श्री सूक्तम्
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.
Complete Text with Meaning
हिरण्यवर्णां हरिणीं सुवर्णरजतस्रजाम्। चन्द्रां हिरण्मयीं लक्ष्मीं जातवेदो म आवह॥
Hiranyavarnam Harinim Suvarna Rajata Srajam Chandraam Hiranmayeem Lakshmeem Jatavedo Ma Avaha
Meaning:Invoke for me, O Agni, that Lakshmi who is golden-complexioned, radiant as a deer, garlanded with gold and silver, lustrous as the moon, resplendent as gold.
तां म आवह जातवेदो लक्ष्मीमनपगामिनीम्। यस्यां हिरण्यं विन्देयं गामश्वं पुरुषानहम्॥
Tam Ma Avaha Jatavedo Lakshmeemanapagamineem Yasyam Hiranyam Vindeyam Gamashvam Purushaanaham
Meaning:Bring to me, O Agni, that Lakshmi who never departs — through whom I may find gold, cattle, horses and servants.
अश्वपूर्वां रथमध्यां हस्तिनादप्रबोधिनीम्। श्रियं देवीमुपह्वये श्रीर्मा देवी जुषताम्॥
Ashvapoorvam Rathamadhyam Hastinadaprabodhineem Shriyam Deveemuphvaye Shreerma Devi Jushatam
Meaning:I invoke the Goddess Shri, preceded by horses, riding a chariot, heralded by elephants. May Goddess Shri be pleased with me.
कां सोस्मितां हिरण्यप्राकारामार्द्रां ज्वलन्तीं तृप्तां तर्पयन्तीम्। पद्मे स्थितां पद्मवर्णां तामिहोपह्वये श्रियम्॥
Kam Sosmitam Hiranya Prakaraam Ardraam Jvalanteem Truptam Tarpayanteem Padme Sthitam Padmavarnam Tamihopahvaye Shriyam
Meaning:I invoke that Lakshmi who is smiling, surrounded by golden ramparts, moist with compassion, blazing with glory, content and nourishing — who is seated on a lotus and lotus-complexioned.
चन्द्रां प्रभासां यशसा ज्वलन्तीं श्रियं लोके देवजुष्टामुदाराम्। तां पद्मिनीमीं शरणमहं प्रपद्ये अलक्ष्मीर्मे नश्यतां त्वां वृणे॥
Chandraam Prabhasam Yashasa Jvalanteem Shriyam Loke Devajushtamudaram Tam Padmineemeem Sharanamaham Prapadye Alakshmeerme Nashyatam Tvam Vrune
Meaning:I take refuge in that lotus-dwelling Goddess who is radiant as the moon, blazing with fame, adored by the gods, generous in the world. May all misfortune depart from me — I choose You.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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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.