Prosperity begins with removing preventable disorder.

ग॒न्ध॒द्वा॒रा-न्दु॑राध॒र्षा॒-न्नि॒त्यपु॑ष्टा-ङ्करी॒षिणी᳚म् ।
ई॒श्वरीग्ं॑ सर्व॑भूता॒ना॒-न्तामि॒होप॑ह्वये॒ श्रियम् ॥

Meaning (पदार्थ):
गन्ध-द्वाराम् - approachable through fragrance
दुराधर्षाम् - difficult to overpower
नित्य-पुष्टाम् - ever-nourished, ever-flourishing
करीषिणीम् - fertile, connected with cultivated earth
ईश्वरीं सर्व-भूतानाम् - sovereign of all beings
श्रीयं उपह्वये - I invoke Sri

Translation (भावार्थ):
I invoke Sri as fragrant, unconquerable, ever-nourished, fertile, and sovereign over all beings, so that prosperity may come as living abundance joined with divine order.

Commentary (अनुसन्धान):
गन्ध, fragrance, suggests subtle presence. Real prosperity has a fragrance: order, cleanliness, generosity, and peace are felt before they are explained.

The earth-fertility in करीषिणी connects Lakshmi to agriculture and nourishment. She is not only palace wealth but cultivated abundance.

Practically, make your life fragrant: clean spaces, kind speech, fair dealings, and nourishing food. These are visible signs that Sri has a place to stay.

[श्री᳚र्मे भ॒जतु । अल॒क्षी᳚र्मे न॒श्यतु ।]

Meaning (पदार्थ):
श्रीः मे भजतु - may Sri favor and belong to me
अलक्ष्मीः मे नश्यतु - may Alakshmi perish or depart from me

Translation (भावार्थ):
May Sri favor me and remain with me; may Alakshmi, the poverty of disorder, hunger, harshness, and misfortune, depart from my home and heart.

Commentary (अनुसन्धान):
This compact refrain gives the whole hymn in two movements: invite auspicious abundance and remove inauspicious disorder. श्री and अलक्ष्मी are not merely external conditions; they name patterns of order and disorder in the home, speech, body, and mind.

Many traditions pair positive cultivation with negative removal. The Gita's divine qualities grow only when demonic tendencies are understood and abandoned, and Devi traditions similarly worship the Mother as the one who nourishes virtue while cutting away inner impurity.

Practically, every day do one action that invites Sri and one that removes Alakshmi: give, clean, study, apologize, organize, restrain waste, or repair a strained relationship. Prosperity becomes stable when the removal of disorder is as deliberate as the request for blessing.

मन॑सः॒ काम॒माकू॑तिं-वाँ॒च-स्स॒त्यम॑शीमहि ।
प॒शू॒नाग्ं रू॒पमन्य॑स्य॒ मयि॒ श्री-श्श्र॑यतां॒-यँशः॑ ॥

Meaning (पदार्थ):
मनसः कामं आकूतिम् - the worthy desire and intention of the mind
वाचः सत्यं अशीमहि - may we attain truth of speech
पशूनां रूपं अन्नस्य - the form of cattle and food
मयि श्रीः श्रयताम् - may Sri abide in me
यशः - honor, good reputation

Translation (भावार्थ):
May we attain worthy intention in the mind and truth in speech. May the forms of nourishment and living wealth be ours; may Sri and good honor abide in me.

Commentary (अनुसन्धान):
The verse joins prosperity to truth. वाचः सत्यम् is essential: Lakshmi should not be invited into a house of lies.

Taittiriya Upanishad's injunction सत्यं वद धर्मं चर supports this directly. Speech-truth is not optional ornament; it is a foundation for sacred abundance.

Practically, audit promises. Pay what you owe, speak clearly, and stop exaggeration. Trust is one of the greatest forms of Lakshmi.

क॒र्दमे॑न प्र॑जाभू॒ता॒ म॒यि॒ सम्भ॑व क॒र्दम ।
श्रियं॑-वाँ॒सय॑ मे कु॒ले॒ मा॒तर॑-म्पद्म॒मालि॑नीम् ॥

Meaning (पदार्थ):
कर्दमेन प्रजा-भूता - born or made fruitful through Kardama
मयि सम्भव कर्दम - O Kardama, arise in me
श्रीयं वासय मे कुले - make Sri dwell in my family
मातरं पद्म-मालिनीम् - the lotus-garlanded Mother

Translation (भावार्थ):
O Kardama, source of fertility and progeny, arise in me. Establish the lotus-garlanded Mother Sri in my family.

