The great philiosopher Adi Shankarachaya- the composer of the holy hymn Mahalakshmi Ashtakam dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. The Mahalakshmi Ashtakam consists of eight powerful verses that praise the goddess’s divine attributes and invoke her blessings for wealth, prosperity, and spiritual growth. Goddess Lakshmi, the embodiment of grace and abundance, is worshipped for her ability to remove obstacles and bring success in both material and spiritual pursuits.
This article explores the meaning of each verse and outlines the benefits of reciting the Mahalakshmi Ashtakam, including prosperity, spiritual elevation, and protection from adversity.
Meaning of Mahalakshmi ashtakam:
Verse 1:
नमस्तेस्तू महामाये श्रीपिठे सूरपुजिते।
शंख चक्र गदा हस्ते महालक्ष्मी नमोस्तूते ॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
This verse begins with an invocation to Goddess Mahalakshmi, praising her as the supreme Goddess sitting on a divine seat (Peetham), worshipped by the gods. The goddess holds the sacred conch (Shankha), the discus (Chakra), and the mace (Gada), which are symbols of divine power, protection, and justice. By chanting this verse, the devotee acknowledges Goddess Lakshmi’s supreme power and prays for her blessings.
Verse 2:
नमस्ते गरूडारूढे कोलासूर भयंकरी।
सर्व पाप हरे देवी महालक्ष्मी नमोस्तूते ॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
In this verse, Goddess Lakshmi is described as riding on the mighty Garuda (the vehicle of Lord Vishnu) and being the destroyer of the demon Kola, who was a powerful adversary of the gods, the goddess is also praised as the one who dispels all fears and the one who removes all sins from her devotees. The prayer asks for her protection from all adversities and purification from all sins. Eventually, allowing the devotee to be blessed with her divine grace.
Verse 3:
सर्वज्ञे सर्ववरदे सर्वदुष्ट भयंकरी।
सर्व दुःख हरे देवी महालक्ष्मी नमोस्तूते ॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
This verse praises Goddess Lakshmi as the omniscient one, who possesses the knowledge of all things. She is the giver of all blessings and satisfies her devotees’ wants. Goddess Lakshmi is also said to instill fear in the hearts of all evil-doers and protect her devotees from harm. She is the ultimate remover of all sorrows and troubles. By chanting this verse, one seeks her blessings for removing suffering and difficulties from life.
Verse 4:
सिद्धीबुद्धीप्रदे देवी भुक्तिमुक्ति प्रदायिनी।
मंत्रमूर्ते सदा देवी महालक्ष्मी नमोस्तूते ॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Goddess Lakshmi is hailed as the bestower of both Siddhi (spiritual success) and Buddhi (intellect), which are essential for worldly and spiritual advancement. She is also the giver of Bhukti (worldly pleasures) and Mukti (liberation from the cycle of birth and death). This verse highlights her dual nature: while she bestows material wealth, she also aids in spiritual liberation. The verse further praises her as the embodiment of mantras (mantramurti), representing the mystical power of sound and spiritual energy.
Verse 5:
आद्यंतरहिते देवी आद्यशक्ती महेश्वरी।
योगजे योगसंभूते महालक्ष्मी नमोस्तूते ॥ 5 ॥
Meaning:
In this verse, Goddess Lakshmi is praised as the primordial (Adya) and eternal energy, beyond time and space. She is the Adyashakti (the original power), the divine mother and the power of creation, preservation, and destruction. She is also called Maheshwari, signifying her connection to Lord Shiva as the supreme power of the universe. Additionally, the verse acknowledges her as the origin of all yogic powers and the one who bestows spiritual attainment and growth through yoga. Hence, chanting this verse brings her blessings of higher wisdom and spiritual progress.
Verse 6:
स्थूल सूक्ष्म महारौद्रे महाशक्ती महोदरे।
महापाप हरे देवी महालक्ष्मी नमोस्तूते ॥ 6 ॥
Meaning:
This verse describes the Goddess as possessing both gross and subtle forms, encompassing all aspects of creation. She is Maharaudre (fierce and powerful), and Mahashakti (the supreme energy), capable of both protecting and destroying. She is Mahodare (having a vast and expansive belly), symbolizing her ability to nurture and nourish the entire universe. Therefore, this verse highlights the goddess’s capacity to remove the most significant sins (Mahapapa) from the lives of her devotees, bringing them peace and prosperity.
