Shri Suktam in Kannada
ಶ್ರೀಸೂಕ್ತಮ್
Shri Suktam is the oldest hymn to Goddess Lakshmi, a Vedic prayer of fifteen mantras from the khila (appendix) hymns of the Rig Veda. Below is the complete Shri Suktam in Kannada script, every line also in English letters, with the meaning of each verse in simple English.
- Kannada script
- 16 verses
- 6 min
- Vedic (Rig Veda Khila); seers named in tradition as Ananda, Kardama, Chiklita and Shrida
- Best on Friday
Recite line by line, listen, count with a mala. The reader opens in Kannada.
ಹಿರಣ್ಯವರ್ಣಾಂ ಹರಿಣೀಂ ಸುವರ್ಣರಜತಸ್ರಜಾಮ್। Hiranyavarnam Harinim Suvarna Rajata Srajam
ಚಂದ್ರಾಂ ಹಿರಣ್ಮಯೀಂ ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀಂ ಜಾತವೇದೋ ಮ ಆವಹ॥ Chandram Hiranmayim Lakshmim Jatavedo Ma Avaha
Meaning
O Jatavedas, bring to me Lakshmi, golden in colour and shining, who wears garlands of gold and silver, who is lovely as the moon and radiant as gold.
- ಹಿರಣ್ಯವರ್ಣಾಮ್ Hiranyavarnam
- golden in colour
- ಹರಿಣೀಮ್ Harinim
- the bright one; read by commentators as the remover of sorrow
- ಸುವರ್ಣರಜತಸ್ರಜಾಮ್ Suvarna Rajata Srajam
- wearing garlands of gold and silver
- ಚಂದ್ರಾಮ್ Chandram
- lovely as the moon
- ಹಿರಣ್ಮಯೀಮ್ Hiranmayim
- golden, made of light
- ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀಮ್ Lakshmim
- Lakshmi
- ಜಾತವೇದಃ Jatavedah
- O Jatavedas (Agni, the fire who knows all)
- ಮೇ Me
- to me
- ಆವಹ Avaha
- bring
Jatavedas is Agni, the sacred fire, "the one who knows all that is born". The hymn asks Agni to bring Lakshmi, since in Vedic worship the fire carries offerings and prayers to the gods.
ತಾಂ ಮ ಆವಹ ಜಾತವೇದೋ ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀಮನಪಗಾಮಿನೀಮ್। Tam Ma Avaha Jatavedo Lakshmim Anapagaminim
ಯಸ್ಯಾಂ ಹಿರಣ್ಯಂ ವಿಂದೇಯಂ ಗಾಮಶ್ವಂ ಪುರುಷಾನಹಮ್॥ Yasyam Hiranyam Vindeyam Gamashvam Purushanaham
Meaning
O Jatavedas, bring to me that Lakshmi who never goes away, through whose grace I may gain gold, cattle, horses and people around me.
- ತಾಮ್ Tam
- that one, her
- ಮೇ Me
- to me
- ಆವಹ Avaha
- bring
- ಜಾತವೇದಃ Jatavedah
- O Jatavedas (Agni, the fire who knows all)
- ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀಮ್ Lakshmim
- Lakshmi
- ಅನಪಗಾಮಿನೀಮ್ Anapagaminim
- who never goes away
- ಯಸ್ಯಾಮ್ Yasyam
- through whom
- ಹಿರಣ್ಯಮ್ Hiranyam
- gold
- ವಿಂದೇಯಮ್ Vindeyam
- may I gain
- ಗಾಮ್ ಅಶ್ವಮ್ Gam Ashvam
- cattle and horses
- ಪುರುಷಾನ್ ಅಹಮ್ Purushan Aham
- I, people (family, helpers)
In Vedic times cattle and horses were the main forms of wealth, and "purusha" here means the people of a household: children, kin and helpers.
ಅಶ್ವಪೂರ್ವಾಂ ರಥಮಧ್ಯಾಂ ಹಸ್ತಿನಾದಪ್ರಬೋಧಿನೀಮ್। Ashvapurvam Rathamadhyam Hastinada Prabodhinim
ಶ್ರಿಯಂ ದೇವೀಮುಪಹ್ವಯೇ ಶ್ರೀರ್ಮಾದೇವೀರ್ಜುಷತಾಮ್॥ Shriyam Devim Upahvaye Shrirma Devirjushatam
Meaning
I invoke the goddess Shri, who has horses going before her and chariots around her, and whose coming is announced by the trumpeting of elephants. May the goddess Shri be gracious to me.