Commentary (अनुसन्धान):
कर्दम means fertile mud and is also treated as a seer or son associated with Sri. The image is earthy: lotuses grow from mud, and families flourish through grounded fertility.

Tradition names Ananda, Kardama, and Chiklita in relation to Sri. The symbolism teaches that prosperity needs emotional warmth, fertile ground, and continuity.

In family life, invite Lakshmi through stable routines, kindness to elders and children, and careful stewardship of food and money.

आपः॑ सृ॒जन्तु॑ स्नि॒ग्धा॒नि॒ चि॒क्ली॒त व॑स मे॒ गृहे ।
नि च॑ दे॒वी-म्मा॒तरं॒ श्रियं॑-वाँ॒सय॑ मे कु॒ले ॥

Meaning (पदार्थ):
आपस् सृजन्तु स्निग्धानि - may the waters release smoothness and tenderness
चिक्लीत - O Chiklita, associated with moistness and fertility
वस मे गृहे - dwell in my house
देवीं मातरं श्रियम् - the divine Mother Sri
वासय मे कुले - establish her in my lineage

Translation (भावार्थ):
May the waters bring softness and nourishment. O Chiklita, dwell in my house and establish the divine Mother Sri in my family.

Commentary (अनुसन्धान):
स्निग्ध means smooth, affectionate, moist, and nourishing. A home needs this quality because Lakshmi is not only external gain but the gentle cohesion that lets people feel safe, fed, and respected. Wealth without tenderness becomes hard.

Water and Lakshmi are deeply linked through fertility, lotus, and nourishment. The Taittiriya reverence for अन्नम् and the Sri Suktam's water imagery both show that prosperity must be life-giving, not merely impressive.

Practically, make the home emotionally nourishing. Speak gently, feed people well, pay attention before problems become dry resentment, and keep the atmosphere warm enough for goodness to grow.

आ॒र्द्रा-म्पु॒ष्करि॑णी-म्पु॒ष्टिं॒ पि॒ङ्ग॒ला-म्प॑द्ममा॒लिनीम् ।
च॒न्द्रां हि॒रण्म॑यीं-लँ॒क्ष्मी-ञ्जात॑वेदो म॒माव॑ह ॥

Meaning (पदार्थ):
आर्द्राम् - moist, compassionate, fertile
पुष्करिणीम् - lotus-bearing, pond-like, full of nourishment
पुष्टिम् - nourishment and flourishing
पिङ्गलाम् - tawny-golden
पद्म-मालिनीम् - lotus-garlanded
चन्द्रां हिरण्मयीं लक्ष्मीम् - moonlike golden Lakshmi
जातवेदः मम आवह - O Agni, bring her to me

Translation (भावार्थ):
O Jatavedas, bring to me Lakshmi who is moist with compassion, lotus-bearing, nourishing, golden-tawny, lotus-garlanded, moonlike, and golden.

Commentary (अनुसन्धान):
The repeated water-lotus imagery emphasizes nourished prosperity. पुष्टि is not luxury alone; it is health, fullness, and the ability to sustain life.

Lakshmi's association with the lotus also teaches purity within the world. Sri grows in water and mud but remains unstained.

Practically, choose prosperity that nourishes body, mind, and community. If wealth weakens health or virtue, it is not पुष्टि.

आ॒र्द्रां-यँः॒ करि॑णीं-यँ॒ष्टिं॒ सु॒व॒र्णां हे॑ममा॒लिनीम् ।
सू॒र्यां हि॒रण्म॑यीं-लँ॒क्ष्मी॒-ञ्जात॑वेदो म॒माव॑ह ॥

Meaning (पदार्थ):
आर्द्राम् - moist and compassionate
यः-करिणीम् - active, bringing effort or movement
यष्टिम् - staff, support, sustaining power
सुवर्णाम् - golden
हेम-मालिनीम् - adorned with a golden garland
सूर्यां हिरण्मयीं लक्ष्मीम् - sunlike golden Lakshmi
जातवेदः मम आवह - O Agni, bring her to me

Translation (भावार्थ):
O Jatavedas, bring to me Lakshmi who is compassionate, active, supportive, golden, garlanded with gold, sunlike, and radiant.

Commentary (अनुसन्धान):
Here Lakshmi is solar as well as lunar. She cools like the moon and energizes like the sun. यष्टि suggests support and uprightness.

The tradition never reduces Lakshmi to passive beauty. She is active nourishment, royal energy, and sustaining order. In Vaishnava theology, her grace supports the soul's approach to the Lord.

Practically, prosperity must support upright action. Money should help people stand straighter, not become dependent, crooked, or fearful.

