Sri Suktam
श्री सूक्तम्|Śrī Sūktam|Hymn to Sri (Lakshmi)
Also known as: Lakshmi Suktam · Śrī Sūkta · Rig Vedic Hymn to Lakshmi · Shri Suktam · Sri Sukta · Shri Sukta
Cover image generated by AI · #Greetingify · #SocialBotStudio
ॐ हिरण्यवर्णां हरिणीं सुवर्णरजतस्रजाम् ।चन्द्रां हिरण्मयीं लक्ष्मीं जातवेदो म आवह ॥१॥
तां म आवह जातवेदो लक्ष्मीमनपगामिनीम् ।यस्यां हिरण्यं विन्देयं गामश्वं पुरुषानहम् ॥२॥
अश्वपूर्वां रथमध्यां हस्तिनादप्रबोधिनीम् ।श्रियं देवीमुपह्वये श्रीर्मा देवी जुषताम् ॥३॥
कां सोस्मितां हिरण्यप्राकारामार्द्रां ज्वलन्तीं तृप्तां तर्पयन्तीम् ।पद्मे स्थितां पद्मवर्णां तामिहोपह्वये श्रियम् ॥४॥
चन्द्रां प्रभासां यशसा ज्वलन्तीं श्रियं लोके देवजुष्टामुदाराम् ।तां पद्मिनीमीं शरणमहं प्रपद्येऽलक्ष्मीर्मे नश्यतां त्वां वृणे ॥५॥
आदित्यवर्णे तपसोऽधिजातो वनस्पतिस्तव वृक्षोऽथ बिल्वः ।तस्य फलानि तपसा नुदन्तु मायान्तरायाश्च बाह्या अलक्ष्मीः ॥६॥
उपैतु मां देवसखः कीर्तिश्च मणिना सह ।प्रादुर्भूतोऽस्मि राष्ट्रेऽस्मिन् कीर्तिमृद्धिं ददातु मे ॥७॥
क्षुत्पिपासामलां ज्येष्ठामलक्ष्मीं नाशयाम्यहम् ।अभूतिमसमृद्धिं च सर्वां निर्णुद मे गृहात् ॥८॥
गन्धद्वारां दुराधर्षां नित्यपुष्टां करीषिणीम् ।ईश्वरीं सर्वभूतानां तामिहोपह्वये श्रियम् ॥९॥
मनसः काममाकूतिं वाचः सत्यमशीमहि ।पशूनां रूपमन्नस्य मयि श्रीः श्रयतां यशः ॥१०॥
कर्दमेन प्रजाभूता मयि सम्भव कर्दम ।श्रियं वासय मे कुले मातरं पद्ममालिनीम् ॥११॥
आपः सृजन्तु स्निग्धानि चिक्लीत वस मे गृहे ।नि च देवीं मातरं श्रियं वासय मे कुले ॥१२॥
आर्द्रां पुष्करिणीं पुष्टिं पिङ्गलां पद्ममालिनीम् ।चन्द्रां हिरण्मयीं लक्ष्मीं जातवेदो म आवह ॥१३॥
आर्द्रां यः करिणीं यष्टिं सुवर्णां हेममालिनीम् ।सूर्यां हिरण्मयीं लक्ष्मीं जातवेदो म आवह ॥१४॥
तां म आवह जातवेदो लक्ष्मीमनपगामिनीम् ।यस्यां हिरण्यं प्रभूतं गावो दास्योऽश्वान् विन्देयं पुरुषानहम् ॥१५॥
यः शुचिः प्रयतो भूत्वा जुहुयादाज्यमन्वहम् ।श्रियः पञ्चदशर्चं च श्रीकामः सततं जपेत् ॥१६॥
ॐ हिरण्यवर्णां हरिणीं सुवर्णरजतस्रजाम् । चन्द्रां हिरण्मयीं लक्ष्मीं जातवेदो म आवह ॥१॥ तां म आवह जातवेदो लक्ष्मीमनपगामिनीम् । यस्यां हिरण्यं विन्देयं गामश्वं पुरुषानहम् ॥२॥ अश्वपूर्वां रथमध्यां हस्तिनादप्रबोधिनीम् । श्रियं देवीमुपह्वये श्रीर्मा देवी जुषताम् ॥३॥ कां सोस्मितां हिरण्यप्राकारामार्द्रां ज्वलन्तीं तृप्तां तर्पयन्तीम् । पद्मे स्थितां पद्मवर्णां तामिहोपह्वये श्रियम् ॥४॥ चन्द्रां प्रभासां यशसा ज्वलन्तीं श्रियं लोके देवजुष्टामुदाराम् । तां पद्मिनीमीं शरणमहं प्रपद्येऽलक्ष्मीर्मे नश्यतां त्वां वृणे ॥५॥ आदित्यवर्णे तपसोऽधिजातो वनस्पतिस्तव वृक्षोऽथ बिल्वः । तस्य फलानि तपसा नुदन्तु मायान्तरायाश्च बाह्या अलक्ष्मीः ॥६॥ उपैतु मां देवसखः कीर्तिश्च मणिना सह । प्रादुर्भूतोऽस्मि राष्ट्रेऽस्मिन् कीर्तिमृद्धिं ददातु मे ॥७॥ क्षुत्पिपासामलां ज्येष्ठामलक्ष्मीं नाशयाम्यहम् । अभूतिमसमृद्धिं च सर्वां निर्णुद मे गृहात् ॥८॥ गन्धद्वारां दुराधर्षां नित्यपुष्टां करीषिणीम् । ईश्वरीं सर्वभूतानां तामिहोपह्वये श्रियम् ॥९॥ मनसः काममाकूतिं वाचः सत्यमशीमहि । पशूनां रूपमन्नस्य मयि श्रीः श्रयतां यशः ॥१०॥ कर्दमेन प्रजाभूता मयि सम्भव कर्दम । श्रियं वासय मे कुले मातरं पद्ममालिनीम् ॥११॥ आपः सृजन्तु स्निग्धानि चिक्लीत वस मे गृहे । नि च देवीं मातरं श्रियं वासय मे कुले ॥१२॥ आर्द्रां पुष्करिणीं पुष्टिं पिङ्गलां पद्ममालिनीम् । चन्द्रां हिरण्मयीं लक्ष्मीं जातवेदो म आवह ॥१३॥ आर्द्रां यः करिणीं यष्टिं सुवर्णां हेममालिनीम् । सूर्यां हिरण्मयीं लक्ष्मीं जातवेदो म आवह ॥१४॥ तां म आवह जातवेदो लक्ष्मीमनपगामिनीम् । यस्यां हिरण्यं प्रभूतं गावो दास्योऽश्वान् विन्देयं पुरुषानहम् ॥१५॥ यः शुचिः प्रयतो भूत्वा जुहुयादाज्यमन्वहम् । श्रियः पञ्चदशर्चं च श्रीकामः सततं जपेत् ॥१६॥
