Sri Suktam
శ్రీ సూక్తం
16 verses (15 mantras + 1 phala-mantra) in mixed Anushtubh and Tristubh meters · Composed by Anonymous Vedic Rishi; preserved as a Khila Suktam (appended hymn) · Khila portion of the Rigveda (after Mandala 5)
Sanskrit (Devanagari)
ॐ हिरण्यवर्णां हरिणीं सुवर्णरजतस्रजाम् । चन्द्रां हिरण्मयीं लक्ष्मीं जातवेदो म आ वह ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
Oṃ Hiraṇya-Varṇāṃ Hariṇīṃ Suvarṇa-Rajata-Srajām / Chandrāṃ Hiraṇmayīṃ Lakṣmīṃ Jātavedo ma ā Vaha
English Translation
O Agni (knower of all that is born), bring to me Lakshmi — golden-complexioned, like a graceful deer, garlanded in gold and silver, moon-like, gleaming with golden light.
About the Sri Suktam
The Sri Suktam is the foremost Vedic hymn to Goddess Lakshmi — appended to the Rigveda as a Khila (supplementary) Suktam. Its 16 mantras directly invoke Lakshmi to dwell in the home of the practitioner, bringing gold, silver, cattle, grain, fame, and prosperity. Unlike later Puranic Lakshmi stotras, the Sri Suktam preserves the original Vedic conception of Lakshmi as the Goddess of all auspiciousness — present in agriculture, cattle, gold, fame, and progeny. The most-recited verses are Mantras 1–8, which describe Lakshmi's form (golden, moon-bright, garlanded), her arrival (Agni is asked to invite her), and her abode (the wealthy household). Hindu families perform Sri Suktam on Lakshmi Puja day (the third day of Diwali), Varalakshmi Vratam (last Friday of Shravana), and Akshaya Tritiya (gold-buying day). For maximum benefit, recite on Fridays with a ghee lamp, light incense, and offer red flowers (lotus is best). The Sri Suktam is often combined with the Purusha Suktam, Narayana Suktam, and Durga Suktam in a panchaka (set of five) for complete prosperity.
Recitation Guide
Benefits
Attracts material prosperity, financial stability, and abundance; removes poverty and debt; brings success in business; harmonizes family wealth; recommended before starting new business or property purchase; reduces wasteful expenditure.
Pronunciation Notes
Sri Suktam is recited with Vedic svaras (udatta, anudatta, svarita). If you cannot pronounce the svaras correctly, recite without them rather than incorrectly — Vedic tradition holds that incorrect svaras are worse than no svaras.
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: 11 recitations daily 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 Sri Suktam?
The Sri Suktam is the foremost Vedic hymn to Goddess Lakshmi — appended to the Rigveda as a Khila (supplementary) Suktam. Its 16 mantras directly invoke Lakshmi to dwell in the home of the practitioner, bringing gold, silver, cattle, grain, fame, and prosperity. Unlike later Puranic Lakshmi stotras,...
How many times should I recite Sri Suktam daily?
11 recitations daily on Fridays; 1 daily otherwise; 1,008 on Diwali or Akshaya Tritiya
When is the best time to recite Sri Suktam?
Friday evening; Diwali (Lakshmi Puja); Akshaya Tritiya; Varalakshmi Vratam
Who composed the Sri Suktam?
Anonymous Vedic Rishi; preserved as a Khila Suktam (appended hymn), from Khila portion of the Rigveda (after Mandala 5).
What are the benefits of reciting Sri Suktam?
Attracts material prosperity, financial stability, and abundance; removes poverty and debt; brings success in business; harmonizes family wealth; recommended before starting new business or property purchase; reduces wasteful expenditure.
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.