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Śrī Sūktam – Verse 13
Ārdrāṁ Puṣkariṇīṁ – tender, nourishing, golden
By Amit N. Lakhtariya
Devanāgarī
आर्द्रां पुष्करिणीं पुष्टिं पिङ्गलां पद्ममालिनीम्।
चन्द्रां हिरण्मयीं लक्ष्मीं जातवेदो म आवह॥
Ārdrāṁ puṣkariṇīṁ puṣṭiṁ piṅgalāṁ padma-mālinīm,
Chandrāṁ hiraṇmayīṁ lakṣmīṁ jāta-vedo ma āvaha.
Word-by-word meaning
Moist, tender, compassionate, nurturing
Lakshmi’s presence is soft and nourishing, never dry or harsh.
One who dwells in lotus-filled lakes
A source of purity and beauty.
Fullness, nourishment, flourishing health and prosperity
Golden-hued, shining with warmth and radiance
Adorned with a garland of lotuses
Symbolising divine beauty and purity.
Shining and gladdening, moon-like
Radiant and soothing like the moon.
Golden, lustrous, and filled with divine glow
Goddess of prosperity, beauty, grace and abundance
O Agni (Jātaveda, divine fire), please bring her to me
Invite this divine presence into my life.
Full meaning
O Jātaveda (sacred fire), please bring into my life that tender, nurturing, lotus-dwelling Goddess Lakshmi, who is full of nourishment, golden-hued, adorned with lotuses, radiant like the moon, and glowing with divine brilliance.
Deeper spiritual insights
Ārdrām: softness and compassion
Prosperity is beautiful only when it is tender, caring and filled with empathy.
Puṣkariṇīṁ: a lake filled with lotuses
It symbolises purity, serenity and peace. True abundance is as peaceful and beautiful as a still lake filled with flowers.
Puṣṭiṁ: nourishment
Without nourishment of body, mind and soul, wealth is hollow.
Piṅgalām and Hiraṇmayīṁ: golden glow
Prosperity should make life warm, bright and inviting, like the warm glow of gold or the soft light of the moon.
Agni as the messenger (Jātaveda)
We once again ask the sacred fire, the purifier and messenger, to invite this divine presence into our lives.
Practical meditation
- Close your eyes and visualise a serene lake, covered in soft pink lotuses, glowing under moonlight.
- See Goddess Lakshmi rising from this lake: golden, radiant, wearing a lotus garland, her eyes filled with compassion and warmth.
- Whisper inwardly: “May this tenderness, nourishment and brilliance flow into my home and heart, and dwell here always.”
Reflection for today
Am I cultivating softness and grace along with strength and ambition? Does my abundance radiate beauty and nourish others? Can I bring more calm, peaceful energy into my home and work, like the stillness of a lotus lake?
This verse teaches that prosperity is not only power. It is gentle, radiant, nourishing beauty that brings peace and fulfilment.
Terms used here are explained in the glossary. This commentary was prepared with AI assistance; read more.