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