Garland

 

Śrī Sūktam — A Garland of Divine Beauty, Auspiciousness and Grace

A verse-by-verse study of Śrī Mahālakṣmī, with Sanskrit verses, transliteration, word-by-word meanings and devotional reflections.

The Vedic hymn Śrī Sūktam presents Śrī Mahālakṣmī as the embodiment of radiance, nourishment, abundance and auspiciousness. Through images of gold, moonlight, lotus flowers and fertile earth, it invites us to contemplate not merely the Goddess's divine beauty, but also the grace through which life flourishes.

May this study deepen our appreciation of Śrī Mahālakṣmī and the blessings she represents.

हिरण्यवर्णां हरिणीं सुवर्णरजतस्रजाम् ।

चन्द्रां हिरण्मयीं लक्ष्मीं जातवेदो म आवह ॥

Transliteration

Hiraṇyavarṇāṃ hariṇīṃ suvarṇarajatasrajām,

candrāṃ hiraṇmayīṃ lakṣmīṃ jātavedo ma āvaha.

Word by word

Sanskrit Meaning

Hiraṇya Gold

Varṇām Having the colour or radiance of

Hariṇīm A term interpreted in several ways, including graceful or radiant

Suvarṇa Gold

Rajata Silver

Srajām Garlanded; wearing garlands

Candrām Moon-like, radiant

Hiraṇmayīm Golden, resplendent

Lakṣmīm Goddess Lakṣmī

Jātavedaḥ Agni, the divine fire

Me For me

Āvaha Bring, invoke

Meaning

“O Agni, invoke for me Lakṣmī, golden-hued and radiant, adorned with garlands of gold and silver, shining like the moon and resplendent with golden splendour.”

Expressions describing Mahālakṣmī

Hiraṇyavarṇā — the golden-hued Goddess.

Suvarṇarajatasrajā — adorned with gold and silver garlands.

Candrā — moon-like in radiance.

Hiraṇmayī — golden and luminous.

Reflection: The Goddess combines the brilliance of gold with the gentle radiance of the moon. Her beauty is both splendid and soothing.

To be continued.