Karagre Vasate Lakshmi — Morning Prayer
कराग्रे वसते लक्ष्मीः — प्रातः स्मरण
Also known as: karagre vasate lakshmi karamadhye saraswati · karagre vasate lakshmih · morning prayer shloka · kara darshanam
Origin & Story
Traditional prati-smarana (morning remembrance) shloka · Traditional · Classical
This is the classic 'kara-darshana' verse with which Hindus traditionally begin the day — gazing upon their own palms on waking and invoking Lakshmi, Saraswati and Govinda as dwelling within them. It expresses a beautiful idea: that fortune, knowledge and the divine are not far away but present in one's own hands and the work they will do, and so the whole day is begun in gratitude and reverence.
✦ As told in scripture
It is said that one who begins each day beholding the palms with this verse never wants for fortune or wisdom — for they have placed the very first act of the day in the hands of Lakshmi, Saraswati and Govinda.
The Mantra
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कराग्रे वसते लक्ष्मीः करमध्ये सरस्वती । करमूले तु गोविन्दः प्रभाते करदर्शनम् ॥
Karagre vasate lakshmih karamadhye saraswati Karamoole tu govindah prabhate karadarshanam
Meaning:At the tip of the hands dwells Lakshmi (fortune); in the middle resides Saraswati (learning); at the base is Govinda (Vishnu). Therefore, at dawn one should look upon one's palms.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting Karagre Vasate Lakshmi — Morning Prayer
The traditional first prayer on waking — recited while still in bed, looking at one's palms, before the feet touch the ground.
Invokes Lakshmi (fortune), Saraswati (knowledge) and Govinda/Vishnu (protection) as present in one's own hands, sanctifying the day's work from its very first moment.
Cultivates gratitude and the awareness that the divine is present in one's own effort and action.
Followed by Samudra-vasane Devi (a prayer to Mother Earth) before stepping down — together they begin the day with reverence.
Short, simple and among the first prayers taught to Hindu children.
How to Chant Karagre Vasate Lakshmi — Morning Prayer
On waking, before rising, gently fold and then open both palms, gaze at them and recite the verse — remembering that Lakshmi, Saraswati and Govinda reside in the hand whose work will shape the day. It is traditionally followed by 'Samudra-vasane Devi…', a prayer asking Mother Earth's pardon before the feet touch the ground.
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