ता-म्म॒ आव॑ह॒ जात॑वेदो ल॒क्षीमन॑पगा॒मिनी᳚म् ।
यस्यां॒ हिर॑ण्य॒-म्प्रभू॑त॒-ङ्गावो॑ दा॒स्यो-ऽश्वा᳚न्, वि॒न्देय॒-म्पुरु॑षान॒हम् ॥

Meaning (पदार्थ):
तां मे आवह - bring her to me
लक्ष्मीं अनपगामिनीम् - Lakshmi who does not depart
हिरण्यं प्रभूतम् - abundant gold or wealth
गावः - cows, nourishment
दास्यः - helpers or attendants
अश्वान् - horses, mobility and strength
पुरुषान् विन्देयम् - may I obtain capable people

Translation (भावार्थ):
O Jatavedas, bring to me the unfailing Lakshmi, in whose presence I may gain abundant wealth, cows, helpers, horses, and capable people.

Commentary (अनुसन्धान):
The repetition of अनपगामिनी, non-departing Lakshmi, asks for enduring abundance in community. Wealth includes people, animals, and systems of support. Lone prosperity is not the Vedic ideal.

The dharmic householder sustains many dependents and duties. Lakshmi's presence is tested by whether resources are organized for protection, nourishment, and honorable work.

Practically, build capacity around you. Train people, care for workers, and create systems that outlast momentary gain.

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यश्शुचिः॑ प्रयतो भू॒त्वा॒ जु॒हुया॑-दाज्य॒-मन्व॑हम् ।
श्रियः॑ प॒ञ्चद॑शर्च-ञ्च श्री॒काम॑स्सत॒त॒-ञ्ज॑पेत् ॥

Meaning (पदार्थ):
शुचिः प्रयतः भूत्वा - becoming pure and disciplined
जुहुयात् आज्यं अन्वहम् - one should offer ghee daily
श्रीयः पञ्चदश-ऋचम् - the fifteen verses of Sri
श्री-कामः - one who desires Sri
सततं जपेत् - should recite constantly
रेखा - the divider marks a practice-note section

Translation (भावार्थ):
After becoming pure and disciplined, one who desires Sri should daily offer ghee and constantly recite the fifteen verses of Sri.

Commentary (अनुसन्धान):
The divider marks a shift from core invocation to practice instruction. The key conditions are शुचि and प्रयत: purity and disciplined effort.

Traditional mantra practice always joins recitation with inner and outer preparation. Without purity, repetition becomes mechanical; with purity, repetition reshapes the mind.

Practically, do not seek results without discipline. If you want prosperity, establish daily cleanliness, prayer, budgeting, and generous action.

आनन्दः कर्द॑मश्चै॒व चिक्ली॒त इ॑ति वि॒श्रुताः ।
ऋष॑य॒स्ते त्र॑यः पुत्रा-स्स्व॒यं॒ श्रीरे॑व दे॒वता ॥

Meaning (पदार्थ):
आनन्दः कर्दमः चिक्लीतः - Ananda, Kardama, and Chiklita
इति विश्रुताः - thus renowned
ऋषयः ते त्रयः पुत्राः - these three seers are her sons
स्वयं श्रीः एव देवता - Sri herself is the deity

Translation (भावार्थ):
Ananda, Kardama, and Chiklita are renowned as the three seer-sons, and Sri herself is the deity of this hymn.

Commentary (अनुसन्धान):
The names आनन्द, कर्दम, and चिक्लीत are symbolic too: joy, fertile ground, and moist nourishment. These are the conditions in which Sri manifests; abundance requires both inner gladness and outer support.

Traditional recitation often preserves such seer-deity notes to locate mantra properly. They remind the practitioner that prosperity has lineage, mood, and sacred focus; it is received through a tradition, not invented by private desire.

Practically, ask whether your home has joy, fertility, and tenderness. If not, start with simple corrections: restore laughter, tend plants or food, honor children and elders, and make the place feel alive. Without these, wealth feels dry.

पद्मानने प॑द्म ऊ॒रू॒ प॒द्माक्षी प॑द्मस॒म्भवे ।
त्व-म्मा᳚-म्भ॒जस्व॑ पद्मा॒क्षी ये॒न सौख्यं॑-लँभा॒म्यहम् ॥

Meaning (पदार्थ):
पद्म-आनने - lotus-faced one
पद्म-ऊरू - lotus-thighed or lotus-graceful
पद्माक्षी - lotus-eyed
पद्म-सम्भवे - lotus-born
त्वं मां भजस्व - favor me
सौख्यं लभामि - may I obtain happiness and well-being

Translation (भावार्थ):
O lotus-faced, lotus-eyed, lotus-born Goddess, please favor me so that I may obtain true happiness, inner purity, and prosperity that remains unstained like the lotus.

