Vedic Prosperity Invocation to the Goddess Shri
Invoking the golden-colored, gentle woman covered in precious jewelry,
Oh Sacred Fire, bring to me the gold-filled LakSmii,
who shines as the Moon 1
Oh Sacred Fire, bring to me that LakSmii who will not leave me,
Oh Sacred Fire, bring to me that LakSmii who will not leave me,
That gold by which I acquire wealth and power
and the benefits of mankind 2
In a procession led by horses, her chariot in the middle,
In a procession led by horses, her chariot in the middle,
and overjoyed by the sound of elephants,
I invite the Most High goddess,
may Shrii enjoy visiting 3
She who is succulent with a sweet smile, surrounded by golden walls,
Having a brilliace that can satiate those who make sacred offerings,
I call upon you, Shrii, seated in a lotus with the complexion of a lotus 4
Shrii who is splendorous as the Moon and famous for her brilliance,
Generous and encircled by a lotus,
she is adored by the whole world, even the gods,
She who is succulent with a sweet smile, surrounded by golden walls,
Having a brilliace that can satiate those who make sacred offerings,
I call upon you, Shrii, seated in a lotus with the complexion of a lotus 4
Shrii who is splendorous as the Moon and famous for her brilliance,
Generous and encircled by a lotus,
she is adored by the whole world, even the gods,
I bow down taking refuge,
may you be pleased and destroy my poverty 5
The color of the Sun who gives light to all without differentiation,
By your tapas was born the bilva tree
The color of the Sun who gives light to all without differentiation,
By your tapas was born the bilva tree
who is praised as lord of the forest,
May the fruit of your power remove inner illusions
and remove outer poverty. 6
May I prosper and be friends of the devas,
May the fruit of your power remove inner illusions
and remove outer poverty. 6
May I prosper and be friends of the devas,
getting recognition and wearing gems,
I am born in this world, grant me fame and fullfillment 7
I remove the filthy elder sister AlakSmii who creates hunger and thirst,
Drive away from my home all calamity and failure 8
She who is eternally abundant, who fuels all events,
Who is difficult to see but perceptable through smell,
I invite here that goddess Shrii, Queen of all living beings 9
May the desires of my mind have real purpose
I remove the filthy elder sister AlakSmii who creates hunger and thirst,
Drive away from my home all calamity and failure 8
She who is eternally abundant, who fuels all events,
Who is difficult to see but perceptable through smell,
I invite here that goddess Shrii, Queen of all living beings 9
May the desires of my mind have real purpose
and may my words be true,
I take shelter in the goddess Shrii
who gives respectability, success in career and good sustanence 10
From mud all beings are created, let this creative ability be within me,
Oh Shrii, Mother garlanded by lotuses, reside in my family. 11
May the sacred water produce fond emotions,
May Chikliita, God of desire, reside in my house,
And may the Mother goddess Shrii reside in my family. 12
Invoking She who is refreshed residing in the lotus ponds,
golden-colored nourishing one, wearing golden necklaces,
Oh Sacred Fire, bring to me the gold-filled LakSmii,
who shines as the Sun 13
I invoke She who is reddish-yellow,
wet from the water of the female elephant,
Holding the stem of a lotus, with a flower garland around her,
Oh Sacred Fire, bring to me the gold-filled LakSmii,
I take shelter in the goddess Shrii
who gives respectability, success in career and good sustanence 10
From mud all beings are created, let this creative ability be within me,
Oh Shrii, Mother garlanded by lotuses, reside in my family. 11
May the sacred water produce fond emotions,
May Chikliita, God of desire, reside in my house,
And may the Mother goddess Shrii reside in my family. 12
Invoking She who is refreshed residing in the lotus ponds,
golden-colored nourishing one, wearing golden necklaces,
Oh Sacred Fire, bring to me the gold-filled LakSmii,
who shines as the Sun 13
I invoke She who is reddish-yellow,
wet from the water of the female elephant,
Holding the stem of a lotus, with a flower garland around her,
Oh Sacred Fire, bring to me the gold-filled LakSmii,
shining as the Moon 14
Oh Sacred Fire, bring to me that LakSmii who will not leave me,
Oh Sacred Fire, bring to me that LakSmii who will not leave me,
That gold by which I acquire abundant wealth,
power and the benefits of mankind 15
On a spiritual level, the Lakshmi that does not leave you is the eternal goddess of universal sustanence; that is, the Prakritti (material nature) making up the whole of creation. It is her effulgent golden form that awakens the spiritual power giving wisdom from knowledge like a cow provides milk. Her effulgence awakens an inner appreciation of life and the vitality symbolized in a horse. It is She that gives life and breath to all of mankind.
