Lakshmi Ashtakam
लक्ष्मी अष्टकम्|Lakṣmī Aṣṭakam|Eight Verses to Lakshmi
Also known as: Mahalakshmi Ashtakam · Sri Lakshmi Ashtakam
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नमस्तेऽस्तु महामाये श्रीपीठे सुरपूजिते । शङ्खचक्रगदाहस्ते महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥ १ ॥ नमस्ते गरुडारूढे कोलासुरभयङ्करि । सर्वपापहरे देवि महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥ २ ॥ सर्वज्ञे सर्ववरदे सर्वदुष्टभयङ्करि । सर्वदुःखहरे देवि महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥ ३ ॥ सिद्धिबुद्धिप्रदे देवि भुक्तिमुक्तिप्रदायिनि । मन्त्रपूते सदा देवि महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥ ४ ॥ आद्यन्तरहिते देवि आद्यशक्तिमहेश्वरि । योगजे योगसम्भूते महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥ ५ ॥ स्थूलसूक्ष्ममहारौद्रे महाशक्तिमहोदरे । महापापहरे देवि महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥ ६ ॥ पद्मासनस्थिते देवि परब्रह्मस्वरूपिणि । परमेशि जगन्मातर्महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥ ७ ॥ श्वेताम्बरधरे देवि नानालङ्कारभूषिते । जगत्स्थिते जगन्मातर्महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥ ८ ॥ महालक्ष्म्यष्टकं स्तोत्रं यः पठेद्भक्तिमान्नरः । सर्वसिद्धिमवाप्नोति राज्यं प्राप्नोति सर्वदा ॥ ९ ॥ एककालं पठेन्नित्यं महापापविनाशनम् । द्विकालं यः पठेन्नित्यं धनधान्यसमन्वितः ॥ १० ॥ त्रिकालं यः पठेन्नित्यं महाशत्रुविनाशनम् । महालक्ष्मीर्भवेन्नित्यं प्रसन्ना वरदा शुभा ॥ ११ ॥
नमस्तेऽस्तु महामाये श्रीपीठे सुरपूजिते । शङ्खचक्रगदाहस्ते महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥ १ ॥ नमस्ते गरुडारूढे कोलासुरभयङ्करि । सर्वपापहरे देवि महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥ २ ॥ सर्वज्ञे सर्ववरदे सर्वदुष्टभयङ्करि । सर्वदुःखहरे देवि महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥ ३ ॥ सिद्धिबुद्धिप्रदे देवि भुक्तिमुक्तिप्रदायिनि । मन्त्रपूते सदा देवि महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥ ४ ॥ आद्यन्तरहिते देवि आद्यशक्तिमहेश्वरि । योगजे योगसम्भूते महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥ ५ ॥ स्थूलसूक्ष्ममहारौद्रे महाशक्तिमहोदरे । महापापहरे देवि महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥ ६ ॥ पद्मासनस्थिते देवि परब्रह्मस्वरूपिणि । परमेशि जगन्मातर्महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥ ७ ॥ श्वेताम्बरधरे देवि नानालङ्कारभूषिते । जगत्स्थिते जगन्मातर्महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥ ८ ॥ महालक्ष्म्यष्टकं स्तोत्रं यः पठेद्भक्तिमान्नरः । सर्वसिद्धिमवाप्नोति राज्यं प्राप्नोति सर्वदा ॥ ९ ॥ एककालं पठेन्नित्यं महापापविनाशनम् । द्विकालं यः पठेन्नित्यं धनधान्यसमन्वितः ॥ १० ॥ त्रिकालं यः पठेन्नित्यं महाशत्रुविनाशनम् । महालक्ष्मीर्भवेन्नित्यं प्रसन्ना वरदा शुभा ॥ ११ ॥
Salutations to You, O Mahamaya, who resides on Sri Peetha (the seat of prosperity), worshipped by gods. O Mahalakshmi, You who hold conch, discus, and mace in Your hands, salutations to You! || 1 || Salutations to You, O Devi, who rides on Garuda, the terrifying one for the demon Kola. O Mahalakshmi, You who remove all sins, salutations to You! || 2 || O Devi, You who are omniscient, the bestower of all boons, the terrifying one for all evil-doers. O Mahalakshmi, You who remove all sorrows, salutations to You! || 3 || O Devi, You who grant success and intelligence, You who bestow worldly enjoyment and liberation. O Mahalakshmi, You who are always purified by mantras, salutations to You! || 4 || O Devi, You who are without beginning or end, the primordial power, the great sovereign. O Mahalakshmi, You who are born of Yoga, manifested through Yoga, salutations to You! || 5 || O Devi, You who are gross, subtle, and terribly fierce, the great power, the great womb (source of the universe). O Mahalakshmi, You who remove great sins, salutations to You! || 6 || O Devi, You who are seated on a lotus, the embodiment of the Supreme Brahman. O Mahalakshmi, the Supreme Ruler, the Mother of the Universe, salutations to You! || 7 || O Devi, You who wear white garments, adorned with various ornaments. O Mahalakshmi, You who sustain the universe, the Mother of the Universe, salutations to You! || 8 || The devotee who recites this hymn of eight verses to Mahalakshmi, Always attains all accomplishments and gains sovereignty (prosperity). || 9 || Reciting it once daily destroys great sins. One who recites it twice daily is endowed with wealth and grain. || 10 || One who recites it thrice daily destroys great enemies. Mahalakshmi always becomes pleased, granting boons and auspiciousness. || 11 ||
The translation aims for accuracy while preserving the devotional tone and poetic structure. Sanskrit terms like 'Mahamaya' and 'Sri Peetha' are retained or explained for cultural context.
