Ya Shrih Svayam Sukritinam — Word-by-Word Meaning
या श्रीः स्वयं सुकृतिनाम्
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
या श्रीः
yā śrīḥ
She who is Shri (Lakshmi, the goddess of fortune and abundance)
स्वयम्
svayam
herself, in person
सुकृतिनां भवनेषु
sukṛtināṃ bhavaneṣu
in the homes of the virtuous and meritorious
अलक्ष्मीः
alakṣmīḥ
Alakshmi — misfortune, ill-luck (in the homes of the sinful)
पापात्मनाम्
pāpātmanām
of the sinful-souled, the wicked
कृतधियां हृदयेषु
kṛtadhiyāṃ hṛdayeṣu
in the hearts of the discerning and wise
बुद्धिः
buddhiḥ
intelligence, discriminating wisdom
श्रद्धा सताम्
śraddhā satām
faith in the good and the noble
कुलजनप्रभवस्य लज्जा
kulajanaprabhavasya lajjā
modesty in those born of noble lineage
ताम् त्वाम्
tāṃ tvām
to you, that very one
नताः स्म
natāḥ sma
we are bowed down, we bow
परिपालय
paripālaya
protect, cherish completely
देवि
devi
O Goddess
विश्वम्
viśvam
the universe, the whole world
Complete Translation
She who is Shri (Lakshmi) herself in the homes of the virtuous and Alakshmi (ill-fortune) in the homes of the sinful, who is intelligence in the hearts of the wise, faith in the good and modesty in the high-born — to you, that very Goddess, we bow. Protect the universe, O Devi.
Origin & History
Source: Durga Saptashati Chapter 4
Author: Sage Markandeya (Rishi Markandeya)
Period: Ancient (c. 400–600 CE, Markandeya Purana)
After the Goddess Durga vanquished Mahishasura at the end of Chapter 3, Indra and the host of gods offered the Shakradi Stuti in Chapter 4 of the Devi Mahatmya. In this verse they recognise the Devi as Shri herself in the homes of the good, as discrimination in the wise, and as faith and modesty in the noble — extolling her as the inner power behind every virtue and all good fortune.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does 'Ya Shrih Svayam Sukritinam' come from?▼
It is a verse from the Shakradi Stuti in Chapter 4 of the Durga Saptashati (Devi Mahatmya), part of the Markandeya Purana. The gods, led by Indra (Shakra), sing it in gratitude after the Goddess slays the buffalo-demon Mahishasura.
Why is the Goddess called both Shri and Alakshmi in this verse?▼
The verse teaches that the same Goddess manifests as fortune (Shri/Lakshmi) in the homes of the virtuous and as misfortune (Alakshmi) in the homes of the wicked. It is a reminder that prosperity follows righteous conduct and withdraws from sin.
Can this verse be chanted for wealth and prosperity?▼
Yes. Because it praises the Devi as Shri-Lakshmi dwelling in good homes, devotees recite it to invite abundance, drive away poverty, and bless the household, especially on Fridays and during Navaratri.
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