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श्री
Śrī Sūktam – Verse 11
Kardamena Prajābhūtā – Lakshmi as the nurturing mother
By Amit N. Lakhtariya
Devanāgarī
कर्दमेन प्रजाभूता मयि सम्भव कर्दम।
श्रियं वासय मे कुले मातरं पद्ममालिनीम्॥
Kardamena prajā-bhūtā mayi sambhava kardama,
Śriyaṁ vāsaya me kule mātaraṁ padma-mālinīm.
Word-by-word meaning
By Kardama (symbolic of sacred fertility and abundance)
In Vedic lore, Kardama is associated with fertile earth and the nourishing power of creation. The word literally means mud or fertile soil. Many commentators also take Kardama as a sage, regarded as a son of Lakshmi, whom the verse asks to bring his mother to dwell in the family.
Having given rise to progeny, creation, abundance, flourishing life
Be present within me; arise in my life
O divine force of fertility and abundance!
May Goddess Lakshmi reside in my family, lineage and home
The motherly form of Lakshmi, adorned with a garland of lotuses
Lotuses here represent beauty, purity and divine presence.
Full meaning
By the power of Kardama, the force of fertility and creation, may abundance arise within me. May Goddess Lakshmi, adorned with a garland of lotuses, take permanent residence in my family, my home and my lineage as a nurturing mother.
Deeper spiritual insights
Kardama: the sacred, fertile force
It symbolises the pure, nourishing soil of effort, intention and divine grace. Reflection: am I cultivating the right “soil” in my actions and thoughts so that prosperity can take root and flourish?
Prajābhūtā: creation and continuity
Prosperity is not just for oneself. It creates, multiplies and nourishes future generations.
Mayi sambhava: let abundance arise within me
Not from outside only, but from within, in character, conduct, intention and effort.
Lakshmi as the mother with a lotus garland
The image of Lakshmi here is soft, maternal, ever-nurturing and permanently present. This is not fleeting fortune, but motherly abundance that stays, protects and blesses.
Practical meditation
- Imagine fertile, rich earth beneath you, full of life and nourishment.
- Visualise Goddess Lakshmi, radiant and gentle, adorned with a garland of fresh pink lotuses, entering your home with grace and serenity.
- Feel her presence settling in, as a protective, loving mother who will never leave.
- Whisper: “May the seeds I plant bear divine fruit. May abundance and beauty take residence in my home and heart.”
Reflection for today
Is my daily effort like rich, fertile soil, prepared for abundance to grow? How am I ensuring that my success and prosperity are nurturing those around me? Do I welcome beauty, grace and order in my surroundings, making my home a place where abundance wants to stay?
This verse teaches that prosperity comes when we cultivate fertile conditions (effort, clarity and generosity) and invite abundance not as a guest, but as a motherly presence who stays and nurtures.
Terms used here are explained in the glossary. This commentary was prepared with AI assistance; read more.