Commentary (अनुसन्धान):
The repeated पद्म imagery emphasizes purity, beauty, and spiritual softness. Lakshmi's happiness is not crude pleasure; it is auspicious well-being.

The lotus is also central in Vishnu-Lakshmi worship, showing purity within worldly life. Devotional Vedanta often sees Lakshmi's favor as mediating grace and comfort to the devotee.

Practically, seek happiness that remains clean. Pleasure that leaves guilt or damage is not Lakshmi's सौख्यम्.

अ॒श्वदा॑यी च गोदा॒यी॒ ध॒नदा॑यी म॒हाध॑ने ।
धन॑-म्मे॒ जुष॑ता-न्दे॒वी स॒र्वका॑मार्थ॒ सिद्ध॑ये ॥

Meaning (पदार्थ):
अश्व-दायी - giver of horses and mobility
गो-दायी - giver of cows and nourishment
धन-दायी - giver of wealth
महा-धने - O greatly wealthy one
धनं मे जुषताम् - may wealth favor me
सर्व-काम-अर्थ-सिद्धये - for fulfillment of all rightful aims and desires

Translation (भावार्थ):
O great giver of horses, cows, and wealth, may the Goddess grant me wealth for the fulfillment of rightful aims and desires.

Commentary (अनुसन्धान):
The verse asks for wealth as means, not idol. अर्थ and काम must be guided by dharma to become auspicious.

The classical four पुरुषार्थाः place wealth and desire within duty and liberation. Lakshmi's wealth should support the full human aim, not trap the seeker.

Practically, define what money is for before it arrives: education, health, family stability, charity, and noble work.

पुत्रपौत्र धन-न्धान्यं हस्त्यश्वाजाविगो रथम् ।
प्रजाना-म्भवसि माता आयुष्मन्त-ङ्करोतु माम् ॥

Meaning (पदार्थ):
पुत्र-पौत्र - children and grandchildren
धनं धान्यम् - wealth and grain
हस्ति-अश्व-अज-अवि-गो-रथम् - elephants, horses, goats, sheep, cows, chariots
प्रजानां माता - mother of beings
आयुष्मन्तं करोतु माम् - make me long-lived

Translation (भावार्थ):
O Mother of beings, grant children, grandchildren, wealth, grain, animals, vehicles, and long life, so that household prosperity may support dharma, continuity, and service.

Commentary (अनुसन्धान):
This is household prosperity: lineage, food, animals, transport, and lifespan. Lakshmi is invoked as माता, mother, because prosperity must nurture.

Dharmic household life is not rejected in Vedic religion; it is sanctified when governed by duty, charity, and truth. The Taittiriya Upanishad's instructions to give with faith and modesty, श्रद्धया देयम्, show that prosperity must circulate through responsibility.

Practically, prosperity is multi-generational. Think beyond immediate comfort to food security, family education, health, and inherited values.

चन्द्राभां-लँक्ष्मीमीशानां सूर्याभां᳚ श्रियमीश्वरीम् ।
चन्द्र सूर्याग्नि सर्वाभां श्री महालक्ष्मी-मुपास्महे ॥

Meaning (पदार्थ):
चन्द्र-आभाम् - moon-radiant
सूर्य-आभाम् - sun-radiant
ईशानां ईश्वरीम् - ruling sovereign Goddess
चन्द्र-सूर्य-अग्नि-सर्व-आभाम् - shining with moon, sun, fire, and all lights
श्री महालक्ष्मीं उपास्महे - we worship Mahalakshmi

Translation (भावार्थ):
We worship Sri Mahalakshmi, sovereign Goddess, radiant like the moon, the sun, fire, and all lights, who illumines prosperity from every side.

Commentary (अनुसन्धान):
Moon, sun, and fire show Lakshmi's complete radiance through सोम, सूर्य, and अग्नि: cooling grace, energizing power, and transforming brilliance. Prosperity is the full field of light by which life is comforted, moved, and purified.

In Shakta and Vaishnava traditions, Mahalakshmi is not small domestic luck but cosmic sovereignty and sustaining light. Sri Vaishnava acharyas especially see her grace as inseparable from Narayana's protection and as a compassionate bridge for the devotee.

Practically, cultivate all three lights: calmness, energy, and purification. A good leader or householder must cool distress, energize right work, and purify mistakes quickly; prosperity needs all of them.

