Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali
లక్ష్మీ అష్టోత్తర శతనామావళి
108 names of Goddess Lakshmi (Ashtottara = 100 + 8); typically recited as archana with one flower offered per name · Composed by Anonymous; preserved in the Padma Purana and Lakshmi Tantra · Padma Purana, Uttara Khanda; also Lakshmi Tantra
Sanskrit (Devanagari)
ॐ प्रकृत्यै नमः । ॐ विकृत्यै नमः । ॐ विद्यायै नमः । ॐ सर्वभूतहितप्रदायै नमः । ॐ श्रद्धायै नमः । ॐ विभूत्यै नमः । ॐ सुरभ्यै नमः । ॐ परमात्मिकायै नमः ।
Transliteration (IAST)
Oṃ Prakṛtyai Namaḥ / Oṃ Vikṛtyai Namaḥ / Oṃ Vidyāyai Namaḥ / Oṃ Sarva-Bhūta-Hita-Pradāyai Namaḥ / Oṃ Śraddhāyai Namaḥ / Oṃ Vibhūtyai Namaḥ / Oṃ Surabhyai Namaḥ / Oṃ Paramātmikāyai Namaḥ ... [continues to 108]
English Translation
Salutations to Lakshmi as: Prakriti (Primordial Nature), Vikriti (Transformation), Vidya (Knowledge), Giver-of-good-to-all-beings, Faith, Manifestation, the Wish-Cow, the Supreme Self... [Names 1–8 of 108]
About the Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali
The Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali — the 108 names of Lakshmi — is the most widely-used Lakshmi text for daily worship and weekly Friday rituals. Unlike the longer Lakshmi Sahasranama (1,000 names), the Ashtottara is short enough for daily recitation (~10 minutes) yet comprehensive enough to invoke every aspect of the Goddess. The 108 names progress thematically: opening with Lakshmi as the source of nature and knowledge (Prakriti, Vidya); proceeding through her attributes (Padmasundari, Hiranyavarna, Padmamukhi — lotus-faced, golden-hued, lotus-mouthed); enumerating her gifts (Anantarupa, Anantasthita, Padmanidhi — endless forms, endless dwelling, treasure of lotuses); and concluding with her universal nature (Sarva-Mangala-Mangalye, Shive, Sarvartha-Sadhike — the auspicious-of-all-auspicious, the gracious, the bestower-of-all-objectives). For formal archana (worship), one offers a flower (preferably hibiscus or rose) at each name. For daily recitation without flowers, the same merit is achieved through devoted chanting. On Diwali Lakshmi Puja day, families recite the Ashtottara multiple times along with the Sri Suktam and Mahalakshmi Ashtakam. The third-Friday-of-Shravana Varalakshmi Vratam includes a special Lakshmi Ashtottara Puja with kalasham (sacred pot).
Recitation Guide
Benefits
Attracts prosperity and abundance; harmonizes family wealth; bestows fertility and children; brings success in business; removes debt; clears poverty; auspicious for marriage and family welfare; particularly powerful for women seeking marital harmony.
Pronunciation Notes
Each name should be preceded by "Oṃ" and followed by "Namaḥ". Maintain steady rhythm — the cumulative effect of 108 names is what produces the spiritual result.
How to Practice
- Preparation: Take a bath or wash face/hands/feet. Wear clean clothes (saffron, white, or yellow preferred).
- Seat: Sit on a wool blanket or grass mat (asana). Face east or north. Keep spine straight.
- Mala: Use a 108-bead mala (rudraksha for Shiva mantras, tulsi for Vishnu mantras, sphatika/quartz for universal).
- Sankalpa: Take a vow stating today's date, your name, and the purpose of the practice.
- Recite: 1 complete archana (108 names with 108 flowers) on Fridays. Maintain steady rhythm — neither rushed nor too slow.
- End: Bow with folded hands. Dedicate the merit to all beings ("Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah").
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali?
The Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali — the 108 names of Lakshmi — is the most widely-used Lakshmi text for daily worship and weekly Friday rituals. Unlike the longer Lakshmi Sahasranama (1,000 names), the Ashtottara is short enough for daily recitation (~10 minutes) yet comprehensive enough to invok...
How many times should I recite Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali daily?
1 complete archana (108 names with 108 flowers) on Fridays; 1 daily silent recitation; 1,008 on Diwali
When is the best time to recite Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali?
Friday; Diwali Lakshmi Puja; Varalakshmi Vratam; daily morning
Who composed the Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali?
Anonymous; preserved in the Padma Purana and Lakshmi Tantra, from Padma Purana, Uttara Khanda; also Lakshmi Tantra.
What are the benefits of reciting Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali?
Attracts prosperity and abundance; harmonizes family wealth; bestows fertility and children; brings success in business; removes debt; clears poverty; auspicious for marriage and family welfare; particularly powerful for women seeking marital harmony.
Other Vedic Mantras
Sanskrit text and translation cross-verified with classical sources. Editorial methodology reviewed by Pandit Ramachandra Sharma. For initiation (deeksha) into specific mantras, please consult a qualified Sanskrit-speaking guru in person.