Sri Suktam
श्री सूक्तम् in English · English
Origin & Story
Rigveda Khilani (Appendix to Rigveda) · Vedic Rishis · 1500-1000 BCE
The Sri Suktam is among the most ancient hymns in human civilization, attached to the Rigveda as a Khila (supplement). It invokes Goddess Sri (Lakshmi) through Agni (fire), following the Vedic tradition of offering through fire. The hymn describes Lakshmi in her most resplendent form — golden, seated on a lotus, garlanded with precious metals — and asks her to come and never leave. It is the scriptural foundation of all Lakshmi worship.
✦ As told in scripture
The Sri Suktam is central to the Lakshmi Homam (fire ritual), which temples across India perform regularly. The Tirumala Tirupati temple, the richest temple in the world receiving billions in donations, conducts Sri Suktam chanting daily. The final verse — 'Alakshmeerme nashyatam tvam vrune' (May all misfortune depart, I choose You) — is considered so powerful that it is said to reverse even the worst financial karmas when chanted with devotion during Diwali.
Listen & Chant Along
Complete Text with Meaning
Tap any line — or the ▶ button — to hear it recited
Hiranyavarnam harinim suvarnarajatasrajam Chandram hiranmayim lakshmim jatavedo ma avaha
Meaning:O Jatavedas (Agni), bring to me Lakshmi — golden-hued, fawn-like, wearing garlands of gold and silver, moon-bright and made of gold.
Tam ma avaha jatavedo lakshmimanapagaminim Yasyam hiranyam vindeyam gamashvam purushanaham
Meaning:Bring to me, O Jatavedas, that Lakshmi who never forsakes me, by whose grace I shall obtain gold, cattle, horses and offspring.
Ashvapurvam rathamadhyam hastinadaprabodhinim Shriyam devimupahvaye shrirmadevirjushatam
Meaning:Preceded by horses, in the midst of chariots, awakened by the trumpeting of elephants — I invoke the goddess Shri; may Shri be gracious to me.
Kam sosmitam hiranyaprakaramardram jvalantim triptam tarpayantim Padme sthitam padmavarnam tamihopahvaye shriyam
Meaning:Her of gentle smile, enclosed in gold, tender (with compassion), blazing, contented and contenting, seated on a lotus, of lotus hue — that Shri I invoke here.
Chandram prabhasam yashasa jvalantim shriyam loke devajushtamudaram Tam padminimim sharanamaham prapadyelakshmirme nashyatam tvam vrine
Meaning:The moon-like, radiant, blazing with renown, worshipped by the gods in the world, noble and lotus-handed Shri I take refuge in — may misfortune (Alakshmi) perish for me.
Adityavarne tapasodhijato vanaspatistava vrikshotha bilvah Tasya phalani tapasa nudantu mayantarayashcha bahya alakshmih
Meaning:O Sun-hued one, by your austerity the lord of the forest, the bilva tree, was born; may the fruits of that tree by their power drive away the inner and outer misfortune.
Upaitu mam devasakhah kirtishcha manina saha Pradurbhutosmi rashtresmin kirtimriddhim dadatu me
Meaning:May the friend of the gods (Kubera) and Kirti (fame) come to me together with the jewel (Mani); born in this realm, may I be granted fame and prosperity.
Kshutpipasamalam jyeshthamalakshmim nashayamyaham Abhutimasamriddhim cha sarvam nirnuda me grihat
Meaning:I drive away the eldest Alakshmi — the goddess of hunger, thirst and impurity; O Lakshmi, banish from my home all want and ill-fortune.
Gandhadvaram duradharsham nityapushtam karishinim Ishvarigm sarvabhutanam tamihopahvaye shriyam
Meaning:Fragrant, unassailable, ever-nourishing, abounding in plenty, the mistress of all beings — that Shri I invoke here for myself.
Manasa: kamamakutim vachah satyamashimahi Pashunam rupamannasya mayi shrih shrayatam yasha:
Meaning:May we obtain the desire and resolve of the mind, the truth of speech, the wealth of cattle and the abundance of food; may Shri and fame dwell in me.
Kardamena prajabhuta mayi sambhava kardama Shriyam vasaya me kule mataram padmamalinim
Meaning:O Kardama (son of Lakshmi), come to dwell in me through progeny; make Lakshmi, the lotus-garlanded Mother, abide in my family.
Apa: srijantu snigdhani chiklita vasa me grihe Ni cha devim mataram shriyam vasaya me kule
Meaning:May the waters bring forth friendship; O Chiklita (son of Lakshmi), dwell in my home, and make the divine Mother Shri abide there.
Ardram pushkarinim pushtim pingalam padmamalinim Chandram hiranmayim lakshmim jatavedo ma avaha
Meaning:The tender, pond-dwelling, nourishing, tawny, lotus-garlanded, moon-like and golden Lakshmi — O Jatavedas, bring her to me.
Ardram ya: karinim yashtim suvarnam hemamalinim Suryam hiranmayim lakshmim jatavedo ma avaha
Meaning:The compassionate, elephant-attended, golden, gold-garlanded, sun-like and golden Lakshmi — O Jatavedas, bring her to me.
Tam ma avaha jatavedo lakshmimanapagaminim Yasyam hiranyam prabhutam gavo dasyoshvanvindeyam purushanaham
Meaning:Bring to me, O Jatavedas, that Lakshmi who never forsakes me, by whose grace I shall obtain abundant gold, cattle, servants, horses and offspring.
Word-by-Word Meaning
Click any word to hear its pronunciation
Benefits of Chanting श्री सूक्तम्
The most powerful Vedic hymn for invoking wealth and prosperity
Chanted during Lakshmi Puja, Diwali, and Dhanteras for maximum effect
Destroys 'Alakshmee' (misfortune/poverty) as stated in the final verse
Brings not just material wealth but also inner abundance and contentment
Traditionally chanted during fire rituals (homam) for business success
One of the oldest and most authoritative prosperity prayers in existence
How to Chant श्री सूक्तम्
Ideally chanted during a fire offering (homam) but can be recited independently. Sit facing east. Light a ghee lamp. Offer lotus flowers or yellow flowers if available. Chant 11 times on Fridays for regular practice. During Diwali week, chanting 108 times is considered extremely powerful for inviting Lakshmi's permanent presence into the home.
Frequently Asked Questions
You May Also Like
ॐ
Read the full श्री सूक्तम् with verse-by-verse meaning, or explore more sacred texts