धन-मग्नि-र्धनं-वाँयु-र्धनं सूर्यो॑ धनं-वँसुः ।
धनमिन्द्रो बृहस्पति-र्वरु॑ण-न्धनम॑श्नुते ॥

Meaning (पदार्थ):
धनं अग्निः - fire is wealth
धनं वायुः - wind is wealth
धनं सूर्यः - the sun is wealth
धनं वसुः - the Vasus are wealth
धनं इन्द्रः बृहस्पतिः वरुणः - Indra, Brihaspati, and Varuna are wealth
अश्नुते - one attains or enjoys

Translation (भावार्थ):
Fire is wealth, wind is wealth, the sun is wealth, the Vasus are wealth; Indra, Brihaspati, and Varuna are wealth that one attains.

Commentary (अनुसन्धान):
The verse expands wealth beyond currency. Energy, breath, light, natural resources, strength, wisdom, and order are all धन.

This matches Vedic ecology: deities are not abstractions but powers sustaining life. The Gita also identifies the divine with light, strength, intelligence, and order.

Practically, count wealth correctly. Health, clean air, sunlight, wisdom, water, and moral order are not secondary to money.

वैनतेय सोम-म्पिब सोम॑-म्पिबतु वृत्रहा ।
सोम॒-न्धनस्य सोमिनो॒ मह्य॑-न्ददातु सोमिनी॑ ॥

Meaning (पदार्थ):
वैनतेय - Garuda, son of Vinata
सोमं पिब - drink Soma
वृत्रहा - Indra, destroyer of Vritra
सोमं पिबतु - may he drink Soma
धनस्य सोमिनः - of the possessor of wealth/Soma
मह्यं ददातु सोमिनी - may the Soma-bearing Goddess give to me

Translation (भावार्थ):
May Garuda drink Soma; may Indra, destroyer of Vritra, drink Soma. May the Soma-bearing Goddess grant me the wealth connected with Soma.

Commentary (अनुसन्धान):
सोम suggests delight, nourishment, sacred offering, and immortalizing essence. The verse asks that divine powers partake and then bless the devotee with life-giving wealth.

Vritra's defeat releases the waters, a key Vedic prosperity image. Lakshmi, Soma, water, and released abundance are spiritually connected.

Practically, remove blockages before expecting flow. Hoarded resentment, fear, and laziness are inner Vritras that stop prosperity.

न क्रोधो न च मात्स॒र्य-न्न लोभो॑ नाशुभा मतिः ।
भवन्ति कृत पुण्याना-म्भ॒क्तानां श्री सू᳚क्त-ञ्जपेत्सदा ॥

Meaning (पदार्थ):
न क्रोधः - no anger
न मात्सर्यम् - no jealousy
न लोभः - no greed
न अशुभा मतिः - no inauspicious thought
कृत-पुण्यानां भक्तानाम् - for meritorious devotees
श्री सूक्तं जपेत् सदा - one should always recite Sri Suktam

Translation (भावार्थ):
Anger, jealousy, greed, and inauspicious thought do not remain in meritorious devotees who always recite the Sri Suktam.

Commentary (अनुसन्धान):
The verse defines the inner sign of Lakshmi worship: reduction of क्रोध, मात्सर्य, and लोभ. If recitation increases greed, its meaning has been missed.

The Gita lists desire, anger, and greed as gates to ruin. Sri Suktam practice should close those gates and open generosity.

Practically, use recitation as self-audit. After prayer, ask whether you are less angry, less jealous, and less greedy in actual behavior.

वर्ष᳚न्तु॒ ते वि॑भाव॒रि॒ दि॒वो अभ्रस्य विद्यु॑तः ।
रोह᳚न्तु सर्व॑बीजान्यव ब्रह्म द्वि॒षो᳚ ज॑हि ॥

Meaning (पदार्थ):
वर्षन्तु - may they rain
विभावरि - O radiant night or shining one
दिवः अभ्रस्य विद्युतः - lightning from the cloud of heaven
रोहन्तु सर्व-बीजानि - may all seeds sprout
अव ब्रह्म-द्विषः जहि - drive away haters of sacred knowledge

Translation (भावार्थ):
May the heavenly clouds and lightning pour rain; may all seeds sprout. Drive away hostility toward sacred knowledge.

Commentary (अनुसन्धान):
Rain and seed are prosperity at its root. The verse also asks that ब्रह्म-द्विषः, hostility to sacred truth, be removed because ignorance destroys prosperity at a subtler level.

Vedic tradition links rain, food, yajna, and dharma. When reverence for truth is lost, the outer ecosystem and inner culture both suffer.

Practically, support conditions for growth: water, education, truth, and protection from destructive influences.