Om, O Agni, may the Goddess Lakshmi, of golden hue, like a deer, adorned with garlands of gold and silver, shining like the moon, and golden-complexioned, come to me. ||1|| O Agni, bring to me that Lakshmi who never departs, by whose grace I may obtain gold, cows, horses, and progeny. ||2|| I invoke the Goddess Sri, who is preceded by horses, whose chariot is in the middle, and who is awakened by the sound of elephants. May that divine Sri reside with me. ||3|| I invoke here that Sri, who has a gentle smile, who is surrounded by a golden aura, who is moist (with compassion), shining, satisfied, and satisfying others, seated on a lotus, and of lotus hue. ||4|| I take refuge in that Sri, who shines like the moon, who is radiant with glory, who is worshipped by the gods in the world, who is generous, and who holds a lotus. May Alakshmi (misfortune) be destroyed for me; I choose You (Sri). ||5|| O Goddess of sun-like brilliance, the Bilva tree, a forest tree, was born from your penance. May its fruits, through penance, drive away my inner and outer misfortunes and poverty. ||6|| May the friend of the gods, Kubera, and Kirti (fame) come to me, along with precious gems. I have manifested in this nation; may Kirti grant me prosperity and abundance. ||7|| I destroy Alakshmi, the elder sister, who is characterized by hunger, thirst, and impurity. Drive away all poverty and misfortune from my home. ||8|| I invoke here that Sri, who has fragrance as her gate, who is unassailable, ever-nourished, rich in cattle, and the sovereign of all beings. ||9|| May we achieve the desires of our mind, the intentions of our will, and the truth in our speech. May Sri and fame reside in me, along with cattle and food. ||10|| O Kardama (mud/progenitor), born from mud, be present in me. Make Mother Sri, adorned with lotus garlands, reside in my family. ||11|| May the waters create pleasing things, O Chiklita, reside in my house. And make the divine Mother Sri reside in my family. ||12|| O Agni, bring to me that Lakshmi who is moist (with compassion), who holds a lotus, who is well-nourished, yellowish-red, adorned with lotus garlands, shining like the moon, and golden-complexioned. ||13|| O Agni, bring to me that Lakshmi who is moist (with compassion), who holds a staff, who is golden, adorned with golden garlands, shining like the sun, and golden-complexioned. ||14|| O Agni, bring to me that Lakshmi who never departs, by whose grace I may obtain abundant gold, cows, maidservants, horses, and progeny. ||15|| Whoever, being pure and self-controlled, offers ghee daily, and desirous of prosperity, constantly recites the fifteen verses of Sri Suktam. ||16||
The translation aims for accuracy while preserving the devotional essence. 'Sri' is often translated as 'Lakshmi' or 'prosperity/auspiciousness'. Vedic Sanskrit can have multiple layers of meaning.