The first verse relates to the first tithi, Praatipad, ruled by the Sun. It is also a Nanda tithi, associated with the light of Fire (Agni). This verse is the initial invocation calling Shri, the goddess, to return as the Moon is coming from its new Moon darkness. This tithi is also associated with overcoming scandals, and dealing with the loss of wealth or good name. For the strength of this solar tithi, the effulgence of the devi is praised.
The second verse relates to the second tithi, dvitiya, ruled by the Moon. The Moon is known for its constancy of change, so too the second tithi is known for its constant change on the level of romantic engagements. This verse prays for financial, mental, emotional and spiritual stability. Note on verse 3:
On the material level she is a wealthy goddess who comes with an entourage led by horses and followed by elephants whose marching sound enlivens the heart, like an excited child during a parade. She is invited (invoked) to come and visit and to be present in one’s life and home. On an internal level the horses represent the worldly senses that guide an individual’s mind, and the middle chariot is the body that these horses are leading. In spiritual life when you withdraw the senses back into the mind from which they originate and listen to the internal sound it is a meditation that overcomes and frees the mind in bliss. At this moment you are inviting the Highest goddess into your heart to reside happily inside. It is also said that the elephants represent the flowing of compassion from the Mother.
The third tithi, Tritiya, is ruled by Mars providing a lot of energy; though, tamas by nature, native’s of this tithi are known for its lethargy. On an external level, this verse invokes the motivation of the Mars ruled tithi, and meditation on the inner sound shows the mind how to control itself and find bliss.
Note on verse 4:
The third tithi, Tritiya, is ruled by Mars providing a lot of energy; though, tamas by nature, native’s of this tithi are known for its lethargy. On an external level, this verse invokes the motivation of the Mars ruled tithi, and meditation on the inner sound shows the mind how to control itself and find bliss.
Note on verse 4:
The external aspect of this verse invokes the generous nature of the goddess as well as Her beauty. She is bright, her body is youthful, her complexion is similar to a beautiful flower. She grants the wishes of her devotees, and brings contentment. Her place on a lotus is often seen in the Hindu Lakshmi iconography standing on a lotus in the waters of the cosmic ocean. Here she is being invoked standing in her lotus but this refers to the lotus of the Shri Chakra, and the activation of her presence inside, surrounded by the golden walls of the bhupura.
On a internal level, she is the youthful, happy nature from which a smile arises. She is the inner knowing of the divine from which a smile sits on the awakened lips. The verse starts with “Who” which is representative of Brahma who is the ka-akshara, the the material manifestation. Shri sits in the material creation yet sees everything with golden walls. It is her brilliance that satiates the heart of her devotees who call her into the lotus of the the heart chakra.
This verse relates to the fourth tithi, chaturthi, lorded by Mercury. Natives of this tithi are known to be very generous and giving. This verse promotes this love and sharing.
Note of verse 5:
On an external level this verse praises the attractive power of the goddes Shri as she is loved by everyone including divine beings. Everyone wants money. By taking refuge in Shri she is generous and removes poverty. Alakshmi is the opposite of Lakshmi (prosperity), and is sometimes called the her evil sister. Here she is asked to remove this energy of lack as one finds shelter in her. This protection is taken after the Shri Chakra has been installed and activated. She is real and present inside the lotus. The Moon is that which nourishes all vegetation and growth on earth, here she is splendourous like the Moon as it sustains all life- its growth and prosperity.
