महालक्ष्मी अष्टकम्
Origin & Story
Padma Purana · Indra (king of gods) · Puranic era
According to the Padma Purana, after Goddess Mahalakshmi helped the gods defeat the terrible demon Kolasura, Indra composed this ashtakam in gratitude. He praised her not merely as a goddess of wealth but as the supreme cosmic power — the all-knowing, all-granting, primordial Shakti who is the form of Parabrahman itself.
✦ As told in scripture
The Padma Purana narrates that the demon Kolasura had conquered heaven and was tormenting the gods. When all the gods' weapons failed, they prayed to Mahalakshmi. She manifested in her fierce warrior form, riding Garuda, and destroyed Kolasura and his entire army. The gods, overwhelmed with gratitude, composed this ashtakam. It reveals that Lakshmi is not merely a passive goddess of wealth but a fierce cosmic power capable of destroying the greatest evil.
Complete Text with Meaning
नमस्तेऽस्तु महामाये श्रीपीठे सुरपूजिते। शंखचक्रगदाहस्ते महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तु ते॥
Namastestu Mahamaye Shripeethe Surapoojite Shankha Chakra Gada Haste Mahalakshmi Namostu Te
Meaning:Salutations to you, O great Maya, seated on the throne of Shri, worshipped by the gods. O Mahalakshmi, with conch, discus and mace in hand — I bow to you.
नमस्ते गरुडारूढे कोलासुरभयंकरि। सर्वपापहरे देवि महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तु ते॥
Namaste Garudarudhe Kolasurabhayankari Sarvapapaahare Devi Mahalakshmi Namostu Te
Meaning:Salutations to you, who rides Garuda, who terrifies the demon Kolasura. O Goddess who removes all sins — I bow to you, Mahalakshmi.
सर्वज्ञे सर्ववरदे सर्वदुष्टभयंकरि। सर्वदुःखहरे देवि महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तु ते॥
Sarvagye Sarvavarade Sarvadushtabhayankari Sarvaduhkhahare Devi Mahalakshmi Namostu Te
Meaning:O all-knowing one, granter of all boons, who terrifies all the wicked. O Goddess who removes all suffering — I bow to you, Mahalakshmi.
सिद्धिबुद्धिप्रदे देवि भुक्तिमुक्तिप्रदायिनि। मन्त्रमूर्ते सदा देवि महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तु ते॥
Siddhibuddhiprade Devi Bhuktimukti Pradayini Mantramooorte Sada Devi Mahalakshmi Namostu Te
Meaning:O Goddess who grants spiritual powers and wisdom, who gives both worldly pleasure and liberation. O embodiment of mantras — I bow to you always, Mahalakshmi.
आद्यन्तरहिते देवि आद्यशक्तिमहेश्वरि। योगजे योगसम्भूते महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तु ते॥
Adyantarahite Devi Adyashakti Maheshwari Yogaje Yogasambhoote Mahalakshmi Namostu Te
Meaning:O Goddess without beginning or end, the primordial power, great ruler. Born of yoga, arisen from yoga — I bow to you, Mahalakshmi.
स्थूलसूक्ष्ममहारौद्रे महाशक्तिमहोदरे। महापापहरे देवि महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तु ते॥
Sthoolasookshma Maharaudre Mahashakti Mahodare Mahapapahare Devi Mahalakshmi Namostu Te
Meaning:Gross and subtle, greatly fierce, great power, great-bellied. O Goddess who removes great sins — I bow to you, Mahalakshmi.
पद्मासनस्थिते देवि परब्रह्मस्वरूपिणि। परमेशि जगन्मातर्महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तु ते॥
Padmasanasthite Devi Parabrahmaswaroopini Parameshi Jaganmatar Mahalakshmi Namostu Te
Meaning:O Goddess seated on the lotus, whose form is the supreme Brahman. Supreme ruler, Mother of the universe — I bow to you, Mahalakshmi.
श्वेताम्बरधरे देवि नानालंकारभूषिते। जगत्स्थिते जगन्मातर्महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तु ते॥
Shwetambaradhare Devi Nanalankara Bhooshite Jagatsthite Jaganmatar Mahalakshmi Namostu Te
Meaning:O Goddess dressed in white, adorned with many ornaments. Established in the universe, Mother of the world — I bow to you, Mahalakshmi.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting महालक्ष्मी अष्टकम्
One of the most powerful Lakshmi prayers for wealth and prosperity
Each verse ends with 'Mahalakshmi Namostu Te' — 8-fold salutation
Grants both material wealth (bhukti) and spiritual liberation (mukti)
Reveals Lakshmi not just as wealth goddess but as supreme cosmic power
Essential prayer during Diwali, Dhanteras, and Friday worship
Removes all sins and all suffering as stated in the verses
How to Chant महालक्ष्मी अष्टकम्
Sit before Lakshmi's image. Light a ghee diya. Offer red lotus or marigold flowers. Chant all 8 verses. The refrain 'Mahalakshmi Namostu Te' after each verse creates a powerful devotional rhythm. On Fridays, chant 8 times. During Diwali, chant 108 times.