Nityaनित्य
Shri Suktam
श्रीसूक्तम्
Shri Suktam is the oldest hymn to Goddess Lakshmi, a Vedic prayer of fifteen mantras from the khila (appendix) hymns of the Rig Veda. It asks Agni to bring Lakshmi, golden and never departing, into the home and to drive out poverty. A sixteenth verse, given here, tells the devotee to recite the fifteen mantras daily; families chant it at Lakshmi puja, on Fridays and on Diwali night.
Mantra 1
Hiranyavarnam Harinim Suvarna Rajata Srajam
Chandram Hiranmayim Lakshmim Jatavedo Ma Avaha
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.
Mantra 2
Tam Ma Avaha Jatavedo Lakshmim Anapagaminim
Yasyam Hiranyam Vindeyam Gamashvam Purushanaham
O Jatavedas, bring to me that Lakshmi who never goes away, through whose grace I may gain gold, cattle, horses and people around me.
Mantra 3
Ashvapurvam Rathamadhyam Hastinada Prabodhinim
Shriyam Devim Upahvaye Shrirma Devirjushatam
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.
Mantra 4
Kam Sosmitam Hiranya Prakaram Ardram Jvalantim Triptam Tarpayantim
Padme Sthitam Padmavarnam Tamihopahvaye Shriyam
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.
Mantra 5
Chandram Prabhasam Yashasa Jvalantim Shriyam Loke Devajushtam Udaram
Tam Padminimim Sharanamaham Prapadye Alakshmirme Nashyatam Tvam Vrine
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.
Mantra 6
Adityavarne Tapasodhijato Vanaspatistava Vrikshotha Bilvah
Tasya Phalani Tapasa Nudantu Mayantarayashcha Bahya Alakshmih
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.
Mantra 7
Upaitu Mam Devasakhah Kirtishcha Manina Saha
Pradurbhutosmi Rashtresmin Kirtim Riddhim Dadatu Me
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.
Mantra 8
Kshutpipasamalam Jyeshtham Alakshmim Nashayamyaham
Abhutim Asamriddhim Cha Sarvam Nirnuda Me Grihat
I destroy Alakshmi, the elder sister, who is hunger, thirst and impurity. Drive out from my home all want and all poverty.
Mantra 9
Gandhadvaram Duradharsham Nityapushtam Karishinim
Ishvarim Sarvabhutanam Tamihopahvaye Shriyam
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.
Mantra 10
Manasah Kamam Akutim Vachah Satyam Ashimahi
Pashunam Rupamannasya Mayi Shrih Shrayatam Yashah
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.
Mantra 11
Kardamena Prajabhuta Mayi Sambhava Kardama
Shriyam Vasaya Me Kule Mataram Padmamalinim
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.
Mantra 12
Apah Srijantu Snigdhani Chiklita Vasa Me Grihe
Ni Cha Devim Mataram Shriyam Vasaya Me Kule
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.
Mantra 13
Ardram Pushkarinim Pushtim Pingalam Padmamalinim
Chandram Hiranmayim Lakshmim Jatavedo Ma Avaha
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.
Mantra 14
Ardram Yah Karinim Yashtim Suvarnam Hemamalinim
Suryam Hiranmayim Lakshmim Jatavedo Ma Avaha
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.
Mantra 15
Tam Ma Avaha Jatavedo Lakshmim Anapagaminim
Yasyam Hiranyam Prabhutam Gavo Dasyoshvan Vindeyam Purushanaham
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.
Phalashruti (closing)
Yah Shuchih Prayato Bhutva Juhuyad Ajyam Anvaham
Shriyah Panchadasharcham Cha Shrikamah Satatam Japet
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.