Sarasija Nilaye (Mahalakshmi Dhyana Shloka) — Word-by-Word Meaning
सरसिजनिलये (महालक्ष्मी ध्यान श्लोक)
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
सरसिजनिलये
sarasija-nilaye
O You whose abode is the lotus (sarasija = born of water)
सरोजहस्ते
saroja-haste
O You who hold lotuses in Your hands
धवलतम
dhavala-tama
of the purest, most spotless white
अंशुक
aṃśuka
fine garment / silk
गन्धमाल्यशोभे
gandha-mālya-śobhe
resplendent with fragrant garlands
भगवति
bhagavati
O Divine Goddess (possessor of all glory)
हरिवल्लभे
hari-vallabhe
O beloved of Hari (Vishnu)
मनोज्ञे
manojñe
O charming and beautiful One, pleasing to the mind
त्रिभुवनभूतिकरि
tri-bhuvana-bhūti-kari
O bestower of prosperity upon the three worlds
प्रसीद मह्यम्
prasīda mahyam
be gracious to me / be pleased with me
Complete Translation
O Goddess whose abode is the lotus, who hold lotuses in Your hands, resplendent in the purest white silk and fragrant garlands; O Divine One, beloved of Hari (Vishnu), enchanting to behold, bestower of prosperity upon all the three worlds — be gracious to me.
Origin & History
Source: Traditional Mahalakshmi dhyana shloka
Author: Traditional
Period: Classical
This verse is one of the most familiar dhyana shlokas of Goddess Mahalakshmi, recited at the opening of her worship to fix her auspicious form in the mind's eye. It draws together the classic emblems of Lakshmi — the lotus seat, the lotuses in her hands, the pure white raiment, the fragrant garlands, her place at the side of Vishnu, and her power to bless all the three worlds with prosperity — and turns them into a single tender prayer for her grace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'Sarasija Nilaye' shloka?▼
It is a single-verse meditation prayer (dhyana shloka) to Goddess Mahalakshmi. It describes her seated on the lotus, holding lotuses, clothed in spotless white and fragrant garlands, as the beloved of Vishnu and giver of prosperity to the three worlds, and asks her to be gracious to the devotee.
What does 'prasida mahyam' mean?▼
'Prasida mahyam' means 'be gracious to me' or 'be pleased with me.' It is the closing prayer of the verse, in which the devotee simply asks for the favour and grace of the Goddess of abundance.
When is it recited?▼
It is recited in Lakshmi worship, especially on Fridays and during Diwali, Dhanteras and Varalakshmi Vrata. Being short and beautiful, it is often used as an opening invocation before longer hymns such as the Sri Suktam or Mahalakshmi Ashtakam.
Why is Lakshmi associated with the lotus?▼
The lotus (sarasija / saroja) symbolises purity, beauty and spiritual unfoldment rising untouched above the water. Lakshmi is depicted seated upon a lotus and holding lotuses, signifying that true prosperity rests upon purity and detachment.
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