On an internal level this verse speaks of her brilliance which radiates through the whole being, and all levels of consciousness are blessed by Her. She has been invoked into the heart lotus and then she is surrendered to completely. All sense of lack and inauspiciousness is destroyed in her protection. The deepest lack is the non-awareness of ones own true nature- here we pray she remove our true poverty which is the lack of awareness.
On an internal level this verse speaks of her brilliance which radiates through the whole being, and all levels of consciousness are blessed by Her. She has been invoked into the heart lotus and then she is surrendered to completely. All sense of lack and inauspiciousness is destroyed in her protection. The deepest lack is the non-awareness of ones own true nature- here we pray she remove our true poverty which is the lack of awareness.
This verse relates to the fifth tithi, panchami, which is ruled by Jupiter and considered very auspicious. It is a tithi associated with wealth and accomplishment and these natives are often successful, though always need to remember gratitude and surrender. As all wealth and accomplishment comes from the supreme which is beyond us.
Note on verse 6:
The outer meaning of this verse first calls Shri the color of Aditya, which is the all providing aspect of the Sun whose energy and warmth manifests all things upon earth. The previous verse she was like the Moon (sustainer) who sustains everything, here she is also the Sun-Aditya (provider) who give all manner of resources. In this way She is the supreme source of all lasting prosperity.
The verse says the bilva fruit is called the king of the forest, this is related to its medicinal properties to cure many diseases. As this came from Shri, it is offered back to her in ritual worship, which is done through the sacred homa fire. The offering of this fruit gives the results of removing poverty and bringing inner clarity so one can understand their dharmic purpose for material prosperity.
The inner meaning of the Aditya color is the goddesses undifferentiated love that shines on all beings. She is the source of all things in this universe. The Bilva tree is connected to the lord of yogis, Shiva, who lives in the forests. Austerities and meditation upon Shri in the inner lotus of the heart gives fruit like the sacred medicinal bilva. When the inner illusions are removed, the outer obstacles can be dissapated.
The verse says the bilva fruit is called the king of the forest, this is related to its medicinal properties to cure many diseases. As this came from Shri, it is offered back to her in ritual worship, which is done through the sacred homa fire. The offering of this fruit gives the results of removing poverty and bringing inner clarity so one can understand their dharmic purpose for material prosperity.
The inner meaning of the Aditya color is the goddesses undifferentiated love that shines on all beings. She is the source of all things in this universe. The Bilva tree is connected to the lord of yogis, Shiva, who lives in the forests. Austerities and meditation upon Shri in the inner lotus of the heart gives fruit like the sacred medicinal bilva. When the inner illusions are removed, the outer obstacles can be dissapated.
This verse relates to the sixth tithi, Shashti, which is ruled by Venus. Natives of this tithi will often suffer disease and unrest in their life. This verse can be used as an empowerment for the medicines of the bilva tree. This fruit is beneficial when worshiping Shri and especially beneficial to natives of this tithi.
Note on verse 7:
The outer meaning of this verse asked for material prosperity while be friending the devas. This indicates to protect one from corruption, let the money bring about divine relationship, not the opposite. And let there be fame coming from this. Gems are asked for, and according to the Atharva Veda gems make one a king. Gems remove the negative effects of planets and allow one to rise in life. One is born in their particular country and circumstances, the prayers asks for us to successful with the resources she has given to each of us. Relative to Shri Chakra puja this verse relates to the shanti of the devas in the various parts of the chakra and the chanting (kirtana) of the names of the goddess. On an internal level this verse relates to the internal purification of negative qualities so that good attributes pervade the mind. It is a prayer to have proper control over the senses while one exists in physical incarnation.
This verse can also be translated as invoking he who is a friend of deva (which is refered to as Mahadeva) and this is considerd to be Kubera the lord of wealth. In this way it is not fame that is asked for but the goddess of fame. Therefore we are asking for the lord of riches and the goddess of fame to visit and bless us us.
This verse relates to the seventh tithi, Saptami, which is ruled by Saturn. These natives are known for discontent with their present situation. This verse acknowledges the present birth situation and prayers for success within it. It also invokes the increase of the presence of the devi and her recognition.