Verse 7:
पद्मासनस्थिते देवी परब्रम्हस्वरूपिणी।
परमेशि जगन्मातर्र महालक्ष्मी नमोस्तूते ॥ 7 ॥
Meaning:
In this verse, Goddess Lakshmi is depicted as seated in the Padmasana (lotus posture), a symbol of purity and meditation, representing her calm and serene nature. She is described as Parabrahmaswarupini, the embodiment of the Supreme Brahman (the ultimate reality). She is the mother of the cosmos and the Parameshi, or supreme goddess. The verse emphasizes her divine and nurturing role in the creation, maintenance, and dissolution of the universe.
Verse 8:
श्वेतांबरधरे देवी नानालंकार भूषिते।
**जगत्स्थिते जगन्मार्त महालक्ष्मी नमोस्तूते ॥ 8 ॥
Meaning:
Here, Goddess Lakshmi is described as wearing white garments (symbolizing purity and clarity) and adorned with various ornaments and adornments. She is the one who sustains and nourishes the entire world (Jagatsthite), and the verse emphasizes her maternal role as the mother of the world (Jagatmatar). Her divine beauty and grace sustain all beings, and she is praised for her generosity and kindness toward her devotees.
Verse 9:
महालक्ष्म्यष्टकस्तोत्रं यः पठेत् भक्तिमान्नरः |
सर्वसिद्धीमवाप्नोति राज्यं प्राप्नोति सर्वदा ||
Meaning:
Anyone who chants the Mahalakshmi Ashtakam with devotion and sincerity will achieve all kinds of siddhi (spiritual powers) and attain royalty and success in all their endeavours. The devotee will be blessed with both material wealth and spiritual fulfilment.
Verse 10:
एककाले पठेन्नित्यं महापापविनाशनं |
Meaning:
Reciting the hymn once a day will help destroy even the greatest sins and purify the devotee, leading them towards a righteous path.
Verse 11:
द्विकालं यः पठेन्नित्यं धनधान्य समन्वितः ||
Meaning:
Chanting the Ashtakam twice a day brings blessings of wealth and prosperity. The devotee will be endowed with abundance in material possessions, including wealth and grain.
Verse 12:
त्रिकालं यः पठेन्नित्यं महाशत्रूविनाशनं |
महालक्ष्मीर्भवेन्नित्यं प्रसन्ना वरदा शुभा ||
Meaning:
Those who recite this Ashtakam three times a day will have their enemies vanquished and will live a peaceful, prosperous life. Goddess Mahalakshmi, pleased by their devotion, will always be present to shower her blessings upon them.
The Benefits of Reciting Mahalakshmi ashtakam:
The Mahalakshmi ashtakam is more than just a prayer—it is a powerful chant that holds immense spiritual, material, and emotional benefits for those who recite it with devotion. So, below are some of the key benefits of reciting or listening to this sacred hymn:
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Material Prosperity
Reciting the Mahalakshmi Ashtakam attracts wealth and prosperity. Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of fortune, blesses devotees with financial stability, abundance, and success in their careers, businesses, and personal lives.
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Protection from Misfortune
The hymn is believed to protect individuals from misfortune, obstacles, and negative energies. Chanting it brings the Goddess’s grace to remove hardships and restore peace and harmony in one’s life.
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Spiritual Growth
Apart from material wealth, Goddess Lakshmi also fosters spiritual prosperity. Reciting the Ashtakam helps purify the mind, connect with the divine, and cultivate virtues like humility, contentment, and gratitude.
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Good Health and Well-being
The Mahalakshmi Ashtakam promotes physical and mental health. Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings ensure the well-being of both body and mind, supporting a healthy and balanced life.
Conclusion
The Mahalakshmi ashtakam is a powerful and profound hymn that offers a pathway to both material and spiritual prosperity. Whether recited to seek financial abundance or spiritual enlightenment, this hymn is a timeless prayer to invoke the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. The verses express deep gratitude, reverence, and devotion to the Goddess, whose divine energy brings balance, prosperity, and peace to those who seek her grace.
Devotees who chant or listen to the Mahalakshmi ashtakam regularly experience numerous benefits—ranging from wealth and success to peace, good health, and spiritual growth. Through this hymn, Goddess Lakshmi’s eternal blessings are invoked. Therefore, leading her devotees toward a prosperous and fulfilling life.