- ಅಶ್ವಪೂರ್ವಾಮ್ Ashvapurvam
- with horses going before her
- ರಥಮಧ್ಯಾಮ್ Rathamadhyam
- seated in the middle of chariots
- ಹಸ್ತಿನಾದಪ್ರಬೋಧಿನೀಮ್ Hastinada Prabodhinim
- whose coming is announced by the trumpeting of elephants
- ಶ್ರಿಯಮ್ Shriyam
- Shri, the goddess of prosperity
- ದೇವೀಮ್ Devim
- the goddess
- ಉಪಹ್ವಯೇ Upahvaye
- I invoke
- ಶ್ರೀಃ ಮಾ ದೇವೀ ಜುಷತಾಮ್ Shrih Ma Devi Jushatam
- may the goddess Shri be pleased with me
This verse is the root of the Gajalakshmi image, Lakshmi with elephants. The second line is printed as "श्रीर्मादेवीर्जुषताम्" in both our sources; it is read as श्रीः मा देवी जुषताम्.
ಕಾಂ ಸೋಸ್ಮಿತಾಂ ಹಿರಣ್ಯಪ್ರಾಕಾರಾಮಾರ್ದ್ರಾಂ ಜ್ವಲಂತೀಂ ತೃಪ್ತಾಂ ತರ್ಪಯಂತೀಮ್। Kam Sosmitam Hiranya Prakaram Ardram Jvalantim Triptam Tarpayantim
ಪದ್ಮೇ ಸ್ಥಿತಾಂ ಪದ್ಮವರ್ಣಾಂ ತಾಮಿಹೋಪಹ್ವಯೇ ಶ್ರಿಯಮ್॥ Padme Sthitam Padmavarnam Tamihopahvaye Shriyam
Meaning
I invoke here that Shri who is joy itself, who smiles gently, who lives within walls of gold, who is tender with compassion and shining, content and making others content, who stands on a lotus and has the colour of a lotus.
- ಕಾಮ್ Kam
- who is joy itself
- ಸೋಸ್ಮಿತಾಮ್ Sosmitam
- with a gentle smile
- ಹಿರಣ್ಯಪ್ರಾಕಾರಾಮ್ Hiranya Prakaram
- surrounded by a wall of gold
- ಆರ್ದ್ರಾಮ್ Ardram
- tender, moist with compassion
- ಜ್ವಲಂತೀಮ್ Jvalantim
- shining
- ತೃಪ್ತಾಮ್ Triptam
- content
- ತರ್ಪಯಂತೀಮ್ Tarpayantim
- who makes others content
- ಪದ್ಮೇ ಸ್ಥಿತಾಮ್ Padme Sthitam
- standing on a lotus
- ಪದ್ಮವರ್ಣಾಮ್ Padmavarnam
- the colour of a lotus
- ತಾಮ್ Tam
- that one, her
- ಇಹ ಉಪಹ್ವಯೇ Iha Upahvaye
- I invoke here
- ಶ್ರಿಯಮ್ Shriyam
- Shri, the goddess of prosperity
"Kam" can also be read simply as "her"; traditional commentators explain it as "bliss" (ka = joy). Both sources print "सोस्मितां".
ಚಂದ್ರಾಂ ಪ್ರಭಾಸಾಂ ಯಶಸಾ ಜ್ವಲಂತೀಂ ಶ್ರಿಯಂ ಲೋಕೇ ದೇವಜುಷ್ಟಾಮುದಾರಾಮ್। Chandram Prabhasam Yashasa Jvalantim Shriyam Loke Devajushtam Udaram
ತಾಂ ಪದ್ಮಿನೀಮೀಂ ಶರಣಮಹಂ ಪ್ರಪದ್ಯೇಽಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀರ್ಮೇ ನಶ್ಯತಾಂ ತ್ವಾಂ ವೃಣೇ॥ Tam Padminimim Sharanamaham Prapadye Alakshmirme Nashyatam Tvam Vrine
Meaning
I take refuge in Shri, lovely as the moon and radiant, blazing with fame, cherished by the gods in this world, generous, holding the lotus. May my misfortune perish. I choose you.