This verse can also be translated as invoking he who is a friend of deva (which is refered to as Mahadeva) and this is considerd to be Kubera the lord of wealth. In this way it is not fame that is asked for but the goddess of fame. Therefore we are asking for the lord of riches and the goddess of fame to visit and bless us us.
This verse relates to the seventh tithi, Saptami, which is ruled by Saturn. These natives are known for discontent with their present situation. This verse acknowledges the present birth situation and prayers for success within it. It also invokes the increase of the presence of the devi and her recognition.
Note on verse 8:
The verse speaks about cleaning out dirty aspects of one’s home and surroundings. When things are uncared for and dirty there is the presence of Alakshmi (non-Lakshmi). As Lakshmi is personified money and prosperity, Alakshmi is personified poverty and decay. Before Lakshmi worship the home is cleaned, and on the festival Divali, sacred to Lakshmi, the entire house is thouroughly cleaned to invite Lakshmi who likes her surroundings well cared for. As taught in both Vastu and Feng-shui, by keeping clean surroundings we energetically dispell poverty and misfortune. Piled up trash or clutter stagnates prana and brings ill-fortune.
On an internal level the heart is purified of its desires which attracts all types of suffering. This verse relates to the eighth tithi, Ashtami, which is ruled by Rahu. Fasting is done on this tithi to remove lying, cheating and other Rahu negativities. This verse represents that clearing of old ways or bad habits that are no longer good for an individual. It focuses on clearing out the home, which internally represents the emotional heart, where Rahu is most destructive.
On an internal level the heart is purified of its desires which attracts all types of suffering. This verse relates to the eighth tithi, Ashtami, which is ruled by Rahu. Fasting is done on this tithi to remove lying, cheating and other Rahu negativities. This verse represents that clearing of old ways or bad habits that are no longer good for an individual. It focuses on clearing out the home, which internally represents the emotional heart, where Rahu is most destructive.
[Notes on verses 9, 10, 13, 14, & 15 not posted]
Note on verse 11:
The first line is a play on words. The word kardama means mud and it is also the name of a Rishi who is said to have carried Lakshmi up from the cosmic ocean during its churning. On one level he is like a father to her, carrying her to meet her husband Viñëu who married her after she appeared. On another level he is the mud on the floor of the cosmic ocean, fertile, and growing the stalk of the lotus which carries Lakshmi always. We praise the sage Kardama and ask to produce like him. He represents the fertile earth which brings forth vegetation becoming the food of all living things. As humans are dust and will return to dust, he is praised as the dust that has become life. We pray to be as creative and productive as the fertile earth. Kardama had a son named Kapila Muni who is the sage of Samkhya philosophy which expounds the process of material creation. The second verse asked for the goddess Shri to reside in the family. This relates to the previous line about one’s procreative ability, may there be children and let them also be prosperous. Kardama is also famous for another feat, he was a yogi living in the forest. He was married to a princess and feeling compassion for her suffering in the forest, he created a grand palace for her with the power of his meditation. This ability to manifest the joys of prosperity is also invoked through this verse.
Note on verse 12:
The sacred waters, or the water devas, are being invoked to bring love and harmony. They are often invoked during marriage occasions when you want there to be love in the home. The God of desire is invited into the home. He is called Chiklita which relates to moisture and the kapha dosha (water humour). It is a name of the god of desire (Kaamadeva). Most pandits desribe that this is because he is the son of Lakshmi and thereby will attract Her to the home. But the first verse asks for love, the second verse is asking for desire, as if let my husband desire me, or let my wife still have desire for me. It is a prayer to keep the romance alive and in the home and between the married couple. This is a task that is related to the goddess Shri to keep the fire alive between a married couple. If Shri is with you you will be happily married, if she is not with you there will be problems and unhappiness. This is seen in Jyotish in the rules related to the Arudha Lagna (AL) and the darapada (A7). When they are in good relationship there is both a happy spouse and a prosperous home.
nicely done brother
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