Lakshmi Mantra — Word-by-Word Meaning
लक्ष्मी मंत्र
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
ॐ
Om
The universal sound — the primordial vibration of creation
श्रीं
Shreem
The primary beej (seed) mantra of Lakshmi — representing abundance and grace
ह्रीं
Hreem
The beej of divine energy and manifestation — activates creative power
कमले
Kamale
O lotus one — she who is the lotus (kamala = lotus)
कमलालये
Kamalalaye
She who dwells in the lotus — the lotus of the heart and purity
प्रसीद
Praseed
Be gracious, be pleased — a heartfelt plea for divine blessing
महालक्ष्म्यै
Mahalakshmyai
To the great Lakshmi — the supreme goddess of all abundance
नमः
Namaha
I bow — surrendering the ego before the divine mother
लक्ष्मी
Lakshmi
The goddess of wealth, beauty, grace, prosperity and good fortune
श्री
Shri
The cosmic grace that makes everything beautiful, prosperous and auspicious
धन
Dhana
Wealth — material riches and financial abundance
सम्पत्ति
Sampatti
Prosperity — the fullness of wealth in all dimensions
ऐश्वर्य
Aishwarya
Divine sovereignty and supreme prosperity
विष्णुप्रिया
Vishnu-Priya
Beloved of Vishnu — Lakshmi is his divine consort
पद्मा
Padma
The lotus — symbol of purity rising from the waters of creation
कल्याणी
Kalyani
The auspicious one — she who brings welfare to all
सौभाग्य
Saubhagya
Good fortune — the luck and grace that Lakshmi bestows
सुन्दरी
Sundari
The beautiful one — Lakshmi is the embodiment of beauty
अभय
Abhaya
Fearlessness — the freedom from fear that comes with divine abundance
वरद
Varada
Boon-granting — Lakshmi's gesture of bestowing blessings
मंगल
Mangala
Auspiciousness — all that Lakshmi's presence brings
स्वर्ण
Swarna
Gold — the colour and element associated with Lakshmi
गज
Gaja
Elephant — the elephants that shower Lakshmi with water in her iconic form
दीपावली
Deepavali
Diwali — the festival of lights, the supreme time for Lakshmi worship
अन्नपूर्णा
Annapurna
The one who provides abundant food — an aspect of Lakshmi's grace
कमल
Kamala
Lotus — Lakshmi's seat and symbol of spiritual purity amid worldly abundance
बीज मंत्र
Beej Mantra
Seed mantra — a single powerful syllable containing the deity's full energy
कृपा
Kripa
Grace — the unearned divine blessing that flows from Lakshmi
समृद्धि
Samriddhi
Fullness of prosperity — abundance in all areas of life
शुक्र
Shukra
Venus — the planet associated with Lakshmi, governing Friday
Complete Translation
O Goddess Lakshmi, seated in the lotus, who blesses with abundance and prosperity — be gracious, be gracious. I bow to the Great Lakshmi.
Origin & History
Source: Lakshmi Tantra and various Puranas
Author: Vedic and Tantric tradition
Period: Ancient
Lakshmi mantras use the bija syllable Shreem which is the sonic essence of abundance. Lakshmi emerged during the Samudra Manthan standing on a lotus, choosing Vishnu as her eternal consort. Her mantras invoke this primordial energy of prosperity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Lakshmi Mantra mean?▼
The mantra invokes Goddess Lakshmi through her seed sounds (Shreem and Hreem) and asks her to be gracious and bestow abundance. "Kamale Kamalalaye" addresses her as "the one who dwells in the lotus" — a symbol of purity and prosperity rising from the waters of creation. The full mantra is a heartfelt plea for the divine grace of abundance to flow into every area of life.
What is the best time to chant the Lakshmi Mantra?▼
Friday evenings are the most auspicious time for Lakshmi worship. Sunrise on any day is also very beneficial. During Diwali, especially on Lakshmi Puja night (Amavasya of Kartik month), Lakshmi is said to visit homes and bestow her blessings. Consistent daily practice, however, is more powerful than occasional intense practice.
Can men chant the Lakshmi Mantra?▼
Yes, absolutely. Lakshmi blesses all beings who approach her with sincere devotion regardless of gender. In many households, the head of family — often the husband — performs the Lakshmi Puja.
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