पद्मप्रिये पद्मिनि पद्महस्ते पद्मालये पद्म-दलायताक्षी ।
विश्वप्रिये विष्णु मनोनुकूले त्वत्पादपद्म-म्मयि सन्निधत्स्व ॥

Meaning (पदार्थ):
पद्म-प्रिये पद्मिनि - lover of lotuses, lotus-bearing one
पद्म-हस्ते - lotus-handed
पद्म-आलये - dwelling in the lotus
पद्म-दल-आयत-अक्षी - eyes long like lotus petals
विश्व-प्रिये - beloved of the universe
विष्णु-मनः-अनुकूले - pleasing to Vishnu's mind
त्वत्-पाद-पद्मं मयि सन्निधत्स्व - establish your lotus feet in me

Translation (भावार्थ):
O lotus-loving, lotus-handed, lotus-dwelling Goddess with lotus-petal eyes, beloved of the universe and pleasing to Vishnu, establish your lotus feet in me.

Commentary (अनुसन्धान):
The prayer shifts inward: not only "give me things," but "establish your feet in me." पाद-पद्मम् means the refuge-point of grace and purity.

Sri Vaishnava tradition sees Lakshmi as inseparable from Vishnu and compassionate toward devotees. Her feet in the heart mean prosperity governed by surrender.

Practically, internalize values before seeking outcomes. If Lakshmi's feet are established within, decisions become cleaner and wealth safer.

या सा पद्मासनस्था विपुलकटितटी पद्मपत्रायताक्षी ।
गम्भीरा वर्तनाभि-स्स्तनभरनमिता शुभ्र वस्तोत्तरीया ॥

Meaning (पदार्थ):
पद्म-आसन-स्था - seated on a lotus
विपुल-कटि-तटी - broad-hipped, sign of abundance and fertility
पद्म-पत्र-आयत-अक्षी - long-eyed like lotus petals
गम्भीरा - deep, dignified
वर्त-नाभिः - with rounded navel
स्तन-भर-नमिता - bent by fullness of breasts, nourishing
शुभ्र-वस्त्र-उत्तरीया - wearing pure white upper garment

Translation (भावार्थ):
She is seated on a lotus, broad with abundance, lotus-eyed, deep and dignified, marked by beauty and nourishment, and clothed in pure white.

Commentary (अनुसन्धान):
The imagery is devotional and iconographic: पद्मासना, पद्म-ऊरू, and पद्माक्षी portray Lakshmi as beauty, fertility, dignity, and nourishment, not as mere ornament.

Classical stotra literature uses sacred form to concentrate the mind. In traditions such as सौन्दर्य लहरी, divine beauty becomes a doorway to devotion and knowledge; the form is symbolic theology in visual language, not mere decoration.

Practically, beauty should be dignified and nourishing. Make your environment clean, graceful, and supportive of good conduct.

लक्ष्मी-र्दिव्यै-र्गजेन्द्रै-र्मणिगण खचितै-स्स्नापिता हेमकुम्भैः ।
नित्यं सा पद्महस्ता मम वसतु गृहे सर्व माङ्गल्ययुक्ता ॥

Meaning (पदार्थ):
दिव्यैः गजेन्द्रैः - by divine elephants
मणि-गण-खचितैः हेम-कुम्भैः - with gem-studded golden pots
स्नापिता - bathed, consecrated
पद्म-हस्ता - lotus-handed
मम गृहे वसतु - may she dwell in my home
सर्व-माङ्गल्य-युक्ता - endowed with every auspiciousness

Translation (भावार्थ):
May lotus-handed Lakshmi, bathed by divine elephants with gem-studded golden pots and endowed with every auspiciousness, always dwell in my home.

Commentary (अनुसन्धान):
The elephant-abhiSheka image is गज-लक्ष्मी, royal abundance consecrated by strength and dignity. It is prosperity ritually purified, washed of arrogance, and placed under the discipline of sacred order.

In temple traditions, abhiSheka is not decoration but sanctification. Wealth should be bathed in purity before entering the home, just as offerings are purified before they are presented to the deity.

Practically, keep the home worthy of Lakshmi: honest income, clean kitchen, honored elders, protected children, and generosity to guests. These are not old-fashioned details; they are the daily abhiSheka of household prosperity.

