| "The Hindu religion is not only a religion, | | | | |
| it is also a philosophy not only religion and | | | | The Sri Sukta can be recited or those who had |
| philosophy, it is a way of life", so said the | | | | not learnt the Sukta can hear recorded audio |
| well known English writer Somerset Maugham in | | | | tapes. |
| his book Points of View. | | | | |
| | | | The presence of Lakshmi,who is firm and |
| The Hindu religion shows the way to lead the | | | | steady, bestows gold, milch cattle, horses |
| life successfully. Needless to say, for | | | | and human beings. |
| anybody's success wealth is important. | | | | |
| | | | She is seated on a Lotus flower. She is |
| The Goddess Mahalakshmi is being worshipped | | | | implored to bestow fame and prosperity. |
| as the promoter of prosperity by Hindus. | | | | |
| | | | Lakshmi resides where the fragrance of sandal |
| Mahalakshmi means the great source of the | | | | and camphor exists! Those who desire that |
| best in life. It also means 'worshipful' and | | | | the goddess Sri should always reside in their |
| 'engrossed in appearance'. | | | | family should be pure. The purity is |
| | | | required both mentally and physically! |
| Lakshmi also means the thinker of the welfare | | | | |
| of the devotees. | | | | And hence the dwelling place should always be |
| | | | kept clean. |
| Sri and Lakshmi are the two manifestations of | | | | |
| Mahalakshmi. Though they are two, yet they | | | | There are certain symbols associated with |
| are one. The word Sri means luminosity, | | | | welfare, glory, prosperity and worship. They |
| beauty, reputation,glory, magnanimity, | | | | are lotus,elephant, conch, swastika, pot, |
| splendor, prosperity and consolation. | | | | garments,diamond, crocodile,owl, discus, |
| | | | mace,bullock, wishfulfilling tree or kalpa |
| In order to acquire wealth, the Hindu way of | | | | tree,jack fruit,armour and a pair of fish. |
| life suggests to worship Lakshmi every | | | | Hence using these symbols appropriately will |
| morning after taking bath. The Sri Sukta | | | | make Lakshmi's presence. |
| praises Goddess Lakshmi. | | | | |
| | | | The Hindu literature gives details of |
| This Sukta forms the chapter two, Varga six | | | | performing lakshmi puja or lakshmi worship. |
| of the Khilas appended to Rig Veda. The Rig | | | | |
| Veda is the oldest known text of the world. | | | | We will learn more about Lakshmi worship in |
| There are fifteen mantras in Sri Sukta. | | | | our next article. |