- ಚಂದ್ರಾಮ್ Chandram
- lovely as the moon
- ಪ್ರಭಾಸಾಮ್ Prabhasam
- radiant
- ಯಶಸಾ ಜ್ವಲಂತೀಮ್ Yashasa Jvalantim
- blazing with fame
- ಶ್ರಿಯಮ್ Shriyam
- Shri, the goddess of prosperity
- ಲೋಕೇ ದೇವಜುಷ್ಟಾಮ್ Loke Devajushtam
- cherished by the gods in the world
- ಉದಾರಾಮ್ Udaram
- generous
- ಪದ್ಮಿನೀಮ್ ಈಮ್ Padminim Im
- her who holds the lotus
- ಶರಣಮ್ ಅಹಂ ಪ್ರಪದ್ಯೇ Sharanam Aham Prapadye
- I take refuge
- ಅಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀಃ ಮೇ ನಶ್ಯತಾಮ್ Alakshmih Me Nashyatam
- may my misfortune perish
- ತ್ವಾಂ ವೃಣೇ Tvam Vrine
- I choose you
Alakshmi, "un-Lakshmi", is the opposite of Lakshmi: poverty, misfortune and everything that drives prosperity away.
ಆದಿತ್ಯವರ್ಣೇ ತಪಸೋಽಧಿಜಾತೋ ವನಸ್ಪತಿಸ್ತವ ವೃಕ್ಷೋಽಥ ಬಿಲ್ವಃ। Adityavarne Tapasodhijato Vanaspatistava Vrikshotha Bilvah
ತಸ್ಯ ಫಲಾನಿ ತಪಸಾ ನುದಂತು ಮಾಯಾಂತರಾಯಾಶ್ಚ ಬಾಹ್ಯಾ ಅಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀಃ॥ Tasya Phalani Tapasa Nudantu Mayantarayashcha Bahya Alakshmih
Meaning
O you who shine like the sun, from your tapas the bilva tree was born, lord of the forest and your own tree. May its fruits, by their sacred power, drive away the delusions within me and the misfortunes outside.
- ಆದಿತ್ಯವರ್ಣೇ Adityavarne
- O you who shine like the sun
- ತಪಸಃ ಅಧಿಜಾತಃ Tapasah Adhijatah
- born from your tapas
- ವನಸ್ಪತಿಃ Vanaspatih
- lord of the forest
- ತವ ವೃಕ್ಷಃ Tava Vrikshah
- your tree
- ಅಥ ಬಿಲ್ವಃ Atha Bilvah
- the bilva
- ತಸ್ಯ ಫಲಾನಿ Tasya Phalani
- its fruits
- ತಪಸಾ ನುದಂತು Tapasa Nudantu
- may they drive away by their power
- ಮಾಯಾಃ ಅಂತರಾಃ Mayah Antarah
- the delusions within
- ಚ ಬಾಹ್ಯಾಃ ಅಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀಃ Cha Bahyah Alakshmih
- and misfortunes outside
The bilva (bael) tree is sacred to Lakshmi as well as to Shiva. This is why bilva leaves and fruit are offered in Lakshmi homa.
ಉಪೈತು ಮಾಂ ದೇವಸಖಃ ಕೀರ್ತಿಶ್ಚ ಮಣಿನಾ ಸಹ। Upaitu Mam Devasakhah Kirtishcha Manina Saha
ಪ್ರಾದುರ್ಭೂತೋಽಸ್ಮಿ ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೇಽಸ್ಮಿನ್ ಕೀರ್ತಿಮೃದ್ಧಿಂ ದದಾತು ಮೇ॥ Pradurbhutosmi Rashtresmin Kirtim Riddhim Dadatu Me
Meaning
May the friend of the gods come to me, together with Kirti and the jewel. I am born in this land; may he grant me fame and prosperity.
