कराग्रे वसते लक्ष्मीः — प्रातः स्मरण — Word-by-Word Meaning
कराग्रे वसते लक्ष्मीः — प्रातः स्मरण
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
कराग्रे वसते लक्ष्मीः
Karagre vasate lakshmih
At the tip of the hand dwells Lakshmi (goddess of fortune)
करमध्ये सरस्वती
Karamadhye saraswati
In the middle of the hand resides Saraswati (goddess of learning)
करमूले तु गोविन्दः
Karamoole tu govindah
At the base of the hand is Govinda (Vishnu)
प्रभाते करदर्शनम्
Prabhate karadarshanam
Therefore at dawn one should behold one's own palms
Complete Translation
हाथ के अग्र भाग में लक्ष्मी का वास है, हाथ के मध्य में सरस्वती, और हाथ के मूल में गोविन्द (विष्णु) हैं; इसलिए प्रातःकाल अपनी हथेलियों के दर्शन करने चाहिए।
Origin & History
Source: Traditional prati-smarana (morning remembrance) shloka
Author: Traditional
Period: 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of Karagre Vasate Lakshmi?▼
It means: 'At the tip of the hands dwells Lakshmi, in the middle Saraswati, and at the base Govinda (Vishnu); therefore at dawn one should look at one's palms.' Recited on waking, it teaches that fortune, knowledge and divine grace reside in one's own hands and effort.
When and how is it recited?▼
It is the very first prayer of the day, recited while still in bed before rising — you look at your open palms as you chant. It is traditionally followed by the prayer to Mother Earth (Samudra-vasane Devi…) before stepping onto the ground.
Why look at the palms?▼
The palms represent the instrument of all action through the day. Beholding them at dawn with this verse consecrates one's work and reminds the devotee that Lakshmi, Saraswati and Vishnu — fortune, wisdom and grace — act through one's own hands.
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