The Sri Suktam (Śrī Sūktam) is an ancient and revered Vedic hymn dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, prosperity, and auspiciousness in Hinduism. It is considered a 'Khilani' or appendix to the Rig Veda, suggesting its composition or compilation occurred later than the main Samhita texts but still within the Vedic period, likely between 1000 BCE and 500 BCE. Its precise authorship is unknown, as is typical for Vedic texts, which are considered revelations (śruti) rather than human compositions. The hymn is deeply embedded in the spiritual fabric of India, particularly among Brahmin communities and those who follow the Shrauta and Pauranika traditions, where Vedic rituals are meticulously observed. Culturally, the Sri Suktam holds immense significance as a primary text for invoking divine blessings for material and spiritual well-being. It is chanted during various auspicious occasions, festivals, and daily rituals. Its verses describe Lakshmi's divine attributes, her association with the lotus, elephants, gold, and her power to dispel poverty and misfortune (Alakshmi). The hymn is central to Lakshmi Puja, especially during Diwali, the festival of lights, and Varalakshmi Vratam. It is also recited during housewarmings, business inaugurations, and any event seeking prosperity and success. The imagery within the hymn, such as Lakshmi seated on a lotus, attended by elephants, has profoundly influenced Hindu iconography and artistic representations of the goddess. The Sri Suktam is primarily chanted or recited rather than sung in a musical performance style. It is a Vedic chant, typically intoned by priests (pujaris) or devout individuals following specific melodic patterns (swaras) prescribed for Vedic recitations. The chanting is often accompanied by offerings of ghee (clarified butter) into a sacred fire (homa) or during a puja ceremony. While no specific instruments are traditionally associated with its recitation, the rhythmic intonation itself serves as a powerful meditative practice. It is commonly recited by individuals seeking prosperity, spiritual growth, and the removal of obstacles, and by families during their daily worship or special religious observances. Today, the Sri Suktam remains one of the most popular and frequently chanted hymns in Hinduism. Its enduring relevance lies in its timeless appeal for prosperity, both material and spiritual, and its ability to connect devotees to ancient Vedic wisdom. Modern adaptations include its inclusion in devotional albums, online chanting sessions, and simplified transliterations for wider accessibility. Efforts to preserve its traditional chanting style are ongoing through gurukuls and Vedic schools, ensuring that this profound hymn continues to enrich the spiritual lives of millions and maintain its place as a cornerstone of Hindu devotional literature.
Historical Background
Part of the Rig Veda Khilani, likely composed between 1000 BCE and 500 BCE. Reflects ancient Vedic reverence for prosperity and the divine feminine.
Cultural Significance
A foundational hymn for invoking Goddess Lakshmi, deeply integrated into Hindu religious practices. Influences iconography, rituals, and the spiritual pursuit of abundance and well-being.
Usage & Performance Context
Daily worship, special pujas, festivals (especially Diwali, Varalakshmi Vratam), housewarmings, business inaugurations, seeking financial stability and spiritual growth. Chanted by priests and devotees.