- ಉಪೈತು ಮಾಮ್ Upaitu Mam
- may he come to me
- ದೇವಸಖಃ Devasakhah
- the friend of the gods (Kubera, as tradition explains)
- ಕೀರ್ತಿಃ ಚ Kirtih Cha
- and Kirti, fame
- ಮಣಿನಾ ಸಹ Manina Saha
- with the jewel
- ಪ್ರಾದುರ್ಭೂತಃ ಅಸ್ಮಿ Pradurbhutah Asmi
- I am born
- ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೇ ಅಸ್ಮಿನ್ Rashtre Asmin
- in this land
- ಕೀರ್ತಿಮ್ ಋದ್ಧಿಮ್ Kirtim Riddhim
- fame and prosperity
- ದದಾತು ಮೇ Dadatu Me
- may he grant me
Traditional commentators take "the friend of the gods" to be Kubera, the treasurer of the gods and friend of Shiva, and the jewel as the gem of wealth he carries. Kirti, fame, is honoured as a goddess.
ಕ್ಷುತ್ಪಿಪಾಸಾಮಲಾಂ ಜ್ಯೇಷ್ಠಾಮಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀಂ ನಾಶಯಾಮ್ಯಹಮ್। Kshutpipasamalam Jyeshtham Alakshmim Nashayamyaham
ಅಭೂತಿಮಸಮೃದ್ಧಿಂ ಚ ಸರ್ವಾಂ ನಿರ್ಣುದ ಮೇ ಗೃಹಾತ್॥ Abhutim Asamriddhim Cha Sarvam Nirnuda Me Grihat
Meaning
I destroy Alakshmi, the elder sister, who is hunger, thirst and impurity. Drive out from my home all want and all poverty.
- ಕ್ಷುತ್ಪಿಪಾಸಾಮಲಾಮ್ Kshutpipasamalam
- who is hunger, thirst and impurity
- ಜ್ಯೇಷ್ಠಾಮ್ Jyeshtham
- the elder sister
- ಅಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀಮ್ Alakshmim
- Alakshmi, misfortune
- ನಾಶಯಾಮಿ ಅಹಮ್ Nashayami Aham
- I destroy
- ಅಭೂತಿಮ್ Abhutim
- want, lack of wealth
- ಅಸಮೃದ್ಧಿಮ್ Asamriddhim
- poverty, failure to prosper
- ಚ ಸರ್ವಾಮ್ Cha Sarvam
- and all of it
- ನಿರ್ಣುದ ಮೇ ಗೃಹಾತ್ Nirnuda Me Grihat
- drive out from my home
Tradition says Alakshmi (also called Jyeshtha) rose from the churning of the ocean before Lakshmi, which is why she is called the elder sister.
ಗಂಧದ್ವಾರಾಂ ದುರಾಧರ್ಷಾಂ ನಿತ್ಯಪುಷ್ಟಾಂ ಕರೀಷಿಣೀಮ್। Gandhadvaram Duradharsham Nityapushtam Karishinim
ಈಶ್ವರೀಂ ಸರ್ವಭೂತಾನಾಂ ತಾಮಿಹೋಪಹ್ವಯೇ ಶ್ರಿಯಮ್॥ Ishvarim Sarvabhutanam Tamihopahvaye Shriyam
Meaning
I invoke here Shri, who is known by her fragrance, whom none can overpower, who is ever abundant and rich in cattle and harvest, the sovereign of all beings.
- ಗಂಧದ್ವಾರಾಮ್ Gandhadvaram
- known by her fragrance
- ದುರಾಧರ್ಷಾಮ್ Duradharsham
- whom none can overpower
- ನಿತ್ಯಪುಷ್ಟಾಮ್ Nityapushtam
- ever abundant
- ಕರೀಷಿಣೀಮ್ Karishinim
- rich in cattle and harvest
- ಈಶ್ವರೀಮ್ Ishvarim
- the sovereign
- ಸರ್ವಭೂತಾನಾಮ್ Sarvabhutanam
- of all beings
- ತಾಮ್ Tam
- that one, her
- ಇಹ ಉಪಹ್ವಯೇ Iha Upahvaye
- I invoke here
- ಶ್ರಿಯಮ್ Shriyam
- Shri, the goddess of prosperity
Karishini comes from karisha, cow dung, which in a farming home was itself a sign of many cattle and fertile fields. In the Taittiriya way of chanting, "ईश्वरीं" before "स" is sounded "ईश्वरीग्ं"; our sources print this with a special sign, and we write the plain anusvara.
