Invoking Lakshmi: The Goddess of Wealth in Song and Ceremony

Purāņic Songs to Lakṣmī

Puråˆic Songs to Lak∑m¥ Song for Lakƒm¥, Gracious Bestower of Blessings (Prasannavaradå Ír¥ Lakƒm¥ Stotram) Attributed to the sage Agastya1 Victory to you of the lotus-petal eyes, Beloved of the Lord of Auspiciousness. Victory to you who carry us across The restless ocean of life and death. Victory, O Mother Mahålak∑m¥! Salutations, O Mahålak∑m¥. Salutations, O Queen of the Gods. Salutations, O Beloved of Hari. O Ocean of Compassion, salutations! Salutations, O Lotus-dweller. Salutations, O All-bestowing one. May you ever send showers of wealth on all beings, Drenching them with blessings of sweet delight. Salutations, O Mother of the World. Salutations, O Ocean of Mercy. Salutations, O Tender One. O Queen of the Universe, salutations! Salutations, O Daughter of the Ocean of Milk. Salutations, O Support of the Three Worlds. Salutations to you of the propitious glance. Protect me, for I come seeking refuge. 127 1 2 3 4 5 128 INVOKING LAKSHMI Protect me, O Queen of the Gods. O Lak∑m¥, Beloved of the Lord of the Gods, Envelop me with your tender compassion. Rescue me from poverty! Salutations, O Mother of the Three Realms. Salutations, O Purifier of the Three Realms. O Bestower of Abundance, O you who infuse the world with delight, salutations! Salutations, O Beloved of Vi∑ˆu. Salutations, O Support of the World. Salutations to you who destroy pain and suffering. Bless us with abundant, everlasting good fortune. Salutations, O Lotus-dweller. Salutations, O Sparkling One. Salutations to you whose movements are graceful and charming. Salutations to you, again and again. Salutations to the Mother of the God of Love. Salutations, O Mother, Salutations to you again and again. O Mother! Hear me, for I come seeking refuge. Envelop me in your protective embrace.2 O Refuge! O Lady of the Lotus! O Mahålak∑m¥! O Final Resort! In humility I come before you. Rescue me! Rescue me! Envelop me in your protective embrace. O Mahålak∑m¥, Without you, Nothing is precious or worthy of praise. Without you, The beauty of a person’s good qualities Cannot shine forth, 6 7 8 9 10 11 129 PUR≈N . IC SONGS TO LAK|MÁ And the splendor of virtue, Incapable of expression, Can embellish nothing at all. Wherever beauty is expressed, Wherever virtue shines forth, Wherever Nåråyaˆa is honored, In those places is Lak∑m¥ greatly pleased. O Lak∑m¥, it is through you That people are liberated from their debilitating vices, That those without virtue become endowed with excellence, And that those of ill repute Come to earn the finest reputations. O Lak∑m¥, let beauty increase. O Lak∑m¥, let community increase. O Lak∑m¥, let wisdom increase. O Lak∑m¥, let prosperity increase in every direction. O Lak∑m¥, celebrated as Lady of the Lotus, Neither Rudra, Ravi, Candra, Nor the Lord of the Gods Has words suitable to honor you fully. O Mother of the Universe, Who indeed is capable of describing The true depths of your nature And the many forms of your expression? Quickly fulfill my desire, O Mother: Envelop me with your protective embrace.3 Consumed by dire poverty I am breathless with anxiety and fear. In this impossibly painful state, I am drawn to your side. O Lak∑m¥, Ocean of Compassion, Bestow wealth, And guide me to a state of prosperity. O Mother, Beloved of Hari, Behold me 12 13 14 15 16 17 130 INVOKING LAKSHMI As I come before you, Lacking wealth or possessions. O Lak∑m¥, so beautifully arrayed In garments of gold, Extend to me your hand, Right here and now. O Lak∑m¥, you are mother, you are father, You are brother, and you are best friend. So too, O Lak∑m¥, are you supreme wisdom. O Mahålak∑m¥! Rescue! Rescue me! O Queen of the Gods! Rescue! Rescue me! O Mother of the Universe! Rescue! Rescue me! Rescue me from poverty, Right here and now. Salutations, O Support of the World. Salutations! Salutations to you. Salutations, O Upholder of Dharma. Salutations, O Bestower of Prosperity. Salutations! Salutations to you. I am drowning in a sea of poverty. I am sinking Further and further into the murky depths of hell. O Goddess of Fortune, Quickly extend your hand And lift me out of this deep desperation. O Lak∑m¥, what...