The Lakshmi Ashtakam, also known as Mahalakshmi Ashtakam, is a revered Sanskrit hymn dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu deity of wealth, fortune, power, beauty, fertility, and prosperity. While its precise authorship and date of composition are not definitively known, it is widely believed to be an ancient text, possibly originating from the Puranic or Tantric traditions, reflecting the timeless devotion to the Goddess of Abundance. Ashtakams, meaning 'eight verses,' are a common form of devotional poetry in Sanskrit, and this particular Ashtakam praises Lakshmi through eight distinct attributes and forms, followed by a phalaśruti (verses detailing the benefits of recitation). Culturally, the Lakshmi Ashtakam holds immense significance for millions of Hindus worldwide. It is primarily recited to invoke the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for material and spiritual prosperity, well-being, and removal of obstacles. It is a staple in daily puja (worship) routines, particularly in households and temples dedicated to Lakshmi. The hymn is especially prominent during major Hindu festivals associated with Lakshmi, such as Diwali (Deepavali), Sharad Purnima, and Varalakshmi Vratam. During these festivals, devotees recite the Ashtakam with fervent devotion, believing it purifies the environment and attracts positive energies of wealth and auspiciousness. The performance context of Lakshmi Ashtakam is typically individual or congregational chanting. It is not usually associated with specific musical instruments or dance forms, unlike folk songs. Instead, it is recited melodically, often in a meditative tone, by priests, devotees, or families during their daily prayers or special ceremonies. It can be chanted aloud, silently, or played as recorded audio in homes and temples. The emphasis is on the pronunciation of the Sanskrit verses and the sincere devotion (bhakti) of the reciter, rather than a performative aspect. In contemporary times, the Lakshmi Ashtakam continues to be a cornerstone of Hindu devotional practice. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the universal human desire for prosperity and well-being, both material and spiritual. Modern adaptations include its availability in various digital formats, including apps, YouTube videos, and audio recordings, making it accessible to a global audience. Efforts for its preservation involve continued oral transmission within families and communities, scholarly studies of its linguistic and theological aspects, and its inclusion in published prayer books, ensuring its legacy for future generations as a powerful invocation of divine grace and abundance.
Historical Background
The Lakshmi Ashtakam is an ancient Sanskrit hymn, likely originating from the Puranic or Tantric traditions of Hinduism. Its exact period of composition is unknown but predates modern historical records, placing it in an era where devotional hymns were integral to spiritual practice. It reflects the deep veneration of Goddess Lakshmi as a primary deity of abundance and well-being in Indian culture.
Cultural Significance
This hymn is a cornerstone of Hindu devotional literature, embodying the cultural aspiration for both material and spiritual prosperity. It reinforces the belief in the divine feminine as the source of all abundance and sustenance. Its widespread recitation across India and the Hindu diaspora highlights its enduring role in personal and communal spiritual life, fostering a sense of hope, devotion, and connection to divine blessings.
Usage & Performance Context
Recited daily by individuals and families during morning or evening prayers. Chanted in temples during Lakshmi puja. Widely used during Hindu festivals like Diwali, Varalakshmi Vratam, and Sharad Purnima. Used for invoking blessings for wealth, prosperity, and removal of obstacles.