ಮನಸಃ ಕಾಮಮಾಕೂತಿಂ ವಾಚಃ ಸತ್ಯಮಶೀಮಹಿ। Manasah Kamam Akutim Vachah Satyam Ashimahi
ಪಶೂನಾಂ ರೂಪಮನ್ನಸ್ಯ ಮಯಿ ಶ್ರೀಃ ಶ್ರಯತಾಂ ಯಶಃ॥ Pashunam Rupamannasya Mayi Shrih Shrayatam Yashah
Meaning
May we gain the wishes of our mind, the intentions of our heart and truth in our speech. May the beauty of cattle and of food, prosperity and fame, come to dwell in me.
- ಮನಸಃ ಕಾಮಮ್ Manasah Kamam
- the wishes of the mind
- ಆಕೂತಿಮ್ Akutim
- the heart's intention
- ವಾಚಃ ಸತ್ಯಮ್ Vachah Satyam
- truth in speech
- ಅಶೀಮಹಿ Ashimahi
- may we attain
- ಪಶೂನಾಂ ರೂಪಮ್ Pashunam Rupam
- the beauty of cattle
- ಅನ್ನಸ್ಯ Annasya
- of food
- ಮಯಿ ಶ್ರಯತಾಮ್ Mayi Shrayatam
- may it dwell in me
- ಶ್ರೀಃ ಯಶಃ Shrih Yashah
- prosperity and fame
ಕರ್ದಮೇನ ಪ್ರಜಾಭೂತಾ ಮಯಿ ಸಂಭವ ಕರ್ದಮ। Kardamena Prajabhuta Mayi Sambhava Kardama
ಶ್ರಿಯಂ ವಾಸಯ ಮೇ ಕುಲೇ ಮಾತರಂ ಪದ್ಮಮಾಲಿನೀಮ್॥ Shriyam Vasaya Me Kule Mataram Padmamalinim
Meaning
O Kardama, through you Lakshmi became a mother of children. Be present in me, Kardama, and make Shri, the mother who wears a lotus garland, dwell in my family.
- ಕರ್ದಮೇನ Kardamena
- through Kardama
- ಪ್ರಜಾಭೂತಾ Prajabhuta
- she became a mother of children
- ಮಯಿ ಸಂಭವ Mayi Sambhava
- be present in me
- ಕರ್ದಮ Kardama
- O Kardama
- ಶ್ರಿಯಮ್ Shriyam
- Shri, the goddess of prosperity
- ವಾಸಯ ಮೇ ಕುಲೇ Vasaya Me Kule
- make her dwell in my family
- ಮಾತರಮ್ Mataram
- the mother
- ಪದ್ಮಮಾಲಿನೀಮ್ Padmamalinim
- who wears a lotus garland
Kardama and Chiklita (next verse) are named in tradition as sons of Shri and as seers of this hymn, along with Ananda and Shrida. Kardama literally means moist earth, Chiklita moisture.
ಆಪಃ ಸೃಜಂತು ಸ್ನಿಗ್ಧಾನಿ ಚಿಕ್ಲೀತ ವಸ ಮೇ ಗೃಹೇ। Apah Srijantu Snigdhani Chiklita Vasa Me Grihe
ನಿ ಚ ದೇವೀಂ ಮಾತರಂ ಶ್ರಿಯಂ ವಾಸಯ ಮೇ ಕುಲೇ॥ Ni Cha Devim Mataram Shriyam Vasaya Me Kule
Meaning
May the waters bring forth soft and nourishing things. O Chiklita, live in my home, and make the divine mother Shri dwell firmly in my family.
- ಆಪಃ ಸೃಜಂತು Apah Srijantu
- may the waters bring forth
- ಸ್ನಿಗ್ಧಾನಿ Snigdhani
- soft, nourishing things
- ಚಿಕ್ಲೀತ Chiklita
- O Chiklita
- ವಸ ಮೇ ಗೃಹೇ Vasa Me Grihe
- live in my home
- ನಿ ಚ Ni Cha
- and firmly
- ದೇವೀಂ ಮಾತರಂ ಶ್ರಿಯಮ್ Devim Mataram Shriyam
- the divine mother Shri
- ವಾಸಯ ಮೇ ಕುಲೇ Vasaya Me Kule
- make her dwell in my family
ಆರ್ದ್ರಾಂ ಪುಷ್ಕರಿಣೀಂ ಪುಷ್ಟಿಂ ಪಿಂಗಲಾಂ ಪದ್ಮಮಾಲಿನೀಮ್। Ardram Pushkarinim Pushtim Pingalam Padmamalinim
ಚಂದ್ರಾಂ ಹಿರಣ್ಮಯೀಂ ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀಂ ಜಾತವೇದೋ ಮ ಆವಹ॥ Chandram Hiranmayim Lakshmim Jatavedo Ma Avaha
Meaning
O Jatavedas, bring to me Lakshmi, tender with grace, the lady of the lotus pond, nourishment itself, golden-hued and wearing a lotus garland, lovely as the moon and radiant as gold.
