Invoking Lakshmi: The Goddess of Wealth in Song and Ceremony

Tantric Songs to Lakṣmī

Tantric Songs to Lak∑m¥ The Secret Heart of Lakƒm¥ (Ír¥ Mahålakƒm¥ H®dayam) Setting the Intention Bhårgava is the seer of the garland of mantras known as the most glorious Secret Heart of Lakƒm¥. Its deity is the glorious ≈dyådi Mahålak∑m¥, source of all sources. It is composed in anuƒ†ubh and other poetic meters. Ír¥μ is its seed-syllable, hr¥μ its power, and aiμ its nail. Its purpose is to attract the favor of the glorious source of all sources, Primordial Mahålak∑m¥. Mantra Placements Oμ. On my head, salutations to the seer, Bhårgava. Oμ. On my face, salutations to anuƒ†ubh and the other poetic meters. On my heart, salutations to the deity, the glorious ≈dyådi Mahålak∑m¥, source of all sources, On my genitals, salutations to the seed syllable, ßr¥μ. On my feet, salutations to the animating power, hr¥μ. Over my entire body, salutations to the nail, aiμ. Mantra Placements on the Hands Ír¥μ on my thumbs. Salutations! Hr¥μ on my forefingers. Salutations! Aiμ on my middle fingers. Salutations! Ír¥μ on my ring fingers. Salutations! Hr¥μ on my little fingers. Salutations! Aiμ on the palms and tops of my hands. Salutations! 149 150 INVOKING LAKSHMI Mantra Placements on the Body Ír¥μ on my heart. Salutations! Hr¥μ on my head. Svåhå. Aiμ on the top back of my head. Vaƒa†. Ír¥μ on the armor. Huμ. Hr¥μ on the third eye. Vauƒa†. Aiμ on the weapon. Pha†. Ír¥μ. Hr¥μ. Aiμ. Thus are the directions secured.1 Meditation for Visualization of the Deity Let me contemplate the goddess Lak∑m¥ Adorned with sparkling ankle bracelets And charming toe-rings, Playfully holding a lotus in her hand. O Lak∑m¥, bright one, exalted one, Wielder of conch, discus, and mace, Bestower of all success, Grant me a boon. Mantra Oμ ßr¥μ hr¥μ aiμ. (Salutations) to Mahålak∑m¥, Lotus-bearer and Rider of the Lion. Svåhå. Song of Praise Oμ. I sing the praises of Lak∑m¥, Whose essence is supreme auspiciousness And whose body is formed of golden light. Her entire being sparkles with the radiance of pure gold. She bears the golden lotus And the golden vessel filled with seeds. Seated at the left side of Vi∑ˆu, She is Íakti, mother of all creation.2 I sing the praises of Lak∑m¥, Beloved mother of auspiciousness, The eternal one Who confers delight, 1 151 TANTRIC SONGS TO LAK|MÁ Fulfills all desires, And guides all endeavors to successful fruition. With my mind focused On her majestic sovereignty, Ever do I call upon the queen of the gods. Again and again I praise that supreme lady. I sing the praises of Mahåßr¥, source of wisdom, Mahåßr¥, source of every success and happiness, Mahåßr¥, source of all good fortune, Mahåßr¥, eternal source of auspiciousness. I glorify Hari’s beloved, source of prosperity, The everlasting one Who grants the delight of Self-recognition, The charming one Who gives birth to speech And its amazing variegations. I glorify that goddess Who bestows happiness sweet and everlasting. O Goddess, existing as the entire world, You dwell in all beings as their essence. O queen of endless bounty, May your brilliance illumine the darkness of space As you protect all of creation. O Ír¥, I bow to your lotus feet. You are destroyer of poverty, sorrow, And fruitless endeavor. In my state of wretchedness and scarcity, I place myself at your lotus feet. O Ír¥, anoint me with your merciful glance. O Mother, be gracious. Cast upon me your glance, Moist with the nectar of compassion. Let your mercy flow into my home. Clinging to your lotus feet, I bow to the one whose look 2 3 4 5 6 7 152 INVOKING LAKSHMI Destroys the pain that dwells in my heart. I bow in reverence to you, O Ír¥. I bow to the gentle one, Protectress of those who come seeking refuge. I bow to the lovely one, Abode of desirable virtues. I bow to the serene one, Resolver of difficulties. I bow to that goddess who sustains the world, Bestower of wealth, grains, and abundant good fortune. Salutations to Cosmic Energy. Salutations to the one whom poets laud As the luster of the moon. Salutations to Desire, Who incites the passionate arising of nectar. Salutations to...