लक्ष्मी अष्टकम्, जिसे महालक्ष्मी अष्टकम् के नाम से भी जाना जाता है, देवी लक्ष्मी को समर्पित एक पूजनीय संस्कृत स्तोत्र है। देवी लक्ष्मी हिन्दू धर्म में धन, भाग्य, शक्ति, सौंदर्य, उर्वरता और समृद्धि की देवी हैं। यद्यपि इसकी सटीक रचना और लेखक अज्ञात हैं, यह व्यापक रूप से माना जाता है कि यह एक प्राचीन पाठ है, संभवतः पौराणिक या तांत्रिक परंपराओं से उत्पन्न हुआ है, जो देवी की शाश्वत भक्ति को दर्शाता है। अष्टकम्, जिसका अर्थ 'आठ श्लोक' है, संस्कृत भक्ति काव्य का एक सामान्य रूप है, और यह विशेष अष्टकम् लक्ष्मी के आठ विशिष्ट गुणों और रूपों की स्तुति करता है, जिसके बाद फलश्रुति (स्तोत्र के पाठ के लाभों का विवरण) आती है। सांस्कृतिक रूप से, लक्ष्मी अष्टकम् का दुनिया भर के लाखों हिंदुओं के लिए अत्यधिक महत्व है। इसे मुख्य रूप से देवी लक्ष्मी के आशीर्वाद का आह्वान करने के लिए पढ़ा जाता है, ताकि भौतिक और आध्यात्मिक समृद्धि, कल्याण और बाधाओं को दूर किया जा सके। यह विशेष रूप से लक्ष्मी को समर्पित घरों और मंदिरों में दैनिक पूजा (पूजा) दिनचर्या का एक मुख्य हिस्सा है। यह स्तोत्र लक्ष्मी से जुड़े प्रमुख हिंदू त्योहारों, जैसे दिवाली (दीपावली), शरद पूर्णिमा और वरमहालक्ष्मी व्रत के दौरान विशेष रूप से प्रमुख है। इन त्योहारों के दौरान, भक्त इस अष्टकम् का अत्यंत भक्ति के साथ पाठ करते हैं, यह मानते हुए कि यह वातावरण को शुद्ध करता है और धन और शुभता की सकारात्मक ऊर्जा को आकर्षित करता है। लक्ष्मी अष्टकम् का पाठ आमतौर पर व्यक्तिगत या सामूहिक जप के रूप में होता है। लोकगीतों के विपरीत, यह आमतौर पर विशिष्ट संगीत वाद्ययंत्रों या नृत्य रूपों से जुड़ा नहीं है। इसके बजाय, इसे पुजारी, भक्त या परिवार के सदस्य अपनी दैनिक प्रार्थनाओं या विशेष समारोहों के दौरान मधुर, अक्सर ध्यानपूर्ण स्वर में पाठ करते हैं। इसे घरों और मंदिरों में जोर से, चुपचाप या रिकॉर्ड किए गए ऑडियो के रूप में बजाया जा सकता है। इसमें संस्कृत श्लोकों के उच्चारण और पाठ करने वाले की सच्ची भक्ति (भक्ति) पर जोर दिया जाता है, न कि प्रदर्शनकारी पहलू पर। आधुनिक समय में, लक्ष्मी अष्टकम् हिंदू भक्ति अभ्यास का एक आधार बना हुआ है। इसकी स्थायी लोकप्रियता भौतिक और आध्यात्मिक दोनों तरह की समृद्धि और कल्याण की सार्वभौमिक मानवीय इच्छा का प्रमाण है। आधुनिक अनुकूलन में ऐप्स, यूट्यूब वीडियो और ऑडियो रिकॉर्डिंग सहित विभिन्न डिजिटल प्रारूपों में इसकी उपलब्धता शामिल है, जिससे यह वैश्विक दर्शकों के लिए सुलभ हो गया है। इसके संरक्षण के प्रयासों में परिवारों और समुदायों के भीतर निरंतर मौखिक संचरण, इसके भाषाई और धार्मिक पहलुओं का विद्वत्तापूर्ण अध्ययन, और प्रकाशित प्रार्थना पुस्तकों में इसका समावेश शामिल है, जो दिव्य कृपा और प्रचुरता के एक शक्तिशाली आह्वान के रूप में इसकी विरासत को भविष्य की पीढ़ियों के लिए सुनिश्चित करता है।
What is the Lakshmi Ashtakam?
The Lakshmi Ashtakam is a revered Sanskrit devotional hymn consisting of eight main verses (plus a concluding phalaśruti) dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu deity of wealth, fortune, and prosperity. It is chanted to invoke her blessings for abundance and well-being.
What are the benefits of chanting Lakshmi Ashtakam?
Chanting the Lakshmi Ashtakam is believed to bring numerous benefits, including attracting wealth, prosperity, and success, removing sins and obstacles, granting intelligence and liberation, and ensuring the continuous blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.
When is the best time to recite Lakshmi Ashtakam?
The Lakshmi Ashtakam can be recited daily, preferably in the morning or evening during puja. It is especially potent and widely chanted during festivals dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, such as Diwali, Varalakshmi Vratam, and Sharad Purnima.
Is Lakshmi Ashtakam a public domain work?
Yes, the Lakshmi Ashtakam is considered a public domain work. Its ancient origins and traditional attribution to unknown sages or Puranic literature place it outside modern copyright restrictions, making it freely available for recitation and study.
What is the significance of the 'Ashtakam' format?
An 'Ashtakam' in Sanskrit literature refers to a hymn or poem composed of eight verses. This format is common in Hindu devotional poetry, allowing for concise yet comprehensive praise of a deity by highlighting their various attributes, forms, and powers within a structured framework.
Region
Uttar Pradesh, India
Language
Sanskrit (Devanagari)
Themes
Contributor
Anonymous
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