- ಆರ್ದ್ರಾಮ್ Ardram
- tender, moist with grace
- ಪುಷ್ಕರಿಣೀಮ್ Pushkarinim
- of the lotus pond
- ಪುಷ್ಟಿಮ್ Pushtim
- nourishment itself
- ಪಿಂಗಲಾಮ್ Pingalam
- golden-hued
- ಪದ್ಮಮಾಲಿನೀಮ್ Padmamalinim
- wearing a lotus garland
- ಚಂದ್ರಾಮ್ Chandram
- lovely as the moon
- ಹಿರಣ್ಮಯೀಮ್ Hiranmayim
- golden, made of light
- ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀಮ್ Lakshmim
- Lakshmi
- ಜಾತವೇದಃ Jatavedah
- O Jatavedas (Agni, the fire who knows all)
- ಮೇ Me
- to me
- ಆವಹ Avaha
- bring
Some recitations swap the second halves of the first lines of mantras 13 and 14 ("suvarnam hemamalinim" / "pingalam padmamalinim"). Both of our sources have the order shown here.
ಆರ್ದ್ರಾಂ ಯಃ ಕರಿಣೀಂ ಯಷ್ಟಿಂ ಸುವರ್ಣಾಂ ಹೇಮಮಾಲಿನೀಮ್। Ardram Yah Karinim Yashtim Suvarnam Hemamalinim
ಸೂರ್ಯಾಂ ಹಿರಣ್ಮಯೀಂ ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀಂ ಜಾತವೇದೋ ಮ ಆವಹ॥ Suryam Hiranmayim Lakshmim Jatavedo Ma Avaha
Meaning
O Jatavedas, bring to me Lakshmi, tender with grace, who holds the staff of rule, beautiful in colour, wearing a garland of gold, radiant like the sun and golden.
- ಆರ್ದ್ರಾಮ್ Ardram
- tender, moist with grace
- ಯಃ ಕರಿಣೀಮ್ ಯಷ್ಟಿಮ್ Yah Karinim Yashtim
- who holds the staff of rule in her hand
- ಸುವರ್ಣಾಮ್ Suvarnam
- of beautiful colour
- ಹೇಮಮಾಲಿನೀಮ್ Hemamalinim
- wearing a garland of gold
- ಸೂರ್ಯಾಮ್ Suryam
- radiant like the sun
- ಹಿರಣ್ಮಯೀಮ್ Hiranmayim
- golden, made of light
- ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀಮ್ Lakshmim
- Lakshmi
- ಜಾತವೇದಃ Jatavedah
- O Jatavedas (Agni, the fire who knows all)
- ಮೇ Me
- to me
- ಆವಹ Avaha
- bring
"यः करिणीं" is hard to read literally. Commentators explain it as "she who holds (the staff) in her hand", the yashti being a sceptre or staff of authority.
ತಾಂ ಮ ಆವಹ ಜಾತವೇದೋ ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀಮನಪಗಾಮಿನೀಮ್। Tam Ma Avaha Jatavedo Lakshmim Anapagaminim
ಯಸ್ಯಾಂ ಹಿರಣ್ಯಂ ಪ್ರಭೂತಂ ಗಾವೋ ದಾಸ್ಯೋಽಶ್ವಾನ್ವಿಂದೇಯಂ ಪುರುಷಾನಹಮ್॥ Yasyam Hiranyam Prabhutam Gavo Dasyoshvan Vindeyam Purushanaham
Meaning
O Jatavedas, bring to me that Lakshmi who never goes away, through whose grace I may gain gold in plenty, cows, helpers in the house, horses and people around me.