लक्ष्मी-ङ्क्षीर समुद्र राजतनयां श्रीरङ्ग धामेश्वरीम् ।
दासीभूत समस्त देव वनितां-लोँकैक दीपाङ्कुराम् ।
श्रीमन्मन्द कटाक्ष लब्ध विभव ब्रह्मेन्द्र गङ्गाधराम् ।
त्वा-न्त्रैलोक्य कुटुम्बिनीं सरसिजां-वँन्दे मुकुन्दप्रियाम् ॥

Meaning (पदार्थ):
क्षीर-समुद्र-राज-तनयाम् - daughter of the king of the milk ocean
श्रीरङ्ग-धाम-ईश्वरीम् - queen of the Sriranga abode
लोक-एक-दीप-अङ्कुराम् - the unique lamp-sprout of the worlds
मन्द-कटाक्ष-लब्ध-विभव - by whose gentle glance splendor is gained
त्रैलोक्य-कुटुम्बिनीम् - mother/householder of the three worlds
मुकुन्द-प्रियाम् - beloved of Mukunda

Translation (भावार्थ):
I bow to lotus-born Lakshmi, daughter of the milk ocean, queen of Sriranga, beloved of Mukunda, whose gentle glance grants splendor, and who is the sustaining mother of the three worlds.

Commentary (अनुसन्धान):
This verse is strongly Vaishnava in tone. Lakshmi is मुकुन्द-प्रिया and queen of श्रीरङ्ग, the compassionate consort whose glance grants abundance.

Sri Vaishnava acharyas emphasize श्री as mediating grace, compassion, and accessibility to Narayana. Her motherhood of the three worlds makes prosperity personal and merciful.

Practically, use influence through gentle glance, not domination. Encouragement from a respected person can unlock another's growth.

सिद्धलक्ष्मी-र्मोक्षलक्ष्मी-र्जयलक्ष्मी-स्सरस्वती ।
श्रीलक्ष्मी-र्वरलक्ष्मीश्च प्रसन्ना मम सर्वदा ॥

Meaning (पदार्थ):
सिद्ध-लक्ष्मी - Lakshmi of accomplishment
मोक्ष-लक्ष्मी - Lakshmi of liberation
जय-लक्ष्मी - Lakshmi of victory
सरस्वती - wisdom and speech
श्री-लक्ष्मी - auspicious Lakshmi
वर-लक्ष्मी - boon-giving Lakshmi
प्रसन्ना मम सर्वदा - may they always be gracious to me

Translation (भावार्थ):
May Siddha Lakshmi, Moksha Lakshmi, Jaya Lakshmi, Sarasvati, Sri Lakshmi, and Vara Lakshmi always be gracious to me.

Commentary (अनुसन्धान):
The verse broadens Lakshmi into सिद्धि, मोक्ष, जय, विद्या, auspiciousness, and boon-granting. Prosperity has many forms, and the highest forms refine the seeker rather than simply increasing possessions.

The inclusion of मोक्ष-लक्ष्मी is crucial: the highest abundance is freedom. Vedanta repeatedly reminds us that possessions cannot replace Self-knowledge; wealth that obstructs liberation is incomplete Lakshmi.

Practically, seek success in layers: competence, wisdom, ethical victory, and inner freedom. Do not stop at money; ask whether success has made you more generous, clear, fearless, and useful to others.

वराङ्कुशौ पाशमभीति मुद्राम् ।
करैर्वहन्ती-ङ्कमलासनस्थाम् ।
बालार्ककोटि प्रतिभा-न्त्रिनेत्राम् ।
भजे-ऽहमम्बा-ञ्जगदीश्वरी-न्ताम् ॥

Meaning (पदार्थ):
वर - boon-bestowing gesture
अङ्कुश - goad, discipline and guidance
पाश - noose, binding or drawing power
अभीति-मुद्रा - fear-removing gesture
कमल-आसन-स्थाम् - seated on a lotus
बाल-अर्क-कोटि-प्रतिभाम् - radiant like millions of rising suns
त्रिनेत्राम् - three-eyed
जगदीश्वरीं अम्बाम् - the Mother, ruler of the universe

Translation (भावार्थ):
I worship the Mother, ruler of the universe, seated on a lotus, bearing boon, goad, noose, and fear-removing gesture, three-eyed and radiant like millions of rising suns.

Commentary (अनुसन्धान):
The implements वरद, अङ्कुश, पाश, and अभय teach complete grace: boon, discipline, drawing-near, and fearlessness. Lakshmi's prosperity includes correction and protection; she shapes the devotee into fitness for blessing.

Shakta iconography often uses weapons and gestures to reveal psychological powers. The goad redirects, the noose gathers, and the boon blesses; in Vedantic language, grace removes distraction and turns attention toward the highest good.

Practically, accept correction as grace. A prosperous life needs encouragement, boundaries, accountability, and courage. The person who cannot be redirected cannot keep Lakshmi for long.