श्री सूक्तम् एक प्राचीन और पूजनीय वैदिक स्तोत्र है जो धन, समृद्धि और शुभता की देवी लक्ष्मी को समर्पित है। इसे ऋग्वेद के 'खिलानी' या परिशिष्ट का हिस्सा माना जाता है, जो यह दर्शाता है कि इसकी रचना मुख्य संहिता ग्रंथों के बाद हुई, लेकिन फिर भी वैदिक काल (संभवतः 1000 ईसा पूर्व और 500 ईसा पूर्व के बीच) के भीतर ही हुई। इसकी सटीक रचना अज्ञात है, जैसा कि वैदिक ग्रंथों के लिए सामान्य है, जिन्हें मानव रचना के बजाय 'श्रुति' (ईश्वरीय रहस्योद्घाटन) माना जाता है। यह स्तोत्र भारत के आध्यात्मिक ताने-बाने में गहराई से समाया हुआ है, विशेष रूप से ब्राह्मण समुदायों और श्रौत तथा पौराणिक परंपराओं का पालन करने वालों के बीच, जहाँ वैदिक अनुष्ठानों का सावधानीपूर्वक पालन किया जाता है। सांस्कृतिक रूप से, श्री सूक्तम् भौतिक और आध्यात्मिक कल्याण के लिए दिव्य आशीर्वाद प्राप्त करने हेतु एक प्राथमिक ग्रंथ के रूप में अत्यधिक महत्व रखता है। इसे विभिन्न शुभ अवसरों, त्योहारों और दैनिक अनुष्ठानों के दौरान जप किया जाता है। इसके श्लोक लक्ष्मी के दिव्य गुणों, कमल, हाथियों, स्वर्ण से उनके संबंध और गरीबी व दुर्भाग्य (अलक्ष्मी) को दूर करने की उनकी शक्ति का वर्णन करते हैं। यह स्तोत्र लक्ष्मी पूजा का केंद्रीय हिस्सा है, विशेष रूप से दिवाली, प्रकाश के त्योहार और वरमहालक्ष्मी व्रत के दौरान। इसे गृहप्रवेश, व्यावसायिक उद्घाटन और समृद्धि तथा सफलता की तलाश में किसी भी कार्यक्रम के दौरान भी पढ़ा जाता है। स्तोत्र के भीतर की कल्पना, जैसे कमल पर विराजमान लक्ष्मी, हाथियों द्वारा अभिषिक्त, ने हिंदू मूर्तिकला और देवी के कलात्मक चित्रण को गहराई से प्रभावित किया है। श्री सूक्तम् को मुख्य रूप से संगीत प्रदर्शन शैली में गाने के बजाय जप या पाठ किया जाता है। यह एक वैदिक मंत्र है, जिसे आमतौर पर पुरोहितों या भक्तों द्वारा वैदिक पाठ के लिए निर्धारित विशिष्ट मधुर पैटर्न (स्वरों) का पालन करते हुए उच्चारित किया जाता है। यह जप अक्सर पवित्र अग्नि (होम) में घी (स्पष्ट मक्खन) की आहुति के साथ या पूजा समारोह के दौरान किया जाता है। जबकि इसके पाठ के साथ कोई विशिष्ट वाद्य यंत्र पारंपरिक रूप से जुड़े नहीं हैं, लयबद्ध उच्चारण स्वयं एक शक्तिशाली ध्यान अभ्यास के रूप में कार्य करता है। इसे आमतौर पर समृद्धि, आध्यात्मिक विकास और बाधाओं को दूर करने की इच्छा रखने वाले व्यक्तियों द्वारा, और परिवारों द्वारा अपनी दैनिक पूजा या विशेष धार्मिक अनुष्ठानों के दौरान पढ़ा जाता है। आज भी, श्री सूक्तम् हिंदू धर्म में सबसे लोकप्रिय और अक्सर जप किए जाने वाले स्तोत्रों में से एक है। इसकी स्थायी प्रासंगिकता भौतिक और आध्यात्मिक दोनों तरह की समृद्धि के लिए इसकी कालातीत अपील और भक्तों को प्राचीन वैदिक ज्ञान से जोड़ने की इसकी क्षमता में निहित है। आधुनिक अनुकूलन में इसे भक्ति एल्बमों, ऑनलाइन जप सत्रों और व्यापक पहुंच के लिए सरलीकृत लिप्यंतरण में शामिल करना शामिल है। इसके पारंपरिक जप शैली को संरक्षित करने के प्रयास गुरुकुलों और वैदिक विद्यालयों के माध्यम से जारी हैं, यह सुनिश्चित करते हुए कि यह गहन स्तोत्र लाखों लोगों के आध्यात्मिक जीवन को समृद्ध करता रहे और हिंदू भक्ति साहित्य की आधारशिला के रूप में अपना स्थान बनाए रखे।
What is the Sri Suktam?
The Sri Suktam is a revered Vedic hymn from the Rig Veda Khilani, dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu deity of wealth, prosperity, and auspiciousness. It consists of 16 verses (mantras) that praise Lakshmi's divine attributes and invoke her blessings.
What are the benefits of chanting Sri Suktam?
Chanting the Sri Suktam is believed to bring material and spiritual prosperity, remove poverty and misfortune (Alakshmi), attract wealth, ensure well-being, and foster overall auspiciousness in one's life and home.
When is Sri Suktam typically recited?
The Sri Suktam is recited daily by many devotees, and particularly during auspicious occasions such as Lakshmi Puja (especially during Diwali), Varalakshmi Vratam, housewarmings, business inaugurations, and other rituals seeking prosperity and success.
Is Sri Suktam a copyrighted work?
No, the Sri Suktam is an ancient Vedic hymn and is considered part of the public domain. As a sacred text of antiquity, it is free from modern copyright restrictions, allowing for its widespread use and study.
What is the significance of the lotus and elephants in Sri Suktam?
The lotus symbolizes purity, beauty, and spiritual growth, while elephants anointing Lakshmi (Gaja Lakshmi) represent royal power, abundance, and fertility. These elements highlight Lakshmi's divine nature and her association with prosperity and auspiciousness.
Region
Sung at
Language
Sanskrit (Devanagari)
Themes
Contributor
Anonymous
Based on 0 ratings.