- ತಾಮ್ Tam
- that one, her
- ಮೇ Me
- to me
- ಆವಹ Avaha
- bring
- ಜಾತವೇದಃ Jatavedah
- O Jatavedas (Agni, the fire who knows all)
- ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀಮ್ Lakshmim
- Lakshmi
- ಅನಪಗಾಮಿನೀಮ್ Anapagaminim
- who never goes away
- ಯಸ್ಯಾಮ್ Yasyam
- through whom
- ಹಿರಣ್ಯಮ್ Hiranyam
- gold
- ಪ್ರಭೂತಮ್ Prabhutam
- in plenty
- ಗಾವಃ Gavah
- cows
- ದಾಸ್ಯಃ Dasyah
- helpers in the house
- ಅಶ್ವಾನ್ Ashvan
- horses
- ವಿಂದೇಯಮ್ Vindeyam
- may I gain
- ಪುರುಷಾನ್ ಅಹಮ್ Purushan Aham
- I, people (family, helpers)
This is the fifteenth and last mantra of the hymn proper. It repeats mantra 2 with a longer list of blessings, closing the hymn where it began.
ಯಃ ಶುಚಿಃ ಪ್ರಯತೋ ಭೂತ್ವಾ ಜುಹುಯಾದಾಜ್ಯಮನ್ವಹಮ್। Yah Shuchih Prayato Bhutva Juhuyad Ajyam Anvaham
ಶ್ರಿಯಃ ಪಂಚದಶರ್ಚಂ ಚ ಶ್ರೀಕಾಮಃ ಸತತಂ ಜಪೇತ್॥ Shriyah Panchadasharcham Cha Shrikamah Satatam Japet
Meaning
Whoever longs for Shri should become pure and self-controlled, offer ghee into the fire every day, and always recite these fifteen richas of Shri.
- ಯಃ Yah
- whoever
- ಶುಚಿಃ ಪ್ರಯತಃ ಭೂತ್ವಾ Shuchih Prayatah Bhutva
- being pure and self-controlled
- ಜುಹುಯಾತ್ Juhuyat
- offers into the fire
- ಆಜ್ಯಮ್ Ajyam
- ghee
- ಅನ್ವಹಮ್ Anvaham
- every day
- ಶ್ರಿಯಃ ಪಂಚದಶರ್ಚಮ್ Shriyah Panchadasharcham
- these fifteen richas of Shri
- ಶ್ರೀಕಾಮಃ Shrikamah
- one who longs for Shri
- ಸತತಂ ಜಪೇತ್ Satatam Japet
- should always recite
This sixteenth verse is a phala (instruction and fruit) verse attached to the fifteen mantras. It itself speaks of "fifteen richas", which is why the hymn proper is counted as fifteen. Many South Indian recitations continue with further appended verses ("Padmanane padma uru", the Lakshmi Gayatri and others); we stop here. Both sources print "जुहुयादाज्य मन्वहम्" with a space; we join it as आज्यम् अन्वहम्.
About Shri Suktam
Shri Suktam belongs to the khilani, a set of hymns added to the Rig Veda and preserved in the Bashkala recension. It is usually placed after hymn 5.87 of the fifth mandala; Scheftelowitz's edition of the Khilani numbers it 2.6. The fifteen mantras call on Agni Jatavedas to bring Lakshmi, describe her as golden, moon-like and seated on a lotus, invite Kubera ("the friend of the gods") with fame and jewels, and ask that Alakshmi, poverty and misfortune, leave the house.
Questions
Is this the same Shri Suktam that is sung in Hindi?
Yes. These are the same Sanskrit words, written in Kannada letters so you can read them aloud. It is a transliteration, not a translation into Kannada. The meaning of each verse is given in English.
How was the Kannada text prepared?
We keep one checked Devanagari edition (Shri Suktam (Rigvediya), sanskritdocuments.org s-sukta.itx and s-sukta-accent.itx (encoded and proofread by Avinash Sathaye, Shree, Anant Upadhyayula, Sunder Hattangadi); cross-checked line by line with "Prabhata Stotranidhi" (stotranidhi.com, Devanagari with svaras)) and write it in Kannada letters with fixed spelling rules, so every verse matches the original letter for letter. The English-letter line is the common singing spelling.