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श्री
Śrī Sūktam – Verse 15
Tāṁ Ma Āvaha – the closing invocation of lasting prosperity
By Amit N. Lakhtariya
Devanāgarī
तां म आवह जातवेदो लक्ष्मीमनपगामिनीम्।
यस्यां हिरण्यं प्रभूतं गावो दास्यो अश्वान्विन्देयं पुरुषानहम्॥
Tāṁ ma āvaha jāta-vedo lakṣmīm anapagāminīm,
Yasyāṁ hiraṇyaṁ prabhūtaṁ gāvo dāsyo aśvān vindeyaṁ puruṣān aham.
Word-by-word meaning
Her (that Goddess Lakshmi)
Invite her for me; bring her
O Agni, knower of all births
Goddess Lakshmi
The Goddess of prosperity and beauty.
One who never goes away; one who stays always
With whom; in whose presence
Gold and splendour in abundance
Cows
A symbol of prosperity and nourishment.
Attendants, those who help
Meaning cooperation and support.
Horses
Symbols of strength, speed and progress.
May I obtain
Good, excellent, virtuous people
Good people and good company.
Full meaning
O Jātaveda (Agni), please invite into my life Mother Lakshmi, who never goes away and always stays with me. In her presence may I obtain gold and splendour in abundance, cows (nourishment), attendants (support), horses (strength and progress), and the company of excellent people. This closing verse returns to the invocation of Verse 2.
Deeper spiritual insights
Lasting Lakshmi (Anapagāminīm)
This is a very important word. We are not asking for temporary pleasure, but inviting lasting prosperity and inner peace.
Gold in abundance (Hiraṇyaṁ prabhūtam)
But this gold is not only outer wealth. It is also a symbol of knowledge, brightness, good judgement and divine radiance.
Cows, helpers and horses (Gāvaḥ, Dāsyaḥ, Aśvān): nourishment, support and strength
Prosperity lasts only when we have nourishment, cooperation and the means of progress.
Good company (Puruṣān aham)
This is very important. Lakshmi stays only when our company is excellent, positive and uplifting.
Practical meditation
- Close your eyes and imagine a golden radiance coming towards you, as the lasting presence of Mother Lakshmi.
- With her come abundance, help, strength, and excellent guides and companions in life.
- Slowly say within your heart: “O Mother Lakshmi, may you remain in my life, and give me auspiciousness, strength, cooperation and right guidance.”
Reflection for today
Do I want only wealth, or wealth that lasts and brings growth? Is my life limited to material prosperity, or do I also pay attention to cooperation, strength and good company? Am I removing instability from my life and bringing steadiness and balance?
Terms used here are explained in the glossary. This commentary was prepared with AI assistance; read more.