सर्वमङ्गल माङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थ साधिके ।
शरण्ये त्य्रम्बके देवी नारायणि नमोस्तुते ॥

Meaning (पदार्थ):
सर्व-मङ्गल-माङ्गल्ये - auspiciousness of all auspicious things
शिवे - auspicious one
सर्व-अर्थ-साधिके - accomplisher of all aims
शरण्ये - refuge-giving one
त्र्यम्बके देवी - three-eyed Goddess
नारायणि नमः अस्तु ते - salutations to Narayani

Translation (भावार्थ):
Salutations to Narayani, the auspiciousness of all auspicious things, the refuge-giving Goddess who accomplishes all worthy aims and turns life toward protection, fulfillment, and grace.

Commentary (अनुसन्धान):
This famous Devi verse identifies the Goddess as शरण्या, refuge, and सर्वार्थ-साधिका, accomplisher of all worthy aims. In the Sri Suktam context, it frames Lakshmi as universal auspicious power.

The Devi Mahatmya tradition celebrates Narayani as the power behind preservation and liberation. Vaishnava and Shakta readings meet in reverence for the divine feminine as refuge.

Practically, when overwhelmed, return to refuge. A calm prayer can re-center priorities and prevent desperate decisions.

ओ-म्म॒हा॒दे॒व्यै च॑ वि॒द्महे॑ विष्णुप॒त्नी च॑ धीमहि ।
तन्नो॑ लक्ष्मीः प्रचो॒दया᳚त् ॥

Meaning (पदार्थ):
महा-देव्यै विद्महे - may we know the great Goddess
विष्णु-पत्न्यै धीमहि - we meditate on the consort of Vishnu
तत् नः लक्ष्मीः प्रचोदयात् - may Lakshmi inspire and guide us

Translation (भावार्थ):
May we know the great Goddess; we meditate on the consort of Vishnu. May Lakshmi inspire and guide us.

Commentary (अनुसन्धान):
This गायत्री-style mantra turns praise into meditative knowledge. Lakshmi is महा-देवी and विष्णु-पत्नी, cosmic and relational at once, the universal Goddess and the inseparable consort of the all-pervading Lord.

Sri Vaishnava tradition especially emphasizes her inseparability from Vishnu and her compassionate mediating grace. The Gita's धीः and प्रचोदना language remind us that divine grace must guide understanding, not only outer gain.

Practically, ask Lakshmi to inspire decisions, not merely outcomes. Guided intelligence is greater wealth than unguided gain, because one wise decision can protect a family or institution for years.

श्री-र्वर्च॑स्व॒-मायु॑ष्य॒-मारो᳚ग्य॒-मावी॑धा॒त्-शोभ॑मान-म्मही॒यते᳚ ।
धा॒न्य-न्ध॒न-म्प॒शु-म्ब॒हुपु॑त्रला॒भं श॒तसं᳚वँत्स॒र-न्दी॒र्घमायुः॑ ॥

Meaning (पदार्थ):
श्रीः - auspicious prosperity
वर्चस् - brilliance and noble radiance
आयुष्यम् - long life
आरोग्यम् - health
धान्यं धनं पशुम् - grain, wealth, and cattle
बहु-पुत्र-लाभम् - blessing of many children or descendants
शत-संवत्सरं दीर्घं आयुः - long life of a hundred years

Translation (भावार्थ):
May Sri grant brilliance, long life, health, beauty, grain, wealth, cattle, many descendants, and a long lifespan of a hundred years.

Commentary (अनुसन्धान):
The closing blessing gathers श्री, वर्चस्, आयुष्यम्, आरोग्यम्, धान्यम्, and धनम्. It refuses to split spiritual life from embodied well-being.

Vedic prosperity is integrated. It resembles the Taittiriya concern for food, strength, knowledge, and lineage. Lakshmi is fullness of life under dharma, where material support becomes a platform for virtue and realization.

Practically, define success broadly. Health, food, family, integrity, and long service matter as much as financial increase. A successful life should leave behind nourishment, trust, and good memory.

ॐ शान्ति॒-श्शान्ति॒-श्शान्तिः॑ ॥

Meaning (पदार्थ):
ॐ - sacred syllable
शान्तिः - peace
त्रिवारं - repeated three times

Translation (भावार्थ):
May peace settle at every level: in divine forces, in the outer world, and within the mind, so that Sri may become calm, lasting auspiciousness.

Commentary (अनुसन्धान):
The hymn ends with शान्तिः because prosperity without peace is incomplete. Lakshmi should settle the home and heart, not inflame restlessness.

The threefold peace pacifies disturbances from unseen, environmental, and inner sources. Upanishadic recitations often close this way because grace must settle as stability; it completes the movement from desire to blessing.

Practically, the test of Lakshmi is calm abundance. After prayer, let your speech and decisions become more peaceful, generous, and orderly.

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